Protection and advocacy of individual rights (PAIR)

The Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services awarded Disability Rights Montana $195,895 under the Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights (PAIR) program on October 1, 2025. PAIR (CFDA 84.240) provides formula grants to state-designated protection and advocacy systems to protect the legal and human rights of 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 award funds protection and advocacy services delivered in Helena, Montana through September 30, 2026. Disability Rights Montana serves as Montana's designated P&A system, delivering legal representation, counseling, benefits counseling, investigation of abuse and neglect, and systemic advocacy to ensure individuals with disabilities achieve independence, productivity, and full community integration. The organization also maintains active awards across multiple federal protection and advocacy programs including CAP, the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness program, the Traumatic Brain Injury Act Protection and Advocacy program, the Assistive Technology Act Protection and Advocacy program, the Developmental Disabilities Act State Protection and Advocacy Systems program, and the Help America Vote Act Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access program.