Abilities In Motion’s Civil Rights Advocates ensure that all persons with disabilities are treated fairly and equally under our constitution and advocates for change when necessary.  The main objectives of our programs are:

1. Teach Self Advocacy.
2. System Change – Individual
3. System Change – Community
4. Disability Awareness Trainings – Community/Businesses
5. Disability Awareness Trainings – Schools
6. Education – ADA, Fair Housing Act, Transportation, Voting, etc.
7. Referral/Service Coordination

A discussion on each of these objectives is listed below:
1. The Civil Rights Advocate educates consumers on an individual basis based on their needs, wants, and goals (short- and long-term) in self-advocacy. Each phone call or visit, the consumer   determines goals and how to achieve them through self-advocacy.  The Civil Rights Advocate and the consumer discuss writing letters, making phone calls, and approaching advocacy issues. Once the consumer has the knowledge, skills, and confidence essential to take further steps, the ripple effect takes place and they are taking the initiative to make changes in their life. They find resources and programs on their own and are able to identify when action needs to be taken.

2. Systems change in the community grows after our consumers take the needed steps to group together and work to make changes in their communities. The Civil Rights Advocate and the consumer come together and discuss issues in the community and how to approach those issues as a united front.

3.  Disability Awareness Trainings in the community are a crucial aspect of the Civil Rights Advocate. Time is spent working individually, with consumers. This part of the position looks at the other side of the picture – the business or community program that would benefit from disability awareness training. This goal is achieved with other members of the Independent Living Team. Together, we individualize each presentation to the needs of each specific group, business, or organization. We discuss people-first language, the ADA, etiquette, and the civil rights agenda.

4.  The Disability Awareness Training in schools is our opportunity to dispel myths and open their young eyes to aspects of the disability community that they might not have been aware of prior to our presentation.  We present many opportunities for the children to participate in simulation stations, which shows them what it is like to use a wheelchair, have a speech impediment or difficulty concentrating. Education for our consumers including myself is an ongoing process. Reading up on the ADA, the Fair Housing Act, Transportation, and other legislation then passing this information onto the consumers to use for their own needs is extremely vital in acquiring the correct knowledge to intelligently advocate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much do your services charge?
Answer: All of our services are free of charge.

2. Who qualifies for your services?
Answer: Anyone who has a disability whether it is mental, sensory, or physical. Abilities In Motion covers a wide range of disabilities and offers services to these consumers.

3. What issues does the Civil Rights Advocate cover?
Answer: The Civil Rights Advocate covers any issue that a consumer feels he/she might feel that their rights have been violated or discriminated against. Some of the issues would cover transportation, housing, accessible public buildings, and voting. These are just a few areas that the Civil Rights Advocate would cover. If you are not sure if you would qualify or if the Civil Rights Advocate can provide you service just simply call Abilities In Motion and let our qualified staff assist you.

4. What happens if the Civil Rights Advocate cannot provide the assistance a consumer would need?
Answer: If we cannot provide the service, we will find the organization that can.

5. Do you help pay any bills?
Answer: The Civil Rights Advocate does not assist with paying bills. However, there are funds available to provide assistance to qualified consumers.