Advocacy

Advocacy is a core service at The Disability Network. This includes advocacy at both the individual and systems level, supporting people in navigating challenges while also working to improve policies, programs, and environments. We work alongside people with disabilities to remove barriers and expand access to full participation in community life.

Our work is rooted in the Independent Living philosophy: people with disabilities are the experts in their own lives and have the right to make informed choices and direct their own path.

We work with consumers and the community by:

· Explaining rights under key laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Fair Housing Act

· Helping consumers prepare for conversations with employers, landlords, schools, and agencies

· Problem-solving barriers like access, services, and discrimination

· Connecting people to legal or formal advocacy resources when needed

· Hosting a Community Advocacy library filled with resources for learning more about your rights and resources. Find more information about our library.

Self-Advocacy

We can help guide you to the resources and processes to ensure you receive what is a protected right.

We also operate from the perspective of helping consumers become self-advocates. That means we don’t do things for you: we do them with you.

We assist people with disabilities in understanding their rights, including protections under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), and the Fair Housing Act, as well as navigating systems like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. We have experience advocating in employment, educational, and community settings.

Areas of Self-Advocacy

Self-Advocacy Skills: Build the skills to speak up, make informed decisions, and navigate systems with confidence.

Agencies: Learn what to do if you are denied access to programs or services because of a disability. We can help you understand your options and where to go next.

Buildings and Grounds Access: Address barriers in public spaces, housing, or businesses when access is limited or denied. Barriers—physical or attitudinal—should not prevent participation.

Alternative Format Access: Everyone deserves access to information. We can help you advocate for materials in accessible formats such as Braille, large print, or digital text. Example: requesting accessible agendas or documents for public meetings.

Education: Get guidance on navigating school accommodations, including 504 Plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Note: The Disability Network does not provide direct K–12 advocacy but can connect you to local education advocates. We also provide peer support and help you get started.

Work: Learn how to request and navigate workplace accommodations. We provide information for both employees and employers to support inclusive workplaces.

Service and Emotional Support Animals: Learn the differences between service animals and emotional support animals, and understand your rights in housing, public spaces, and other settings.

Systems Advocacy

We also work to address larger barriers that impact people with disabilities across our communities. Our team partners with local boards and councils, government agencies, and community organizations to identify gaps, share lived experience, and advocate for more accessible and inclusive policies and practices.

This work includes advocacy related to:

As a Center for Independent Living (CIL), our work includes identifying gaps in services, educating the community, and working with decision-makers to create meaningful change.

For direct support regarding advocacy, please reach out to Katie at katiec@disnetwork.org or Jessica at jessicad@disnetwork.org.

Our advocacy team also provides technical assistance and trainings on disability rights, the ADA, accessibility, and more. Please learn more at Buisness Services or contact Cara at carab@disnetwork.org