November 25, 2008

ADAPT offers training for grassroots approach to educate legislators

You don’t have to be a policy expert to educate state legislators about issues that are important to you and others in the disability community. ADAPT of Texas invites you to spend an afternoon learning how to educate lawmakers the grassroots way. For more information or to reserve your spot for the Dec. 2 training, call or send e-mail to ADAPT (see the box for contact info) no later than Nov. 28.

 

DPC plans last road trip of 2008

The DPC staff will end the 2008 road trip series in Abilene on Thursday, Dec. 18, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Like its predecessors, this meeting is intended to give advocates in the area a chance to learn about DPC and the benefits of membership.

Abilene’s new center for independent living, Not Without Us!, is hosting the gathering. The center is located at 3303 North 3rd, Suite E. For more information about the event, contact Toni Byrd, DPC coordinator. (See the contact info at the end of this newsletter.)

 

DPC Welcomes New Statewide Member Community Now!

Community Now! is a statewide, non-profit organization passionately committed to promoting inclusive communities for people who are often marginalized because of disability. Community Now! actively works to free people with disabilities from institutions.

To learn more about Community Now! visit the website, www.communitynowfreedom.com, or contact Jeff Garrison-Tate, 233 Oak Springs, Seguin, TX 78155, CommunityNowFreedom@gmail.com.

 

Laredo welcomes a new STAAR

The South Texas Accessibility & Advocacy Resource Center (STAARS) is open for business in Laredo. The new independent living center serves eight counties: Duval, Dimmitt, Jim Hogg, La Salle, Webb, Maverick, Zapata and Zavala. STAARS is operated by McAllen’s Valley Association for Independent Living (VAIL).

In addition to core independent living services, STAARS will offer relocation assistance for people with disabilities who want to move from an institution into the community; American Sign Language classes, interpreting programs, and Social Security benefits and assistance counseling.

For more information, contact Melissa Escamilla at mescamilla@vailrgv.org or 956-668-8245, ext. 309.

 

Speak Up! for family caregivers

November is National Family Caregiving Month, created by the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA). The theme is “Speak Up,” which emphasizes the importance of advocating for the loved ones we care for and for caregivers to reach out to others for help and support. The NFCA Web site has a wealth of information and resources for caregivers.

 

DPC Member Highlight: United Cerebral Palsy of Texas (UCP Texas)

Contact: Jean Langendorf, Executive Director
Address: 1016 La Posada, Suite 145, Austin, TX 78752
Phone: 512-472-8696
E-mail: info@ucptexas.org

Mission/purpose: UCP Texas offers a unique array of programs and services designed to ensure that people with disabilities have the opportunity to participate fully and equally in every aspect of society.

Organizational structure: Established in 1954, UCP Texas is part of a national network of affiliates working to assist, support and advocate for people with disabilities. UCP Texas is recognized nationally for leadership and innovation in the programs and services we provide. We work one-on-one with individuals and family members, providing useful information and support. We work at the system level, advocating for public policy that is responsive to people with disabilities and their unique needs. And, we develop and sponsor progressive programs and services that demonstrate innovative ways for people with disabilities to be independent and productive.

What were your three best achievements in the past year?

In the past year, UCP Texas expanded our housing-related efforts. The total number of people with disabilities achieving their dream of homeownership now exceeds 375. We developed 10 more integrated condos through the HUD Sec. 811 subsidized rental housing program. We supported and assisted with the creation of Accessible Housing Austin!, Inc. (AHA!), a community housing development organization (CHDO) committed to developing affordable, accessible single-family housing. AHA!’s goal is to buy, rehabilitate (if necessary) and sell houses to people with disabilities and their families. UCP Texas was instrumental in landing AHA!’s first purchase—an architecturally-modified, single-family home, sold by the estate of one of the original Home of Your Own (HOYO) participants.

Another notable achievement is UCP Texas’ national service initiative. In partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service, the OneStar Foundation and the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, we are working with AmeriCorps volunteers to support the ACCESS Housing and ASSET programs. These are training programs designed to help Texans with disabilities gain financial independence through sound money management, housing and assistive technology.

Finally, UCP Texas’ role as the administrative organization for the Disability Policy Consortium is a notable achievement. We are proud to be helping DPC meet its goals of increasing membership and expanding participation in the Texas Action Center, the vehicle for online advocacy for people with disabilities and others interested in disability-related policy and legislation.

What are your three greatest challenges currently?

UCP Texas’ greatest challenge is securing the resources needed to expand our programs to more communities in Texas. We have achieved success in many areas of Texas, but don’t have the resources to reach others. Changes in funding and priorities for housing programs—at the local, state and national levels—is another huge challenge. And, like other advocacy organizations, we struggle with the shortage of reliable, effective and good-quality services and supports for people who want to live independently in the community.

If your organization could change one public policy right this minute, what would it be?

The State of Texas would prioritize funding for consumer-controlled, self-directed housing and related support services so people with disabilities could get the services they want and need in the community settings they desire.

How long has your organization belonged to the Disability Policy Consortium? How has your organization benefited from being part of the DPC?

UCP Texas is a founding member of the Disability Policy Consortium and has been actively involved since the beginning. The DPC has a rich history of policy development and information sharing and has been very effective in promoting public policy initiatives through collaboration.

UCP Texas has limited resources to support staff devoted exclusively to advocacy. The DPC presents an opportunity for a small organization to join with others to impact and participate in public policy development.

 

Let your friends know about the Texas Action Center: Tell-a-friend!