For all the talk about using technology to enhance access to justice, it puts things in perspective to see tangible examples. One of the best sources of such examples is the annual set of Technology Initiative Grants awarded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Established in 2000, the TIG program distributes grants annual to LSC-funded legal aid organizations around the country. The grants are made to fund technology projects that provide greater access to legal assistance and information for low-income Americans.
In total over the years, LSC has made grants of more than 65 million to fund more than 720 technology projects. Grant recipients have used this funding to create new ways to serve clients, strengthen program capacity, and support the work of pro bono attorneys.
Recently, the LSC announced this year’s grants — a total of $4,230,718 awarded to 30 legal services organizations. The programs that received grants range from several designed to improve online self-help resources to others that will seek to increase access to justice for vulnerable populations, including those with limited English proficiency and, in other case, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
“LSC’s Technology Initiative Grants increase access to justice for low-income people with critical civil legal needs,” LSC President Jim Sandman said in a statement announcing this year’s grants. “These technology projects improve the delivery of legal services and information to the millions of Americans who would otherwise have to navigate the legal system alone.”
The 2019 TIG projects are:
ALASKA
Alaska Legal Services Corporation
Alaska Legal Services Corporation will receive $283,089 to create a web application, BeneFactor, to inform and assist individuals applying for social security disability benefits. Users will receive the knowledge and assistance necessary to take control of their disability application throughout the process, including during a reconsideration or appeal. If they need additional
