Advocacy in Action

A Call for Action!

People with Disabilities face limited physical access and are plagued with an attitude that we are different, unable to fully contribute to society. LCCIL works to address the physical and attitudinal barriers that exist in our community. A collective voice is better than one. The disability community must come together to make change. We must act when injustices arise and find leaders within the disability community to lead the charge.

We fight for independence and reject inequality. Bold statements and sharp criticism is not enough. Actions speak louder than words and the time to act is now. We will not rest until people with disabilities have every opportunity to enjoy all aspects of society. One day we will enjoy a fully inclusive community that is universally designed to be accessible and welcoming to all its members. Until then, we embrace our responsibility and are ready for the challenge.

Are you ready to join us?

There are many ways you can get involved. Let us know if you are ready to accept the challenge and get involved in one of these opportunities:

Affordable & Accessible Housing Action Team

Your voice and experiences matter!

Everyone knows housing in our community is expensive. For some, affordability isn’t the only issue of concern. Accessibility is on the minds of anyone who uses a mobility device and the availability of accessible housing is at a premium. LCCIL strives to tear down the barriers to affordable, accessible housing and is looking for some help.

If you are a person who cares about housing in our community, consider joining the Housing Action Team. Our goal is to find and train anyone who wants to become a leader of this issue. Our actions are stronger when carried out by those directly affected by housing concerns. Call today if you are ready to make a difference.

Public Transportation Action Team

Increased public transportation for people with disabilities is a priority and we are proud of the great strides we’ve made in recent years. New service exists in townships across Lake County as a result of our advocacy efforts. Our success is attributed to the leaders in the disability community with personal experience with public transit concerns. Our work is not done and we need your help to reach our ultimate goal, 24/7 borderless transportation.

The LCCIL Transit Action Team meets this challenge head on. Comprised of consumers, volunteers, and staff, the team focuses on leadership development and identification. We are searching for people affected by the lack of transportation in targeted areas to mobilize and act. There are many ways you can get involved with transit advocacy. Contact us if you are passionate about the lack of public transportation in your community.

LCCIL and the Disability Pride Parade

LCCIL and the Voyager Summer Internship program participates in the Annual Disability Pride Parade in Chicago in July.

The Voyager Interns are in charge of finding transportation from both LCCIL locations, provide the food for our luncheon, and make the inspiring posters for the marchers to carry in the parade.

The posters represent the thoughts and feelings of the interns as they learn about Disability Rights and how to advocate for themselves and the community during the internship. The slogans celebrate the ADA and raise awareness of “Nothing about us, without us.”

The parade steps off promptly at 11:00 for a march down Plymouth Ct to the Daley Plaza where many area organizations have informational booths which provide information on Disability rights and services. While marching the interns, staff, family and friends of LCCIL chant and carry their signs and keep the energy high through the whole parade.

After the parade, they have lunch and much needed water! It is always a great moment for the interns because they get to see all of the preparation and hard work they put into the parade come to fruition. They have a chance to celebrate with so many people and organizations with similar beliefs. If you want to march with us and participate in this incredible event, email jenny@lccil.org.

Get Out the Vote!

Imagine how things would be different if every one of the 33.7 million Americans with disabilities voted in each election. What message would that send to our elected officials? Perhaps social services and community supports would be fully funded. Maybe affordable and accessible housing would top the list of legislative priorities. Could public transportation finally be recognized as essential to the transit system in our community?

The message we would send is that people with disabilities have power and our collective voice will be heard. The first act in fulfilling our civic duty is to vote. Know who is running, what they stand for, and how they will act on issues that affect your life. Make an informed decision and then cast your vote.

If you are interested in helping LCCIL turn out the disability vote, then contact us today!

 

Issues That Affect You

LCCIL chooses its systemic advocacy initiatives based on the needs of people with disabilities. We are a consumer controlled organization, and seek your input. Contact us today and let us know what gets you fired up.

Want to do something about it, but don’t know where to start? We are here and ready to guide you through the process. Call us today and take the first step in changing your community for the better.