Our Programs

DRI receives funding from the Administration on Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Protection and Advocacy for Developmental Disabilities (PADD) Act to provide protection and advocacy services to individuals with a developmental or intellectual disability as defined by federal law.

DRI receives funding from the Center for Mental Health Services of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for providing protection and advocacy services to individuals with a significant mental illness or emotional impairment under the Protection of Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Act. Initially, only individuals in facilities were eligible for services under this program. In 2000, the eligibility was expanded to include individuals with a significant mental illness or emotional impairment living either in facilities or in the community. However, pursuant to Congressional mandate, DRI gives priority to serving individuals with a significant mental illness or emotional impairment who are living in facilities, are in the process of being admitted to facilities, or are being involuntarily confined in a municipal detention facility for reasons other than serving a sentence resulting from conviction for a criminal offense.

DRI receives funding from the Rehabilitation Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Education under the Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights (PAIR) Program to provide protection and advocacy services to all individuals with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), except for those eligible for Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (PADD) or Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI).

DRI receives funding from the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide protection and advocacy for individuals with traumatic brain injuries.

DRI receives funding from the Social Security Administration to 1) provide information and advice about obtaining vocational rehabilitation and employment services and 2) provide advocacy or other services that a Social Security beneficiary needs to secure, maintain or regain gainful employment, including youth receiving Supplemental Security Income (SS) and youth in transition. This program can only serve Social Security beneficiaries who have a disability.

DRI receives funding as part of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) to provide education, training, and assistance to individuals with disabilities that will promote their full participation in the electoral process, including registering to vote, casting a vote and accessing polling places.

DRI has a sub-grant from the University of Iowa, which receives a grant from the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to assist in the acquisition, utilization, or maintenance of assistive technology devices or assistive technology services for individuals with disabilities.

DRI receives funding from the Social Security Administration to provide oversight of representative payees and their services to beneficiaries, as well as giving them support to better understand their role and responsibilities.

DRI receives funding from the Social Security Administration to provide work incentives planning and assistance (WIPA) services to Social Security beneficiaries who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and who want to pursue gainful employment/self-employment.