Our society has a fundamental obligation to guarantee justice for all of its members. The Center for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL) has been expanding access to justice to persons marginalized by poverty, age and/or disability, for forty years.
CDEL provides free legal services to low-income seniors and people with disabilities throughout Cook County. We focus our efforts on matters related to financial and housing stability, estate planning including end-of-life planning, divorce, and adult guardianship.
Client Testimonials
"Our interaction with CDEL was nothing short of amazing. Their knowledge and background made the guardianship process an easy and flawless experience. We truly appreciate all of your help. Thanks for everything that you do!!"
Guardianship Mobile Help Desk Client
CDEL by the Numbers
3,029
Cases worked in 2023
9,900+
Volunteer hours worked in 2022
757,688
Cook County residents over the age of 65
358,735
People with a disability who live in Cook County
CDEL News & Events
Thank You for Attending CDEL’s 2024 Winter Awards Benefit!
Each February, CDEL supporters gather to honor CDEL's Volunteer of the Year, Partner of the Year, and Impact Award winners. Thank you for joining us on February 29th to to help us celebrate our award winners and CDEL’s 40th Anniversary.
CDEL’s February 2024 Newsletter
This month: CDEL Continues Celebrating its 40th Anniversary with a “Blast From the Past” interview with Theresa Jaffe. CDEL shares a Community Clinic client story and welcomes Rachel Zummo to our staff! CDEL is hiring for 2 new positions, and are still accepting applications to Run with CDEL in the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon! CDEL thanks our February Pro Bono and Community Partners. Read about all of these stories and more below!
CDEL Announces Strategic Plan
In October 2022, over forty-five CDEL stakeholders gathered for a summit to chart CDEL's path into the future. This group included CDEL Governing Board members, Young Professionals Board members, CDEL staff, clients, community partners, and volunteers. Our Strategic Plan Overview is the result of this empowering, invigorating day.