MCIL is committed to systems and individual advocacy, by, with and for people with disabilities. We know that strength lies in numbers, and we invite you to join us in our continuing advocacy efforts. We will post information on events and issues that affect people with disabilities in the Greater Baltimore Area. 

Ongoing Issues

Tips on Writing to Politicians

MCIL Accessibility Survey

MCIL Gas Station Accessibility Survey

Ongoing Issues

We will highlight a different topic periodically that is relevant to people with disabilities in our area and provide background information. A current issue is the MiCASSA legislation. The Medicaid Community Attendant Services and Supports Act of 1999, MiCASSA, is proposed legislation which, if signed into law, would allow for a national program of home- and community-based services (attendant services) and would encourage development of system change mechanisms for states to move from the institutional bias that now exists to a community based system.

IT PASSED IN MARYLAND

The MiCassa bill that was submitted this legislative session in Maryland passed into law.  Maryland becomes the first state in the nation to enact this legislation.  To read the bill, go to the MLIS website  and look up HB 702 in the 2001 session.

Full text of MiCASSA

ADAPT information on MiCASSA

Tips on Writing to Politicians

A major part of advocacy is making our collective voice heard. If you have ever wanted to speak out about an issue, but did not know where to begin, here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Keep it simple. Stick with one issue per letter. Also, keep the letter to a maximum of two pages, though one page is preferable.

2. Be clear about what you want. State the purpose of your letter in the first paragraph. Be specific about what you want him or her to do (vote yes or no, urge a government agency into action, etc.).

3. Be polite and respectful. Politicians are more likely to pay attention if your request does not have threats or self-righteous language. Avoid phrases like "I won't vote for you if..." or "I am a citizen and a taxpayer" (they will assume you are).

4. Be yourself. You are the most important part of your letter. Your experiences and opinions are what make your letter unique, so do not be afraid to sound like yourself. 

5. Get the facts straight. You don't have to be an expert to write a letter, but make sure that the facts you include in your letter are accurate. Also, do not assume the legislator knows all about the issue, so provide some background information.

6. Aim for the public interest. Politicians need to consider the "big picture," so give them reasons that your request will benefit not just you, but the public as a whole.

7. Ask for a reply. Use a closing sentence like "I look forward to receiving your response." Make sure to include your name and address on the letter and the envelope.

A letter is not the only way to communicate with politicians. You can call, email or send a postcard to your legislator as well; however, letters are still the preferred method. The following are links to government web sites.

The White House

The United States Congress

Maryland state legislature

MCIL's Accessibility Survey

Have you tried to go places in your community and were unable to access the goods and services of the facility due to an architectural barrier?  Do you want to do something about getting the situation corrected?  Please fill this form out and email or print it out and send it to us.  We will check it out and work with the business to rectify the problem.  If necessary, we will advocate on the strongest level to ensure ADA compliance.

Gas Station Accessibility Survey

Please use this form to let us know about service (good or unsatisfactory) that you have encountered at a gas station. For example, were you able to pump your own gas?  Did you pay self-serve prices?   Were you able to pay the attendant in the kiosk? Could you get into the mart? This information will be used to ensure that stations are accessible according to the ADA.