From a humble beginning in 1978, the Disability Law Center (DLC) looks much different than it once did. We started with just two employees and a budget of just $55,000. Now, with over 30 employees and an annual budget of $1.9 million, we are the disability law authority in Utah. Though our size and our impact have grown, we’re reminded that our principles and mission have stayed the same. So, how did we get here?
Events
The Fair Housing Testing Program
2013
The DLC receives a Private Enforcement Initiative grant from HUD to create our hallmark Fair Housing Testing Program. The program assesses rental properties and landlords for the presence or absence of housing discrimination.
The “Let’s Rethink Mental Illness” Campaign
2012
The “Let’s Rethink Mental Illness” campaign initiated by the DLC runs for six weeks and is designed to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
The ADA Amendments Act
2008
The ADA Amendments Act is passed by an Act of Congress. The Act modifies the definition of disability to enable a greater number of people to seek legal recourse via the ADA.
Decker v. Utah Department of Transportation
2003
DLC files the Decker v. Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) lawsuit to ensure that local city governments abide by the provisions in the ADA that make public sidewalks and thoroughfares accessible to people with disabilities.
The Community Legal Center Opens
2002
The Community Legal Center opens in the historic Morrison, Merrill & Co. building in Salt Lake City, and the DLC embarks on a visionary collaboration with Utah Legal Services and the Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake by opening its doors to the community at the new CLC location.
Olmstead v. L.C
1999
United State Supreme Court issues landmark decision in Olmstead v. L.C., which holds that the unnecessary institutionalization of people with disabilities is segregation and unlawful under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The “And Justice for All” Campaign
1999
The “And Justice for All” campaign is established with the DLC’s partner agencies, Utah Legal Services and the Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake to collaboratively raise funds and expand access to legal services for all Utahns.