THE MISSIONof 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:
I. To advocate for successful inclusion in community life of people with developmental disabilities.
a. Promote full accessibility of public accommodations, housing, D.C. public schools, polling places and other government- funded programs for people with mobility, hearing and visual disabilities;
b. Investigate abuse and neglect complaints;
c. Advocate for appropriate services and supports through Evans v. Williams 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. Work to ensure that assistive technology, and quality services and supports are available through Medicaid and the Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Administration (MRDDA);
f. Work through litigation, advocacy and collaboration to ensure all persons with developmental disabilities have access to services in the most integrated community settings;
g. Monitor and enforce the Young v. DC Housing Authority consent order requiring the construction and renovation of 565 fully wheelchair-accessible public housing units, among other improvements;
h. Advocate for a system of care for people who are eligible for both MRDDA and DMH services to obtain appropriate community-based services;
i. Advocate for quality, integrated day program services and employment opportunities in the community;
j.
Advocate for appropriate services and supports through the ULS v St. Elizabeths litigation
II. To advocate for the educational rights of individuals with disabilities.
a. Promote successful transitioning from school-to-work with District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and the DC Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Administration (MRDDA);
b. Promote the provision and acquisition of Assistive Technology in the D.C. Public Schools;
c. Advocate for appropriate Medicaid, and special education services provided through DCPS for students who are at risk of institutionalization without appropriate supports;
d. Advocate for the inclusion of children in their community schools;
e. Ensure that Petties v. D.C. class members receive safe and appropriate transportation services and that DCPS timely pays private providers serving class members;
f.
Provide outreach and education to administrative and policy-making bodies, advocates and the community to promote inclusion of children in the least restrictive environment
CASE SELECTION CRITERIA AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE:
1. Cases related to the protection of the legal and human rights of individuals with developmental disabilities which fall within the aforementioned objectives.
2. Cases in which the client is a resident of or has sufficient contacts with 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 Phone
(202) 547-2662 Fax
(202) 547-2657 TTY
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Last revised on
January 28, 2007