Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware
LightNews LightNews
banner
declasi.bsky.social
Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware
@declasi.bsky.social
250 followers 180 following 190 posts
Providing free civil legal services to vulnerable and underserved Delawareans, helping to ensure equal access to justice.

www.declasi.org
Posts Replies Media Videos
declasi.bsky.social
This Thursday, Jan. 29 at 12 p.m., join Stefanie Ramirez from CLASI's Disability Rights Delaware program & the Parent Information Center of Delaware for a FREE webinar about legal protections for students w/ disabilities in school disciplinary actions. Register here: forms.monday.com/forms/54ee21...
January 28, 2026 at 10:27 PM
declasi.bsky.social
CLASI's offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

For a list of MLK Jr. Day service events and celebrations in Delaware, visit: delawaretoday.com/things-to-do...
Graphic with black text at the top reading "MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY" above black text reading "CLASI's offices will be CLOSED on Monday, January 19, 2026 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day" next to a drawing of Martin Luther King Jr. in black and white, with the CLASI logo in white at the bottom.
January 19, 2026 at 1:33 PM
declasi.bsky.social
Thanks to Cris Barrish & @whyynews.bsky.social for covering our recent settlement with the Delaware Dept. of Education to address long-standing failures to provide legally mandated special education services to incarcerated young adults with disabilities.

Read the story ➡️ whyy.org/articles/del...
Screenshot of article on WHYY news website with headline reading "First State Focus: Delaware settles lawsuit that alleged 'systemic failures' with how state provides special education services for prisoners" and the subheadline "The state's consent decree with the Community Legal Aid Society will be monitored by an independent evaluator and U.S. District Court" above a byline for reporter Cris Barrish and a photo of a classroom at James T. Vaughn Correctional Facility in Delaware.
January 13, 2026 at 5:40 PM
declasi.bsky.social
Happy holidays from all of us at CLASI!

We’re grateful to our clients, community partners, and supporters for your collaboration and trust throughout the year, and for being part of our shared commitment to justice.

We wish you a safe, healthy, and peaceful holiday season and a hopeful new year!
Group photo of CLASI staff taken in Dover, Delaware in December 2025.
December 26, 2025 at 6:13 PM
declasi.bsky.social
Please note that CLASI's offices will be closed on the following days:

• Wednesday, December 24
• Thursday, December 25
• Friday, December 26
• Wednesday, December 31
• Thursday, January 1

Happy Holidays!
Graphic with the CLASI logo at the top and the words "Holiday Schedule" above a table with the dates CLASI will be closed: 12/24, 12/25, 12/26, 12/31, and 1/1, above the words "Please note that CLASI's offices will be closed on the above dates. Happy Holidays!"
December 26, 2025 at 6:07 PM
declasi.bsky.social
Last week, CLASI's Sarah Rhine joined Abigail Lee of Delaware Public Media for an important conversation about tenants’ rights in Delaware, including what to do when facing eviction & how to access free legal help through the Right to Representation program ➡️ www.delawarepublic.org/show/the-gre...
Understanding tenants rights in Delaware
The homeownership rate in Delaware decreased by 3% in the last decade, from 74% to 71%, as of 2023. And that’s still higher than the national rate, which sits at 64%.So, about a quarter of the state’s...
www.delawarepublic.org
December 16, 2025 at 8:34 PM
declasi.bsky.social
CLASI's Disability Rights Delaware program and public interest law firm Terris, Pravlik & Millian, LLP have secured a major settlement with the Delaware Dept. of Education to reform the special education system for incarcerated students with disabilities. Learn more ➡️ www.declasi.org/news-and-sto...
Graphic with photo of CLASI and TPM attorneys in front of the federal courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware with text reading: "CASE VICTORY. Settlement secures critical special education reforms for incarcerated students in Delaware. CLASI and public interest firm TPM have reached a major settlement with the Delaware Department of Education to overhaul special education in the state’s prison system after years of systemic failures to provide legally mandated instruction and services to students with disabilities." At the bottom are the CLASI and TPM logos. Graphic with text reading: "We filed this lawsuit because it was past time for the state of Delaware to make real, lasting changes in the provision of special education to incarcerated students with disabilities. Providing incarcerated students with the educational services they are entitled to benefits not just these students, but the entire community through reduction in recidivism and increased employment opportunities. Kym Davis Rogers, Legal Director, Disability Rights Delaware, Community Legal Aid Society, Inc."  Graphic with text reading: "Protecting the rights of students with disabilities is essential for those in correctional facilities, where young people experience disabilities at far higher rates than their peers. This consent decree is a major step forward to remedying longstanding issues. It moves Delaware toward compliance with the law to ensure that incarcerated students can access the special education and related services they need. We are committed to working with Delaware to make these rights a reality. Todd Gluckman, Partner, Terris, Pravlik & Millian, LLP."  Graphic with text reading: "We hope now there will be real accountability and policies in place so that other families won’t have to endure what we’ve been through, and these students can get the education and skills they need to be successful in the future. It’s been a very challenging time for my son and our family trying to get him the education he is entitled to, and sometimes we felt like giving up. We kept going because we wanted other families to know that their children have the right to an education. Denise Hampton, Parent/Advocate"
December 12, 2025 at 4:40 PM
declasi.bsky.social
This month, CLASI's Gilberte Pierre and Jacky Saez-Rosario organized a staff food drive for the Food Bank of Delaware, which collected 388 pounds of food!

