PATBI Objectives and Priorities 2022

STATEMENT OF PRIORITIES, OBJECTIVES, AND CASE SELECTION CRITERIA CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY 2022

THE MISSION of Disability Rights DC at University Legal Services (DRDC) is to ensure that District of Columbia residents with disabilities have the legal rights to which they are entitled, including the right to be free from harm, the right to individual choice, and the right to full inclusion in the community.

The following are the priorities and objectives for the Protection and Advocacy Program for individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (PATBI) for 2022:

1. Advocate for the successful inclusion of individuals with traumatic brain injury in community life.

a. Pursue legal advocacy to promote and protect the right to self-determination and community integration and to enable individuals with traumatic brain injury to receive reasonable accommodations which will allow them to live in the community and access programs and services offered by providers and government agencies.

2. Investigate allegations of abuse or neglect against individuals with traumatic brain injury and advocate for appropriate corrective action

a. Investigate allegations of individual and systemic abuse and neglect of people with traumatic brain injury in institutions and in community settings by District-funded providers and advocate for appropriate corrective action.

3. Educate individuals with traumatic brain injury, community members, and service providers about the availability of and how to access community-based services and supports.

4. Promote expansion and responsiveness of service providers and agencies who serve individuals who have TBIs through educating the community and stakeholders about the need for more appropriate and coordinated TBI services.

a. Educate the community and District agencies serving people with TBIs about the need to develop and provide services and accommodations in the most integrated setting for individuals with traumatic brain injury.

CASE SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Cases related to the protection of the legal and human rights of individuals with traumatic brain injury which fall within the aforementioned objectives; and

2. Cases in which the client is a resident of the District of Columbia.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

While Disability Rights DC (DRDC) at University Legal Services (ULS) recognizes that every situation is important, please note that case acceptance is dependent upon available resources, including staff time. If your case is not accepted and you wish to file a grievance, please submit your grievance in writing to ULS’ Executive Director. Current clients may also submit a grievance to the Executive Director about the quality of DRDC’s representation and regarding a decision to close a case. In addition, an individual who receives mental health or other services, his/her family members or representatives may also submit a grievance regarding DRDC’s advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities and role as the DC protection and advocacy program.   If requested, an individual may lodge an oral grievance with a DRDC staff member who shall put the grievance in writing and submit it to the Executive Director. The Executive Director may be reached at:

Jane Brown, Executive Director
Disability Rights DC at University Legal Services
220 I Street, N.E., Suite 130
Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 547-0198 Phone
(202) 547-2662 Fax
(202) 547-2657 TTY

The Executive Director shall respond in writing within thirty (30) days of receipt of a grievance from any client or prospective client, or community member who has an interest in the operation of the protection and advocacy program.

A grievant may appeal the Executive Director’s decision to the ULS Board of Directors within ten (10) days of the written decision of the Executive Director. The decision of the ULS Board of Directors shall be final and not subject to further appeal or review. Client confidentiality shall be maintained.