SYSTEMIC AND PERSONAL ADVOCACY

Standing up for your rights! The disability rights movement is the movement to secure equal opportunities and equal rights for people with disabilities. The specific goals and demands of the movement are: accessibility and safety in transportation, architecture, and the physical environment; equal opportunities in independent living, employment, education, and housing; and freedom from abuse, neglect, and violations of individuals' rights. Effective civil rights legislation is sought in order to secure these opportunities and rights. People with disabilities are the best experts on their needs, and therefore they must take the initiative, individually and collectively, in designing and promoting better solutions and must organize themselves for political power. Besides de-professionalization and self-representation, the independent living movement's ideology comprises de-medicalization of disability, de-institutionalization and cross-disability (i.e. inclusion in the independent living movement regardless of diagnoses).

The Center provides individuals with assistance in accessing benefits, services and programs to which they may be entitled. CCFI may act as a liaison between the individual with a disability and the agency or program they are trying to access. We are always working to effect changes in laws, policies, regulations, etc. in disability related issues. The Center advocates with government, employers, educators, and others for the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Using the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as our backbone, CCFI offers individual and collective advocacy on issues that impact a person's right to live an independent, productive life.

CCFI advocates for change at three levels:

Locally: With its primary service areas in Delaware, Otsego, Chenango, and Schoharie Counties, CCFI works closely with citizens, community officials, health care providers, service groups and interested citizens to make a more inclusive community.

Statewide: As part of NYAIL (New York Association of Independent Living) and NYSILC (New York State Independent Living Council), CCFI joins the other 40 NY Centers on Independent Living in advocating to make change and connect with lawmakers.

Nationwide: As one of over 400 Centers on Independent Living throughout the country advocating for systems change and the rights of all Americans with disabilities to live productive lives.

Contact the Center at 607.432.8000 for more information.