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(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.

On December 12, 2022 Protection & Advocacy hosted a presentation with the Department of Health & Human Services to discuss the Department’s proposed budget for the next biennium.  DHHS staff provided an overview of priorities for their work with a focus on disability and mental health services. The recording of the presentation is now available for viewing.

(Bismarck, ND) As voters prepare to head off to the polls on November 8th, many people research the candidates, read the measures, and find the location of their voting site. People with disabilities do all these things, but they also face additional barriers to voting.

(Bismarck, ND) Every October since 1945 America has observed National Disability Employment Awareness Month.  As this month comes to an end, the North Dakota Protection and Advocacy Project (P&A) would like to recognize the valuable skills and talents that people with disabilities bring to the workplace.  People with disabilities make up the largest minority population in the United States at approximately 25% and remains one of the largest untapped labor pools.

The Protection & Advocacy Project (P&A) is the premier civil rights organization for people with disabilities in North Dakota.  P&A was established in 1977 and has grown to administer several federal programs to meet the needs of the disability community.  P&A strives to promote the equality and inclusion of people with disabilities where we live, learn, work, and play.

Recording Available for the Dept. of Human Services presentation on ARPA Spending Plans

Legislative Working Group met on June 24, 2022.  Representatives from the ND Department of Human Services shared information and progress on their plan for investing $31.6 million in home and community based services through the American Rescue Plan Act.

P&A’s Legislative Working Group is meeting virtually on June 24, 2022 at 4pm.  Representatives from the ND Department of Human Services will be sharing information and progress on their plan for investing $31.6 million in home and community based services through the American Rescue Plan Act.  Click here to join the meeting.

(Bismarck, ND) North Dakota prides itself on being one of the most open legislatures in the country. Last legislative session, our Legislature became more accessible and open to the public than it has ever been. The ND Protection & Advocacy Project, the State’s premier civil rights organization for people with disabilities, commends the efforts of the Legislature and Legislative Council. All North Dakotans had the opportunity to take part in our political process by submitting written testimony online, testifying virtually, or watching and listening to committee hearings and floor sessions online.

Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Program

On June 21, 2022 representatives from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) will visit the North Dakota Protection and Advocacy Project in Bismarck, North Dakota.

SAMHSA/CMHS invites you to send comments about the PAIMI Program services and activities conducted by the North Dakota Protection and Advocacy Project.

ND Protection & Advocacy Project Recommits to Supporting Gainful Employment for People with Disabilities

ND Protection & Advocacy Project Revamps Supported Decision Making for People with Disabilities

Did you miss the Consumer & Family Network Q&A with Dr. Etherington?

See what you missed in this candid discussion with Dr. Etherington, HSC Chief Clinics Officer & ND State Hospital Superintendent.

(Bismarck, ND) The US Administration on Community Living awarded grants to the North Dakota Protection & Advocacy Project (P&A) and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) to address the issue of vaccine hesitancy among populations with disabilities.

BISMARCK, N.D. – The State of North Dakota and the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) have reached a settlement agreement that outlines actions the state will take to expand home and community-based care services and enable individuals with physical disabilities to live in the least restrictive setting possible, Gov. Doug Burgum announced today.

Video recording of the meeting on 12-4-20

We are excited to show you our new YouTube channel. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do and decide to like and follow our channel. 

Disability Rights --North Dakota - YouTube Channel