Protecting and Advocating for the Rights of Texans with Disabilities Since 1977
September 2021 Newsletter:
All The Things We Do
You receive our newsletter every month. Maybe you also follow us on social media. So you know about some of the things we do. But how does it all fit together? What's our overall purpose for existing? This month's newsletter focuses on how we began, our mission, vision and values, and what that looks like in the every day work we do.

How We Began
Protection and advocacy agencies (P&As) were created in the early 1970s after a news investigation by Geraldo Rivera of a New York State home for children with cognitive disabilities. The media report exposed terrible conditions and inhumane treatment of residents at the government-run institution. In response, Congress passed legislation in 1975 mandating that each state establish an organization to protect and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.

In 1977, Disability Rights Texas opened its doors as the State's protection and advocacy organization. Over time, our mandate has grown with the passage of laws that have expanded rights and services for people with disabilities. See our video, "How We Began" to learn more.
Our Mission, Vision, and Values
Our mission is to help people with disabilities understand and exercise their rights under the law, ensuring their full and equal participation in society.

We envision a society where all people are treated with dignity because each human being has worth.

Our mission and vision is based on these core values:
  • People with disabilities have basic human needs that are no different from those of all people.
  • They have a right to freedom from neglect, exploitation, discrimination and isolation, and a right to be included in all aspects of their communities.
  • Disability is a natural part of the human experience.
  • Disability does not diminish the right to live independently or to exert control and choice in your life.
Our Everyday Work
Our attorneys and advocates carry out our mission in the following ways:
  • Provide legal assistance: We provide direct legal assistance to people with disabilities whose rights are threatened or violated.
  • Protect rights: We protect the rights of individuals and groups of people with disabilities through the courts and justice system.
  • Educate policymakers: We educate and inform policymakers about issues that impact the rights of and services for people with disabilities.
  • Educate people with disabilities: We inform people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities about their rights so they can self-advocate.
  • Make referrals: We make referrals to programs and services.

Watch our recently released video, "What Do P&As Do?" for a helpful overview of all of the things we do to advocate for Texans with disabilities.

And be sure to read about some of the clients we have been able to successfully advocate for on the Client Stories page on our website.
images of past DRTx clients and the words Lone Star Champions of Access
Your recurring donation to DRTx helps create an inclusive society for children and adults with disabilities who deserve the same opportunities in life as everyone.
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Statewide Intake Line:
1.800.252.9108

Sign Language Video Intake Line:
1.866.362.2851

Purple Video Intake Line:
1-512-271-9391

If you can't call during our regular intake hours which are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 p.m. or can't get through due to high call volume, you can complete our online intake form available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
Disability Rights Texas (previously named Advocacy Inc.) is the federally designated legal protection and advocacy agency (P&A) for people with disabilities in Texas. Its mission is to help people with disabilities understand and exercise their rights under the law, ensuring their full and equal participation in society. Visit www.DRTx.org for more information.