We provide opportunities to develop and use self advocacy skills in a variety of situations, such as:

Reasonable Accommodation when applying for a job or during the course of employment, or when renting or buying housing.

Accessibility Modifications in existing housing to make it accessible for individuals with a disability.

Auxiliary Aids and Services such as sign language interpreters, audio-description, obtain material in accessible formats (large print, Braille, computer disk or audiotape). 

Modifying Policies or Procedures when needed for equal access to goods and services.  Example: modifying a "no pet" policy to allow the use of a service animal by an individual with a disability; or modifying a policy requiring driver's licenses as I.D. to accept state identification cards from people with disabilities who don't drive.

Removing Structural Barriers in public accommodations built before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) new construction requirements went into effect in 1993, when improvements are readily achievable.  Public accommodations are privately owned businesses open to the public such as: motels, restaurants, theaters, retail stores, medical facilities, social services centers, recreation facilities.

Technical Assistance is provided to businesses, landlords, local government, and schools to assist with implementation of equal opportunity laws such as The Americans with Disabilities Act  (ADA), the Kansas Act Against Discrimination  (KAAD), the Fair Housing Act, as amended in 1988,  and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act  (IDEA).

Disability Rights Enforcement assistance is available to ensure people with disabilities have access to enforcement of disability rights laws.  When self-advocacy and educational efforts do not work we explain the options available on the local, state and federal levels for filing a disability based discrimination complaint, and option to use mediation to try and resolve the complaint.

Grass Roots Advocacy refers to advocacy activities we invite you to join us in.  Communication with our elected officials in local, state and federal government is essential for keeping civil rights laws strong, and obtaining funding necessary to continue essential Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and other programs and services that enable people with disabilities to live in integrated settings in the community.

Contact the Advocacy department staff to learn how you can get involved and contribute!

Resources

Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) Enforcement Guidance on the ADA
www.eeoc.gov/ada/adadocs.html

United States Access Board
The federal agency committed to accessible design that develops the accessibility standards utilized by the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal laws.
http://www.access-board.gov/ 
1-800-872-2253 (V)  
1-800-993-2822 (TDD)  

Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity Rights and Resources
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/disabilities/index.cfm

The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
Comprehensive information about rights under the Fair Housing Act, including:
"What Fair Housing Means to People with Disabilities"
http://store.bazelon.org/housing.html & 14 Information Sheets on aspects of Fair Housing Act that apply to people with disabilities
http://www.bazelon.org/issues/housing/index.htm