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As the Pledge Says: Justice for All

As the Pledge Says, Justice for All

by Emily Kibler | March 31, 2026
Returning to the community following incarceration is a jarring experience for every person who experiences it. Beyond the obvious housing and transportation barriers that are faced by many people in this situation, there are also hundreds of day-to-day obstacles that they may encounter such as:
  • Catching up with technological advancements (on top of accessing equipment)
  • Trouble with independence due to lacking autonomy while incarcerated
  • Limited funds for food, clothing, cleaning products, and other critical necessities
  • Prejudice in job search due to background
  • Loss of community and family relations
When you think of the many ways that the world is unkind towards people in this situation, the high rate of reoffenders starts to make more sense. It is easy to think of a sentence as having a start date and end date, but for many people exiting the justice system, the end date of their sentence is nowhere near the end of their sufferings. When the concepts of right and wrong have been flipped on their head by an unfair society, reoffending might seem like the only option a person has for survival.

This is even more true for people with physical, cognitive, and mental health disabilities. These disabilities place roadblocks in a person’s path toward independence at the best of times. While there are resources available to assist people in these situations, the resources may be out of reach due to factors relating to their disabilities as well as financial or technological barriers. Without a community to support a disabled individual after incarceration, hope for a successful future may be hard to find.

This is where organizations like Alliance of Disability Advocates come in. Our reentry program is designed to begin the process of support before the individual leaves incarceration so that no person ever feels like they are navigating this process alone. By going into facilities, our staff form connections that continue as people transition into the community and long after, while also facilitating access to housing, transportation, employment, and other key foundations for a fruitful life.

Our Individualized Reentry Plans provide:
  • Pre-release transition planning and coordination of disability accommodations
  • Assistance with SSI/SSDI and state benefits enrollment (such as Medicaid and SNAP)
  • Accessible housing placement resources and supports
  • Employment readiness education and supported job placement
  • Resources for Mental Health and case management services
  • Independent living skills training and peer mentorship
  • Transportation training
Without targeted support, individuals with disabilities face higher rates of homelessness, unemployment, hospitalization, and recidivism. However, with meaningful support these individuals can thrive, reconnect with their families, and become valued contributors to their communities.

Last year, when the grant that funded this program unexpectedly cut our funding, we had several generous community members who stepped up and provided the support we needed to keep the program running for a few months. While we are continuously applying for grants to support this program, opportunities are limited.

Therefore, we are asking for your help.

Donations given to this program will go directly to delivering the critical services our staff provide to individuals with disabilities transitioning out of the justice system. Every donation plays a role in helping people learn that independence and dignity are possible for all people, even when it seems hope is lost.

Second chances should be accessible to everyone. We are proud that our reentry program has helped over 700 individuals with disabilities transition into the community post-release. However, the statistic that is even more important is that our consumers have a 92% success rate of staying out of prison, which is due in great part to receiving services that assist them with obtaining housing, employment, state benefits, mental health resources, and reunification with their families. The reentry model at ADA has proved so successful that we have partnered with organizations in other states to implement similar programs across the country.

April is National Second Chance Month, a time for us all to consider the people who need our support and kindness the most. Please consider making a donation today to support individuals with disabilities as they prepare for release and rebuild their lives in the community. Together, we can create inclusive reentry pathways that promote stability, equity, and hope.
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About the Author
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Headshot of a young white woman with medium length wavy brown hair. She is wearing glasses, a necklace, and a rust colored shirt with small flowers.
Emily Kibler
Communications & Compliance Director
Alliance of Disability Advocates
Published Tuesday, March 31, 2026

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