Disability Legal Information Clinic

1. Disability Legal Information Clinic Introductory Training Session 7th September 2011 CA005 Cairnes Building, 5-6pm. By: Clíona de Bhailís and Róisín Fitzpatrick

2. Clinic Details • Date: First Wednesday of Each Month • Time: 6pm-7.30pm • Location: Centre for Disability Law and Policy Centre Boardroom • Who is Present: Every drop in session will have at least one legal practitioner, one member of CDLP staff, and one or two student volunteers in attendance. If a client would like to speak to just one or two people instead of the full team, they can let us know.

3. Who can attend the clinic • NUIG Students • Local people with disabilities - Due to the confidential nature of the service which the clinic aims to provide, it will not be possible to ascertain whether users are students of NUIG. • Local individuals on behalf of people with disabilities - clinic policy is to require the person for whom information is sought to attend the clinic, and the person may bring someone (a parent, advocate or friend) with them for support if required.

4. Who will be referred to our research resource • Community Organisations(including advocacy groups and service providers) - since the information service is aimed primarily at individuals, organisations will be referred to the research resource aspect of the clinic, or asked to refer the individual in question (with a support person where appropriate) to drop-in clinics. • Professionals (legal practitioners, social workers, medical professionals)

5. Pre-Clinic • Queries might have been emailed in to clinic email account. • Respond to emails with time and location of next clinic – do not furnish with any legal information • Inquire into whether any special requirements are necessary for when they attend the clinic

6. Clinic • Put up FLAC poster • Laptop should be set up in clinic • Clinic should be set up in boardroom • Waiting room should be set up – ensure there is a meet and greet volunteer • Resource folder should be available to volunteers • Ensure accessibility of clinic

7. Practical Clinic Information • Disclaimer must be read out: confidential service, student volunteers can give legal information (not advice), if they have seen a solicitor before then we cannot give legal information, legal information must be for themselves rather than another. • Ask client “are there any special considerations or requirements client might require”. • If there is someone accompanying client – ask “is the client happy with someone accompanying them”. • Fill in a National FLAC Collection Form 2011 – information must refer to type of query and legal information given. There must be no identifying information recorded.

8. ADVISING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES • Treat clients with disabilities the same as you would treat any client – but as with any client, take into account that you allowance for people, especially as the legal world can be confusing. • Remember NOT to patronise – there is a fine balance between genuinely helping some one and patronising them • Any questions – we are all new to this and we want everyone to be as relaxed as possible with in clinics, both volunteers and clients.