Advocacy
Advocacy is the heart of the Independent Living Philosophy. Thanks to the actions of WWI veteran Jack Fisher, Ed Roberts with the first national CIL in California, Justin and Yoshika Dart with their politics of inclusion, and many others, there are now over 500 Centers of Independent Living across the U.S. (IL Movement Page). Today, the law requires access to education, housing, and employment for everyone, including people with disabilities and many services have been created or updated to promote independent living. However, individuals with disabilities still face discrimination in our society in employment, access, from unresponsive service systems, and with insufficient housing and transportation. Budget cuts compromise the effectiveness of some existing services. And some services have overwhelmingly complex application processes to become eligible.
MWCIL advocates for needed legislation as well as funding and enforcement of existing laws to improve the quality of life for all people living with disabilities.
MWCIL provides links to several advocacy organizations on the Advocacy Groups page.Individual Advocacy
Self advocacy empowers consumers to be assertive and articulate when faced with obstacles to independent living goals.
MWCIL actively educates consumers in advocacy methods. Consumers are encouraged to take direct roles in advocating for their own issues as well as the issues of others. MWCIL trains consumers how to contact public officials and present their issues in writing, over the telephone and by appointment.
With access to the MWCIL database of state and federal officials' contact information combined with educational materials and training on effective letter/email writing, and phone calling, consumers have the tools they need to effect change.
MWCIL also will support an individual's rights in their community by filing complaints and taking action as needed to remove illegal barriers or obtain services.
Community and Policy Advocacy
Policy Information
MWCIL maintains up-to-date information about civil rights for people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Rehabilitation Act, Fair Housing laws, and other legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability. MWCIL provides news concerning people with disabilities on the state and national level.
Active Policy Advocacy
We support events and actions to advance community awareness and to advocate for continuous improvements. On July 26,2010, the MWCIL staff and consumers joined the Boston community to celebrate the achievements of the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
To find out who your legislators are, the state provides the following web page My Election Info. You simply enter your address and click on "Find My Election Information". Scroll down on the results page to see list of links to each officials website. Most websites have contact information - either through a contact form, or a phone number.
Community Advocacy Services
Community services include working with municipalities, businesses and service providers to address discrimination and barriers in our society. We provide:- ADA Consultation (Americans with Disabilities Act)
- Public Information
- Outreach
- Access Compliance
- Systemic Advocacy
