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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons™
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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Involving People With Disabilities As Members Of Advisory Groups, Lisa Brennan, Meg Traci, Diana Spas, University Of Montana Rural Institute
Involving People With Disabilities As Members Of Advisory Groups, Lisa Brennan, Meg Traci, Diana Spas, University Of Montana Rural Institute
Independent Living and Community Participation
Service providers, schools, parks departments, public health agencies and other organizations make decisions and policies that profoundly affect the health, employment, income and well-being of people with disabilities. This capacity carries the obligation to involve the people most affected by including individuals with disabilities in the decision-making process. This Practice Guideline offers suggestions on how to involve people with disabilities as active members and advisors of your group. Many of these suggestions may be helpful to all participants, including those without disabilities.
Civic Leadership By People With Disabilities, Tom Seekins Ph.D., Joyce Brusin, Karen Rimel, University Of Montana Rural Institute
Civic Leadership By People With Disabilities, Tom Seekins Ph.D., Joyce Brusin, Karen Rimel, University Of Montana Rural Institute
Independent Living and Community Participation
Now as perhaps never before, Americans are recognizing heroes in everyday life. From “the Greatest Generation” of World War II to the firefighters of the New York City Fire Department, we are recognizing the extraordinary contributions which citizens make to their communities and to our nation. People with disabilities are among the contributors. The World Health Organization’s new International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICIDH) recognizes the importance of their contributions – to themselves as well as their communities. It identifies participation in community life as a critically-important outcome and specifically highlights participation in civic and political affairs (ICIDH-2, …
A Guide To Writing Letters To Public Officials: Contributing To Important Decisions Affecting You And Others, Tom Seekins Ph.D., Stephen B. Fawcett, University Of Montana Rural Institute
A Guide To Writing Letters To Public Officials: Contributing To Important Decisions Affecting You And Others, Tom Seekins Ph.D., Stephen B. Fawcett, University Of Montana Rural Institute
Independent Living and Community Participation
A well-written personal letter may be the most effective way to communicate with public officials. They want to know how their constituents feel about issues, especially when those issues involve decisions by elected officials. Public officials usually know what lobbying groups are saying about an issue, but often they do not understand how a particular decision affects you. A well-written letter describing your experiences, observations, and opinions may change an official’s mind. The same guidelines are also useful for writing to private officials such as business owners, executives of groups like the chamber of commerce, or presidents of corporate boards …
A Guide To Writing Letters To The Editor: Expressing Your Opinion To The Public Effectively, Tom Seekins Ph.D., Stephen B. Fawcett, University Of Montana Rural Institute
A Guide To Writing Letters To The Editor: Expressing Your Opinion To The Public Effectively, Tom Seekins Ph.D., Stephen B. Fawcett, University Of Montana Rural Institute
Independent Living and Community Participation
One way to express your opinion publicly is through a letter to the editor in your local newspaper. While every letter may not be published, editors pay attention to well-written letters. This is especially true when there are many letters written on the same topic. In turn, elected officials are also influenced by letters newspapers have chosen for publication. This guide will help you prepare an effective letter to the editor that expresses your opinion on an issue. It includes two letters about a controversial issue and specific guidelines on how to prepare a successful letter yourself. After you read …
A Guide For Personal Testimony: The Art Of Using Your Personal Experiences To Influence Policy Decisions, Tom Seekins Ph.D., Stephen B. Fawcett, University Of Montana Rural Institute
A Guide For Personal Testimony: The Art Of Using Your Personal Experiences To Influence Policy Decisions, Tom Seekins Ph.D., Stephen B. Fawcett, University Of Montana Rural Institute
Independent Living and Community Participation
The quality of life in any community is determined to some extent by the laws and policies of governmental units and agencies. One way of changing community conditions is to change the laws and policies. From a group’s perspective, any proposed change may be for the better or the worse. However, for changes in laws, regulations, or policies to occur, a public hearing is often required. During public hearings, people have an equal opportunity speak either for or against proposed changes. Many different types of testimony can be and usually are provided during public hearings. These may range from detailed, …
Etiquette Of Consumer Involvement: Ten Guidelines For Prudent Advocacy, University Of Montana Rural Institute
Etiquette Of Consumer Involvement: Ten Guidelines For Prudent Advocacy, University Of Montana Rural Institute
Independent Living and Community Participation
The types of advocacy projects your group chooses will contribute to its reputation in the community. Since your group is likely to address many issues over a long time, its reputation is key to success. The following guidelines have emerged as characteristic of many successful advocacy organizations. This list is by no means complete, but it may serve as a basis for healthy community involvement.