Protection and advocacy of individual rights (PAIR)

The Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services awarded $304,926 to Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services on October 1, 2025, under the Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights program (CFDA 84.240).

Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services, a designated state protection and advocacy system based in Jefferson City, Missouri, delivers legal and civil rights protection services to individuals with disabilities who are ineligible for services from other protection and advocacy programs or whose needs fall outside the scope of the Client Assistance Program. The organization provides investigation of abuse and neglect cases, legal counsel and representation, advocacy for independence and community integration, and support services across disability populations.

The award runs through September 30, 2026, and is structured as an annual formula grant distributed according to statutory formulas established under section 509(c)(1)(B) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The program operates subject to a statutory non-supplanting requirement and restricted indirect cost rate provisions. Performance occurs at the recipient's Jefferson City location.