As we enter the new millennium, organizations advocating for disability rights and services need to reaffirm their commitment to the philosophy of independent living, self-determination self-advocacy and cross-disability cooperation.
ADAPT, National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) and Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) recognize the need for and the power of organizations that are composed of and run by people with disabilities.
ADAPT, NCIL and SABE make a pledge of solidarity to work cooperatively to bring about the societal changes that will lead to the integration and empowerment of all people with disabilities.
Integration means having enforced civil rights, a quality education, real jobs, real home life, access to needed resources, real choices and knowing what these choices are.
ADAPT, NCIL and SABE advocating together, independently and with other organizations work on issues of concern to our members that include but are not limited to:
- the protection and enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and all other disability rights laws;
- reform of the institutionally biased Medicaid/Medicare systems so that no person with a disability is forced into a nursing home, group home or any congregate living situation because of the lack of appropriate community services and supports;
- access to and development of accessible, affordable integrated housing;
- access to supported living services coordinated with but separate from housing;
- accessible and affordable transportation, including voluntary training about how to use public transportation;
- access to and development of competitive or supported integrated employment;
- quality integrated educational opportunities, including continuing education for adults.
- access to independent living skills training
ADAPT, NCIL and SABE recognize there is power in numbers and change will occur when people with disabilities come together and take direct action.
DATE: May 1, 2001
SIGNED:
- M.W. Auberger (ADAPT)
- Paul Spooner (NCIL)
- James Meadours (SABE)