What is a Protection & Advocacy organization?
Protection & Advocacy organizations, often called P&As, are disability-rights groups across the country. Depending on the organization, it may answer questions, explain a process, make a referral, or provide advocacy or legal help.
Many students start with their school's accessibility office. A P&A can also be useful when you want independent guidance, a deadline is approaching, or the problem has not been resolved.
How do I find my state's organization?
The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) keeps a directory. Search for the state where your medical school is located.
What should I have ready?
These organizations receive many requests. A short, organized summary can help them understand your question more quickly.
A short summary
Explain the access problem in a few sentences and say what you have already tried.
Key dates and messages
Have a simple timeline and the most important emails, accommodation letters, or decisions nearby.
Any deadline
Mention an upcoming exam, school review, or OCR deadline at the start of the conversation.
The kind of help you want
Say whether you want general information, help understanding a process, a referral, or advice about your situation.