• Advocates provide brief advice, information, referrals
  • We support self-advocacy
  • Services are free and confidential

Here are some of the issues people call us about:

  • Abuse/Neglect
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Voting Rights
  • Access to Services
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries
  • Housing

Call and Speak with an Advocate

800.288.5923 or 517.487.1755
Monday – Friday (9am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm)

Do you prefer to send us an online message?

Contact us, any time, through our website. Our staff will review your request on the next regularly scheduled work day and will personally contact you as quickly as possible.

Contact Information

We provide self-advocacy assistance

Have you heard of our Student’s with Disabilities: An Advocate’s Guide? We created this guide to help navigate the rights and laws that govern special education and other rights of children with disabilities in Michigan.

The guide can be found online, or you can order your copy by calling our office. 800.288.5923

More Information

Advocates Making a Difference
  • A mother called on behalf of her son who is 44 with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). He was having issues getting accommodations for his road test to renew his license. The DRM advocate recommended options for self-advocacy: put the request for accommodations in writing, call the ADA complaint line, contact Disability Network, and contact the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) if they felt their civil rights were violated.

  • A caller’s lease was being terminated in Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing for making a request for reasonable accommodation. DRM advocate listened to their concerns and advised the caller on her rights. She was referred to the Fair Housing Center for further assistance.

  • A student with disability was attending on-line school during the pandemic. In the fall, the school proposed to exit the student from special education services when in-person studies resumed. Parent spoke to DRM advocate to prevent removal as their child may have problems returning to school. Advocate informed parent of their rights and how to present argument and options to the school Parent was able to successfully to prevent change in services/eligibility.

  • The parents of an individual with a disability, living independently, called DRM because their child was unable to get authorized community living supports. DRM advocate explained how the appeal process works and the parents were able to initiate next steps. The agency is now proving the necessary supports/services.

  • Caller needed assistance because their furnace kept breaking down. DRM advocate provided technical assistance in helping the caller fill out the appropriate Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) application for home repair.

  • A caller was terminated from her job after requesting an accommodation to her office space once the office resumed in-person work. She had been with the company for one month working remotely. DRM advocate individual of her rights and recommend she file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and provided her with the necessary paperwork and instructions.

  • DRM received a complaint alleging neglect at a nursing facility. Staff requested and reviewed records from the nursing facility and learned a female resident had experienced a fall resulting in fractures to her tibia and fibula. Despite protocol, this resident was not assessed or diagnosed with fractures until much later, prolonging her pain and suffering. Following investigation by the Bureau of Health Professions, the Attorney General’s office issued an Administrative Complaint against the doctor. In June 2018 the complaint substantiated a violation of the Public Health Code and the physician was fined $5,000.

  • DRM received a call from a gentleman with visual impairments who attempted to vote at his polling location in an August primary. The election workers were unfamiliar with the accessible voting machine and made the individual’s driver assist him throughout the voting process. DRM contacted the clerk office on behalf of the caller and notified them of the caller’s voting rights. The situation was corrected, and the caller was able to vote independently and privately in the November election.

Services are FREE & Confidential Call Us 517.487.1755

Commitment to Equity & Diversity.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, political belief, creed, national origin, marital status, or disability.

We celebrate diversity and strives to reflect Michigan’s ethnic, language, disability and geographic diversity in our staff and the people we serve.

We believe the disability rights movement is inseparable from the human rights movements for racial, economic, and gender equity.

How Can We Help?
Contact Us Anytime

We want to hear from you! Whether you're looking for advocacy, have a question, or just want to connect, please reach out.

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