Sterling Cross-Disability Coalition

Our Mission Statement: We work on systemic change that promotes independence, self-reliance and full inclusion for people with disabilities. About us: We cover a six county area and have about 15 members in all, but they don’t all show up at the same time. We encourage our colleagues in other small towns to meet as they can and communicate with us. Focus Areas: We are working on improving Medicaid transportation, which limits rides to twice a month. We have partnered with Colorado Alliance for Health and Independence to get this policy changed. We also advocating for better access to medications, which should be assured under Medicaid but sure isn’t happening for our people. It includes medications and supplements which are either available Over the Counter at great expense or are not traditional medicines, although they have demonstrated success. We are also working on better advertising in local media to attract new members. Accomplishments: As always, we have worked on putting curb ramps along routes that our people use. We had a wonderful picnic in July to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which attracted 16 people and got good coverage in the North Platte Sentinel. On October 28th we had a candidates’ forum that was attended by about 12 people and brought out two candidates for County Commission and a state legislator, with the former Mayor of Sterling moderating. Participants included several local service agencies representing people with mental illness and other special needs. We hope to continue this kind of collaboration. Upcoming Events/Meetings: Our next meeting is December 15th at 12:00 noon at the Chamber of Commerce on Front Street in Sterling (while the library is being renovated.) We meet the third Wednesday of every month at 12 noon at the Sterling Library. Please bring a lunch to enjoy with us beginning January 19th 2011. Contact Info: Howdy Nielson or Dan Shields at 970-521-9688