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Removing Barriers Through Self-Advocacy

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Removing Barriers Through Self-Advocacy   Do barriers make everyday life more difficult? Barriers, whether they are physical or non-physical can be very challenging and frustrating if they limit one's ability to fully participate in the community. Examples of physical barriers include a street corner with no curb cut, steps without proper visual markings or a counter that is too high to reach. Non-physical barriers may include denial of services or access to programs because of a person's disability, such as a person being dismissed from jury duty solely because they are blind. There are a number of ways that you can remove barriers through self-advocacy. Here are some suggestions: 1. Reporting a Barrier: If you encounter a barrier do not hesitate to bring it to the attention of an employee. If you have a hidden disability you should consider explaining how the barrier limits your accessibility to programs or services, as it may not be obvious to others that a barrier exists. Most people are not aware of accessibility issues if not previously reported. In most cases a positive and courteous request for assistance will receive a positive accommodation. It is better to explain the issue and show a willingness to work toward a solution than it is to demand the condition be corrected. 2. If the Problem is Not Resolved: If the person you report the barrier to is not helpful you should ask to speak with a manager or supervisor. If no one is available, or if the barrier remains, request the name, title, mailing address and phone number of the person to contact. Once you have received this information, you can submit a written request for a reasonable accommodation. When submitting a written request include your name, address, phone number, nature of the barrier and the name of the employee(s) you spoke to. Request a written response within 30 days. In some cases removal of a barrier may take longer, however it is reasonable to expect a response to your request within 30 days. 3. Receiving Assistance: Consider contacting a local advocacy agency if you return to discuss the barrier or if there is no response to your written request after 30 days. Be prepared to provide copies of the letter(s) you have sent and information about the conversations that took place regarding the barrier. For assistance in the removal of barriers the Commission on Disabilities suggests contacting the following advocacy agencies. The Commission has assembled directories to assist in the reporting of physical and non-physical barriers at city and county owned buildings, streets, parks, programs and events. Listed in alphabetical order, cities and towns may offer printable forms, online forms, e-mail addresses, street addresses and/or phone, fax and TDD numbers. Please direct your request to the appropriate jurisdiction by using the reporting method that best serves your needs.   Reports should be forwarded to the proper jurisdiction. Do not forward reports to the Commission. Back     ADVOCACY AGENCIES Center for Independence of the Disabled, Inc. (All Disabilities) 873 O’Neill Avenue Belmont, CA 94002 (650)595-0783 Voice (650)595-0261 Fax (650)595-0743 TDD PARCA (Developmental Disabilities) 1750 El Camino Real, Suite 105 Burlingame, CA 94010 (650)312-0730 Voice (650)312-0737 Fax Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County (All Disabilities) Clients’ Rights Advocate 521 East 5th Avenue San Mateo, CA 94402 (650)558-0915 Voice (650)558-0673 Fax (650)558-0786 TDD Project Sentinel (Housing Discrimination) 430 Sherman Avenue Palo Alto, Ca. 94306 (650)321-6291 Voice (650) 321-4173 Fax E-mail: Projsenkc@aol.com Peninsula Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired 2470 El Camino Real, Suite 107 Palo Alto, Ca. 94306 (650)858-0202 Voice (650) 858-0857 Fax Back REPORT BAD LINKS& OUT-OF DATE INFORMATION HERE