University Legal Services

In a bustling city like Washington D.C., access to legal services and advocacy is essential, especially for vulnerable populations. University Legal Services (ULS) stands as a cornerstone in the District, providing critical support and representation to individuals who need it most. More than just a legal office, ULS is a vital non-profit organization that serves as the federally mandated protection and advocacy system for the human, legal, and service rights of people with disabilities in D.C. They are dedicated to safeguarding rights, promoting well-being, and fostering increased opportunities for underserved residents across the city.

Since its founding in 1967 as a street law clinic, ULS has evolved into a comprehensive resource committed to the preservation of thriving D.C. communities and the advancement of socioeconomic equity for its members. Their mission is deeply rooted in empowering individuals to exercise their full spectrum of rights, with a particular focus on housing opportunities and support for those with disabilities. ULS understands that navigating complex legal systems or accessing necessary resources can be overwhelming, and they strive to make these processes more manageable and equitable for their clients.

ULS's work extends across various critical programs, each designed to address specific needs within the community. From helping long-time D.C. residents achieve homeownership and avoid foreclosure to connecting people with disabilities with vital assistive technology, their impact is tangible and far-reaching. While they operate with dedication, it's worth noting that like many non-profit service providers, they balance high demand with available resources. For anyone in Washington D.C. seeking assistance in areas like disability rights, housing, or access to essential technology, University Legal Services offers a dedicated and experienced team committed to making a difference.

University Legal Services is conveniently located at 220 I St NE #130, Washington, DC 20002, USA. This address places the organization in a highly accessible part of Washington D.C., making it convenient for residents from various neighborhoods to reach their offices.

The Northeast location benefits significantly from its proximity to major transportation arteries. It is just a short walk from Union Station, a primary transportation hub in D.C. Union Station serves as a key stop for the Metro's Red Line, as well as Amtrak and MARC trains, providing excellent connectivity for clients traveling from across the District, Maryland, and Virginia. Additionally, numerous Metrobus routes operate in the vicinity, offering further public transit options.

For those who drive, while street parking in the area can be limited, there are often public parking garages available nearby, consistent with typical downtown D.C. parking conditions. Located on the 7th floor of a professional building, the office provides a discrete and appropriate setting for consultations. The accessibility of ULS's office underscores its commitment to serving the diverse needs of D.C. residents, ensuring that those who need their services can reach them with relative ease.

University Legal Services (ULS) provides a wide array of programs and services, primarily focusing on protecting the rights of people with disabilities and assisting low-to-moderate income D.C. residents with housing. Their work is categorized under several key programs:

• Disability Rights DC (DRDC): As D.C.'s federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) program, DRDC offers individual and systemic legal advocacy, community outreach, education, and investigation of abuse and neglect for adults, children, and youth with disabilities. This includes addressing rights violations in various settings (institutions, schools, jails), advocating for community integration, addressing barriers to employment, promoting accessible voting, advocating for school inclusion and transitional services, ensuring access to assistive technology, and supporting alternatives to guardianship.
• DC Assistive Technology Program (DCATP): This program helps D.C. residents with disabilities and seniors increase their independence and access to the community through assistive technology (AT). Services include demonstrations of AT devices, a device lending library, a reduced-interest financial loan program for AT purchases, access to recycled durable medical equipment (DC Shares), education on smartphone/tablet features (Get Connected), and empowering young adults as AT Champions. They offer free education, the ability to test devices, and one-on-one assistance from experienced occupational therapists.
• Housing Counseling Program (HCP): As a HUD-certified housing services provider, HCP is dedicated to helping long-time D.C. residents of low-to-moderate income achieve and sustain homeownership and financial stability. This includes one-on-one assistance with applying to city-sponsored programs like the Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP), Employer Assisted Homebuying Program (EHAP), and Inclusionary Zoning Program. They also work with homeowners to avoid mortgage default and foreclosure, manage budgets, rehabilitate properties through programs like the Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program (SFRRP), provide intensive rental and eviction counseling, and assist with finding affordable and accessible housing.
• Tenant Purchase Assistance Program: This program provides technical assistance and affordable housing asset management to tenants who exercise their Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) rights in D.C.
• Jail & Prison Advocacy Project (JPAP): This program's dedicated attorneys and advocates advocate for returning citizens with psychiatric disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries as they re-enter their communities, focusing on removing barriers to social integration, healthcare access, and major needs.
• Client Assistance Program (CAP): Designated by the D.C. Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), CAP provides advocacy services for clients of RSA, identifying, explaining, and resolving problems related to their rehabilitation programs.

