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(CAN-DO)
My
name is Dennis Burgess and I am Public Awareness Coordinator
for the Joy A. Shabazz Center for Independent Living located
in Greensboro, North Carolina. I want to tell you about a
new program that can change your life!
You are invited to join CAN-DO which stands for Consumers
Advocacy Network - Disabled Organized and it is a grassroots
base project that will be composed primarily of persons with
disabilities. CAN-DO will address such issues as transportation,
recreation and housing that affect the disabled community.
CAN-DO encourages everyone to share personal experiences about
these topics in addition to others, and offer suggestions
on how to access community services via E-mail. The CAN-DO
project also encourages persons with disabilities to respond
in unison to local, state and federal policy makers |
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who's policies
impact negatively on the disability community, such as recent attempts
to weaken the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Consumers will
have the opportunity to report any infraction of the ADA in their
community to CAN-DO.
Now let me tell you something about myself. I have Cerebral Palsy
and I have a degree in Sociology from the University of North Carolina
at Greensboro. I will be the contact person for the CAN-DO project.
I have first hand experience with discrimination against persons
with disabilities, but I think society is slowly improving. A very
effective way to discourage discrimination is to have a strong voice
while at the same time, have a voice that persuades. It is my belief
that if society is made aware of the obstacles that we encounter
on a daily basis then often it will respond in a positive manner.
However, before this can take place, persons with disabilities must
take the first step to inform the public what our needs are. Begin
here. It's easy and it's vitally important that you participate.
The CAN-DO project encourages person with disabilities to help each
other by telling how they overcame a particular problem and this
may help someone who is in a similar situation. We also encourage
service providers to get involved and to utilize their expertise
to answer Consumers' questions and to point them in the right direction
for assistance for their particular problem.
There are many reasons for participating in the CAN-DO project:
- Most
importantly, Consumers will be constantly updated on current
local, state and federal policy making decisions that
will affect our lives.
- As
people with disabilities, we will now be given the opportunity
to make a difference and voice our opinions about issues
and policies that affect our daily lives.
- Express
our feelings and experiences through the CAN-DO Project
and be heard.
- Participants
of the CAN-DO project will be informed of services the
Joy A. Shabazz Center has to offer, such as Independent
Living training, peer counseling and housing referrals.
Consumers will also receive information on the Eat, Meet
and Greet social function sponsored by the Center to promote
interaction among persons with disabilities.
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Respond
To Action Alerts & Advocacy
Issues
- ADA
- Americans with Disabilities Act
-
Fair
Housing Rights
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IDEA
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
-
MiCASSA
- Medicaid Community-based Attendant Services & Supports
Act
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To reach Dennis via e-mail Click
Here.
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