ULS Giving Tuesday Spotlight Newsletter

As we celebrate Giving Tuesday, we’re reminded of what your generosity makes possible. Every day, University Legal Services works to advance the rights, dignity, and independence of DC residents with disabilities.

This year, your support has allowed us to stand with hundreds of community members—fighting for accessible housing, advocating in schools and housing facilities, supporting returning citizens, strengthening cooperatives, and ensuring access to the tools that make independent living possible.

A New Victor Reader Stream—and a Renewed Sense of Independence

Several months ago, Ms. Jackson, a blind DC resident, reached out to the DC Assistive Technology Program (DCATP) for help. Her Victor Reader Stream—a small, tactile, audio-based device that connects her to books, news, information, and her daily notes—had suddenly stopped working. She sent it out for repair, not knowing how long she’d be without it, and borrowed a newer model from DCATP’s Assistive Technology Lending Library.

The Victor Reader Stream isn’t just a device. For many blind or low-vision users, it is a critical lifeline—providing access to audiobooks, newspapers, local job listings, community updates, and even personal voice recordings.

While Ms. Jackson used the loaned device, DCATP Assistive Technology Specialist Leonard McPherson stayed in close contact. The technician ultimately found that her device was unrepairable. Ms. Jackson was unable to afford a new device, and Leonard quickly checked her eligibility for a local grant program. With Ms. Jackson feedback on how she used the device, he prepared and submitted a funding application on her behalf.

Her application was approved, and several months later, Ms. Jackson received a new Victor Reader Stream 3.

Today, she uses it to safely store confidential audio notes, keep essential phone numbers, and listen to books and music. With one device, her independence and daily connection to the world have been restored.

This is the kind of quiet but life-changing support that your generosity fuels.

Your Giving Tuesday Gift Makes Stories Like This Possible

With your help, ULS has:

• Secured vital assistive technology for children, adults, and seniors with disabilities
• Helped DC residents realize their homeownership dreams and achieve financial stability
• Supported returning citizens with disabilities as they rebuild their lives
• Fought abuse and neglect in inpatient facilities, schools, and community-based residential and day settings
• Expanded access to device demonstrations, device loans, and AT funding assistance across the District

Your Giving Tuesday donation ensures that people like Ms. Jackson don’t lose their independence because of a broken device, inaccessible service, or unaffordable technology.

It ensures that DC residents with disabilities continue to have advocates, resources, and pathways to full participation in their communities.

Give Today. Empower Independence. Change a Life.

Thank you for standing with us on Giving Tuesday, and every day. Together, we make independence possible.

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