Program Office: Rehabilitation Services Administration
CFDA Number: 84.240
Program Type: Formula Grants
Also Known As: PAIR
The Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights (PAIR) program supports the
protection and advocacy system in each state to protect the legal and human rights
of individuals with disabilities. In order to be eligible for advocacy services
from the PAIR program, an individual with a disability must meet three criteria.
First, the individual's concern must be beyond the scope of the Client Assistance
Program (Sec. 112, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended). Second,
the individual must be ineligible for services from the Protection and Advocacy
of Developmental Disabilities (PADD) program funded under Part C of the Developmental
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act).
Finally, the individual must also be ineligible for the Protection and Advocacy
for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) program funded under the Protection
and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act.
Each PAIR program must set annual priorities and objectives to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in each state. Most PAIR programs set priorities and objectives aimed at reducing barriers to education, employment, transportation, and housing. In addition, PAIR programs advocate on
behalf of individuals with significant disabilities to promote community integration and full participation in society.
Eligible systems have the authority to pursue legal, administrative, and other appropriate remedies or approaches to
protect and advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities. Protection and advocacy systems may be housed
in public or private entities designated by the governor.
