Advocacy Groups
Advocacy groups work to remove the barriers that keep people with disabilities from fully integrating in the community. Groups focus on specific issues and work together to advocate for change. Members of advocacy groups are actively involved in advocacy action alerts.
Consumer Council
This is a group of consumers who meets monthly to identify barriers to independent living in the community, and direct ARISE's systems change advocacy efforts to remove those barriers. Issues discussed include barriers to integrated and accessible housing, access to transportation, healthcare, public accommodations, better pedestrian safety, and much more. The Consumer Council also advises the agency about programming and services.
Public Transportation Advisory Committee
This group of consumers works with public officials on improving services and policies of Call-A-Bus and the fixed route bus system, to create public transit that’s accessible to all in Onondaga County.
Parent Advocacy Groups
Parent advocacy groups help parents learn about and advocate for the rights of their children who have disabilities. Two parent advocacy groups currently meet:
- Mexico Parents United
- Oswego Parents United
Please contact us if you’re interested in starting a parent advocacy group in your school district!
Self Advocacy Council
Self advocacy is one of the most important skills any person can develop. As a member of the Self Advocacy Group, you’ll get support and guidance as you increase your ability to advocate for yourself.
Transportation Taskforce
The Transportation Taskforce discusses issues related to transportation accessibility. Often, members of the transportation authority are invited to meetings to help solve problems. Becoming a member of this task force gives you the chance to improve public transportation in your community.
Vision Network
The Vision Network is an advocacy group formed by a partnership between ARISE, Aurora of Central New York, Lee Memorial Hospital, and the Oswego County Visually Impaired (OCVI). As a member, you’ll work with others to address such issues as a curb-to-curb transportation, traffic safety, accessibility of restaurants, and community education.