Protection and advocacy of individual rights (pair)

The Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services awarded $223,878 to the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy, Protection and Advocacy Division, on October 1, 2025, under the Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights (PAIR) program (CFDA 84.240).

The Division provides legal advocacy and protection services to individuals with disabilities across Kentucky who are ineligible for services from other protection and advocacy programs or whose needs fall outside the scope of the Client Assistance Program. The Division investigates abuse and neglect, provides legal representation, supports voting rights, facilitates community integration, and ensures access to vocational rehabilitation and assistive technologies. Performance occurs in Frankfort, Kentucky, with a period of performance through September 30, 2026.

PAIR is a formula grant program that supports state protection and advocacy systems in protecting the legal and human rights of individuals with disabilities. The funding is subject to a statutory non-supplanting requirement and restricted indirect cost rate provisions. The Division operates as Kentucky's designated protection and advocacy agency under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.