University Legal Services (ULS)

University Legal Services (ULS) is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3), community-based organization that provides housing counseling, tenant purchase/asset management assistance, and assistive technology services to individuals throughout the District of Columbia. ULS also serves as the Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency for the District of Columbia through our Disability Rights DC (DRDC) unit. Through DRDC, we advance the mission to advocate for the human, civil, and legal rights and protections of people with disabilities.

A middle aged black man and black woman sit on a couch speaking to someone out of frame. They are holding pamphlets of paper.

Our work spans across five key programs

Jail & Prison Advocacy Project

The Jail & Prison Advocacy Project (JPAP)'s dedicated attorneys, re-entry advocates, and peer navigator advocate for returning citizens with psychiatric disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries as they re-enter their communities.

Housing Counseling Program

The Housing Counseling Program (HCP) helps DC residents achieve and sustain homeownership, improve their credit, avoid mortgage default and foreclosure, and more!

Tenant Purchase Assistance Program

Our Tenant Purchase Assistance Program provides technical assistance and affordable housing asset management to tenants who exercise their Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) rights in DC.

Disability Rights DC

Through individual representation, systemic advocacy, and community outreach, Disability Rights DC (DRDC) advocates for the human, civil, and legal rights of people with disabilities in DC.

DC Assistive Technology Program

The DC Assistive Technology Program (DCATP) connects people with disabilities and seniors to needed assistive technology products and services.

Davette, a Black woman wearing a floral dress, stands behind a table with white table cloth showcasing a number of assistive technology devices. She is presenting the devices to two visitors whose back is turned to the camera. A family of four, consisting of a man, a woman, and two little boys, celebrates in front of a house next to a "House for Sale Sold" sign.
About Us

ULS and why we do what we do

At ULS, we are driven by the belief that all individuals have a right to fair and equitable treatment, financial stability, and independent living. Our mission is to expand these rights to DC residents through three principal goals:

  • Keep low-to-moderate-income DC residents in their communities through homeownership, tenant purchase, and financial literacy.
  • Advocate for the human, civil, and legal rights of people with disabilities.  
  • Promote comfortable and independent living for seniors and people with disabilities through increased access to assistive technology.
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News & Articles

Stay updated on the most important happenings at ULS and in DC!

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Ever Lee Hairston, a Black woman with short, blonde hair, wears a green blazer and stands in front of trees and a blue sky.
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October 10, 2024

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Comedian Joshua Meyrowitz performs recently at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood, during a comedy show that aimed to be inclusive for neurodivergent people. (Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)
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October 1, 2024

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Sophie Morgan, a white woman with long blonde hair, is smiling into the camera in front of a background with different brand logos, including Delta and Peacock. Morgan is sitting in a wheelchair and wearing a quarter-sleeved pink and black dress.
Blog Post
September 3, 2024

Weekly Reading Roundup - September 3

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August 19, 2024

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Testimonials

Hear from some of our clients and donors!

Mary
DCATP Client

“Davette’s assistive technology presentation was very well-prepared. I was so surprised; I didn’t know all of this existed!”

GH
DRDC donor

“You guys are the best of anyone, and people without resources should get to access your services."

Elizabeth
JPAP Client

“I was starting from scratch with nothing to furnish my new place. JPAP took me on shopping trips so that I could buy all my apartment essentials, including cleaning supplies and bedding… DRDC’s support has allowed me to finally create a better life for myself.”

Contact us to learn about our services today!