It takes all of us
What is Advocacy?
Self-Advocacy
At The Independence Center, we attempt to empower consumers to be their own advocates and foster independence in achieving their goals. We recognize that the best way for change to occur is when an individual has self-directed that change, so we offer support to consumers with addressing whatever barriers they face in living the life of their choice. Sometimes, an advocate is necessary to support a person with finding the information, people, and tools that are necessary to overcome a problem. The consumer can then move forward with planning and action on how to address their need.
If you need help with developing your self-advocacy skills, visit our Peer Support & Self-Advocacy page, or contact an Advocacy Specialist at 719-471-8181 or through our contact form.
Community Organizing
Community Organizing is the process of bringing people together to build relationships, identify problems, and develop the capacity—the power—to change the decisions and processes of institutions that contribute to those problems. Organizing leads to action that is planned and carried out through campaigns: periods of intense and focused effort, with a beginning and an end, designed to lead to a specific goal that makes a positive, incremental impact on a problem.” (Advocacy and Community Organizing) Organizing depends on “people power” – larger groups of people who have a collective mission and will to change a negative circumstance that affects them all.
The Importance of your Voice and Vote
In the United States, many of us have the right to vote in local, state, and federal elections, but in April 2021, only 27% of registered Colorado Springs voters cast a ballot in the General Municipal Election.
The right to vote has been a contentious one throughout US history, and the disability community has been a loud, constant advocate throughout. However, despite the various bills and acts designed to allow all eligible voters to cast a vote, implementation has unfortunately been and continues to be incomplete.
One of the provisions of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 requires polling places to have at least one voting machine that is accessible to disabled voters, but after the general election in 2020, the National Federation of the Blind polled blind and low-vision voters about their experiences voting. They found that over a quarter of those polled reported that the accessible voting machine either wasn’t set up or that poll workers were having trouble operating it. Other groups with disabilities have reported similar obstacles throughout the country: Some found it difficult or impossible to physically enter the polling place itself, while others did not receive the assistance in casting a ballot to which they are entitled.
Uncertainty about accommodations and accessibility at polling places can discourage people from exercising this right, so once again The Independence Center will open its building up as a Voter Polling and Service Center (VPSC) for this year’s elections.
What can you expect when you come to The Independence Center to vote?
The building is fully accessible, meaning that anyone can come in and utilize the space, regardless of disability. An accessible voting machine will be operational, and someone will explain how to use it, so no matter who you are you will be able to cast your vote independently and with privacy. If you’ve already filled out a ballot, there will also be a ballot drop box where it will be officially and securely deposited.
In the last general election, hundreds of people cast their votes at The Independence Center, and this essential community service will be available once again. As the home of disability civil rights in the Pikes Peak Region, the Independence Center is proud to do our part to make sure that our community is able to exercise our rights.
If you want to know more about voting at The Independence Center, transportation to and from the building, or other general questions, please call us at 719-471-8181.