Disability Rights California - Sacramento

Office Information

Name: Disability Rights California - Sacramento
Address: 1831 K Street, Sacramento, CA - 95811
Phone: (916) 504-5801
Fax:

Service Information

Disability Rights California provides advocacy help for Californians with disabilities. You could be eligible for services if:
    You have a developmental disability.
    You are a regional center consumer.
    You have a psychiatric disability or emotional impairment.
    You are a patient in a state psychiatric hospital.
    You have a physical, learning or sensory disability.
    You have a traumatic brain injury.
    You need access to new technology that you believe may help you live a fuller, more independent life.
    You receive SSI or SSDI and need help with employment issues or keeping your benefits when you return to work.
    You have questions about your right to vote.

10 free services Disability Rights California provides to eligible individuals
    advice about legal, civil and service rights
    technical assistance, training, publications and advocacy support for Californians with disabilities, their families and representatives
    legislative advocacy to ensure laws benefit Californians with disabilities
    investigate complaints about serious physical and sexual abuse and neglect-related deaths in institutions
    outreach to traditionally underserved ethnic and disability communities
    peer self-advocacy services for people with psychiatric or developmental disabilities
    patients' rights advocacy for state psychiatric hospital residents, technical assistance and training for county advocates
    rights advocacy for clients with developmental disabilities who are receiving services at regional centers
    bringing impact litigation and acting as amicus curiae in disability-related cases
    represent individuals based on  priorities and case selection criteria


How we can help
If you have a disability and qualify for services, we can help you with problems like:
    rights to basic support, personal care, therapy and health care like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), health care services including In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), Medi-Cal, and California Children's Services (CCS)
    discrimination in housing, transportation, employment, and access to public and private programs and services
    abuse, neglect, and rights violations in an institution
    least restrictive environment, dignity, privacy, choice, and other basic rights
    special education rights
    mental health and support services that provide individualized treatment
    regional center eligibility and services that promote independence such as supported living and family supports
    voting registration, vote casting and accessible polling places
    access to technology like communication devices and power wheelchairs


Mission Statement: Disability Rights California advocates, educates, investigates, and litigates to advance the rights, dignity, equal opportunities, and choices for all people with disabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Legal Aid

  • What is legal aid?

Legal aid is free or low-cost legal assistance for people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Legal aid organizations provide a variety of legal services, including advice, representation, and advocacy, to help low-income people resolve their civil legal problems.

  • Who is eligible for legal aid?

Eligibility for legal aid varies depending on the organization. Generally, legal aid organizations serve people with incomes below a certain level, as determined by the federal poverty guidelines. Some legal aid organizations also have additional eligibility criteria, such as citizenship status or immigration status.

  • What kind of cases does legal aid handle?

Legal aid organizations handle a wide range of civil legal problems, including:

  1. * Housing
  2. * Education
  3. * Employment
  4. * Family law
  5. * Immigration
  6. * Public benefits
  7. * Consumer law
  8. * Health care
  9. * Disability rights
  • How do I get legal aid?

To get legal aid, you can contact your local legal aid organization or a state or national legal aid hotline. Legal aid organizations typically have intake interviews to determine eligibility and assess the need for legal assistance.

  • Is legal aid free?

Legal aid is generally free for eligible clients. However, some legal aid organizations may charge for certain services, such as filing fees or expert witness fees.

  • What if I don’t qualify for legal aid?

If you do not qualify for legal aid, there are other options available to you, such as pro bono lawyers or legal self-help resources. Pro bono lawyers are lawyers who volunteer their time to provide free legal services to low-income people. Legal self-help resources can provide you with information and tools to help you represent yourself in court.

Here are some additional frequently asked questions about legal aid:

  • What is the difference between legal aid and a public defender?

Legal aid organizations provide free or low-cost legal assistance to people with civil legal problems. Public defenders provide free legal assistance to people who are accused of crimes.

  • Can I get legal aid for a criminal case?

No, legal aid organizations do not provide legal assistance for criminal cases. Criminal cases are handled by public defenders.

  • How can I find a legal aid organization near me?

You can find a legal aid organization near you by visiting the website of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the national organization that funds legal aid programs. The LSC website has a directory of legal aid organizations by state and county.