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The Disability Law Center (DLC) is the
Protection and Advocacy agency for
Massachusetts. DLC is a private,
non-profit organization responsible for
providing protection and advocacy for the rights
of Massachusetts residents with disabilities.
DLC receives federal, state and private funding
but is not part of the state or federal
government.
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Our Mission |
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To
provide legal advocacy on disability issues that
promote the fundamental rights of all people
with disabilities to participate fully and
equally in the social and economic life of
Massachusetts. |
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What We Do |
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We provide
information, referral, technical assistance and
representation regarding legal rights and
services for people with disabilities. |
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We provide legal
services to eligible people and groups whose
cases meet DLC’s
priorities. |
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We seek to strike a
balance between systemic advocacy and individual
representation. |
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Our experienced
lawyers and paralegals conduct trainings for
community groups and other advocacy
organizations. |
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Who We Serve |
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People with disabilities. DLC provides legal
services to people in Massachusetts who have a
wide range of physical, psychiatric, sensory and
cognitive disabilities.
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People with disability related
problems. DLC serves individuals who
experience discrimination, abuse or neglect or
denial of services because of their disability.
DLC does not handle general legal problems such
as obtaining a divorce, filing for bankruptcy or
trust & estate issues. |
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People with disabilities whose
legal problem falls within a priority.
Demand for DLC’s services far exceeds our
resources. DLC adopts annual priorities
based on input from people with disabilities.
Priorities are available upon request or can be
seen on the DLC website. |
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People with disabilities whose
case has merit and DLC has the staff time and
resources necessary to resolve the issue.
Given DLC’s limited resources, DLC must
concentrate staff time and funding on cases that
meet our priorities and will make a significant
impact for people with disabilities.
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What Types of Problems Can We
Help With? |
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DLC has
experienced staff who provide services in the following issue areas.
Please see DLC’s specific priorities for each of the issue areas listed
below.
Access to
Community Services
Special Education
Health Care
Disability Benefits
Rights and
Conditions in Facilities
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What Happens When You Call DLC With
a Question or Problem? A support staff member
will gather your contact information and ask you to briefly describe your
question or problem.
An Intake Paralegal will contact you and ask you to
describe your question or legal problem in detail.
The Intake Paralegal will consult with an attorney to
review the issue according to DLC’s case eligibility criteria.
If DLC is able to assist you, an attorney will be assigned
to your case. If we are not able to assist you, we will provide you with
referrals to organizations and private fare attorneys who may be able to
help you. |
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ASL Video Series
Website Content Presented in
American Sign Language.
Watch the Series
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Our Protection and Advocacy Agency
Access Authority |
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DLC is the federally mandated
Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency for Massachusetts.
The P&A system is a national network of disability rights
agencies investigating abuse and neglect and providing legal
representation and other advocacy services to people with
disabilities. To aid P&A Agencies in fulfilling their
mandate, Congress gave them extensive access authority.
Our Protection and Advocacy Agency Access
Authority |
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We Seek Input On Our Priorities |
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In order to use our advocacy resources
in the most effective way possible, DLC undergoes an annual
priority setting process. An important part of that effort
is to seek input from a broad range of people in the disability
community.
Help us Shape our Priorities |
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Client Grievance Procedure |
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We have a grievance procedure for all clients
and prospective clients. |
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English
Español |
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