Disability Services & Legal CTR

I have sought help twice from these guys: First, I sought assistance after discrimination from Burbank Housing. They at first acted like they were going to help. However, as soon as I emailed them a cease and desist letter from the BH attorney, laden with lies and exaggerations, thanks to the venomous lies that my very bigoted apartment manager told the regional manager, the disability legal services housing coordinator, Kimi Marsuda, wrote and said that they would not be able to assist me further. Obviously, this very young coordinator did not want to give me the benefit of the doubt. I tried again by writing the director, Adam Brown, who told me to contact Fair Housing, which had already failed to demonstrate to the Burbank Housing attorney that I was discriminated against due to national origin and/or disability. He offered to contact Fair Housing for me, to which I agreed. However, neither he nor anyone else contacted Fair Housing, leaving me in the dark and disappointed yet again. Fast forward to very recently when I needed assistance from them again due to the County failing to designate a medical provider who matched my criteria and deliberately assigning me to providers who were not compatible with me. I wrote the director Adam Brown again, expressing my disappointment at how others said good things about their organization, including my son’s mom. He wrote back acting like he was profusely apologetic, calling and talking a few days later for at least 20 minutes. I explained everything in detail and he asked me to sign a consent form for him to talk with employees of the county. I signed and emailed it and received no response. I called and emailed a week later and still, Adam Brown did not respond. I then wrote to the President of the board, Wayne Downey, and within a couple days, Adam Brown wrote, again acting like he was very apologetic, claiming he had contacted various staff at the county and not one responded to him. I also did not receive a reply or an acknowledgment from the president of the board, Wayne Downey. Adam Brown then said that I might get a call from their aging & disability resource center coordinator. However, again I did not receive any form of communication from anybody, leaving me high and dry and in the dark again. Based on internet photos, some research I did on staff members, my age, type of disability and national origin, I strongly believe that disability legal services have repeatedly neglected to help due to one or more of the aforementioned criteria. This goes against everything they purport to fight and advocate against. I am appalled. We live in the Bay Area and the year is 2024. Based on how I have been neglected, you would think otherwise. Shame on them.

This is a great place right in downtown Santa Rosa, California. The Disability Services & Legal Center helps out with all different types issues pertaining to being disabled. Areas of service: Housing and resource support (Food/ shelter/ medical), Assistive Technology, Adaptive and home modification, Benefits counseling, Legal Assistance for benefits, ADA concerns, etc…

These wonderful people started helping me 9 years ago! And let me tell you I haven't had nothing but great experiences with all of them especially Susie! I signed up to be a volunteer and I would send people in before I could start working! They helped me through times of need and tragedy! My complements to each and everyone of you for being so special to me ask your nation mark God bless you Suzy you gone above and beyond the Call of Duty and you do it with a smile! Disability and legal services is one of the places I say is a service with a heart! During the fires they were there and help me out! She was short. Of homelessness they help me out! During stick time operations others trials and tribulations that have come through my life they help me out! I love you read my post and go in and see him tell him Joanie sent you! From the bottom of my heart to the top of my soul thank you and God Adam was a great help to! I miss petting your dog! It takes a great group of people to make a great place like dslc lots of love Joanie Terry

Honestly, it’s a good place. They can help with lots of things related to disability and other matters pertaining to services needed. However, the level of attention you receive is next to none. They clearly have too many clients to keep track of any one persons needs. After dropping off my file from social security I waited expecting contact to discuss my case as was instructed to me. After 4 months, I found other legal representation. I was later told that I never dropped off a copy of my file although I signed a receipt stating that I did at their front desk while their front desk employee made a copy of said file. When you first go to discuss your disability case at their “orientation” you are put in a room with multiple other clients to discuss the personal details of you case with one person of the legal team. The rate of 25% that they take of your award is the same as any other law firm out there. Not sure the reason for using them when a law firm that will give more personalized attention to you and your case asks for the same rates.

They can help find permanent housing. They also can advocate and help navigate whatever challenges that may arise having a disability and needing services amongst the community.