Advocacy

CCDC does Individual and Systemic Advocacy:

Individual advocacy is the process of assisting a member to correct a problem with the system such as obtaining or maintaining a benefit or service or solving a problem with a service provider, landlord, employer, etc.  Individual advocacy is NOT case managment and is not direct services.  Individual advocacy includes but is not limited to representing people at administrative and informal hearings and appeals, attending meetings, or writing letters on behalf of individuals.  Individual advocacy is provided by trained non-attorney advocates.  

Systemic advocacy (Policy and Legislation) is the process of changing rules or laws that interferes with the rights of people with disabilities.  This involves lobbying to change laws or to stop bad ideas from becoming laws or to write new laws.  This involves working on committees with state and local agencies to eliminate or change bad regulations or rules or to create policies and rules that work!  This can involve creating programs and services that are run by and for people with disabilities.  

Our advocacy efforts are always focused on creating independence and equality for people with disabilities.  CCDC has been responsible for changes that simultaneously save money and improve quality.    Our advocacy embraces our values and our tag line-Nothing About Us Without Us--Ever!