title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING ACCESS LIVING OF METROPOLITAN CHICAGO ON THEIR 45TH ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago (Access Living) is a leading nonprofit and Center for Independent Living (CIL) dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Access Living, founded in 1980 and headquartered at 115 W.?Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654; and
WHEREAS, Access Living is led and staffed mainly by people with disabilities, and it champions the idea of "nothing about us without us." The organization advocates for independent living, civil rights, and social equality, inclusion; and
WHEREAS, Access Living's vision is a world free from barriers and discrimination - where disability is a respected and natural part of the human experience, and people with disabilities are included and valued; and
WHEREAS, Access Living's mission is to ignite disability power and pride, provide critical services, and break down systemic barriers to create a stronger, more inclusive society; and
WHEREAS, Access Living started a disability housing coalition that resulted in the creation of the Office on Disability Policy at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and
WHEREAS, Access Living also played a key role in drafting and passing the groundbreaking Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990; and
WHEREAS, Access Living provides peer support, independent living skills, and individual and systemic advocacy, including help with housing discrimination, ADA compliance, domestic violence, immigration, Social Security, and public benefits; and
WHEREAS, Access Living also offers information and referral, transition assistance for youth programs and life changes, as well as public education, workshops, and civic engagement opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Access Living also organizes support groups, policy task forces, and events focused on disability; and.
WHEREAS, Access Living's building exemplifies universal and gree...
Click here for full text