NATIVE AMERICAN PROTECTION
& ADVOCACY PROJECT (NAPAP)
P .0. BOX 392 - SHIPROCK, NM 87420
1-505-368-3216 1-800-862-7271
The Protection & Advocacy System Serving Native Americans with Developmental Disabilities
What is NAPAP?
The Native American Protection & Advocacy Project (NAP AP) is a project of
DNA-People's Legal Services, Inc.
which helps protect, promote, and expand the legal and human rights of Native Americans with disabilities. There are several goals for this project, including quality legal representation for individuals with disabilities in various areas such as abuse and neglect, special education, civil rights and discrimination, housing, vocational rehabilitation, transportation, and employment.
NAPAP provides several basic services:
- Infonnation about services to persons with disabilities and about their rights;
- Individual legal representation to help with specific problems;
- Legal representation and system advocacy to expand or improve available services or legal rights and protection;
- Training to empower individuals with disabilities, their families and advocates or to improve understanding of service providers; and
- Monitoring services to empower Native Americans with disabilities so that, to the greatest extent possible, they are able to gain or maintain control over their lives and independently exercise their rights.
PADD
THE PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
(PADD) Program was created by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights (DD) Act of 1975. Protection & Advocacy Systems are required by the Act to pursue legal, administrative and other appropriate
remedies to protect and advocate for the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities under all applicable federal, state and tribal laws.
The Act created the P&A system, and provided that the system's guarantees and promises would be independent of any service provider. Every State and Territory has an established P&A that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
In 1994, amendments to the Act expanded the system to include a Native American P&A program for the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Pauite Tribe. After the amended act was passed, the tribal councils of the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Pauite Tribe authorized NAP AP to provide P&A services to tribal members living in the Four Corners area.
NAPAP is a project of DNA - People's Legal Services, Inc. Although NAPAP's main office is located in Shiprock, New Mexico, client interviews and meetings usually take place at the DNA office closest to the client or another location convenient for the client. Clients can contact NAP AP at 1-800-862-7271.
Eligibility & Priorities
The DD act requires that P ADD clients must have a developmental disability as defined in the Act. A developmental disability is a defmed condition which is caused by a mental and/or physical problem that must exist before the age of twenty-two. Developmental disabilities are expected to be life long and result in substantial limitations in three or more of the major life areas of
self-care
- receptive and expressive language, .learning, .mobility,
- self direction,
- capacity for independent living, and
- economic self-sufficiency
NAP AP does not have enough resources to represent everyone. Every year NAP AP must establish priorities. The cases and issues addressed by NAP AP are based on these priorities. There are high, medium and low priorities. The public is given an opportunity to comment on the priorities. If you would like to comment on NAPAP's priorities, please contact our office and we will send you a copy of our current priorities.
If you or someone you know is seeking legal assistance or information, please call the NAPAP office in Shiprock, NM at 1-800-862-7271.
Activities of NAPAP Include
- Investigating, negotiating or mediating assistance to persons with disabilities eligible for P&A services;
- Providing information and technical assistance to individuals, attorneys, governmental agencies, service providers and other advocacy organizations;
- Providing legal counsel and litigation services to eligible persons and groups who meet the established priorities for the provision of services; and
- Providing education and training for volunteers, service delivery professionals, constituency groups and the community.
- Providing and sharing information with elected and appointed 0fficials to assist policy makers in making legislative and administrative changes which will benefit persons with disabilities.
Equality, Equity and Fairness
People with disabilities are full and equal citizens under the law. They are entitled to equal access to the same opportunities afforded all members of society. People with disabilities are entitled to be free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, and isolation, and to be treated with respect and dignity.
Meaningful Choice and Empowerment
People, regardless of age, type and level of disability have the right to make choices both with respect to daily routines and major life events.
Supports and Participation
Services and supports are shaped by the unique needs and preferences of each individual, and assure and enhance opportunities for integration in all aspects of life. Services should be age-appropriate and premised on the fact that people with disabilities, continue to learn, change and develop throughout their lives. For children, such growth is best accomplished within families, and for adults, within integrated communities, rather than institutions.
Independence
Advocacy services are based on a philosophy of equal access, peer support and self-determination to be achieved through individual, professional and system advocacy. Services are delivered in a manner that maximizes leadership, independence, productivity and integration of individuals with disabilities.
For more information contact:
Native American Protection & Advocacy Project (NAPAP)
PO Box 392 - Shiprodk, New Mexico 87420
(505) 368-3216 or (800)862-7271
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