News

ND Protection & Advocacy Joins Social Media!

This summer we had a goal of getting on social media and spreading awareness about who P&A is and what services and programs we offer. We started this process by hiring a marketing professional who has helped us launch these accounts and will be managing them going forward. As a part of this big step for our agency, we need your help! We would appreciate if you (as an active participant in this community) would follow our pages and keep up with us there! There will be a lot of exclusive content that is only posted on social media, so it is important to follow us there if you have accounts!

(Bismarck, ND) The Workforce and Technology Project, a collaborative initiative led by ND Protection and Advocacy alongside key partners, is making significant strides in enhancing support services for individuals with disabilities in North Dakota. Here's a closer look at our recent updates.

(Bismarck, ND) The North Dakota Protection & Advocacy Project (P&A) is requesting input on the issues that are most important to individuals with disabilities.  

Assistive Technology Awareness Day: Join ND Protection and Advocacy in Celebration
 

(Bismarck, ND) At Protection and Advocacy (P&A), we are honored to stand alongside Governor Burgum in commemorating April 17, 2024, as Assistive Technology Awareness Day, an occasion to recognize the profound impact of assistive technology on the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Olmstead Commission Announces New Plan

(Bismarck, ND) The North Dakota Olmstead Commission announces the release of its first comprehensive update to the state plan since 2002.

The landmark Olmstead v. L.C. Supreme Court decision on June 22, 1999, affirmed that unjustified segregation of individuals with disabilities constitutes discrimination under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

ND Protection & Advocacy Project Responds to Office of Civil Rights Report on Fargo Public Schools District’s Use of Restraint

(Bismarck, ND) The North Dakota Protection & Advocacy Project (P&A) is committed to advocating for the educational rights of students with disabilities particularly in the areas of least restrictive environment, positive behavioral supports, and elimination of seclusion and restraints. Each of these elements are essential to students with disabilities who are entitled to receive a free appropriate public education, a requirement of federal law. When students with disabilities are denied a free appropriate public education (FAPE) a complaint can be submitted to the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (OCR) to investigate and remedy violations of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

On December 5, 2023, the United States Supreme Court dismissed the Acheson Hotels, LLC v. Laufer. The case involved whether an individual may challenge an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by serving as a tester when the person does not intend to visit the establishment.

(Bismarck, ND) Brenda Ruehl, has been named the new Program Director with the ND Protection & Advocacy Project (P&A).  Brenda has served P&A as a Disabilities Advocate in the Fargo region for ten years.  Ruehl holds a special interest and expertise in education and community inclusion issues.  

(Bismarck, ND) In recent years, North Dakota's human service delivery system has faced a formidable challenge – a workforce shortage that has made it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain essential staff that support individuals with disabilities. In response to these pressing issues, Protection and Advocacy, in partnership with key stakeholders, has launched an ambitious initiative, the Workforce and Technology Project.

P&A Announces New Priorities
(Bismarck, ND) The Protection & Advocacy Project (P&A) is the leading civil rights organization for North Dakotans with disabilities. The agency is committed to equality and inclusion in all aspects of life.