Business Details
47 Years
experience
Civil Rights Advocacy for People with Disabilities
Founded in 1979, we are a national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities. Our mission focuses on advancing civil and human rights through legal advocacy, training, education, and legislative development. We specialize in applying disability non-discrimination laws to healthcare, education, and housing while engaging in litigation, amicus briefs, and policy reform.With decades of experience, we train legal professionals, operate a Parent Training and Information Center, and strategically select high-impact cases to create systemic change. Our work spans from direct client representation to collaborating with law schools and influencing national disability rights legislation.
Services
Education Advocacy
Legal Representation
Policy Development
Amicus Briefs
Public Education
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We have over 45 years of experience in disability rights legal advocacy
- Led by individuals with disabilities and families of children with disabilities
- Operate a federally funded Parent Training and Information Center
- Strategically select high-impact litigation cases for systemic change
- Collaborate with law schools and national disability rights organizations
Services
Education Advocacy
We advocate for children with disabilities to obtain appropriate education services. Our Parent Training and Information Center helps families navigate special education systems, resolve school disputes, and connect with community resources. We train parents and professionals on disability education rights while working to improve educational outcomes for all children.
Legal Representation
Our litigation team directly represents clients in disability rights cases. We focus on cases with potential for systemic change, addressing discrimination in healthcare, housing, and education. We provide legal counsel and co-counsel with other organizations to advance disability civil rights through court decisions and legal precedents.
Policy Development
We develop strategies for strengthening disability rights policies and laws. Our work includes drafting legislation, analyzing public policy, and advocating for federal and state law reforms. We focus on areas like transportation access, housing equity, and healthcare rights to create lasting systemic improvements for people with disabilities.
Amicus Briefs
We file amicus curiae briefs in appellate courts and the U.S. Supreme Court. These briefs provide expert legal analysis on disability rights issues, even when we're not directly representing parties. Our briefs influence court decisions by highlighting disability rights perspectives in significant legal cases affecting the community.
Public Education
We educate lawyers, service providers, and government officials about disability rights laws. Our training programs cover legal advocacy techniques and disability accommodation requirements. We operate a legal clinic with Bay Area law schools and provide resources to help individuals understand and enforce their disability rights protections.
People
Arlene Mayerson
Director
A nationally recognized expert in disability rights law with over 40 years of experience. She has shaped major disability rights legislation including the ADA and IDEA. Leads strategic litigation and policy initiatives while mentoring future disability rights attorneys through our legal clinic partnerships.
Tina Pinedo
Communications Director
Manages media relations and public outreach for disability rights initiatives. With extensive experience in advocacy communications, she ensures our legal and policy work reaches broader audiences through strategic media engagement and public education campaigns.
Susan Freundlich
Development Director
Oversees fundraising and donor relations to support our civil rights mission. With deep expertise in nonprofit development, she ensures financial sustainability while connecting supporters with opportunities to advance disability rights through strategic giving programs.
Questions
What is DREDF's primary mission?
We advance civil and human rights for people with disabilities through legal advocacy, education, and policy development focused on equality and inclusion.
How can families get education support?
Our Parent Training and Information Center helps families obtain appropriate education services, resolve school disputes, and connect with community resources for children with disabilities.
Do you provide direct legal representation?
Yes, we represent clients in disability rights cases and file amicus briefs in significant appellate cases to influence national disability law interpretations.
How is DREDF funded?
We receive funding through donations, grants, and federal education programs that support our mission-driven work advancing disability civil rights.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Berkeley, our Parent Training and Information Center serves 29 California counties covering special education advocacy and resources.
How can I get involved?
Support our mission through donations, attend our training events, or participate in our legal clinic programs to help advance disability rights protections.
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