With food insecurity at record levels, we're grateful for the chance to help ensure Delaware families can access healthy, nourishing meals.
Photo of CLASI staff members Gilberte Pierre and Jacky Saez-Rosario standing and smiling in CLASI's Wilmington office next to banker boxes filled with food donations. Photo of banker boxes filled with food donations.
November 25, 2025 at 2:01 AM
declasi.bsky.social
Join us on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, for "Health Decision-Making: Implementation of the Revised Uniform Health Care Act," a FREE course offering a practical overview of the evolving legal landscape surrounding health decision-making. Learn more and register here: delawarecle.org/product/12-3...
Graphic with the title "Health Decision-Making: Implementation of the Revised Uniform Health Care Act CLE" with the text reading "Dover or Zoom" and "December 3, 2025, 8:30 am - 11:30 am, 3 hours of CLE Credit available- In-person or video credit; FREE training" above photos of 7 speakers: The Hon. Selena Molina, Alexandra McFassel, Esq., Marissa Band, Esq., MPAP; Deirdre McCartney, Esq.; Elle Van Dahlgren, Esq.; S. Hope Vella, BSW, MS, and Beth A. Mineo, PhD.
November 24, 2025 at 10:23 PM
declasi.bsky.social
CLASI attorneys Tony Sierzega (pictured) and Peyton Carper had a great time connecting with Villanova Law School students last week during a networking event hosted by the Pro Bono Society, Anti-Poverty Law Society, and Walter A. Lucas Public Interest Fellowship Program!
Photo of CLASI attorney Tony Sierzega smiling and sitting behind a table covered with handouts at a networking event at Villanova Law School.
November 24, 2025 at 7:50 PM
declasi.bsky.social
Congrats to our attorneys recognized as 2025 Delaware "Top Lawyers":
-Alicia Dugger & Emily Houde (Immigration Law)
-Megan Mahle (Family Law)
-Richard Morse (Civil Rights Law)
-Anthony Panicola (Elder Law)
-John Whitelaw (Social Security/Disability Law)
Learn more: delawaretoday.com/life-style/d...
Photo of CLASI attorneys Richard Morse and Anthony Panicola smiling and holding a sign reading "Top Lawyer 2025 Delaware Today" Graphic with the CLASI logo at the top with blue and white text reading: Congratulations to our 2025 Delaware “Top Lawyers” Alicia Dugger Immigration and International Law Emily Houde Immigration and International Law Megan Mahle Family Law Richard Morse Civil Rights Law Anthony Panicola Elder Law John Whitelaw Social Security/Disability Law
November 21, 2025 at 6:29 PM
declasi.bsky.social
This Veterans Day, we honor and thank all veterans for their service, including CLASI staff members and clients.

Our offices are closed today, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in observance of the holiday, and will reopen tomorrow.
Graphic with illustrations of a waving American flag in the upper left and lower right corners, with the CLASI logo at the top and the words "Veterans Day November 11, 2025 Honoring and Thanking All Who Have Served" in the center.
November 11, 2025 at 3:24 PM
declasi.bsky.social
We had a great time at the Pro Bono Fair hosted by Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP as part of the 2025 National Celebration of Pro Bono. Thank you to all those in Delaware's legal community who volunteer their time and expertise to advancing access to justice throughout the year.
#ProBonoWeek
Photo of two CLASI staff members smiling behind a table at the Pro Bono Fair hosted by the Young Conaway law firm.
November 11, 2025 at 3:23 PM
declasi.bsky.social
TODAY, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. CLASI's Sarah Rhine will lead a webinar examining the impacts of housing insecurity on individual and community health, and strategies for addressing housing-related health disparities in Delaware.

Learn more & register here: udel.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
October 16, 2025 at 3:11 PM
declasi.bsky.social
Thank you @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social for sharing the story of CLASI's client Isabela — a Delaware mother & domestic violence survivor wrongfully arrested & sent to Louisiana for deportation, despite having legally protected status.

