In realizing its purpose, the DLS will organize and coordinate disability-related and outreach activities.
The DLS works to create an open, sustainable and accessible environment for students to raise awareness of and advocate for disability rights in the WCL community, the neighboring community, the legal profession, and society at large.
Operating as usual
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 25th! Our panelists will be joining us over zoom, but we’ll be eating lunch and watching together in YT14. You can register for the panel through the QR code or the link in our bio. This will be an incredible event, so we hope to see you all there!
Last minute venue change from the lawn to the atrium because of the rain! We hope to see you tomorrow.
Mark your calendars for our ASL for Lawyers event on October 12th! We’ll have food and fun as we learn some helpful legal signs.
Join us tomorrow for our first General Body Meeting of the semester! We’ll be discussing events for the rest of the year and answering any questions you have. We’ve reserved room N105- see you there!
If you missed us at the Org Fair, here’s a list of our upcoming activities and social media accounts. We look forward to seeing you at our happy hour on Friday!
Meet your ‘22-‘23 DLS E-Board! We are so excited to get to know all of you and serve in our positions this year.
In 1st, White House to provide American Sign Language interpretation for Biden address to Congress
In a first, the White House will provide American Sign Language interpretation for President Joe Biden's address to Congress next week.
Join us this Friday, April 23 at 12:00 pm as we engage with two disability advocates experienced in the District of Columbia and internationally!
Sandy Bernstein and Janet Lord will share insights from past experiences and from their present positions.
Bernstein worked on the litigation that shut down the District's notorious Forest Haven Asylum. She is now the Legal Director of University Legal Services, the District's Protection & Advocacy agency for advancing the civil rights of persons with disabilities. Janet Lord is the Senior Fellow for Harvard Law School's Project on Disability and has worked in a number of international positions, including the UN Disability Program, the US National Council on Disability, and Disabled Peoples' International. She is now serving as the senior advisor to the UN Special Rapporteur on Disability.
Register: https://american.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIrf-6sqTkiEtyJlpiDxWuGu0aNWogxrA7V
We hope to see you there!
Education Department canceling student debt for those with disabilities
If their income is found to exceed a certain limit than their loans will be reinstated.
Ableism in Academia - UCL Press
Rather than embracing difference as a reflection of wider society, academic ecosystems seek to normalise and homogenise ways of working and of being a researcher. As a consequence, ableism in academia is endemic. However, to date no attempt has been made to theorise experiences of ableism in academi...
Don't miss a conversation with Disability Rights Activist Judith Heumann and Dean Dinerstein next Monday at noon! Be sure to register online at www.wcl.american.edu/secele/registration for access.
Register now for a panel on Disability and Judicial Clerkships happening tomorrow at 3 PM!
This event is being co-hosted by The National Disabled Law Students Association (NDLSA) and Law Clerks for Diversity.
Clerkships can be an important entry point into the profession, but little information exists about navigating disability in that context.
To address this gap, the panel will bring together former judicial law clerks to talk about the application process and experiences of disability in chambers.
A resource list for aspiring clerks with disabilities will also be provided.
A collaboration between Law Clerks for Diversity and the NDLSA will bring together former clerks with future applicants.
The Disability Law Society is seeking applicants for the 2021-2022 Executive Board! Positions are open from today through this Thursday, March 25th at 5 PM!
Please submit a short statement (no greater than 2 paragraphs) describing your interest in a particular position (listed below) to [email protected].
DLS is a student-run organization committed to supporting students who are interested in careers in disability rights law (and related public interest law) through networking opportunities and events.
Our mission also includes supporting WCL students with disabilities through collaboration with Student Affairs and the SBA Disability Liaison(s).
DLS is seeking applicants for:
1) President
2) Vice President
3) Social Media and Community Chair
4) Outreach Chair
5) Events Chair
6) Treasurer
7) Mentorship Chair
8) At-large representatives for 2L, 3L, and PT students
(Some of these positions may need to be combined in the case of a smaller E-Board. Time commitments vary but are generally low, as we are a small organization.)
Prior E-Board experience is not a requisite. We also understand that many may not have had the chance to play an active role in DLS- don't let that stop you from running!
We are a small group of passionate students, so please help us continue our mission!
Fellow law students! The tenBroek Symposium is free for all students this year and the deadline is today! Sign up to get access to many topics including immigration, voting, and child restraint in schools (remember the 6 year old who was handcuffed!?!)
