Access and Inclusion at Tzedek DC

Tzedek DC is committed to making our services and programs accessible and open to all DC residents. With 25 percent of our clients having a disability, we recognize that inclusivity is not just a goal but fundamental to our mission statement. We're dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for all individuals. While we have a legal and ethical obligation to support disabled clients, we know that the law is the floor—not the ceiling.

We know that navigating the legal system can be complicated, and interacting with the legal system may be a new and stressful experience for many clients. Below is Tedek DC’s access information, as well as a list of examples of common accommodations that can serve as a helpful tool for understanding what you need to feel supported and fully benefit from our services and programs. While this is not an exhaustive list, we hope it provides a helpful reference point. Please feel free to reach out with any further questions or needs.

Disability Access Information

Wheelchair and physical access. Our Navy Yard and Van Ness offices are both wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms. Elevators are available at each location.

Travel information. Our offices are accessible via Metro, Metrobus, and car.

  • Van Ness office. The Van Ness office is located within the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law, about 0.2 miles from the Van Ness Metro stop on the Red line. This office is also on the D70 bus route. There is both metered and Zone 3 street parking surrounding this office. You can also use the guest parking garage for the University of the District of Columbia Van Ness campus.

  • Navy Yard office. The Navy Yard office is 0.1 miles from the Navy Yard Metro stop on the Green line; use the exit toward the Department of Transportation, not the Ballpark. This office is also near the C55, C11, and C31 bus routes. There is limited metered street parking and a garage at 1100 New Jersey Ave SE, which costs about $11 for one hour, with a daily maximum of $21. You can enter this garage at 1119 2nd St SE, Washington, DC. There are also a number of parking garages nearby. There is Zone 6 street parking a few blocks northeast of the office.

Service animals. While animals are generally prohibited, service animals are welcome.

Communication. Clients can reach out to Tzedek DC for assistance by leaving a voicemail on our intake line (202-274-7386) or submitting information using our contact form. While Tzedek DC does not have drop-in hours, you may request an in-person appointment for intakes or meetings if that is most accessible to you. We also accept referrals from other organizations and community outreach events, and we participate in the DC Debt Collection Defense Hotline (202-851-3387), which offers live assistance. We know that legalese is very confusing and inaccessible. That is why we try to use plain language to explain your legal rights and options.

Avoiding fragrances. While Tzedek DC is not generally a fragrance-free environment and shares a space with other organizations, Tzedek DC can accommodate community members based on their individual needs, whether through an alternative meeting space or otherwise.

Fluorescent Lighting. Fluorescent lighting is used at both the UDC and Navy Yard Tzedek DC offices. If this poses any concerns, please talk with your attorney about using only natural light, an alternative meeting space, or another option.

COVID-19 Precautions. While Tzedek DC no longer requires masks or COVID-19 testing, Tzedek DC can accommodate community members based on their individual needs, whether through an alternative meeting space, masking, or COVID-19 testing of Tzedek DC staff, or otherwise. Note that Tzedek DC shares space with other organizations, meaning Tzedek DC cannot require that COVID safety protocols are followed by others.

Disability Accommodations

  • Accessible Parking. If you require closer or accessible parking at Van Ness or Navy Yard, you may reach out in advance so we can discuss available options.

  • Alternative Meeting Locations. Tzedek DC has two available office locations. We are also equipped to meet in alternative locations, online, or over the phone.

  • American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation. ASL interpreters are available for those who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing, and individuals with other speech- and communication-related disabilities. Interpreters for other sign languages may also be secured with advance notice. Tzedek DC is also experienced in using Relay services to communicate with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing clients.

  • Large Print and Alternative Formats. Materials are available in larger font sizes or alternative formats for individuals who are Blind, low vision, or have other print-related disabilities.

  • Meeting or Hearing Reminders. We recognize that keeping track of meetings and hearings can be challenging, especially when clients are dealing with so much at once. Tzedek DC may provide reminders, which are especially helpful for clients with memory-related disabilities.

  • Note-takers and Post-Meeting Summaries. Tzedek DC may provide a summary of next steps following meetings and hearings for those who have memory, auditory processing, or other disabilities. Some clients may also benefit from note-takers.

  • Breaks. We know that discussing legal issues can be difficult. Clients can take breaks or pick up conversations at a later time, as needed and possible.

There are many types of accommodations that are not listed here. We are always happy to work with clients and discuss their needs to make sure they can fully participate in meetings and representation.

We also recognize that clients may need accommodations to access court hearings. While the court is generally responsible for providing these types of accommodations, we can work with clients to make sure they get the accommodations they need.

Other Access Information

Gender Inclusive Bathrooms. There are gender-inclusive/single-stall restrooms at our UDC location. While there are no gender-inclusive/single stall restrooms in our Navy Yard office, the restrooms in our office have covered stalls, and there are gender-inclusive single stall restrooms at the Five Guys in our building.

Lactation spaces. There is no designated lactation space for visitors at either the UDC or Navy Yard Tzedek DC offices. If you require such space, please feel free to inform your attorney, who can work with you to ensure your needs are met.

Prayer space. There is no designated prayer space at either the UDC or Navy Yard Tzedek DC offices. If you require such space, please feel free to inform your attorney, who can work with you to ensure your needs are met.

Contact Information

If you are seeking accommodations for the intake process, please indicate that in your voicemail or on the online intake form.

If you are already working with Tzedek DC, please contact your attorney or financial counselor or Marissa Ditkowsky, Disabilities Community Project Staff Attorney, at (202) 630-3549 or md@tzedekdc.org to request accommodations.