COMMUNITY SERVICES & OUTREACH
IMPACT CIL believes that it is the result of community barriers, low community expectations, stigmas, prejudice, and discrimination that limits an individual’s full participation in the community and not a person’s disability.
SYSTEMS ADVOCACY
IMPACT CIL is dedicated to ensuring that our community, including local and state governments, complies with civil rights laws and other laws and policies which support independent living, self determination, and integration into the community. Covered entities are often reluctant to comply with laws and policies, and IMPACT CIL is committed to holding them accountable for complying. It is our highest priority. As a community organization, we are always willing to help covered entities comply. As customers or consumers of businesses, government agencies, and other covered entities, we have developed significant expertise regarding compliance. It is not difficult for our people who use wheelchairs to tell if a building is properly accessible, and deaf individuals can tell if covered entities are providing interpreters as required. All too often our help is rejected and entities violate the law. When necessary, we are prepared to be advocates to ensure compliance. Various IMPACT CIL staff members have developed significant expertise regarding complying with civil rights laws and other laws and projects that support independent living, self determination, and productivity. We offer our expertise to our community and more and more they are accepting it.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
We provide technical assistance to many local governments which approve building plans that must comply with ADA or the Illinois Environmental Barriers Act. We have positively influenced hundreds of new and renovated buildings to be accessible. We consulted with hundreds of ADA covered entities to help them come into compliance, often actually developing self evaluation and transition plans. Entities we have provided technical assistance range from large entities such as St. Clair county government, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Christian Hospitals Northeast and Northwest, and the Alton Belle, to small insurance offices, restaurants, and specialty shops.
ABILITY AWARENESS
IMPACT CIL staff can provide awareness presentations and sensitivity training to schools, businesses, civic organizations, health care professionals, and others to educate about disability related issues, break down stereotypes and promote inclusion. Through United Way Funds, IMPACT CIL provides an Ability Awareness program. Presenters consist of people with various disabilities who share their life experiences.
OTHER SERVICES
Transit Training, Ramp Program, Vocational rehabilitation program and (more information on additional services are available upon request).
