Legal Rights

 EVERYONE HAS RIGHTS! 

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have the same legal rights as everyone, but using those rights can be hard because of many barriers. These rights protect safety, independence, and fair treatment.

Your Most Important Rights

1. Right to Equal Access

People with I/DD must be able to use public places, services, and programs. This is protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA).

2. Right to Education

Students with I/DD can get a free and appropriate education until age 21. Supports and services are protected by Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

3. Right to Accommodations

In school, work, and daily life, people can ask for reasonable accommodations, such as:

• Extra time
• Help understanding information
• Job coaching
• Assistive technology

4. Right to Make Choices

People with I/DD can make decisions about their own lives. They may use supported decision making to get help without losing their independence.

5. Right to Safety

People with I/DD must be protected from:

• Abuse
• Neglect
• Bullying
• Discrimination

If something unsafe happens, it must be reported. This can be done anonymously to NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Abuse Hotline: 1-800-832-9173 (press 1) available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

6. Right to Work

People with I/DD have the right to:

• Work in the community
• Earn fair pay

Get help from Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS)

Even with laws in place, people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) may still face:

• Confusing legal language
• Bias or ableism
• Uneven support from schools or courts
• Trouble finding legal help
• Extra barriers if they are also part of another marginalized group   

Getting help makes sure you understand your rights and don’t miss important information. Support from advocates or disability friendly lawyers can guide you through confusing rules and speak up for you when needed. Clear information and strong self-advocacy skills help you make good decisions, while enforcing disability laws ensures you are treated fairly and with respect.

People with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) have rights, and they deserve the support needed to understand and use those rights. Fair treatment, safety, and independence are not optional—they are guaranteed.

 Find Help & Access Resources

• The Arc: Civil Rights - works hard to protect the civil rights of people with disabilities. We make sure we are always involved when laws about disability rights are being changed, challenged, or improved. By having a seat at the table, we help keep these important protections strong and fair for everyone.  Access Resources
• National Disability Institute - Stay connected with National Disability Institute through live webinars and community events. Here you’ll find opportunities to register for upcoming sessions and access recordings of past events, so you can learn and engage at your own pace.
• Disabilities Rights New Jersey - New Jersey’s Protection and Advocacy system has been working for 30 years to defend the rights of people with disabilities. The organization protects their human, civil, and legal rights and helps people with disabilities make their own choices and be fully included in their communities.
• Community Healthy Law Project - provides legal help, advocacy, training, and education to people with disabilities and long?term health conditions. They also support organizations that work for people with disabilities, focusing especially on those who are most at risk and need the most help.