How You Can Help

CeDAR, the Center for Disability Advocacy Rights, would like your help. As a not-for-profit organization established to serve the legal needs of low-income people living with a disability, we have served over 1,500 individual clients since we opened our doors in March of 1997. This past year alone we assisted over 200 individual clients with their cases before the Social Security Administration and various branches of the New York State Department of Social Services. Most importantly, CeDAR gets results: We succeeded in 93 percent of our cases.

Have you ever had a dispute dealing with a large bureaucracy? Whether it is an HMO, the IRS or perhaps a bank, you know just how incredibly difficult it can be to get things done. Add to that problem poor health and no income, and you begin to have an idea of the adversity facing CeDAR’s clients. CeDAR’s experienced lawyers stand up for these individuals to ensure that they are not marginalized and otherwise lost in the system. We take on complex cases that other advocates find too difficult. Most importantly, we get results and ensure that those eligible for benefits realize the promise of financial security.

Your contribution can buy someone the critical advice they need to navigate the complexities of Social Security law, someone like Carlos L., an eight-year-old who suffers from juvenile diabetes. Carlos lives with his mother, who is currently unemployed due in large part to having to monitor Carlos’s bouts of hypoglycemia. CeDAR agreed to represent Carlos because, in spite of his condition, he was likely to be denied benefits as a result of his disease not specifically meeting the SSA’s exact requirements for juvenile diabetes. In 2002, thanks to CeDAR’s representation, Carlos was awarded SSI benefits, effectively doubling his family's financial means to care for him. 

Contributions also go toward helping CeDAR's critically important fight to ensure access to legal assistance. CeDAR continues working hard to bring about important policy changes while still remaining dedicated to helping many individual clients at the same time. But as everyone knows, these are trying times and it is becoming increasingly difficult to raise funds for this crucial work. This is why we need your help! We ask that you please give as generously as you are able so that we may continue to serve this deserving and underserved community.

Donations may be made via credit card through CeDAR's secure PayPal account link below, or, if you prefer mailing your donation, you may use the print form link. CeDAR will send you a receipt for your tax-deductible donation.   

Thank you for your support!

Christopher J. Bowes, Executive Director