About Disability Rights
Protecting the rights of Tennesseans living with disabilities and/or mental illness.
Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT) is a non-profit agency that assists, advocates for, and protects the rights of Tennesseans living with disabilities and/or mental illness. DRT is also the Protection & Advocacy (P&A) and Client Assistance Program (CAP) in Tennessee.
For over 45 years, DRT has served—at no cost—more than 50,000 clients with disabilities. DRT provides legal advocacy services to Tennesseans living with disabilities and/or mental illness in environments such as supported residential settings, prisons, detention centers, mental health hospitals, the workplace, and more.
Financials
Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. Direct community input and needs assessments drive our work.
Maintaining current funding prevents abuse, neglect, and keeps Tennesseans living with disabilities and/or mental illness safe and able to fully participate in our communities. DRT’s work is made possible by:
- Individual donations;
- Private foundations;
- Tennessee Division of TennCare;
- Tennessee Department of Health;
- Administration for Community Living;
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration;
- Rehabilitation Services Administration; and
- Social Security Administration.
Disability Rights Tennessee and all P&A programs are overseen by federal agencies, requiring annual reports (PPRs) and rigorous financial protocols. DRT undergoes annual independent audits, and periodic reviews by funders.
Copies of DRT’s most recently filed audited financial statements can be found on our GivingMatters profile. Find them HERE.
Grievance Policy
Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT) is required by federal law to establish a grievance procedure for individuals who have received or are receiving mental health services, family members of such individuals, or representatives of such individuals or family members to assure that DRT is operating in compliance with the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act. 42 U.S.C. § 10805(a)(9). Information about DRT’s grievance procedures and access to DRT’s grievance forms can be found in Frequently Asked Questions section of the website.
DRT Wants to Hear From You
Your input is important. DRT gathers input experiences and needs of the disability and mental health community each year. This information is used to help our programs identify priority areas of work and work plans. Your feedback ensures DRT’s programs meet their mission and better serves Tennesseans with disabilities and/or mental illness.
The survey is currently closed, but we always welcome your input at Feedback@DisabilityRightsTN.org.
DRT is supported by federal and state grants.