Federal Grant Award Summary: Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights (PAIR)

Disability Rights Mississippi received a formula grant award of $195,895.00 from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) under the Program of Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights (PAIR), CFDA 84.240, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This award supports Disability Rights Mississippi's mission to protect and advocate for the legal and civil rights of individuals with disabilities throughout Mississippi. The organization delivers legal representation, information and referral services, and dispute resolution assistance to eligible individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

As the state-designated protection and advocacy system, Disability Rights Mississippi utilizes these federal funds to supplement existing services and maintain a comprehensive system of rights protection. The grant supports the organization's development of annual priority statements, pursuit of legal and administrative remedies on behalf of individuals with disabilities, establishment of grievance procedures for clients, and utilization of mediation and alternative dispute resolution processes. The awardee is required to maintain detailed financial records and supporting documentation for all costs incurred under the award, with records retained for three years from submission of the final expenditure report, as mandated by federal regulations.