Promoting the human rights and full participation of children and adults with disabilities worldwide.
image of a woman behind bars
DRI wins groundbreaking decision from Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on the right to community inclusion and protections from violence in institutions.

Orphanages are no place
for children

Op-Ed for The Washington Post

Latest Updates
  • Disability Rights International (DRI) recently convened a forum for the Mexican Senate to highlight community-based housing models for people with psychiatric, psychosocial and intellectual disabilities.

    Around the world, DRI has found that many people with disabilities (PWD), and those abandoned on the streets, end up living their lives in institutions. The lack of community support often combines with the misconception that they are unable to have - or do not deserve - a home of their own.

  • VOICES: Women, Children, and Disability is a first-person reflection project dedicated to the diverse experiences of women. It consists of a catalog and exhibition canvases featuring art portraits of 12 women from different parts of Ukraine who have experience with motherhood and disability, either their own or that of their children.
Young child tied in crib

Investigations

Documenting and reporting on the pervasive and abusive practice of institutionalizing children and adults with disabilities.

More >

Young boy chewing on shirt

Advocacy

Global campaigns to end institutionalization and empower people with disabilities to make change in their own societies.

More >

Family carrying casket

Strategic Litigation

To protect victims of abuse and ensure their full inclusion in society through international human rights bodies.

More >

World map image
There are one billion children and adults with disabilities worldwide, most still segregated from society in abusive institutions, living in poverty, or left without educational and economic opportunity.