Diversity and Inclusion in the American Legal Profession
First Phase Findings From a National Study of Lawyers With Disabilities and Lawyers Who Identify as LGBTQ+
Commission on Disability Rights
The Commission works to promote the ABA's commitment to justice and the rule of law for people with mental, physical, and sensory disabilities, and to promote their full and equal participation in the legal profession.
Restraint and Seclusion Resolution
At the ABA's Virtual 2020 Annual Meeting, the House of Delegates voted to adopt a resolution prohibiting the use of restraint and seclusion on students in preschool, primary school, and secondary school.
COVID-19 Resources
With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting all of us in many ways, the ABA and its Commission on Disability Rights are working hard to help lawyers with disabilities adapt to the "new normal." Visit our resources page to see our programs, articles, a Zoom accessibility guide, and more!
Commission on Disability Rights Pages
Resources
We offer many resources for lawyers, law students, legal organizations, and other legal professionals and entities, including toolkits, potential opportunities for law students with disabilities, and much more. Click the link below to go to our resources page!
Events, Initiatives, and Awards
Learn about our various initiatives and programs, including events for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, our mentor program, the Paul G. Hearne Award, and much more.
CLEs and Publications
See all the Continuing Legal Education programs we have coming up, as well as those we offer on-demand, and learn more about our invaluable books and other publications. All ABA CLEs are now accessible for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing.
About Us
Our Commissioners, Liaisons, and staff are dedicated attorneys and advocates, many of whom practice disability law or have disabilities themselves. Click the button below to learn more about the Commission on Disability Rights and its history.
ABA 2020 Goal III Report
Evaluating demographics of members is critical to the ABA’s goal to promote full and equal participation in the association, our profession, and the justice system by all persons, and to eliminate bias in the legal profession and the justice system.
Creating Opportunities for Law Students with Disabilities in the 21st Century
Professionals who work with law school students are witnessing a rise in the number and complexity of accommodations sought for anxiety, mental health and other non-visible disabilities, as well as increasing calls to work through psychiatric challenges.
It's Our Turn - Learn More
NDEAM 2019
A statement by ABA President Judy Perry Martinez recognizing the valuable skills, talents, and perspectives that persons with disabilities bring to the legal profession.
Support Us
Your support of the Commission on Disability Rights is greatly appreciated and will help us continue our work to promote the ABA's commitment to justice and the rule of law for persons with mental, physical, and sensory disabilities and their full and equal participation in the legal profession.
Commission Members in the News: Paths to a Career in Law
This Lawyer's Blindness Led Him to a Tech-Focused Law Practice
The ABA Journal has published a profile on longtime Liaison to the CDR Ira "Ed" Marquette! Click below to read about his fascinating path through the legal profession.
State Appeals Judge Challenged Biases to be First Person With Cerebral Palsy to Argue Before SCOTUS
CDR 2018-19 Commissioner Judge Randall M. Howe discusses his path to the law.
CDR Highlights
3D - The Disability Discussion Docket
The official e-mail list of the ABA Commission on Disability Rights, providing information and discussion on disability law and disability rights.
CDR Leadership
Chair
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Denise R. Avant
National Federation of the Blind
Chicago, IL
CDR Staff
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Amy L. Allbright
Staff Director
amy.allbright@americanbar.org
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Evan M. Greenberger
Program Specialist
evan.greenberger@americanbar.org