Advocacy Team
Updates from Access Living: Films! Action Alerts! Surveys and Input!
May 20, 2020
Dear Access Living friends and allies,
We have a lot of really important updates all together in our message today. Please be sure to read the whole thing!
TONIGHT! Code of the Freaks Film Online: After years in the making, the documentary film Code of the Freaks will be viewable online through Reelabilities at 7 pm Central time. The film reflects on disability representation in Hollywood and was directed by Chicagoan Salome Chasnoff, and involves several Chicago disability community members. Registration is at this link. Full tickets are $25, but you can pay what you can or get a free ticket. If you register, the online film link will be sent to you thirty minutes before the start time. The film is captioned and audio described.
Illinois Action Alert: They Deserve More: Developmental disabilities advocates in Illinois are calling on Illinoisans to contact Illinois legislators to make sure our state budget includes funds for better pay for workers who do community based supports for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The action alert page is here. If you live in Illinois, please take action TODAY.
Disability and Transportation in Chicago: The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is interested in hearing from residents on COVID transportation issues. CDOT is responsible for public way infrastructure such as that means sidewalks, bike lanes, streets, street lighting, safe routes to schools, etc. Note: This is separate from the CTA which runs the buses and trains, or Pace which does paratransit. Input can be emailed to covidmobility@cityofchicago.org.
Illinois Input Opportunity, State Plan for Independent Living: The Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois (SILC of Illinois) is responsible for coordinating statewide goals and a plan for Illinois Centers for Independent Living (of which Access Living is one). The SILC has posted the draft State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) for Federal Fiscal Years 2021-2023 for public comment. This 30-day comment period is required under the 1992 Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act. The comment period will close on June 18th, 2020. Any interested individuals, groups and organizations can provide comment on the draft SPIL by clicking here. On this page there is a link to the draft SPIL and a place for your comments.
Results from National Disability Disaster Survey: The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies released its national survey report, “Institutionalization in the Wake of Covid-19.” The survey looks at the impact on people with disabilities in congregate settings. Results were based on self-reporting from advocates. The results are available at this link.
Thank you as always for your advocacy.