Programs and Coalitions of CFILC
What is it that we do? We're glad you ask! For starters, our membership advocacy cover an array people we serve on the independent living center level. To assist in focusing on each of the important areas of advocacy, we've created programs to drive those needs.
CFILC Programs
Ability Tools
abilitytools.org
Ability Tools is expanding the accessibility of tools, resources and technology that will help increase independence, improve personal productivity, and enhance the quality of life for all Californians. Ability Tools provides information, referrals, training, and technical assistance to those who share an interest in and commitment to the practical and effective use of technology by people with disabilities.
Ability Tools is dedicated to protecting the rights of our consumers and allowing them to remain independent in the community. If you have a question, concern, or a story to share with us then please don't hesitate to contact us.
Digital Access Project
DigitalAccessProject.org
The Digital Access Project is a program that supports people with disabilities in getting internet services at a lower cost, perfect for those who have limited incomes.
This program aims to help those who do not have the digital literacy skills they need to succeed and help them understand the relevance the Internet has in their lives. Whether it's finding a job, helping their children complete homework for school or accessing e-commerce, electronic medical records and connecting with distant family, it is vital that we encourage every person and persons with a disability to take advantage of the tools they need to succeed.
Disability Organizing Network
DisabilityOrganizing.net
The DOnetwork calls to action the California Disability Communities and allies, through community organizing, advocacy, education, leadership development and coalition building to effect systems change in local, state and national issues.
The CFILC Disability Organzing Network is a statewide disability advocacy network of 28 Independent Living Centers and the communities they serve. In each center there is a full time staff person devoted to increasing civic participation through community organizing, education and advocacy around issues that affect the Disability Communities.
FreedomTech
FreedomTech.org
The FreedomTech Financial Loan Program provides Californians with affordable financial loans to purchase needed assistive technology. Our financial loans range from $500 to $15,000.
The FreedomTech Financial Loan Program can lend you money to purchase a variety of assistive technology including but not limited to hearing aids, computers and adaptive accessories and software, adaptive driving equipment, or home modifications such as ramps, accessible showers, and grab bars.
Peer Insights Project
CFILC.org/PIP
Who better to review and advise executive directors of ILCs of best business practices than other directors in ILCs?
This Peer Review focuses primarily on business practices, although it does touch on the standards and indicators to assist Centers in addressing the full scope of what quality looks like in Independent Living Centers. Executive Directors of Centers who wish to participate voluntarily may act as peer reviewer(s), and be reviewed by peer Executive Directors in the Independent Living community in California, after completing required training.
Voice Options
VoiceOptions.org
Voice Options is a pilot program that assists Californians with speech and language disabilities to try out select tablet communication apps. Voice Options also offers basic training assistance on available apps, device demonstrations, and both long and short term loans.
Try out and borrow iPads loaded with the following speech apps: Go Talk NOW Plus, LAMP Words for Life, Predictable, Proloque4Text, and TouchChat.
Youth Organizing!
Disabled and Proud
YODisabledProud.org
Youth Organizing (YO!) develops community organizing activities to build a power base among youth with disabilities so that we can effectively work for change. We engage youth to learn about our history, the disability rights movement, disability pride, organizing and advocacy. Youth with disabilities build community with each other, develop a sense of leadership, a positive disability identity and organize and mobilize each other on issues that affect our lives.
We provide opportunities, resources and information for young adults with disabilities. Disabled youth are able to volunteer with local independent living centers, work on advocacy issues and campaigns that are important to them and find mentors within the disability community. YO! works with teens and young adults with disabilities ages 16 to 28.
Coalitions of CFILC
California Assistive Technology Reuse Coalition
californiareuse.org
The California Assistive Technology Reuse Coalition supports organizations that accept and give out donations of assistive technology (AT) and durable medical equipment (DME) to people in their communities for free or low-cost. The CATRC believes Californians who are uninsured or under-insured can benefit from clean, used devices and that the practice of reuse reduces waste, which is good for the environment.
The CATRC was initially formed in November 2010 as a Task Force resulting from a CFILC organized summit in Sacramento for organizations already involved with reuse. The summit?s purpose was to discuss the state of AT reuse in California. During the meeting, action items were established to make California a more effective reuse state. The Task Force wanted to build an infrastructure for reuse in California and create a special fund for reuse centers and repairs.
Disability Action Coalition
DisabilityActionCoalition.org
Disability Capitol Action Day (DCAD) is one of the nation's largest and most diverse yearly day of cross disability and unity. In 2012 over 2000 people with disabilities and their allies came together to celebrate coalition at the State Capitol. This year we expect to see over 3000 people coming together in unity for our day at the Capitol. Participants will have the chance to honor the champions of the disability rights movement and motivate our future leaders with disabilities.
Putting on an event at the Capitol requires a lot of moving parts, and fortunately we have been lucky to have the support of our legislative sponsors over the years, including Senators Ellen Corbett, Wes Chesbro and Sheila Kuehl. This year the Disability Action Coalition is proud to have the support of our DCAD 2013 Legislative Sponsors Senator Jim Beall Jr. (San Jose) and Assembly-member Holly Mitchell (Los Angeles).