📰Read the full story: spotlightdelaware.org/2025/10/13/b...
Screenshot of an online article with "Spotlight Delaware" at the top above a headline reading "'Bring her back': Delaware abuse victim rescued from ICE deportation" with a photo of a woman's hands clasped together.
October 14, 2025 at 6:52 PM
declasi.bsky.social
After nearly a decade of advocacy, a milestone accessible parking bill is now law in Delaware! CLASI's Disability Rights Delaware Project Director Marissa Band joined legislators & advocates as Gov. @mattmeyerde.bsky.social signed HS 2 for HB 48, which will ensure parking lots are accessible.
Photo of disability advocates and Rep. DeShanna Neal standing and smiling after the bill signing. Photo of advocates and legislators standing and smiling surrounding Gov. Matthew Meyer after he signed HS 2 for HB 48 into law. Photo of CLASI's Marissa Band standing behind a podium at the bill signing. Photo of CLASI's Marissa Band, Gov. Meyer, John McNeal of the State Council for Persons with Disabilities, and Rep. Neal talking at the bill signing.
September 30, 2025 at 12:52 AM
declasi.bsky.social
This #NationalVoterRegistrationDay, our Disability Rights Delaware program is calling for accessible and inclusive elections for all Delawareans. Learn more here: www.declasi.org/disability-r...
Graphic with a red, white, and blue color scheme and text reading: "Make an impact. Vote local. National Voter Registration Day" above the Disability Rights Delaware logo above text reading "We are a premier partner! Sept 16, 2025. Learn more: NationalVoterRegistrationDay.org"
September 16, 2025 at 8:57 PM
declasi.bsky.social
(1/4) Thanks to Delaware Public Media for highlighting the critical advocacy work of our Disability Rights Delaware program, which helps thousands of Delaware children and adults with disabilities each year: www.delawarepublic.org/politics-gov...
Delaware advocacy group's federal funding at risk
The U.S. House lawmakers are considering cutting P&A and Client Assistance Program funding.
www.delawarepublic.org
September 16, 2025 at 1:11 PM
declasi.bsky.social
It's Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW)!

Why it matters:

✔️ Too many barriers keep people with disabilities from accessing their right to vote.

✔️ DVRW was created by people with disabilities to raise awareness, advocate for removal of barriers, and ensure the community’s needs are represented.
Graphic featuring a red and blue design, with a blurry image of a woman holding a “VOTE” button that is in-focus as the background. The text reads: “It’s Disability Voting Rights Week!” in white, with the National Disability Rights Network logo in white in the lower right corner. Graphic with white text at the top reading: “What is Disability Voting Rights Week?” Body text reads: “Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW) is September 8–12. It’s a national, nonpartisan event led by the American Association of People with Disabilities and REV UP. DVRW is about standing up for the voting rights of people with disabilities, celebrating community, and building power together.” There is a blurred blue and red background with hands reaching up, and the National Disability Rights Network logo in white in the lower right corner. Graphic with white text at the top reading: “Why Disability Voting Rights Week?” Body text reads: "People with disabilities are a powerful part of the voting population - present in every community and political party. Yet, there are many barriers that make it hard for people with disabilities to vote. DVRW was created by people with disabilities to raise awareness, remove barriers, and make sure community needs are heard." There is a blurred red and blue background with an image of American flags, with the National Disability Rights Network logo in white in the lower left corner.
September 10, 2025 at 4:16 PM
declasi.bsky.social
Join CLASI at the Healthcare Transitions Symposium hosted by the Parent Information Center of DE!
WHEN: Sept. 24, 2025 - 10AM-3PM
WHERE: Dover Public Library (or via Zoom)
WHAT: Free event about making the journey from pediatric to adult healthcare
LEARN MORE & REGISTER: picofdel.org/event/health...
September 3, 2025 at 6:39 PM
declasi.bsky.social
We had a great time connecting with families at the Back-to-School Resource Fair hosted by the DE Dept. of Justice last week. CLASI attorneys Peyton Carper (Family Representation) & Emily Luiken (Housing) & paralegal Addison Richards (Elder Law) attended & shared info about our free legal services.
Photo of CLASI staff members Peyton Carper, Addison Richards, and Emily Luiken smiling behind a table under a tent outside at the Delaware Dept. of Justice Back-to-School Resource Fair in Wilmington.
August 27, 2025 at 1:48 PM
declasi.bsky.social
CLASI's Disability Rights Delaware is the designated Protection & Advocacy agency for Delawareans w/ disabilities & we want your opinion!

We just released our proposed FY26 priorities & are requesting public comment now through Sept. 30, 2025.