Disability Identity and Intersectionality;
Race and Gender Issues in the Civil Commitment Process;
Perspectives on Disability in US Muslim Communities;
Digital Accessibility—Developing Guidelines for Attorneys on Both Sides;
Impacts and Outcomes of Marginalization and Intersectionality on Mental and Physical Health;
ADA in Social and Human Service Settings;
The Disparate Impact of Changes to Immigration Policy on Asylum Seekers with Disabilities: Strategies to Fight Back;
Voting Rights for People with Disabilities Under the ADA;
Connecting Disability Work with Broader Diversity and Inclusion Work;
The Decline in the Employment of People with Disabilities—the Response of the Disability Rights Community
The annual Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium honors the legacy of Dr. Jacobus tenBroek who founded the National Federation of the Blind in 1940.
White House commits to sign language interpreter at every press briefing
ASL was used for the Pledge of Allegiance at President Biden's inauguration.
Many in disability law have been concerned about the possible rationing of care based on disability during COVID-19. Sadly, it happened in OR. In this piece by NPR the reality and some of the lawyers leading the charge are discussed.
*The attached article has both audio and visual options to access the story from NPR.
The fight to save the life of one woman reveals a grim pattern: In Oregon, people with disabilities were denied health care during the pandemic, even without a shortage of ventilators or other care.
Looking for a Spring internship? The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) in Washington, D.C. is accepting applications for part-time remote spring semester law interns in disability rights law. Legal interns will develop legal skills working directly with a highly experienced team of attorneys on projects related to different disability rights issues. NDRN is the non-profit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities. https://www.ndrn.org/
Interested in pursuing disability law? Or are you interested in civil rights, and curious to learn more about how disability rights and justice are part of the civil rights movement and legal practice? This Monday, November 9 at 6:00 p.m., our panel of speakers will share insights from their careers, answer questions from students, and provide advice about pursuing public interest careers.
Speakers will include Stephanie Herrera, an AUWCL and clinic graduate who worked in private practice and is now an Administrative Law Judge for the EEOC; Morgan Whitlatch, the Legal Director for the Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities; Nicole Kovite of the Department of Justice's Disability Rights Section; Megan Rusciano, an AUWCL graduate with Disability Rights Maryland; and Marissa Ditkowsky, an AUWCL graduate at Tzedek DC.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://american.zoom.us/j/94807182665
Join WCL's International and Comparative Legal Studies Program, this Friday, October 30 at 11 am, for Empowering and Protecting Persons With Disabilities During and After COVID-19. RSVP here: https://american.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7f2e9c2ac8809b13961437248&id=4e493a26b9&e=75ae574164
Amy Coney Barrett is a threat to disability rights. Her confirmation could reverse vital decisions that protect the lives and autonomy of individuals with disabilities as well as many other intersectional rights of people in our country.
Stay informed and continue the fight for human rights.
Jeneva Stone, a mom of a disabled son, writes about what life was like for her family before the Affordable Care Act. She details how her family surfed the edge of financial ruin, ineligible in Maryland for a Medicaid waiver to assist with her son's medical care.
WCL students- join us this coming Monday (October 26th) at 12:30pm for our first general body meeting of the semester!
This is a perfect opportunity for you to learn more about what we do and how you can benefit from being part of the Disability Law Society. We will also discuss plans for future professional and social events!
Be sure to join us the next day for ADA30 as well! (For more info about ADA30 and to RSVP: https://www.wcl.american.edu/impact/initiatives-programs/lawandgov/events/ada30/ )
Follow this link to join our Zoom meeting: https://american.zoom.us/j/97277055844
Join the Juvenile Justice Society (JJS) this Wednesday for Mental Health and the Juvenile Justice System! As DLS, we know that understanding children’s mental health and advocating for accommodations within the justice system is extremely important. If you’re interested in the justice system and disability rights, be sure to tune in to this panel! RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXs6KSmYjgfaydhDUgX_7irjiVCKUrT7xKBf-Ws8qhEQS3GQ/viewform
WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY
National White Cane Safety Day on October 15th annually celebrates the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired. The day marks the importance of recognizing the white cane. The white cane is not only a tool. It also represents the independence of those who are blind worldwide.
This day has been set aside to celebrate all of the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired, and the principal symbol of blindness and tool of independence, the white cane.
