Legal & Advocacy Library

FAQs Library >> Legal & Advocacy

Are there attorneys who specifically handle disability law?

Yes. University Legal Services (ULS) is a private, nonprofit organization that provides legal advocacy for the human, legal and service rights of people with disabilities in DC. All services are offered free of charge to eligible individuals in accordance with ULS' available resources and policies. Services provided include the following:

• Information and referral to community resources
• Education and training about legal rights
• Investigation of reported or suspected instances of abuse or neglect
• Legal counsel; technical assistance, and litigation services
• Technical assistance regarding legislative and policy concerns

Are there groups that will help me learn to advocate for myself, if necessary?

Yes. Quite a few self-advocacy groups exist to aid people with disabilities in DC. A few of them are The ARC of DC, DC Quality Trust, AJE (Advocates for Justice and Education), and YEARC (Youth Empowerment and Advocacy Resource Center.

What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)?

It's a federal civil rights law that states public or private institutions cannot discriminate on the basis of disability. It helps to implement and enforce Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and also outlines additional protections for people with disabilities.

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