At SVILC, we believe that the best advocate for yourself is you! In Individual Advocacy, our community advocate is available to teach you how to speak up for yourself regarding the things that matter most to you, and your independence. Should you be discriminated against because of your disability, our advocate is here to help.
Our community advocate ensures our community and our civil rights stay at the forefront of elected officials and policymaker’s minds. Some issues we work with include:
- Compliance with Americans With Disabilities (ADA) and the Olmstead decision
- Full civic participation in such things as voting, census, and involvement in the political system
- Protection for seniors and people with disabilities such as paratransit, IHSS, and housing
Community Organizing
SVILC partners with the Disability Organizing Network (DO Net), who organizes disability advocates, activists, and community members in California. We are also apart of the California Partnership, South Bay Chapter, which includes other anti-poverty and justice organizations. Our San Jose office hosts the monthly People First meetings for Santa Clara County, which provides a place to discuss how to advocate for yourself and our community.
Self-Advocacy
The best advocate for you is yourself. The Community Advocate assists you in learning about your civil rights and speaking up for yourself to your family and friends. From re-entering the workforce, to appealing decisions from Social Security, and more.
Systems Change Advocacy
SVILC periodically hosts and participates in events that voice our community’s needs and concerns. Such events may include topics like public transportation and paratransit, in-home support services, civic engagement, housing rights, city hall meetings, and more. The Community Advocate invites you to participate in making a change!