PAIR
Program
What
is PAIR?
The PAIR
program was created to ensure that individuals with disabilities
who are not eligible for other protection and advocacy program services
have access to advocacy services and legal representation offered
by protection and advocacy programs.
The PAIR
program was established by Congress as a national program under
the Rehabilitation Act, as amended in 1993. Although PAIR is funded
at a lower level than PADD and PAIMI, it represents an important
component of a comprehensive system to advocate for the rights of
all persons with disabilities. The system designated to serve as
the PADD program in each state and territory is also responsible
for operating the PAIR program.
The Office
of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Rehabilitation
Service Administration (RSA) administers the PAIR program.
PAIR
Services
Individuals
with disabilities often face significant problems related to employment
discrimination, access to services, access to health care and medical
insurance, access to housing and housing discrimination, access
to appropriate and less restrictive residential placements, accommodations,
transportation, and education.
The
PAIR program at DRNJ provides comprehensive protection and advocacy
services, including targeted outreach to traditionally underserved
minority groups, and addresses individual and systemic issues by
providing:
-
information
and referral regarding available programs and services;
-
legal
representation and non-legal advocacy;
-
technical
assistance and advocacy services to assist individuals; and
-
education
and training programs on disability rights and laws.
DRNJ
will assist individuals with disabilities of all ages in understanding
and protecting their rights, accessing available resources to achieve
greater independence and integration into communities, and enhancing
opportunities for increased productivity.
Who
is Eligible for PAIR Services?
A person
with a disability is eligible for PAIR's services if that individual
is not eligible for assistance under the CAP, PAIMI or PADD programs.
Useful
Links
New Jersey
Department of Education
http://www.state.nj.us/education/
New Jersey
Division of AIDS Prevention and Control
http://www.state.nj.us/health/aids/aidsprv.htm
New Jersey
Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddhh/index.html
Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
http://thearc.org/ga/idea97.html
National
Center for Learning Disabilities, Inc. (NCLD)
http://www.ncld.org
