Advocacy for Independence


October 2024


Civic Engagement in the Disability Community

Autumn in the United States welcomes us with cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and an air of civic engagement. Early Voting has started, and many organizations are working to get more people to the polls this year. Independence Alliance is working to make voting as accessible as possible. The disability community has always been involved in civic engagement activities, and that is how we have gained many of the rights we have today. Whether by voting, writing letters to policymakers, or practicing civic activism, disabled people have not shied away from advocating for various movements of change.



Everyone deserves equitable access to voting. Do your part in this movement by knowing your rights to reasonable accommodations while voting, and how to file a complaint if you face discrimination.


Although voting gets a lot of focus as Election Day approaches, there are other ways to get involved with civic engagement:

·        Call/write to policymakers advocating for issues you care about.

·        Sign up for local volunteering opportunities.

·        Spread resources and information in your community.

·        Attend meetings and events in your neighborhood.



 

Curbside Voting in Hamilton County

Independence Alliance worked with the Hamilton County Board of Election (BOE) to update their curbside voting policies to be more accessible. Previously, voters needing an accommodation to vote outside of the polling place were required to bring an additional person with them. This person would then need to enter the voting location to inform poll workers about someone needing to vote curbside.


With the updated policies, curbside voters will now be able to use this accommodation and vote from their vehicle without bringing someone else with them. There will be a designated parking spot for curbside voters, with a sign listing one or two phone numbers to call and inform the polling center you have arrived and are ready to vote. Two poll workers of opposing political parties will come to your vehicle and proceed with the voting procedure.


If you have questions about curbside voting or other accommodations, contact the Disability Rights and Advocacy Specialist.

 

 

Rideshare2Vote Aware

Independence Alliance is partnering with Rideshare2Vote Aware to bring free, accessible rides to voters. On Election Day, Hamilton County and Butler County will each have an accessible van from MobilityWorks available for rides to and from the polls. Drivers undergo training to operate all components of the vans, as well as on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and voter rights. 

Rideshare2Vote is a non-profit providing free transportation to and from polling locations across the country. They will already be providing 75 smaller vehicles in both counties that will allow anyone to sign up to reserve a ride.

To reserve your ADA accessible ride, call (888) 858-3421 or visit www.Rideshare2VoteAware.org. 



Recap of Statewide Voting Training

Knowing our rights at the polls and with absentee ballots empowers us to self-advocate for an accessible voting experience. In September, Independence Alliance partnered with several Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and the Ohio Olmstead Task Force to host a statewide training for voters with disabilities. We gave an overview of disability voting history, the right to reasonable accommodations, and updates in Ohio voting laws.


Watch a recording of the training here. If you have questions about your right to vote, contact the Disability Rights and Advocacy Specialist.




Disability Q*mmunity – We are Growing!

The Disability Q*mmunity Peer and Advocacy Group is approaching its one-year anniversary. We are so grateful to our partners, attendees, and interpreters that make this group possible. Due to our success, we have decided to expand this group to be held twice a month beginning in January, 2025. Independence Alliance and Treehouse Cincinnati are happy to welcome YWCA’s Project CARE as a new partner.



Our next meeting will take place on November 12th at 6:00PM. Contact the Disability Rights and Advocacy Specialist with any questions.




New Peer and Advocacy Group Launch

In 2025, Independence Alliance will be launching a new group focused on peer support and advocacy. We will explore different topics each month relating to disability advocacy. Our goal is to create a space where we feel empowered to discuss advocacy issues we face and support one another in taking action to self-advocate. More details will be released at the end of the year.

Reach out to our Peer Support Specialist, Jenise Brassell with questions or suggestions for topics to discuss.

Do you have a question regarding advocacy?

Contact Dee Henry, Disability Rights and Advocacy Specialist

by email or call 513-241-8046.

Disclaimer: The information and links provided in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff, management, and Board of Directors of Independence Alliance.

If you require this publication in an alternative format,

please contact us.

To learn more about Independent Living and other services, visit our website at www.independencealliance.org

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