Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago is a cross disability organization governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities. We enhance the opportunities of persons with disabilities to live individualized and satisfying lives. To this end, Access Living undertakes advocacy and service programs that reach the entire spectrum of disability from hearing and sight to physical and mental disabilities. Access Living’s mission includes addressing major impediments to independent living for people with disabilities, such as discrimination in housing, government services, and public accommodations.

Access Living has a Civil Rights Team that enforces federal, state and local civil rights laws — including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act — that prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities. The Team counsels persons with disabilities about their civil rights, advocates for systemic change within the disability rights arena, and represents persons with disabilities in important disability rights cases.

PILI Interns and Fellows interview clients, investigate cases, analyze documents, write demand letters, draft complaints and other legal pleadings, conduct legal research, and manage their own caseload. They are integrated into the day-to-day operations of the Team. They attend staff meetings, legal strategy meetings, and other relevant events.

This agency is approved to host a Law Student Intern during the summer. They are also approved to host Graduate Fellows.