CIL Day 2007 by Roberta McEachern
The Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living (VACIL) the Centers for Independent Living (CIL’s), and the Community Action Specialists (CAS) from the 16 CIL’s in the state of Virginia met at the General Assembly on February 7, 2007. There were about 160 advocates at the General Assembly.
The purpose of the visit was to encourage our legislators to support the Independent Living priorities that favor persons with disabilities. Legislators can do this by: supporting legislation to improve voting access for people with disabilities, supporting legislation that will provide for a quality education for students with disabilities, supporting continuation of the disability commission, supporting expansion and improvement of transportation options for people with disabilities and supporting legislation that will improve services for persons with brain injury, intellectual disabilities, psychiatric disabilities and sensory disabilities.
How can you help? By making telephone calls, e-mailing, and visiting your local legislators! If you need assistance in doing so, contact IEC at 703-257-5400 or email us at info@ieccil.org.
Legislators pay close attention to their mail since it gives them valuable information on constituent concerns. To communicate effectively with your legislator:
- Identify the subject of your letter by bill number or issue, as precisely as possible.
- Help inform the legislator about the problems by explaining the effects on the public the bill or action may have.
- State the position and clearly explain why you feel that way.
- Letters explaining your views are much more effective that postcards or form letters.
To find out who your local legislators are go to: http://legis.state.va.us or call IEC at (703) 257-5400.
from Winter 2007 Newsletter, Volume 2 Issue 1
