THE BAZELON CENTER IS COMMITTED TO

ACCESS TO
EDUCATION FOR
ALL CHILDREN

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We believe that all people deserve equal care and protection under the law. Our work in education is mostly based around protecting the rights of students in public schools under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Under these laws, all students — regardless of mental illness or ability — should be able to receive accommodation and education while being integrated into the classroom.

THE BAZELON CENTER IS COMMITTED TO

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

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Having a job, perhaps more than any other factor, enables people with mental illness to lead full lives in their communities. We will continue to strive for workplace and employment equality, so that individuals with disabilities will not be discriminated against while seeking employment and/or once hired.

THE BAZELON CENTER IS COMMITTED TO

ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

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Individuals with mental illness and intellectual disabilities deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, which is why the Bazelon Center works to ensure that individuals at all income levels have access to community-mental health services that will enable them to live and work independently in the community.

THE BAZELON CENTER IS COMMITTED TO

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM

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While nearly 18% of the general population have mental illness of some kind, that percentage is disproportionately higher in the prison population. Like people of color, people with disabilities are much more likely to be incarcerated. They are often non-violent offenders, which is why we at the Bazelon Center believe in criminal justice reform to change the way we punish non-violent and first-time offenders. Even people who break the law deserve to be treated fairly by it.

THE BAZELON CENTER IS COMMITTED TO

ADVOCACY

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The Bazelon Center has always worked to ensure that national policy is informed by the on the ground knowledge gained from our casework. Our advocacy agenda reflects the most pressing issues for people with disabilities on Capitol Hill and across the United States. On our Advocacy page you will find a collection of letters, alerts and other resources on healthcare reform, as well as video updates by our staff.

SUPREME COURT RULING

ENDREW CASE

Learn about the recent Supreme Court ruling that raises the minimum education standards for children with disabilities and why the Center applauds the decision.
read more »

NEW PUBLICATION

AGING IN PLACE

Check out our newest publication about the ADA and older adults with dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
read more »

NEW JERSEY

NEW JERSEY SETTLEMENT

We celebrate the conclusion of our settlement in New Jersey, which transformed the state’s mental health service system. As a result, more than 1,400 individuals have moved out of institutions and into supportive housing.
read more »

FIGHTING THE ACA REPEAL

FIGHTING THE REPEAL OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was the largest expansion of mental health services in decades, expanding not only access to health care coverage for millions of people with mental illnesses, but also specifically expanding access to needed mental health services across the health care system. An estimated 62 million Americans gained access to mental health and substance use disorders when the ACA was enacted. Today, the threat of repeal, especially the elimination of Medicaid Expansion and the ban on pre-existing condition discrimination threatens the health and well-being of millions of Americans. We are fighting to protect access to critical health services and invite you to join the fight.
read more and get involved »

ACCESS TO EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM

ADVOCACY

FEATURED WORK

ENDREW CASE

AGING IN PLACE

NEW JERSEY SETTLEMENT

FIGHTING THE ACA REPEAL

FIGHTING THE REPEAL OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

ACCESS TO
EDUCATION FOR
ALL CHILDREN