Disability Rights Mississippi

01/08/2026

Disability Rights Mississippi is hiring a Legal Director to lead our legal advocacy and advance the rights of people with disabilities across the state. This role offers the opportunity to guide impactful litigation, policy, and advocacy work as part of a mission-driven team.

Learn more about the role and how to apply here: http://www.drms.ms/job-openings/job-opening-legal-director

01/07/2026

A great opportunity for families in the Hattiesburg area!

The Hattiesburg Zoo hosts Sensory Day on the first Sunday of every month- giving families a consistent, welcoming space to plan for a more peaceful zoo visit.

From 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., guests can enjoy:
🎵 No music throughout the park
🚂 Quiet train rides
🧸 Sensory stations & calming animal encounters
🎧 Sensory bags available in the ticket booth (with headphones, fidgets, cue cards & more)

Our staff is trained and ready to support guests with sensory sensitivities, ensuring every visitor feels comfortable and included. 💛

No extra cost- regular admission applies and annual passes are accepted!

01/07/2026

Sonbeams Night Out
To reserve your spot: RSVP with Daphne Clark @ 601-594-3743 or email: sonbeams@ccs.ms

WHAT: Sonbeams Night Out is a ministry that provides respite care for parents of special needs children (this includes special needs kids as well as their siblings). It is also a fun night out for adults with special needs.

WHEN: Friday, January 09, 20266:30 PM until 9:00 PM

WHERE: Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church (PCA)750 S. Pear Orchard Road, Ridgeland, MS 39157 - Multi-Purpose Building

WHO: The Sonbeams Committee of POPC, and other volunteers,will be responsible for all who enjoy this night out. Medicalpersonnel will also be on hand. .

COST: FREE !!! Doors open at 6:30 PM.

01/06/2026

Today in Disability Rights History: January 6 marks the anniversary of the 1972 exposé on Willowbrook State School, a turning point that exposed the abuse and neglect people with disabilities faced in institutions across the country.

That moment helped lead to the creation of Protection & Advocacy systems—including Disability Rights Mississippi—to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of people with disabilities.

We’ve come a long way, but there is still much work to do. Decades later, people with disabilities still face abuse and neglect, which is why DRMS is here: to investigate, advocate, and act when harm occurs.

After watching this film, please take 2 minutes to complete the following survey so we can understand the impact: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WillowbrookD...

01/05/2026

Today is the last day to submit for the 2026 Mississippi DisAbility Megaconference Call for Presentations!

The program committee for the 2026 Mississippi disAbility MegaConference is soliciting presentations on all topics important to people with disabilities and their families. The committee encourages presentations by people with disabilities. Topics of interest may include: assistive technology, direct services, education, early intervention, employment, housing, health care, mental health, recreation, advocacy, or transportation. Other topics may also be considered. The Mississippi disAbility MegaConference program committee will schedule approximately one-hour presentations at any time on June 17 or 18.

Deadline for the 2026 Mississippi disAbility MegaConference Call for Presentations: January 5, 2026.

Find the application form here: https://tinyurl.com/megapresenter26

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from our DRMS family to yours. Thank you for being part of our community and for supporting our mission to protect and advocate for the rights of Mississippians with disabilities. Wishing you the happiest holidays!

As a reminder, our office will remain closed through January 2. We’ll see you in 2026!

12/19/2025

We were excited to host our kick-off meeting for the Career Horizons Project's Project Advisory Council (PAC) this past Tuesday. We have a great group of people serving on our PAC this year and our team looks forward to the great work we will be accomplishing with their support and feedback!



Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240107.

12/18/2025

From “Whoville” Wednesday to “Tacky Sweater” day and fun and games at our office Christmas lunch today, it’s been very Merry around here! This week has been filled with lots of Christmas cheer and special team time. After a year full of ups and downs, having the opportunity to laugh, celebrate our work, and spend time together has been a wonderful gift before we head into a much needed holiday break!

12/18/2025

Please note: our office will be closed for the holidays from December 22-January 2 so our staff can rest and recharge. We reopen on Monday, January 5 at 8:00 a.m. and look forward to connecting with you in the new year!

12/17/2025

Tis the season for giving back. Your support helps us:
- Investigate and prevent abuse, neglect, and rights violations in public and private living settings.
- Advocate for accessible education, employment, and community services.
- Provide information, guidance, and legal assistance to those navigating complex systems.

Your gift today directly impacts lives. Every dollar strengthens our ability to protect rights, promote independence, and empower people with disabilities across Mississippi. Donate today at www.drms/donate.

12/16/2025

It’s Christmas Spirit Week at our office and our team really turned it out for “Crazy Hair Monday” and “Tacky Tuesday!”

12/15/2025

Home is where you should feel the most comfortable. People with disabilities have the same housing rights as other tenants and have the right to reasonable accommodations, even if they are renting. Learn more about your rights in this video.

If you feel your rights have been violated due to your disability, give DRMS a call at 601-968-0600. We are here to protect the rights of Mississippians with disabilities and to assist them with full inclusion in home, community, education, and employment.