Getting Started

Asking for help can be hard.

There are three ways to ask for help from DRM:

1. By telephone or video phone,
2. By completing our online intake form, or
3. By mail, if you do not have access to a phone or the internet.

Below is some basic information about DRM’s intake process that might be helpful to know before calling our office.

DRM represents individuals whose rights have been violated or who have been discriminated against based on their disability. We use careful case selection based on our priorities and available resources and unfortunately, we are not able to help everyone who calls us. The types of issues DRM cannot assist with are listed below.

Calling DRM

• When you call DRM, the first person you will speak with is the receptionist, who will schedule you to speak with one of our intake coordinators.
• The receptionist will ask you for basic contact information.
• They will then schedule your intake call, but will not gather any other information about your situation. They also cannot provide you with legal advice.

Your Intake

• Intakes are scheduled for 30 minutes.
• The purpose of an intake is to determine whether the issue you are calling about is something that DRM may be able to assist with.
• The intake coordinator will ask you questions about:
  • the discrimination or rights violation you experienced;
  • who was involved; and
  • how you would like DRM to help you.
• Intake coordinators are not attorneys and cannot give you legal advice.
• After you complete your call, the intake coordinator will consult with a managing attorney to determine if DRM can provide assistance.
• If we are able to assist, you will be connected to program staff.
• Intake calls are confidential and we do not share any of your information without your permission.

Information and Referral

• If we are not able to offer you direct advocacy assistance, our intake coordinator will provide you with information or referrals to other agencies that may be able to assist you.
• In addition to providing you with information over the phone, we will also send you a follow-up letter. This letter will list any referrals we have made, and may also include written material regarding your rights, resource guides, or referral lists for private attorneys.