We Are Colorado's Protection and Advocacy System
What is a Protection and Advocacy (P&A) System? Watch this short video for the answer:
State Protection & Advocacy System
In 1977, the governor designated Disability Law Colorado to be Colorado’s Protection and Advocacy (P&A) System for people with developmental disabilities. Over time, Congress expanded the P&A network which now includes eight federally mandated programs that allow us to reach out to more people with disabilities.
Today, Disability Law Colorado is recognized as a leader in the National Disability Rights Network made up of Protection and Advocacy programs from all the states and territories.
Discover More About Our Work - DLC's Organizational Overview
Who is Disability Law Colorado?
Disability Law Colorado (formerly known as The Legal Center for People with Disabilities and Older People) is an independent, public interest nonprofit organization, specializing in civil rights and discrimination issues.
We work to promote systemic change to sustain or improve the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities.
Our Services
We address a wide variety of disability issues ranging from special education, housing and employment, to long-term care and voting rights.
We do this through four core service areas:
Our Origins
Disability Law Colorado was created in 1976 out of the dream of a small group of parents who came together to secure equal rights for their children with developmental disabilities who were living in state institutions. These parents wanted a better life for their children and believed that all people with disabilities deserved the right to live full and rewarding lives.
Groundbreaking Work
Some of Disability Law Colorado’s early successes included:
- Requiring school districts to pay for children’s education in public schools. This groundbreaking lawsuit resulted in children with severe disabilities attending public schools for the first time.
- Preventing sterilization of people with developmental disabilities.
- Preventing discrimination against people with disabilities in the workplace.
Disability Law Colorado
455 Sherman St, Ste 130
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 800.288.1376 or 303.722.0300 All lines voice/TTY
Fax: 303.722.0720
