THE MISSION of the Protection and Advocacy program for individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (PATBI) at University Legal Services (ULS) is to ensure that people with disabilities are afforded the full rights and entitlements accorded to them by the Constitution, local, and federal law. Among these rights are the rights 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.

The following priorities and objectives reflect ULS’ commitment to promote individual choice, autonomy, and inclusion in community life.

1. Advocate for the successful inclusion of individuals with traumatic brain injury in community life.

a. Pursue legal advocacy to ensure that individuals with traumatic brain injury receive reasonable accommodations which will allow them to access existing programs and services offered by housing providers and government agencies.

b. Advocate for the discharge of individuals with traumatic brain injury from institutions to appropriate community settings with appropriate services and supports.

2. Investigate or resolve allegations of abuse or neglect against individuals with traumatic brain injury.

a. Investigate abuse or neglect complaints of individuals with traumatic brain injury in institutions and community settings.

3. Educate individuals with traumatic brain injury and service providers about the availability of and how to access existing community-based services and supports.

a. Investigate additional services and supports currently available to individuals with disabilities and integrate them into our current training and informational materials.

b. Provide training and informational materials to individuals and service providers about alternatives to institutionalization.

4. Promote expansion and responsiveness of the TBI service delivery systems through educating community leaders about the benefits of a TBI waiver.

a. Advocate with District agencies serving people with disabilities to develop services in the most integrated setting for individuals with traumatic brain injury.

CASE SELECTION CRITERIA

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

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

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

While we recognize that every situation is important, please note that case acceptance is dependent upon available resources, including staff time. If your case is not accepted and you wish to file a grievance, please submit your grievance in writing to the Executive Director. Current clients may also submit a grievance to the Executive Director about the quality of ULS’ representation. A client may lodge an oral grievance with a ULS staff member who shall put the grievance in writing and submit it to the Executive Director. The Executive Director may be reached at:

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

The Executive Director shall respond in writing within thirty (30) days of receipt of a grievance from any client or prospective client, or community member who has an interest in the operation of the protection and advocacy program.

A grievant may appeal the Executive Director’s decision to the ULS Board of Directors within ten (10) 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. Client confidentiality shall be maintained.

The Executive Director shall report grievances to the Board of Directors annually.