While technological advancements continue to improve the lives of the blind and visually impaired, the white cane continues to be a basic necessity for leading an independent and productive life. The white cane extends a person’s senses allowing them to determine steps, unlevel pavement, and obstacles. But it also provides a level of safety as a signal to the seeing public. It’s important not to disrupt the path of someone with a white cane or to steer them in another direction. A skilled user allows the cane to find the clearest way.
HOW TO OBSERVE
The best way to provide assistance is by keeping aisles and doorways clear of boxes and other debris is one good first step. However, the day primarily focuses on the independence and equality of those with visual impairments. Their vision shouldn’t be a hindrance to attaining their goals and dreams, and the white cane symbolizes those achievements. Use to post on social media.
NATIONAL WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY HISTORY
A joint resolution of the United States Congress H.R. 753 was signed into law as Pub.L.88-628 on October 6, 1964, and codified at 36 USC § 142. The resolution authorized the President of the United States to proclaim October 15th as White Cane Safety Day annually.
Within hours of the passage of the joint resolution, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the first proclamation for the observance.
This day was also named Blind Americans Equality Day in 2011 by President Barack Obama.
There is always so much more one can do to make a difference. For more information regarding White Cane Safety Day from the National Federation of the Blind.
Attention DLS recent grads! Don't miss the NDLSA application deadline tomorrow!
In honor of NDEAM, Marissa reviews the Workforce Recruitment Program as an option for disabled law students & recent grads.
Register now for ADA30: Looking Back, Moving Forward! The live webinar will take place on October 27 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
This year we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark legislation mandating baseline levels of accessibility for Americans with disabilities. We will reflect with a discussion on what the ADA and its champions achieved, and challenges people with disabilities still face.
The Program on Law and Government at WCL and event sponsor Verizon invite you to look back on and move forward with disability rights advocacy. The Disability Law Society is proud to be co-sponsoring this event alongside the Disability Rights Clinic and Student Bar Association.
For more information: https://www.wcl.american.edu/.../lawandgov/events/ad
Register here: https://alumniassociation.american.edu/s/1395/17/interior-1col.aspx?sid=1395&pgid=11696&gid=19&cid=18035&ecid=18035&post_id=0
Thank you to everyone who attended the Introduction to American Sign Language event! We had a great time, learned a lot, and are looking forward to hosting similar events! If you'd like a recording of the session, please email [email protected]
Coming up TODAY! We hope to see you there!
Come to the Introduction to American Sign Language this Wednesday at noon, presented by SBA Accessibility and DLS!
Remember to RSVP to receive the Zoom link! https://forms.gle/bFQgRDfZQhXYP7oH8
[Alt text is provided.]
Come to the Introduction to American Sign Language this Wednesday at noon, presented by SBA Accessibility and DLS!
Remember to RSVP to receive the Zoom link! https://forms.gle/bFQgRDfZQhXYP7oH8
[Alt text is provided.]
The WCL Chapter of If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice is hosting Brews, Brooms, & Ballots, taking place on TODAY at 5pm! The event registration link is located here: https://bit.ly/3kom9ps.
At this happy hour event, If/When/How will be discussing the upcoming election, sharing voting deadlines, and creating a space for students to interact and engage with WCL community members. Attendees are welcome to wear their best witchy garb and pour their favorite brew.
[Alt text has been provided.]
Check out the video we posted previously for a short introduction into the Disability Law Society!
[The text below reads: "As DLS aims to create an accessible and inclusive environment for all students interested in disability law personally and professionally, we also strive to be as intersectional as possible. People with disabilities do not exist in a vacuum, as each person can have a multitude of identities. The disability rights movement also cannot logically be separated from other civil rights movements. We must consistently aim to be intersectional and support other movements, as they have supported and inspired the disability rights movement as well.
-WCL's Disability Law Society"]
SBA Accessibility Presents: Introduction to American Sign Language
Wednesday, September 30, 2020, 12:00 pm EDT - 1:00 pm EDT
WCL community members are welcome! The theme of the ASL event is the ABCs and some important signs for greetings (i.e. "how are you?", "Yes", "No", etc.) and fun legal jargon that you will feel comfortable using in everyday life! ("I object!"). The purpose of this event, and hopefully a series, is to give the WCL community an opportunity to learn/practice ASL (which is useful for interacting with Deaf people and even serving Deaf clients someday). The SBA is collaborating with the Disability Law Society (DLS). Sign language interpreters will be requested. RSVP with this link: https://forms.gle/bFQgRDfZQhXYP7oH8 [All text in the gif is included in this description.]
