Advocacy
Current Advocacy Initiatives and Campaigns
1. Accessible Transportation for All
– Description: Kentucky SILC is advocating for increased funding and improvements to accessible transportation services across the state, including paratransit, public transit, and ride-sharing services.
– Goal: Ensure that individuals with disabilities have reliable and affordable access to transportation to fully participate in their communities.
– Action Steps:
– Support legislation that increases funding for accessible transportation services
– Collaborate with transportation agencies and providers to improve accessibility and service quality
– Raise awareness about the importance of accessible transportation through public education campaigns
2. Expanding Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
– Description: Kentucky SILC is advocating for the expansion of Medicaid HCBS waiver programs to support individuals with disabilities in living independently in their homes and communities.
– Goal: Increase access to HCBS waiver services and reduce the waiting list for these programs.
– Action Steps:
– Advocate for increased funding for HCBS waiver programs in the state budget
– Work with the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services to streamline the HCBS waiver application and eligibility process
– Educate policymakers and the public about the benefits of HCBS waiver programs for individuals with disabilities and their families
Legislative Updates and Action Alerts
Legislative advocacy at both the state and federal levels is crucial for promoting and protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities.
Here are the latest updates on disability-related legislation in the Kentucky General Assembly and the United States Congress:
Kentucky General Assembly 2024 Session
- Date: To be determined
- Bill Number: To be assigned
- Bill Title: To be determined
- Description: As the 2024 legislative session has not begun and specific bills have not been introduced, a summary of the bill and its impact on individuals with disabilities is not yet available.
- SILC Position: To be determined based on the content of the bill and its alignment with the mission and values of the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC).
- Action Needed: Once the bill has been introduced and the SILC has taken a position, instructions for contacting legislators or taking other action will be provided.
Please note that as the 2024 legislative session approaches, more information about specific bills and their potential impact on the disability community will become available. To stay informed about upcoming legislation and advocacy opportunities, regularly check the Kentucky SILC website at https://silc.ky.gov/ and sign up for their newsletter or action alerts, if available. Additionally, other disability rights organizations in Kentucky, such as Kentucky Protection and Advocacy (P&A) or the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities (CCDD), may provide updates and calls to action related to the 2024 legislative session.
Federal Updates
- Date: To be determined
- Bill Number: To be assigned
- Bill Title: To be determined
- Description: As specific federal bills related to individuals with disabilities have not been introduced or are still in the early stages of the legislative process, a summary of the bill and its impact on individuals with disabilities is not yet available.
- SILC Position: To be determined based on the content of the bill and its alignment with the mission and values of the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC).
- Action Needed: Once the bill has been introduced and the SILC has taken a position, instructions for contacting legislators or taking other action will be provided.
Please note that as federal legislation develops, more information about specific bills and their potential impact on the disability community will become available. To stay informed about upcoming federal legislation and advocacy opportunities, regularly check the websites of national disability rights organizations, such as the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) at https://ncil.org/ or the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) at https://www.c-c-d.org/.
How to Get Involved in Advocacy Efforts
Getting involved in advocacy efforts is an important way for individuals with disabilities and their allies to make their voices heard and contribute to positive change in their communities and beyond.
Here are some ways you can get involved in disability advocacy efforts:
Join the Kentucky SILC Advocacy Network
– Description: Sign up to receive action alerts, legislative updates, and other advocacy news from Kentucky SILC.
– Signup Form: [Link to signup form]
Attend Disability Advocacy Day at the State Capitol
– Description: Join Kentucky SILC and other disability advocates to meet with legislators and advocate for policies that support independent living.
– Date: [Next Disability Advocacy Day Date]
– Registration: [Link to registration form]
Contact Your Legislators
– Find your state legislators: [Link to Kentucky Legislature website]
– Find your federal legislators: [Link to U.S. Congress website]
– Tips for contacting legislators:
– Be clear and concise in your message
– Share your personal story and how the issue impacts you or your loved ones
– Be respectful and thank them for their time and consideration
Spread the Word
– Share Kentucky SILC advocacy updates and action alerts on social media
– Write letters to the editor or op-eds in your local newspaper
– Participate in public forums and town halls to raise awareness about disability issues
If you have any questions about Kentucky SILC’s advocacy efforts or would like to get more involved, please contact us.