Access to Technology Lab
The Center for Social Justice is developing innovative solutions to increase access to technology and justice throughout our community for those in need. We are creating A2T Legal Kiosks at 10-15 local pilot sites to facilitate public access to devices, resources, court technology, and ultimately, justice. The Center has also created a Justice Bus that will be transformative in the delivery and accessibility of pro bono legal services in western Massachusetts.
Free Legal Kiosk
WHAT IS A LEGAL KIOSK?
Legal Kiosks are computer stations located across the greater Springfield area. They provide greater access to the justice system to individuals without access to wifi or technology. At a Legal Kiosk, community members can find free civil legal service providers nearby, access legal resources, print documents and, in some cases, attend online meetings and remote court hearings in privacy
WHY IS IT NEEDED?
The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing public health emergency have moved much of the legal system virtual, exacerbating a digital divide that has disproportionately impacted the communities we serve. Access to the legal system and a chance at justice is only available to those with the means and resources to use technology. Our Kiosks empower area residents to leverage the power of technology to access the justice system on their terms.
Justice Bus
The Justice Bus is a custom, retrofitted sprinter van with a complete mobile office including multiple workstations, computers and other devices, a printer, and other technology necessary to serve clients on the spot. It will bring law students and other legal volunteers directly to the community and provide services like Know Your Rights events, connections to financial literacy and other resources, and additional upstream (pre-court) interventions, along with one-on-one meetings with the mobile justice team. The Justice Bus will utilize the power of transportation to help mitigate the social and economic barriers faced by our community’s most marginalized individuals (who are often low income, people of color, people with disabilities, and seniors) by bringing justice to those who cannot otherwise reach it.