University Legal Services (ULS) offers several key features and highlights that underscore its unique role and commitment to the Washington D.C. community:

• Federally Mandated P&A Agency: ULS serves as the District of Columbia's federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system for people with disabilities. This designation ensures that ULS has the authority and resources to provide comprehensive legal, administrative, and other remedies to resolve problems for individuals with disabilities, including investigating abuse and neglect.
• Comprehensive Disability Advocacy: Their Disability Rights DC (DRDC) program provides a broad spectrum of services, from individual representation and systemic advocacy to community education, covering diverse issues like housing accessibility, employment barriers, voting rights, and special education.
• Assistive Technology Expertise: ULS houses the DC Assistive Technology Program (DCATP), which is a crucial resource for D.C. residents. It offers not just information but also device demonstrations, a lending library, and financial assistance options, allowing individuals to experience and acquire technology that enhances their independence.
• HUD-Certified Housing Counseling: Their Housing Counseling Program is HUD-certified and provides free, one-on-one assistance to low-to-moderate income D.C. residents, helping them navigate complex city-sponsored homeownership and housing preservation programs like HPAP and avoid foreclosure.
• Focus on Underserved Populations: ULS is firmly committed to providing services to persons of low to moderate income, by federal definition, and specifically focuses on individuals with disabilities and those facing housing insecurity, directly addressing critical needs within the D.C. community.
• Long-Standing Community Presence: Established in 1967, ULS has a long history of safeguarding the rights and well-being of D.C. residents, demonstrating decades of dedication to the local community.
• Multilingual Services: Their housing counselors can deliver helpful presentations in both English and Spanish, increasing accessibility for a broader range of D.C. residents.

As a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential legal and advocacy services, University Legal Services (ULS) does not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. Instead, their core offering is accessible and often free services for eligible low-to-moderate income D.C. residents, particularly those with disabilities.

Their commitment to the community is reflected in their service model, which includes:

• Free Services for Eligible Clients: Many of ULS's programs, particularly those under Disability Rights DC and the Housing Counseling Program, are offered free of charge to eligible D.C. residents who meet specific income guidelines or have disabilities. This is a continuous "offer" of crucial support that might otherwise be unaffordable.
• Free Workshops and Educational Resources: The Housing Counseling Program, for example, offers regular workshops on city-sponsored housing programs, including HPAP and Inclusionary Zoning. These workshops provide valuable information and guidance at no cost, empowering residents with knowledge.
• Affordable Loan Programs for Assistive Technology: The DC Assistive Technology Program (DCATP) offers a federally-funded alternative financing program (DC Funds) that allows D.C. residents to borrow money at a very low interest rate to purchase much-needed assistive technology devices. This makes essential equipment more accessible.
• Free Device Lending Library and Recycled Equipment: DCATP also provides a device lending program, allowing residents to borrow assistive technology devices at no charge, and DC Shares, which offers free recycled durable medical equipment to eligible residents. These programs significantly reduce financial barriers to accessing vital tools.

For D.C. residents seeking assistance, the most important "offer" from University Legal Services is their dedication to providing high-quality, impactful support designed to improve lives and uphold rights, often at no cost. Prospective clients are encouraged to directly contact ULS to determine their eligibility for specific programs and services.

To connect with University Legal Services and learn more about how their programs and advocacy can assist you or someone you know in Washington D.C., please use the following contact details:

Address: 220 I St NE #130, Washington, DC 20002, USA

Phone: (202) 547-4747

Mobile Phone: +1 202-547-4747

Additionally, for specific program inquiries, ULS often provides dedicated contact numbers on their website. For example, the Disability Rights DC (DRDC) program can be reached at (202) 547-0198 (telephone) or (202) 547-2657 (TTY), and the DC Assistive Technology Program (DCATP) at (202) 547-0198 ext. 137 (telephone) or (202) 547-2657 (TTY). It is advisable to visit their official website or call the main number to be directed to the most appropriate department for your needs.

For residents of the District of Columbia, University Legal Services (ULS) is not just a suitable option, but an essential resource, particularly for individuals with disabilities and those facing housing challenges. Its deep integration into the D.C. community and its specialized services make it uniquely positioned to support locals in critical areas of their lives.

Firstly, ULS's convenient location at 220 I St NE, close to Union Station, offers excellent accessibility for D.C. residents. This ensures that individuals, regardless of their mobility or reliance on public transit, can reach their offices with relative ease, fostering greater access to vital services that are often difficult to navigate.

Secondly, ULS serves as D.C.'s federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency for people with disabilities. This means it is specifically designated and funded to protect the rights of disabled individuals within the District. For a community that includes a significant population of people with disabilities, having a dedicated, expert legal and advocacy body like ULS locally available is paramount. They understand the nuances of D.C. and federal laws concerning disability rights, assistive technology, and discrimination, making them highly effective advocates for local needs.

Furthermore, their comprehensive Housing Counseling Program directly addresses one of the most pressing issues for many D.C. residents: affordable housing and homeownership. By providing free, HUD-certified counseling and assistance with city-sponsored programs like HPAP, ULS directly contributes to the stability and well-being of low-to-moderate income families, helping them secure and maintain their homes in an expensive urban environment.

In summary, University Legal Services' long-standing commitment to the District, its specialized focus on disability rights and housing, its accessible location, and its dedication to providing services often at no cost, make it an indispensable and highly suitable "place" for locals in Washington D.C. seeking to uphold their rights and improve their quality of life.