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Cases we handle

The following is a list of cases we may handle at Equip for Equality. This does not include every single case we will take but it will give you a good idea of the kind of work we do. For a full description of our case priorities, including our systemic work and special initiatives that are not listed here, please read Equip for Equality’s  Priorities Plan.

Case we may take

For us to take a case, it must meet all of the points to the right. Even if your case meets all of these points, we can only take a case if our attorneys have enough time to take a new case.

  1. The issue is related to disability;
  2. The case has merit;
  3. There is a definable client case objective;
  4. The client is willing to participate actively and cooperate in the case resolution process, as appropriate;
  5. The client would not likely prevail without assistance from Equip for Equality;
  6. An unfavorable outcome would have a significant negative impact on the individual or the disability community;
  7. There are few or no appropriate referrals, and
  8. Equip for Equality has sufficient resources to devote to the matter.

Issues

Below are the types of issues we handle, including some examples of each type:

In general, we handle cases that involve personal safety, basic Health and fundamental liberties, for example:

  • Violations of an individual’s fundamental rights, including the right to be safe and free from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation
  • Misuse of physical holds, mechanical and chemical restraints, including forced medications, and seclusion
  • Inadequate discharge planning  and transitions from residential care facilities.
  • Investigations into deaths or serious injuries resulting from the use of physical holds, mechanical or chemical restraints or seclusion in all settings
  • Investigations of deaths which illustrate a systemic failure to ensure the personal safety and well-being of persons served
  • Failure to provide adequate and individualized supports and services in residential care settings resulting in serious harm
  • Improper restrictions of fundamental individual rights

We help eliminate barriers to physical buildings, programs, services and communications, such as:

  • Access to Public Accommodations (including educational institutions)
  • Access to Facilities, Goods and Services
  • Access to Government Services and programs (including voting, educational institutions, etc.)
  • Help with living or maintain living in the most integrated community setting
  • Involuntary discharges from community settings including CILAs (Community Integrated Living Arrangements)
  • Home services denials and reduction in hours by the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Rehabilitation Services or by the Illinois Department on Aging
  • Adverse action due to disability
  • Failure to hire, termination, or demotion
  • Discrimination based on association with a person with a disability
  • Reasonable accommodation requests
  • Disability/Medical-related inquiries on application or at job
  • Personality testing
  • Retaliation, harassment, hostile work environments

We help get funding for assistive technology equipment and services through:

  • Medicaid
  • Medicare- Illinois Department of Human Services – Division of Rehabilitation Services (DHS-DRS)
  • Private insurance
  • A PASS administered by the Social Security Administration
  • Other funding sources
  • In Cook County – Limited to cases involving service animals, emotional support animals or assistive technology
  • In all other Illinois counties – Limited to cases where (1) people are not receiving reasonable accommodations related to disability, or (2) are unable to fully enjoy the property or are at risk of eviction because of disability discrimination.
  • Prevention and termination of guardianship
  • Assistance with understanding the rights of individuals with disabilities who have guardians (e.g. marriage, voting, medical decisions, etc.)
  • Requests to limit the role of a guardian in decision making
  • Advance directives and change in Social Security representative payee (In these issues, we will provide self-advocacy assistance and referrals, but we will not prepare the actual documents or provide legal representation.)
If the case has to do with special education, we also look to see if the problem is in one of these areas:
  • Least Restrictive Environment (L.R.E.) – the student is in school with non-disabled students as much as possible.
  • Behavior Supports – help stop students from being suspended or expelled or being pushed out of school.
  • Transition Services and Plans – the student gets services starting at age 14.5 so when they are adults they can work, go on for more education, and live independently
  • Restraint, Seclusion, and Abuse – help stop students from being held by adults or put in a room by themselves or hurt.
  • Assistive Technology – the student gets help through technology, especially to help them communicate.
  • Eligibility for Special Education Services – the student needs to be found eligible to get the education they need.
  • Families and Children with Language Access Needs – the student’s parents do not speak English as their primary language and need help to plan their child’s education.

We typically only provide extended assistance for transportation cases, unless the case involves systemic issues.  We do not handle personal injury cases involving transportation companies or issues.

A man with Down syndrome with his arm around a friend

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