Advocacy
Emergency Planning for People with Disabilities (& How You Can Help Ukrainian Families)
NATURAL & MAN-MADE DISASTER PLANNING FOR DISABLED, ILL, AND INJURED INDIVIDUALS
By Erin Vallely, ATI Advocacy Specialist
March 24, 2022
Introduction
Whether a snowstorm in New York or the war in Ukraine, everyone is susceptible to unexpected disasters. With reports of at least 2.6 million verified disabled Ukrainians, plus hospitalized patients, and newly disabled war victims, this is a disability community crisis. As the Russian military continues to attack civilian areas, hospitals, hospices, orphanages, and schools for the disabled are being bombed. Many disabled and ill individuals are trapped in apartment buildings and houses because public bomb shelters are inaccessible. The lucky disabled and ill children are being rushed out of the country on special trains that have been converted into portable hospitals. After crossing into Poland, the children will be dispersed to other European children’s hospitals. Those who cannot escape, or have yet to be found by rescuers, suffer from the lack of food, clean water, and critical medical supplies and medications.
Fair Pay For Home Care Update: Get Involved!
THE IMPORTANCE OF 'FAIR PAY FOR HOME CARE' FOR CONSUMERS AND EMPLOYEES
By Erin Vallely, ATI Advocacy Specialist
February 24, 2022
Introduction
Like many seniors and disabled / chronically ill individuals, I rely on other people to help me get in and out of bed, dressed, go to the bathroom, get to work, cook, and clean. Right now, I live in the community because my parents can provide the help that I need. However, if something happens to them, I will likely be forced into a nursing home unless I can hire enough staff.
FY 2023 New York State Budget Priorities for Independent Living
NYS FY 2023 EXECUTIVE BUDGET: IL ADVOCACY UPDATE
By Erin Vallely, ATI Advocacy Specialist
January 25, 2022
Introduction
Each year, the New York State government works together to create a statewide spending plan that meets many different needs. The New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) picks a few important disability issues that they want to see in the state’s spending budget. Independent Living Centers, like ATI, then meet with local government representatives to educate them on these issues. This year’s meetings will take place during February. We are looking for some self-advocates to join us and would like you to attend the meetings with us via Zoom!
Adopt Visitibility Standards in Cortland County
Visitable home design relates to the principle that a person with a physical limitation will have the ability to “visit” anyone whose home is built using this standard. Presently, the majority of housing in Cortland County has at least one step to enter the dwelling and often the doorways and main floor facilities are not designed for use or navigation by a person with a physical limitation. This presents a challenge, not only for the person who may be visiting the home of their friends or family, but also for the homeowner who may wish to reside there even after acquiring a disability due to age or injury.