If you’d like to be on our email listserv for events and job opportunities, please email [email protected]. Also, be sure to keep up to date with our community with our Instagram (), Twitter (), and LinkedIn Page and Group (WCL Disability Law Society).
Don't forget to register for the Annual Equal Justice Conference and Career Fair!
Registration is open for the Equal justice Works Conference & Career Fair (now online this year). The Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair is the largest national public interest legal career fair, bringing together more than 200 public interest employers to conduct interviews for full-time positions and internships.
AUWCL is once again participating in the fee waiver program for the first 150 students who register. When you get to the payment screen, select "Law School Fee Waiver." EJW has prepared guides on registering for the event and applying for prescheduled interviews. Don't forget that you have until this Friday, September 18 at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) to apply for prescheduled interviews. You must be registered and have an account before you can submit applications, please note this may take 24 hours so be sure to sign up to the org fair first! You may also engage in "table talk" interviews if you do not meet this deadline or if an employer decided only to do "table talk." If you run into any hiccups or have questions, email [email protected] with any questions.
The format is different this year. To see what positions are available for attendees to apply to, once your registration is completed, select "Apply for Prescheduled Interviews" under the "Interview" tab on the left-hand navigation panel.
Interested in a community that promotes disability rights awareness and advocacy? The Disability Law Society at WCL does just that! Watch the attached video for an intro into what we do. (CC are provided.)
WE GOT A NEW EMAIL: [email protected] Please email us if you have any questions or want to join!!
Judge Orders White House to Include Sign Language in Covid Briefings
The Trump administration may have violated federal law by not including American Sign Language interpretation in televised briefings on the coronavirus pandemic, a federal judge in Washington ruled…
Please join us tomorrow at noon for a discussion about public charge and disability rights.
PUBLIC CHARGE ROUNDTABLE:
INTERSECTION OF DISABILITY AND IMMIGRANTS’ RIGHTS. Wednesday October 30th at 12 pm in YT15. Join us for a discussion with Professor Alonso-Yoder and Professor Alvarez about the recent public charge regulations, refreshments will be served. Email us at [email protected] with questions or accommodations requests.
Gearing up for the first panel of today’s symposium: Creating Opportunities for Law Students with Disabilities in the 21st Century: Inclusivity on Campus and in the Workplace!
Disability Law Society—Weekly Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/972195de7dcf/disability-law-societyfirst-newsletter-1538345
Stop by Student Affairs in C101 to learn about accessing accommodations at AU! Want to get involved? Email us [email protected]. We are currently looking for 1L representatives!
4300 Nebraska Avenue NW
Washington D.C., DC
20016
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Washington College of Law Disability Law Society posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Washington College of Law Disability Law Society:
SBA Accessibility Presents: Introduction to American Sign Language Wednesday, September 30, 2020, 12:00 pm EDT - 1:00 pm EDT WCL community members are welcome! The theme of the ASL event is the ABCs and some important signs for greetings (i.e. "how are you?", "Yes", "No", etc.) and fun legal jargon that you will feel comfortable using in everyday life! ("I object!"). The purpose of this event, and hopefully a series, is to give the WCL community an opportunity to learn/practice ASL (which is useful for interacting with Deaf people and even serving Deaf clients someday). The SBA is collaborating with the Disability Law Society (DLS). Sign language interpreters will be requested. RSVP with this link: https://forms.gle/bFQgRDfZQhXYP7oH8 [All text in the gif is included in this description.]
Interested in a community that promotes disability rights awareness and advocacy? The Disability Law Society at WCL does just that! Watch the attached video for an intro into what we do. (CC are provided.) WE GOT A NEW EMAIL: [email protected] Please email us if you have any questions or want to join!!
Gearing up for the first panel of today’s symposium: Creating Opportunities for Law Students with Disabilities in the 21st Century: Inclusivity on Campus and in the Workplace!
Isabella & Ferdinand Academia de Español
Newark Street NWPotomac Overlook Regional Park
Marcey Road, ArlingtonCitizens Association of Georgetown CAG
30th Street NWCDA Council for Professional Recognition
16th Street NW
Center for a New American Security - CNAS
15th Street NW
Congressional Internet Caucus Academy
15th Street NW
EPIC - Electronic Privacy Information Center
New Hampshire Avenue NW
Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.
M Street
Osa Conservation (Conservación Osa)
14th Street Nw Suite
The American Academy of Diplomacy
18th Street NW