Office Information
| Name: | Disability Rights California - San Diego Regional Office |
| Address: | 1111 Sixth Ave., Suite 200, San Diego, CA - 92101 |
| Phone: | (619) 239-7861 |
| Fax: | (619) 239-7906 |
Service Information
Our mission is to advocate, educate, investigate and litigate to advance and protect the rights of Californians with disabilities
10 free services Disability Rights California provides to eligible individuals
advice about legal, civil and service rights
technical assistance, training, publications and advocacy support for Californians with disabilities, their families and representatives
legislative advocacy to ensure laws benefit Californians with disabilities
investigate complaints about serious physical and sexual abuse and neglect-related deaths in institutions
outreach to traditionally underserved ethnic and disability communities
peer self-advocacy services for people with psychiatric or developmental disabilities
patients' rights advocacy for state psychiatric hospital residents, technical assistance and training for county advocates
rights advocacy for clients with developmental disabilities who are receiving services at regional centers
bringing impact litigation and acting as amicus curiae in disability-related cases
represent individuals based on priorities and case selection criteria
How we can help
If you have a disability and qualify for services, we can help you with problems like:
rights to basic support, personal care, therapy and health care like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), health care services including In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), Medi-Cal, and California Children's Services (CCS)
discrimination in housing, transportation, employment, and access to public and private programs and services
abuse, neglect, and rights violations in an institution
least restrictive environment, dignity, privacy, choice, and other basic rights
special education rights
mental health and support services that provide individualized treatment
regional center eligibility and services that promote independence such as supported living and family supports
voting registration, vote casting and accessible polling places
access to technology like communication devices and power wheelchairs
Mission Statement: Disability Rights California advocates, educates, investigates, and litigates to advance the rights, dignity, equal opportunities, and choices for all people with disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Legal Aid
- What is legal aid?
Legal aid is free or low-cost legal assistance for people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Legal aid organizations provide a variety of legal services, including advice, representation, and advocacy, to help low-income people resolve their civil legal problems.
- Who is eligible for legal aid?
Eligibility for legal aid varies depending on the organization. Generally, legal aid organizations serve people with incomes below a certain level, as determined by the federal poverty guidelines. Some legal aid organizations also have additional eligibility criteria, such as citizenship status or immigration status.
- What kind of cases does legal aid handle?
Legal aid organizations handle a wide range of civil legal problems, including:
* Housing* Education* Employment* Family law* Immigration* Public benefits* Consumer law* Health care* Disability rights
- How do I get legal aid?
To get legal aid, you can contact your local legal aid organization or a state or national legal aid hotline. Legal aid organizations typically have intake interviews to determine eligibility and assess the need for legal assistance.
- Is legal aid free?
Legal aid is generally free for eligible clients. However, some legal aid organizations may charge for certain services, such as filing fees or expert witness fees.
- What if I don’t qualify for legal aid?
If you do not qualify for legal aid, there are other options available to you, such as pro bono lawyers or legal self-help resources. Pro bono lawyers are lawyers who volunteer their time to provide free legal services to low-income people. Legal self-help resources can provide you with information and tools to help you represent yourself in court.
Here are some additional frequently asked questions about legal aid:
- What is the difference between legal aid and a public defender?
Legal aid organizations provide free or low-cost legal assistance to people with civil legal problems. Public defenders provide free legal assistance to people who are accused of crimes.
- Can I get legal aid for a criminal case?
No, legal aid organizations do not provide legal assistance for criminal cases. Criminal cases are handled by public defenders.
- How can I find a legal aid organization near me?
You can find a legal aid organization near you by visiting the website of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the national organization that funds legal aid programs. The LSC website has a directory of legal aid organizations by state and county.
Free Legal advices
Your Legal Rights, Your Way
Free Legal Advice for All
Access to Justice for Everyone
No Cost Legal Help for Low-Income Individuals
Pro Bono Lawyers: Helping Those in Need
Legal Aid Organizations: Your Source for Free Legal Services
Free Legal Advice Online, in Person, and by Phone
Get the Legal Help You Need, Without Breaking the Bank