Disability Rights Center, established in 1977, is a private nonprofit agency with its office in Little Rock, Ark. It provides independent rights protection and advocacy system for persons with disabilities in Arkansas. It operates eight federally funded programs to advocate for and protect the rights of community members with disabilities and is part of a nationwide network of congressionally mandated legally based disability rights agencies. DRC has the authority to provide legal representation and other advocacy services and can enter any facility in the state that provides care or treatment to persons with disabilities. Disability Rights Center provides services free of charge.