Founded in 1979, the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund is one of the leading national civil rights law and policy centers in the United States. It is operated by individuals with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities. The agency helps to advance the civil and human rights of people with disabilities through legal advocacy, training, education and legislative development. The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund provides training and education to people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities about their rights under state and federal disability rights laws. It also educates lawyers, service providers and government officials about disability civil rights laws and policies. The center maintains a location in Berkeley, Calif.