Since 1977, Disability Rights Oregon has served as Oregon’s officially designated Protection & Advocacy System, working to promote and defend the rights of Oregonians with disabilities. The nonprofit seeks to transform systems, policies, and practices to give more Oregonians the opportunity to reach their full potential. Disability Rights Oregon focuses on empowering people with disabilities with information and tools that they can use to uphold their civil rights. The organization prioritizes issues that will impact the lives of the greatest number of Oregonians, and provides limited legal advice and representation. Through its federally-granted independent monitoring authority, Disability Rights Oregon can go into places that other organizations can’t. The organization shines a light on the conditions in jails, prisons, and hospitals to protect the human rights of people with disabilities. We challenge deeply entrenched stereotypes about disabilities and people who experience them, and strive to undermine stigmas that prevent people from fully participating in community life.