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Advocating for you. Removing barriers.

Advocacy Without Barriers, LLC provides compassionate, ASL-accessible representation for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and Deaf+ individuals seeking Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI/SSI).

Services

Representation through every stage

Focused support for Social Security Disability claims, with accessible communication from first contact through appeals.

Initial applications

SSDI and SSI claim support from the beginning. We apply on your behalf.

Denied Social Security Disability benefits?

We will represent you through the appeals process.

Personalized support

Clear, compassionate, and communication-focused support in ASL and written English.

About

Advocacy without communication barriers

Mei Nishimoto, an Asian tattooed brunette in a green top in front of a desert landscape. Photo credit: Jessica Madsen Photography.

Photo credit: Jessica Madsen Photography

Mei Nishimoto, an Asian tattooed brunette in a green top in front of a desert landscape.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Answers to common questions about working together. If you don't see what you're looking for, reach out directly.

What types of Social Security Disability cases do you handle?

I assist with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims, from initial applications through Social Security’s administrative review process, excluding Federal Court appeals.

Do I need to be Deaf or Hard of Hearing to use your services?

No. While my practice focuses on providing accessible, ASL-first representation for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and Deaf+ individuals, I also work with Deaf, hearing, and CODA parents or legal guardians who are applying for or assisting with Social Security Disability benefits on behalf of a child or another claimant. Direct communication in ASL is available throughout the representation process, with VRS available when needed.

I am Deaf or a hearing signer and want to apply for my child, or I have legal guardianship of a claimant. Can I use your services?

Yes. I work with Deaf, hearing, and CODA parents or legal guardians who use ASL and are applying for or assisting with Social Security Disability benefits on behalf of a child or another claimant. Direct communication in ASL is available throughout the representation process, with VRS available when needed.

Can I communicate with you directly in ASL?

Yes. If you use ASL, you can communicate with me directly via VP or Zoom without having to go through VRS to discuss your case.

Do you represent clients outside of Arizona?

Yes. Social Security Disability is a federal program, so I provide representation nationwide. I am an independent disability representative and do not work for or represent the Social Security Administration (SSA). Services are provided remotely through VP, Zoom, VRS, text, or email.

My disability claim was denied. Can you help me appeal?

A denial doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your claim. I can review where you are in the process and determine whether I can assist with the next stage, including reconsideration, a hearing, or further administrative review. I do not provide representation for Federal Court appeals.

How long does the Social Security Disability administrative review process take?

Timeframes vary by case, but here is the general path a claim follows through Social Security's administrative review process:

Initial application

Apply for SSDI and/or SSI.

Typical decision timeframe: ~6 months

View Initial Disability Determination Processing Times
60-DAY DEADLINE TO APPEAL

Reconsideration

A new review of your claim by a different DDS adjudicative team.

Processing time varies

View Disability Reconsideration Processing Times
60-DAY DEADLINE TO APPEAL

ALJ hearing level

Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

Processing time varies

View Hearings Processing Times
60-DAY DEADLINE TO APPEAL

Appeals Council review

The Appeals Council may deny review, decide the case, or return it to an ALJ.

Processing time varies

60-DAY DEADLINE TO APPEAL

FEDERAL COURT APPEAL

The final stage, outside Social Security’s administrative review process.

Not represented by Advocacy Without Barriers

End of SSA administrative review process
Can you help me apply for SSDI or SSI for the first time?

Yes. I work with clients at every stage, including initial applications — you don't need to wait for a denial before reaching out.

How much does Social Security Disability representation cost?

I work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there is no upfront cost to you. You don’t pay a representative fee unless your claim is successful and you receive backpay.

Under the standard process, the SSA must approve the fee. The fee is generally 25% of your backpay, up to a maximum of $9,200, whichever is less. SSA may change the maximum amount in the future.

Example 1

If your backpay is $10,000, 25% is $2,500. The representative fee would be $2,500.

Example 2

If your backpay is $40,000, 25% is $10,000. Because the current maximum fee is $9,200, the representative fee would be limited to $9,200.

What happens during an initial consultation?

We'll talk through your situation, where you are in the Social Security process, and your communication preferences, so we can determine together whether working together is a good fit. Scheduling a consultation doesn't automatically mean I've agreed to represent you.

How do I get started?

Schedule a consultation through this website, or reach out directly by VP, text, or email using the contact information below.

I have an overpayment. Is this something you can help with?

I do not handle Social Security overpayment cases. However, I can provide information about your options and resources to help you move forward.

I’m interested in having you provide a workshop. Do you offer workshops?

Yes. I provide in-person and virtual workshops and presentations on Social Security Disability topics for schools, nonprofits, state agencies, and organizations serving Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities, including hearing loss organizations.


Workshops can be tailored to your audience and presented directly in ASL. Please contact me to discuss your topic, audience, and scheduling needs.

Get in touch

Connect with us.

Connect with us by VP, text, email, or schedule an appointment at a time that works for you.

Schedule

Request a consultation

Use the calendar below to find a time that works for you and book a consultation directly.