The Arizona Center for Disability Law is now Disability Rights Arizona (DRAZ)!
This valuable resource is a state-wide Arizona-based nonprofit dedicated to providing legal services to children and adults with a wide range of physical, mental, psychiatric, sensory, and cognitive disabilities.
We recently had the chance to sit down with Executive Director, JJ Rico to talk about the changes at DRAZ.
“Every day, DRAZ upholds its mission to advocate for the legal rights of persons with disabilities to be free from abuse, neglect and discrimination and to gain access to services, maximize independence and achieve equality.”
The Arizona Center for Disability Law is now Disability Rights Arizona (DRAZ)!
This valuable resource is a state-wide Arizona-based nonprofit dedicated to providing legal services to children and adults with a wide range of physical, mental, psychiatric, sensory, and cognitive disabilities.
We recently had the chance to sit down with Executive Director, JJ Rico to talk about the changes at DRAZ.
“Every day, DRAZ upholds its mission to advocate for the legal rights of persons with disabilities to be free from abuse, neglect and discrimination and to gain access to services, maximize independence and achieve equality.”
1 - Can you tell us a bit more about why there was a name change?
Disability Rights Arizona recently underwent a name change and rebranding. We love the new name. Can you tell us a bit more about why there was a name change and how that helped clarify your mission and vision.
We recently changed our name to better align with majority of our sister agencies throughout the country. DRAZ is part of the protection and advocacy (P&As) agencies which has an office in every state and territory. The uniform name across state lines allows the disability community to better identify and access our services.
2 - What is Disability Rights Arizona looking forward to this year?
In 2024, DRAZ will continue to advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities by,
- Representing individuals in negotiations or in administrative proceedings and court
- Providing outreach and training on legal rights and self-advocacy
- Representing individuals in negotiations or in administrative proceedings and court
- Bringing impact litigation to remedy systemic problems
- Provides technical assistance to groups and individuals on disability-related legal issues
3 - Is it true Disability Rights Arizona is statewide and there is no cost for your services?
DRAZ serves the entire state of Arizona and all of our legal services are free to Arizonans with disabilities.
4 - Can you tell us about the Disability Rights Arizona leadership team?
The DRAZ team is comprised of 43 employees. All DRAZ employees are committed to assisting Arizonans with disabilities to promote and protect their legal rights to independence, justice, and equality. DRAZ’s legal and advocacy team are zealous advocates focused on our clients and advancing their civil rights.
More About Disability Rights Arizona
Disability Rights Arizona (DRAZ) formerly the Arizona Center for Disability Law is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public interest law firm dedicated to providing legal services to children and adults with a wide range of physical, mental, psychiatric, sensory and cognitive disabilities.
DRAZ is part of a federally-mandated system present in every state and territory.
Our disability rights network was established by Congress in 1975, and collectively is the largest provider of free legal services to people with disabilities in the United States.
Every day, DRAZ upholds its mission to advocate for the legal rights of persons with disabilities to be free from abuse, neglect and discrimination and to gain access to services, maximize independence and achieve equality.
Who does the DRAZ help?
Individuals with disabilities: DRAZ receives specific federal protection and advocacy funding to assist individuals with certain types of disabilities such as traumatic brain injury.
Individuals with disability-related problems: DRAZ serves individuals whose disability is the reason for discrimination, abuse or neglect or failure to provide needed services. Legal issues NOT handled by DRAZ include applying for Social Security, drafting a will, obtaining a divorce or filing for bankruptcy.
What types of problems does the DRAZ address?
- Investigates abuse and neglect of individuals in mental health facilities, group homes, community provided residences and schools.
- Enforces the right to a free public education for children with developmental disabilities.
- Advocates for the right to appropriate health care, assistive technology and other services for individuals with disabilities.
- Assists individuals with disabilities through the Client Assistance Program to obtain the services they need from Vocational Rehabilitation and other Rehabilitation Act-funded programs.
- Investigates housing discrimination against individuals with disabilities under the Fair Housing Act.
- Addresses discrimination by enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act including: advocating for greater accessibility to public places, businesses and governmental offices and services; promoting integration and equality in public services and programs; and enforcing employment rights for individuals with disabilities.
What services does the DRAZ provide?
- Provides information on legal rights.
- Represents individuals in negotiations or in administrative proceedings and court.
- Investigates abuse and neglect.
- Provides outreach and training on legal rights and self-advocacy.
- Brings impact litigation to remedy systemic problems.
- Provides technical assistance to groups and individuals on disability-related legal issues
DRAZ will continue to represent and advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities until we live in a society that focuses on people’s abilities rather than disabilities.
For more information, visit www.disabilityrightsaz.org or 1-800-927-2260. Like DRAZ on Facebook and follow @AZDisabilityLaw on Twitter
ABOUT BRAIN INJURY ALLIANCE OF ARIZONA
The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona (BIAAZ) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with all types of brain injuries through prevention, advocacy, awareness and education. BIAAZ also houses the Arizona Brain Health Resource Center, a collection of educational information and neuro-specific resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers, family members and professionals.
What began in 1983 as a grassroots effort has grown into a strong statewide presence, providing valuable life-long resources and community support for individuals with all types of brain trauma at no charge.
The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona:
- Works with Congressional Brain Injury Task Force
- Houses Arizona Brain Health Resource Center
- Hosts Statewide Opioid Use Disorder & Cognitive Impairment Workgroup
- Has Statewide Opioid Use Disorder & Cognitive Impairment Response team with peer support, training, and family wraparound services
- Facilitates Brain Health Advisory Council
- Manages statewide Neuro Info-Line: 888-500-9165
