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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN ADVOCACY
Transportation Advocates - This
group meets with local transportation officials and government groups on
concerns of persons with disabilities regarding transportation
services. This group has done a transportation survey regarding
Cortland Transit hours, routes and driver courtesy and provides input to
the Cortland County Legislative Committee on Transportation.
Statewide Systems Advocates - These Advocates respond to Action
Alerts issued by the New York State Independent Living Council regarding
items on the Statewide Disability Agenda. In the past, these action
alerts have addressed issues such as the Independent Living Center
funding, Most Integrated Setting Coordinating Council, VESID
funding, Medicaid Waiver to allow individuals to live in the most
integrated setting, Help America Vote Act, accessible voting,
etc.
Volunteers are asked to make phone calls, write cards or e-mails to
public officials on urgent issues. Information on each topic is
supplied to volunteers along with names, addresses and phone numbers so
that they can advocate on these important issues. Call Mary Beilby
or download, print and fill out this PDF form if
you want to become a Systems Advocate.
Accessibility Committee - This group is concentrating on the
barriers presented by the lack of curb ramps, crossing signals and
sidewalk problems in Cortland. We will be documenting problem areas and
working with state and local officials to eliminate these barriers. We
will urge property owners to participate in HUD funded sidewalk
replacement programs where at least 50% of the cost of sidewalk
replacement is funded. Send us a message if you are willing to work
with this group.
SHeriff’s Accessible Parking Enforcement. - SHAPE officers are
trained and sworn in as volunteer members of the Cortland County
Sheriff’s Dept. They are assigned areas in the city of Cortland and
Cortlandville to patrol and enforce laws on reserved parking and curb
access for people with disabilities. Call Lori Allen to get more
information on the SHAPE program.
Access to Independence has many more opportunities for you to volunteer.
Please contact us to find out how you can help!
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