The Rhode Island Disability Law Center
RIDLC was designated in 1977 by the governor of Rhode Island to implement the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (PADD) program under the federal Developmental Disabilities and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. §6000 et seg.). This law was enacted in response to the deplorable conditions in institutions for people with mental retardation and other serious disabilities.
As a consequence of the successful movement for deinstitutionalization of persons with developmental disabilities, this program now focuses on inclusion of such individuals in housing, employment, education, and all life activities.
In 1986, Congress responded to individuals with mental illness and their family members who testified about the abuse and neglect of individuals confined to hospitals and other treatment facilities by passing the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Act (42 U.S.C. §10801 et seg.). According to this federal law, the PAIMI program must be administered by the agency in the state which administers the PADD program.
Both the PADD and PAIMI programs are funded and regulated by agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Copyright© 2004 State of Rhode Island