Self-Advocacy Tools
Our fact sheets, guides, and videos provide information about the rights of people with disabilities under federal and state law. They also offer tips on how to navigate various public systems, how to request accommodations or modifications, and what to do if your rights are violated or you experience discrimination. We also have resources provided by the federal government, state government, and other organizations.
Use the filters or search box in the left-hand column to find the resources you need. Please note that many of our resources apply to a wide range of disabilities, so we do not categorized our resources by individual disability.
Access the Vote NC
In 2008, only 55% of people with disabilities voted in North Carolina, while 69% of people without disabilities voted, a difference of 14%. If people with disabilities throughout America voted at the same rate as people without disabilities, there would have been approximately 3 million more votes cast in the national election.
Disability Rights NC has launched the state’s first voter information website designed specifically for people with disabilities. This accessible website will walk you through registering to vote; casting your vote in person, from home, or from a facility; and reporting your polling place if it is not accessible.
The Dos and Don’ts of Polling Site Set-up
The brochure outlines ways to make polling sites accessible for people with disabilities.
Accessible Voting in North Carolina
This 2012 report summarizes a multi-year effort to assess polling places across the State.
Voting Rights for People in State-Run Facilities
Disability Rights NC sent this letter to state-run psychiatric and developmental-disability facilities about the voting rights of people with disabilities in 2012.
Your Rights When Voting in Person
Information about registering to vote, voting during the Early Voting period or on Election Day, curbside voting, and voting with assistance.
Voting with Assistance
Who can assist you when you vote, who cannot assist you, and how to request assistance at the polling place.
Your Rights When Absentee Voting by Mail
How to request, fill out, and submit an absentee ballot.
Assisting Voters with Disabilities
This video for poll workers explains the etiquette of interacting with voters with disabilities. (Note: This video uses the outdated term “mental retardation” rather than “intellectual disability.” The video is included because of other useful content. Disability Rights NC does not condone the use of this language.)
ADA Checklist for Polling Places
This 25-page document is an updated technical assistance publication on polling place accessibility for voters with disabilities. The publication includes information about key areas of a facility that must be accessible to voters with mobility or vision disabilities, options for low-cost temporary measures for removing barriers, and a survey to guide election officials in evaluating the accessibility of facilities used or being considered for use as polling places.
The Americans with Disabilities Act and Other Federal Laws Protecting the Rights of Voters with Disabilities
This document provides guidance to states, local jurisdictions, election officials, poll workers, and voters on how the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal laws help ensure fairness in the voting process for people with disabilities.