Disability Justice

Student practitioners in the Disability Justice section protect and advance the civil rights of low-income children and adults with disabilities in Louisiana with a particular emphasis on the intersection of disability, race, poverty, and other marginalized communities. Students learn the substantive law, procedure, and practical lawyering skills needed to advocate for the legal rights of persons with disabilities. This includes advocating for the educational rights of students with disabilities in schools to ensure they receive a free and appropriate public education at Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, as well as representing students with disabilities in school disciplinary proceedings, mediation, administrative complaints, and due process hearings. Student practitioners also advocate for adults and children with disabilities to ensure they have access to the medical and mental health care services and public benefits they are entitled to under the law. This includes other public benefits matters such as individual representation regarding Medicaid service denials, reductions, and terminations and social security applications, denials, and terminations. In addition to lawyering skills and substantive law, student practitioners will learn about disability justice, as well as best practices in working with persons with disabilities and performing high quality, client-centered representation.