Promoting and Protecting the Constitutional, Civil and Legal Rights of Persons who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

MCLD bridges the communication gap between the deaf and legal communities. We do this by educating persons who are deaf or hard of hearing on their rights under state and federal disability laws, and by training attorneys and the legal profession on how to best represent and serve a person with a hearing loss.

MCLD has the only accessible attorney referral service for deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States, and possibly the world. If you are a deaf or hard of hearing person and you need a referral to an attorney in any area of law, contact MCLD for a referral to an attorney who will accessible to your needs. If you need an attorney to write a will, to help you with your divorce, to represent you because of a DUI, or if you need information to file a complaint because of discrimination, please contact MCLD.

MCLD can also make sure that your lawyer provides an interpreter for you and that the court provides an accommodation for you. We can advocate on your behalf to make sure that your doctor provides an interpreter or other accommodation for you. We can answer your questions about your rights under state and federal laws. And, by becoming a member of MCLD, you will receive a personalized "pocket card" to carry with you that explains your right to communication access.

To view MCLD's video "Your Day in Court: An Educational Introduction for Persons Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing" visit the MCLD website.

For further information or assistance, contact:

Karen Aguilar, Associate Director
Midwest Center on Law and the Deaf (MCLD)
PO Box 804297
Chicago, IL 60680-4104
800.894.3653 (voice)
800.894.3654 (tty)
312.873.3813 (fax)
KGAguilar@mcld.org (e-mail)
www.mcld.org