Resource for individuals with disabilities at risk of abuse, neglect, or rights violations.

• A. CHRO (Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities)
• B. OPA (Office of Protection and Advocacy)
• C. DSS (Social Services)
• D. DOH (Housing)

Answer: (B)

A resource tailored to safeguard the rights of people with disabilities and act when abuse, neglect, or rights violations occur is the Office of Protection and Advocacy. This agency is funded to protect and promote the rights of individuals with disabilities, and it has a clear mandate to take complaints, investigate allegations of mistreatment, and provide information, referrals, and sometimes legal advocacy. Because of this dedicated focus, it’s the go-to channel when someone with a disability is facing abuse or neglect or feels their rights aren’t being respected.

Other options play important roles in related areas but aren’t specialized for disability rights advocacy. A civil rights office handles a broad range of discrimination issues without focusing specifically on disability protection. Social services departments provide general welfare and support services, not the targeted rights advocacy and investigation function. Health or housing departments deal with health or housing issues rather than protecting disability rights.