Learn more & submit comments at tinyurl.com/5n6mvdn4
Graphic with a blue background and white text reading "Comment on Disability Rights Delaware's Proposed Annual Priorities" with two white speech bubbles with blue text reading "We want to hear from you!" and "Comments are due by September 30, 2025" above the logo for Disability Rights Delaware. At the bottom is blue text on a white background reading "Learn more at: tinyurl.com/5n6mvdn4"
August 12, 2025 at 7:31 PM
declasi.bsky.social
⏰ REMINDER: It's Special Election Day in RD 20!
📍 RD 20 includes Lewes, Milton, Nassau, Pine Town, Belltown, and parts of Harbeson and Georgetown.
✅ Polls are open 7AM – 8PM
✅ You must vote at your designated polling place. Find your polling place: ivote.de.gov
✅ Bring ID with your name and address.
Graphic with yellow background and dark purple text reading "RD 20 SPECIAL ELECTION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5 POLLS OPEN FROM 7 AM - 8 PM" and "FOR MORE INFO: VOTEDELAWARE.ORG" and "VOTE411.ORG/DELAWARE" with the logo of the DVRC Delaware Voting Rights Coalition and an image of a hand holding a bullhorn in dark purple and white.
August 5, 2025 at 5:56 PM
declasi.bsky.social
Voting is an essential right of all U.S. citizens, including people with disabilities. As #DisabilityPrideMonth comes to a close, CLASI's Disability Rights Delaware is addressing some common misconceptions about voting rights for people with disabilities -- learn more in the slides and thread below.
Slide with white background and Disability Pride flag stripes in the upper right corner. Delaware CLASI logo in the bottom left corner. Grey text reads: “Voting Rights and Disability Pride Month” with a subtitle that reads “What you need to know about voting rights for people with disabilities.” Below the text, a cartoon person puts a ballot into a ballot box, and a cartoon person in a wheelchair holds a disability pride flag and a sign that says “Voting Rights are Disability Rights.” Gray slide with white text that says: “Misconceptions about voting with a disability Some people think you cannot vote if you: cannot read or write; don’t have transportation / can’t drive; have a legal guardian*; are homeless; don’t know how to use the voting machine; have a cognitive disability; live in a long-term care facility.” Below, in bold, text reads: “None of these reasons mean you can’t vote in Delaware!” then “You still have the right to vote, unless there is a written court order from a judge specifically taking it away.” Gray slide with white text reading: “People with disabilities have the same right to vote as anyone else!” Below that, text reading: “You may need accommodations to help you vote. The law requires voting for people with disabilities to be equally as independent and private as for people without disabilities.” Blue graphics of an equal scale weighing a person and a person in a wheelchair and a marked checkbox are in the background. : Gray slide with text at the top saying “your vote has power” in all caps. Below white and blue text reads: “Examples of some accommodations you are allowed to have are:” Below that, a bulleted list saying: “a support person of your choice to help you read the ballot or use the voting machine, using the Universal Voting Console to read your ballot to you out loud, wearing headphones to block loud noises, having a chair to sit in while you wait to vote,” then at the bottom “You can ask for additional accommodations as long as they are reasonable for poll workers to assist with.” Blue graphics in the background show headphones, a chair, and two interlocking hands.
July 31, 2025 at 4:43 PM
declasi.bsky.social
It's #DisabilityPrideMonth, & today we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the landmark civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against people w/ disabilities in all areas of public life. Learn more in these graphics created by our DEI Heritage Committee.
Graphic with the words "Disability Pride Month" in white over the stripes of the disability pride flag red, gold, white, blue, and green on a faded black background, with images of six people representing different types of disabilities. Graphic with the words "Disability Pride Month" at the top in white, above black text reading "A month to recognize the importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and highlight disability culture, history, and community. Recognizing that people with disabilities do not need to be cured or pitied, rather respected, included, and heard. It is celebrated every July in honor of the ADA being signed on July 26, 1990." At the bottom are two disability pride flags emerging from a red heart. Graphic with the words "Disability Pride Month History" at the top in black, above black text reading: "The first official celebration of Disability Pride Month occurred in July 2015, marking the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The first Disability Pride Day was held in Boston in July 1990." In the middle is an image of a person pushing another person in a wheelchair, waving flags, with fireworks. Graphic with the words "Disability Rights Movement" at the top in black, above black text reading: "The disability rights movement gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s, drawing inspiration from broader civil rights movements and recognizing the compounding marginalization experienced by people with disabilities who belonged to other underserved communities, including people who were BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrants, and those experiencing poverty." At the bottom are images of people carrying signs that say "Respect Disabilities" and "Recognize Disabilities Strength" and "Empower Disabilities" and "Support Disabilities Rights" and an image of a hand holding a sign saying "Civil Rights."
July 27, 2025 at 3:21 AM