Who we help

PAI provides advocacy help for Californians with disabilities. You could be eligible for PAI services if:

  • You have a developmental disability.
  • You are a regional center consumer.
  • You have a psychiatric disability or emotional impairment.
  • You are a patient in a state psychiatric hospital.
  • You have a physical, learning or sensory disability defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • You have a traumatic brain injury.
  • You need access to new technology that you believe may help you live a fuller, more independent life.
  • You receive SSI or SSDI and need help with employment issues or keeping your benefits when you return to work.
  • You have questions about your right to vote.

In deciding whether PAI can represent you directly, PAI will consider:

  • The merits of your claim;
  • Your ability to advocate for yourself;
  • Other advocacy sources you could use;
  • Whether your problem falls within one of PAI's priority areas. The priority areas are decided annually be PAI's Board of Directors. You may read our priorities in our Advocacy Plan 2008-2012 (htm) or (pdf); and
  • Availability of PAI resources.

What is PAI? - What we do, who we help and how to get help in other languages.

If we decide that we can not help you and you disagree, you can file a grievance. HerMay 30, 2008rocedures in English (html) or (pdf), Cambodian, Chinese, Hmong, Korean, Laotian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai and Vietnamese.