THE MISSION of The Protection and Advocacy program at University Legal Services ("ULS") is to ensure that people with disabilities are afforded the full rights and entitlements accorded to them by local and federal law. Among these rights are the right to self-determination, to be free from harm, to be afforded due process, to develop physically, emotionally and intellectually, and to be included in community life with the opportunities and choices these rights imply.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To advocate for successful inclusion in community life.

a. Promote full accessibility of public accommodations, housing, polling places, and other government- funded programs for people with mobility, hearing, and visual disabilities;

b. Investigate abuse and neglect complaints and instances where there is probable cause to suspect abuse or neglect;

c. Advocate for appropriate services and supports through the Evans v. Fenty litigation;

d. Provide outreach and education to administrative and policy-making bodies, advocates, and the community to promote self-determination, consumer choice, and high quality services in the most integrated appropriate setting;

e. Advocate that the Developmental Disabilities Administration and DC Medicaid promote self-determination and consumer choice and provide quality services and supports;

f. Work through litigation, advocacy, and collaboration to ensure that all persons with developmental disabilities have access to services in the most integrated community settings, including those persons transitioned to the community from institutions under the Money Follows the Person Grant and under the DDA Medicaid Waiver program;

g. Monitor and enforce the Young v. D.C. Housing Authority consent order requiring the construction and renovation of 565 fully wheelchair-accessible public housing units, among other improvements;

h. Advocate for the appropriate services and inclusion in the community for individuals who are dually diagnosed with a mental illness and an intellectual disability;

i. Advocate for appropriate services and supports through the ULS v. St. Elizabeths litigation;

j. Advocate against the improper use of seclusion, restraint, and medication at facilities where DC residents receive services.

2. To advocate for the rights of children.

a. Advocate for appropriate special education services, provided in DCPS schools, and Medicaid services for children at-risk of institutionalization without appropriate supports;

b. Advocate for the inclusion of children in their community schools;

c. Continue to represent the plaintiffs in Petties v. District of Columbia to ensure that class members receive safe and appropriate transportation services and that the District of Columbia Public Schools timely pays providers serving class members;

d. Provide outreach and education to administrative and policy-making bodies, advocates, and the community to promote the inclusion of children in the least restrictive environment and to advocate for the provision of appropriate special education services;

e. Educate policy-making bodies and the community on best practices related to seclusion and restraint in schools serving DC residents;

f. Present one or two training sessions on special education to members of the DC bar and complete the DC Bar pro bono intake referral forms to facilitate pro bono representation of children in need of special education advocacy.

3. Client appreciation

a. To host an outreach event awards program to highlight the work of the program and to bring together people with disabilities to celebrate their accomplishments.

CASE SELECTION CRITERIA:

1. Cases related to the protection of the legal and human rights of individuals with developmental disabilities and which fall within the aforementioned objectives; and

2. Cases in which the client is a resident of the District of Columbia.

While we recognize that every situation is important, please note case acceptance is dependent upon available resources, including staff time. If your case is not accepted and you wish to file a grievance, submit your grievance in writing to the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall respond to any client grievance in writing within thirty days of receipt. A client may appeal the Executive Director’s decision to the ULS Board of Directors within ten days of the written decision of the Executive Director. The decision of the ULS Board of Directors shall be final and not subject to further appeal or review.

Jane Brown, Executive Director
University Legal Services
220 I Street, N.E., Suite 130
Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 547-0198 Telephone
(202) 547-2662 Facsimile
(202) 547-2657 TTY