Disability Rights New York receives multiple millions of dollars every year for its work in the…read moreState of New York. The program I asked for, received 1,4 million in 2025 for leaving clients with less possibilities left behind. I am based in New York City, and, for the first time in my life, I had to use their services. To provide more context, they offered technical assistance to my lawyer, but I had already stated that I cannot afford one because, after my father's accident, we became a low-income family. I searched for lawyers, but I cannot afford the high fees they ask for, and contingency lawyers are overwhelmed with cases. However, I trusted my federal agency. In fact, I checked and saw that they receive, just for the program I asked for, more than $1 million every year and almost $10 million annually to protect New Yorkers with disabilities. SPOILER: This is not true. When you need the service, you're lost. What I found was that, after providing six months of recordings, evidence of retaliation, inconsistencies in disability policies affecting not only me but also other people, and other evidence of multiple violations and the need for support, I received a letter from the Executive Director, stating basically the same thing that people are complaining about: the organization's lack of compliance. Apparently, for what I read and after what I saw, they always excuse themselves with "no resources for it," the same excuse they give to other affected people who trust their federal agency. The letter by the Executive Director states: "DRNY has finite resources and receives far more requests for services than it can possibly handle (...). There is nothing in the PAIMI Act that requires DRNY to provide any specific level of service." After the millions in federal funding they receive, and after stating on their webpage that they offer free legal services, if you cannot pay for your own lawyer, you're lost. The "big solution" they gave me was to fill out a random online form from the city stating what happened. I have to proceed with the process ALONE, I do not have any representation when the investigation comes, and the counterpart has access to good lawyers while I have to navigate this process alone. This is DRNY as a federal agency, leaving citizens with disabilities fighting big institutions, alone. Being fair, I have to say that the person who attended me, Marc Fliedner, was very polite, and I do not share the reviews saying that DRNY treats people badly, as he treated me well. However, "treating well somebody" doesn't mean they care about you: If you do not have economic access, you're lost, in my experience and after the director's letter. I do not understand how, after I stated that I cannot afford the high fees of a lawyer, and after contacting an organization that provides "free legal services," they simply state that they will not do it because they can't, even if the case has merit to receive these resources. After my blood boiled and while I am awaiting the second appeal before the Board of Members, even though I do not have any hope at this point, I contacted a journalist who covers disability rights in NYC. I guess you can also join if you are from outside the city. You can contact me at: alicebitvila@gmail.com if something similar happened to you and if they also left you alone with your case or they offered a pseudosolution that does not cover representation, if you cannot pay a lawyer by yourself. As a reminder: DISABILITY RIGHTS ARE NOT ENSURED UNTIL CITIZENS WHO CANNOT AFFORD A LAWYER ARE ALSO PROTECTED.

I am very disappointed with my experience with Disability Rights New York (DRNY). They present…read morethemselves as an independent protection and advocacy organization, but in practice I feel they only advocate when it benefits them, not the people they are supposed to serve. Communication has been poor, my concerns were not meaningfully addressed, and I did not feel heard or supported at any point in the process. Based on my experience, I would not recommend relying on DRNY if you are looking for strong, client-centered advocacy.

I found this guy cold and insensitive. Hire someone who will listen. He is very busy and shifted my…read more phone calls and discussions to his staff.

Zimberlin took my cases and got the ball rolling, very professional and relatively fast, as long as…read moreyou have a case i believe Russel is your guy, thanks a lot -Mike g

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a very intelligent, kind and compassionate attorney…read more The number one attorney in my world. You also have a great team. They have a fierce warrior attorney as a leader. Ivan Ramos is meticulous and loves what he does. Being an attorney is what he was born to do. He explains in great detail what to expect. No surprises, no promises. Very honest man. I received a substantial amount, which I did not expect. We were up against a huge insurance company in the tri-state area. Ramos fought for me till the end. You have to believe and he'll succeed. These cases are long and involves a lot patience. Thank you for all your guidance and for helping me during a very difficult time. Wishing you good health and happiness, always.

I highly recommend Attorney Ramos! He is extremely knowledgeable, strategic and committed. My case…read morewasn't an easy case and we won my appeal. Thank you, Attorney Ramos!

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My son was in a car accident in October of 2024 and got a concussion and his car was totaled. He…read morewas hit by a middle aged drunk driver. They refused to take my son's case.. mainly because the case wouldn't result in a large settlement. The drunk driver basically got a slap On the wrist and had to pay a small fine. He would have gone to jail... but because he was a white privileged male, he walked away unscathed .