Advocacy

Advocacy Resources: A network of advocacy organizations that promote self determination, power, personal rights, freedom and choice for a person with a disability.

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• AAPD – unifying the voice of the disability community – support programs to increase employment opportunities - http://www.aapd-dc.org

• Arc Michigan, The - The Arc Michigan exists to empower local chapters of The Arc to assure that citizens with developmental disabilities are valued and that they and their families can participate fully in and contribute to the life of their community. http://www.arcmi.org

• Cause - Citizens Alliance to Uphold Special Education – This is a statewide coalition providing free information, referral, support, advocacy and workshops to parents and professions working with children with disabilities and special needs. http://www.causeonline.org

• Community Connections – This is a Center for Independent Living providing support to empower and promote full participation of people with disabilities in all aspect of community life. Services Provided: Advocacy and Related Services, Information, Assisting persons with disabilities to navigate the Social Security Administration system, Self-Advocacy Training and Peer Support. [phone] or [phone] http://miconnect.org

• Developmental Disabilities Institute – The mission of DDI is to contribute to the development of inclusive communities and quality of life for people with disabilities and their families through a culturally sensitive statewide program of interdisciplinary education, community support and services, and research and dissemination of information. http://ddi.wayne.edu/about_ddi.php

• Disability Network/ Michigan – Disability Network/Michigan is a collaborative organization representing Centers for Independent Living (CILs) throughout the state. Disability Network/Michigan works to assist CILs in building capacity to serve their local communities, provide information, technical assistance, staff trainings and program support to CILs, advocate at the state and national level for disability issues, promote the independent living philosophy both within the disability community and among the general public, and bring the CILs together to work collectively; resulting in a stronger network and stronger individual CILs http://www.dnmichigan.org

• Michigan Alliance for Families – Information –Support – Education: IEPs – IDEA – Transition – Communication Skills [phone] http://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org

• Michigan Disability Rights Coalition – Know your rights [phone] ext317 http://www.copower.org/mdrc/MDRC.htm

• MP&As – Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service Inc. – MPAs provides information, referrals, direct advocacy and legal representation. [phone] http://www.mpas.org