The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law launched the Disability Rights Law Clinic.
Professor Miller said the inaugural class of students this semester is looking forward to working to hone their legal skills and provide much-needed pro bono services to individuals with disabilities in Memphis, Tennessee.
Students in the clinic represent clients and their families in a variety of matters related to disability law and the rights of persons with disabilities. They typically litigate on behalf of clients who allege violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (a federal special education statute) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Students also advocate on behalf of disabled clients who seek personal care assistance to enable them to remain in their homes and avoid being placed in an institution or nursing home.
Law students are expected to take full ownership of their cases and are decision-makers (under faculty supervision) for all aspects of client representation.
Clinical students also participate in weekly classroom sessions, during which they practice legal skills and discuss the challenges they are facing in their legal work.
The clinic has already made an impact in the life of its first client.
In December, the clinic successfully represented a disabled client who appealed a TennCare decision to cut his in-home personal care assistance hours.
With the clinic’s assistance, the client convinced TennCare to maintain his current level of nursing services.
