CHICAGO – To speak out in favor of equal rights for the disabled and raise awareness of the barriers they face, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will visit Access Living Aug. 5.
The organization advocates on behalf of those with physical, psychiatric and cognitive disabilities in matters of housing, education, and access to health care. Access Living is participating in the Disability Visibility Project, a year-long campaign organized by StoryCorps to raise awareness of the issues facing people with disabilities in advance of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act next summer.
"As we approach a quarter century under the Americans with Disabilities Act, it's important to look at how far we've come, but also how much more we need to do to ensure equality and protection for people with disabilities," Simon said. "I applaud Access Living's work in helping people who have disabilities overcome the barriers to information, services and advocacy they face."
Among other initiatives, Access Living is helping the elderly and people with disabilities living in nursing homes return to their own homes under the expansion of managed care outlined in the federal Affordable Care Act.
The organization's legal department also advocates for tenants and property owners with disabilities.
Simon will visit with organization officers and tour the Access Living facility Tuesday.
DATE: Aug. 5, 2014
TIME: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
LOCATION: Access Living, 115 West Chicago Ave., Chicago
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