[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 14] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 20044] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]A TRIBUTE TO PROTECTION & ADVOCACY INC. ______ HON. DORIS O. MATSUI of california in the house of representatives Monday, September 22, 2008 Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Protection & Advocacy Inc. for their 30 years of advocacy in California on behalf of the disabled. Following the 1975 reports of abuse and neglect at a State institute called Willowbrook, Congress mandated and began to fund Protection and Advocacy systems across the Nation. In 1978, Protection & Advocacy Inc. was created as a nonprofit to advance human and legal rights of those with disabilities. The spirit and dedication of Protection & Advocacy Inc. still lives in their daily work. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring some of California's finest citizens. For the past 30 years, Protection & Advocacy Inc. has advocated for Californians with disabilities that had been traditionally underserved. Since their first office opened in 1978 in my hometown of Sacramento, Protection & Advocacy Inc. has grown into 26 satellite offices throughout California. With more than 200 staff members, Protection & Advocacy Inc. provides services and information at community events, trainings and conferences. In order to properly represent the diverse community they serve, the staff members speak 15 different languages and more than half of their staff lives with disabilities themselves. Today, Protection & Advocacy Inc. is the largest disability advocacy agency in the Nation. It will soon be renamed Disability Rights California in order to more accurately reflect their mission. As a response to congressional findings of abuse and neglect of individuals in residential care facilities, the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act was enacted in 1986. This allowed Protection & Advocacy Inc. the opportunity to provide legal representation to persons with psychiatric disabilities and conduct investigations of abuse and neglect. Protection & Advocacy Inc., strives to create an inclusive society. In 1993 they became a cross disability advocacy agency when Congress extended their role to protect and advocate for those who were not eligible for services under other programs. Their work now also focuses on improving daily life for people living with disabilities. This includes strengthening access to justice, correcting wrongs, enforcing rights, training individuals on self-advocacy and legal protections, public education, and building collaboration across advocacy groups. Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the Protection & Advocacy Inc.'s distinguished commitment to the well-being of the disabled community. Over the last 30 years, they have expanded their mission with the changing times and have been true champions of those living with disabilities. As the Protection & Advocacy Inc.'s staff, supporters, and constituents gather together to celebrate the organization's 30th anniversary, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring their outstanding work on behalf of Californians with disabilities. ____________________