[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 150 (Monday, September 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1854]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                A TRIBUTE TO PROTECTION & ADVOCACY INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 22, 2008

  Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
Protection & Advocacy Inc. for their 30 years of advocacy in California 
on behalf of the disabled. Following the 1975 reports of abuse and 
neglect at a State institute called Willowbrook, Congress mandated and 
began to fund Protection and Advocacy systems across the Nation. In 
1978, Protection & Advocacy Inc. was created as a nonprofit to advance 
human and legal rights of those with disabilities. The spirit and 
dedication of Protection & Advocacy Inc. still lives in their daily 
work. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring some of 
California's finest citizens.
  For the past 30 years, Protection & Advocacy Inc. has advocated for 
Californians with disabilities that had been traditionally underserved. 
Since their first office opened in 1978 in my hometown of Sacramento, 
Protection & Advocacy Inc. has grown into 26 satellite offices 
throughout California. With more than 200 staff members, Protection & 
Advocacy Inc. provides services and information at community events, 
trainings and conferences. In order to properly represent the diverse 
community they serve, the staff members speak 15 different languages 
and more than half of their staff lives with disabilities themselves. 
Today, Protection & Advocacy Inc. is the largest disability advocacy 
agency in the Nation. It will soon be renamed Disability Rights 
California in order to more accurately reflect their mission.
  As a response to congressional findings of abuse and neglect of 
individuals in residential care facilities, the Protection and Advocacy 
for Individuals with Mental Illness Act was enacted in 1986. This 
allowed Protection & Advocacy Inc. the opportunity to provide legal 
representation to persons with psychiatric disabilities and conduct 
investigations of abuse and neglect.
  Protection & Advocacy Inc, strives to create an inclusive society. In 
1993 they became a cross disability advocacy agency when Congress 
extended their role to protect and advocate for those who were not 
eligible for services under other programs. Their work now also focuses 
on improving daily life for people living with disabilities. This 
includes strengthening access to justice, correcting wrongs, enforcing 
rights, training individuals on self-advocacy and legal protections, 
public education, and building collaboration across advocacy groups.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the Protection & 
Advocacy Inc's distinguished commitment to the well-being of the 
disabled community. Over the last 30 years, they have expanded their 
mission with the changing times and have been true champions of those 
living with disabilities. As the Protection & Advocacy Inc.'s staff, 
supporters, and constituents gather together to celebrate the 
organization's 30th anniversary, I ask all my colleagues to join me in 
honoring their outstanding work on behalf of Californians with 
disabilities.

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