How to Protect a Disabled Person's Civil Rights

A civil right is any right or privilege enforceable by law. Civil rights include freedom of press, speech, assembly, the right to vote, freedom from servitude and the right to public equality. Protecting the civil rights of the disabled is an important step to ensuring their quality of life.

Instructions

1. Understand that disabled persons are protected under the same laws and statues as you, and that they have specific protections in each state to ensure their civil rights are not violated.

2. Be aware of equal access laws in your state or community. Disabled persons must have equal access to buildings, parking lots, restrooms and other public places. If the facility does not provide adequate access, violators should be reported.

3. Look for signs allowing service animals in restaurants, movies and other public places. Disabled persons needing the assistance of service animals should not be denied access.

4. Contact places of business that do not provide adequate space for wheel chairs in aisles and between store rows. Ask them to address this civil rights violation.

5. Make sure any disabled people you know understands their rights in regards to appropriate employment, adequate housing and social security benefits. These are all protected by federal law, and places that are in violation should be reported.

6. Ask questions of local cities and municipalities about planning for the future needs of persons with disabilities in your community. Communities are required to take the needs of disabled persons into consideration at each stage of community development and planning.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact an experienced civil rights attorney for the most current and accurate information concerning the civil rights for the disabled, or if you think your civil rights are being violated.