We Need Your Story!
Posted March 8, 2012 by Mandy Smith in Advocacy
The Legislative Session has passed the halfway mark and our advocacy efforts are ramping up. There are so many big concerns for the disability community this time around and it is imperative that we get input to the Administration, the Legislators, and to our communities from Kansans with disabilities.
The Resource Center for Independent Living, is working to get as many consumer stories, pictures, and videos as possible. We are trying to find innovative ways to make a visible stand for the needs of the disability community.
Yesterday, we released a video regarding allegations from members of the Legislature that Centers for Independent Living are full of fraud. We know that isn’t the case so we wanted to create a way to simply share a powerful message, Centers for Independent Living are not Fraud. Check it out if you haven’t seen it. So, what can you do?
If you are a member of the Kansas disability community, this includes families and loved ones of persons with a disability and those who work or advocate within this community, we need to hear from you! There are a couple of different ways to share your story.
- Submit a digital photo of yourself holding the “I’m Not Fraud” sign – You must print off the sign and the Photo Release form we need to use your photo. Take the picture, fill out the form, and scan/email it to Summer Ludwig.
- Have someone video a short, 2-3 minute clip of your story and upload it to YouTube and send us the link or send us the video and the Photo Release and we can upload it to our page.
- Contact your local RCIL office or email Summer Ludwig and let us know that you would like our assistance in getting either your photo, video or both! We will have someone come to you.
If you decide to make a video the following are some ideas of questions to have someone ask you and you answer or topics you can just talk about. These are just suggestions, you can use them or not use them, the important thing is getting YOUR voice to the Administration and the Legislators.
Script ideas/questions for people on the Waiting List
- How long have you been waiting?
- Please describe your disability/situation.
- How is your life impacted by not receiving services?
- What types of assistance do you need?
- You are eligible to enter a NF, is that an option for you? Why/Why not?
- What would you like to say to your Legislators?
Script ideas/questions for people receiving services
- Please describe your disability/situation.
- What type of assistance do you receive in your home?
- What would your life be like without these services?
- Have you used CIL services other than HCBS? If so, how did this help you?
- What would you like to say to your Legislators?
For other ways to Advocate make sure you check out our Advocacy page.
