When TJ’s mother called DLC for help, TJ was 18 years old with severe mental retardation. He weighed 300 lbs., could not speak, wore a diaper and attended a school where the teachers chained him to his desk. His mother knew he wasn’t getting the education and supports he needed, yet the school said he was incapable of learning to speak or go to the bathroom independently.

With DLC’s help, TJ was evaluated and transferred to a school where he is finally getting the help and schooling he needs. He is now speaking, learning to use the bathroom himself and he is never chained or restrained in any way. He has lost 50 lbs. and his mother reports that he is happy and affectionate for the first time since he was a little boy.

TJ would still be chained to that same desk without DLC’s effective advocacy. TJ’s mother could not get the school to listen to her pleas to help her son. Like many of our clients, TJ’s mother is poor and English is not her first language. Yet, she knew her son and she knew TJ was capable of learning despite what the teachers were telling her.

Attorneys and advocates at DLC represent and advocate for kids with disabilities every day. But cutbacks in public agency services statewide are having a significant impact on thousands of kids with disabilities.

We need your help as never before. Our goal is to raise $50,000 to support the demand for services that these statewide budget cutbacks have created. With the help of generous people like you, DLC will be able to preserve the rights of people with disabilities, like TJ, to be free from discrimination and have access to an appropriate public education.

We know you have been generous in the past but please consider dedicating $25, $50, $100 or more to support people with disabilities. Whatever you can afford will help make a real difference.

Sincerely,

The Disability Law Center

P.S. Please help adults and children with disabilities today by sending your tax deductible gift to the Disability Law Center.