News

(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.

(Bismarck, ND) Bradley Peterson, has joined the ND Protection & Advocacy Project (P&A) as the agency’s Legal Director. Brad graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Law and is licensed to practice in both North and South Dakota. Brad brings 30+ years of experience of serving individuals that have been marginalized by the justice system.  In addition to private practice, his previous public experience at the ND Commission on Indigent Defense, Legal Services of ND, and Dakota Plains Legal Services will bring a depth and breadth of legal knowledge to P&A. Peterson also has experience as a former Chief Justice of the Standing Rock Sioux Supreme Court and Tribal Prosecutor.

P&A Hosting Public Forum on CMS's proposed "HCBS Access Rule"

(Bismarck, ND) The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently proposed a set of Medicaid rules: one is aimed at improving access to services (the access rule) the other focuses on managed care access and quality.

P&A Recruiting Members for Mental Health Advisory Council
(Bismarck, ND) The Protection & Advocacy Project (P&A) is recruiting members for its mental health advisory council. The Council addresses a variety of issues related to mental health. The Council:
• Provides P&A with information and identifies issues important to the mental health community.
• Provides feedback on priorities for P&A’s mental health program.
• Provides P&A and its governing board with independent advice and recommendations.
• Prepares the annual Advisory Council Report detailing activities.
• Educates the public about the mission and purpose of P&A.
• Decides how to use its time and expertise to educate, advise, and select projects.

(Bismarck, ND) The Protection & Advocacy Project (P&A) is the leading civil rights organization for people with disabilities in North Dakota.  P&A’s mission is to champion the equality and inclusion of people with disabilities where we live, work, and play. 

(Bismarck, ND) The passage of House Bills 1263 and 1264 into state law memorializes the definition of Individual Justice Planning (IJP), allows the use of an IJP as an alternative to physical custody for justice involved adults, and requires the court to make an IJP referral for a child involved in the juvenile justice system.

(Bismarck, ND) With the passage of Senate Bill 2163, North Dakota joins 16 other states enacting plain language laws. This legislation will require that constitutional amendments and initiated and referred measures appearing on voting ballots to be written in plain language.

(Bismarck, ND) The Olmstead Commission, a governor-appointed board, is tasked with moving North Dakota towards greater community integration and inclusion for persons with disabilities. A robust direct support workforce is essential to achieving this goal. Seeing great challenges in this area, the Olmstead Commission wanted to explore challenges and find solutions to the issues facing the direct support workforce.