In 1991, RIDLC was designated by the Governor to operate the Client Assistance Program (CAP). This advocacy program is established pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. §732). The CAP's mandate is to assist applicants and recipients of federally funded vocational rehabilitation and independent living services in accessing services from these programs.
Another section of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. §794e) provides for the establishment within each state of a Protection and Advocacy of Individuals Rights (PAIR) program. To receive funding for this program, an agency must be the designated P&A. Individuals with disabilities who are not eligible for the PADD or PAIMI programs, and who need advocacy which is beyond the scope of CAP, are eligible for PAIR services. RIDLC was one of only three P&A's chosen to participate in the demonstration grant for this now nationwide program, and has been operating the program since 1988.
In 1994, Congress created a fifth P&A program when it amended the Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988, commonly known as the "Tech Act" (20 U.S.C. §2201 et seg.). These amendments require the agencies in each state that are the recipients of funding under the Tech Act to contract with the state's designated P&A for legal services.
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