It's been a busy week at Access Living as many of our team members met with legislators to advocate a disability forward agenda as part of this year's National Council on Independent Living conference. We can't think of a better way to celebrate the Anniversary of the ADA!

Today, take a moment with disability advocates nationwide to reflect on the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). bit.ly/3WlfC3l

Art shaped by disability aesthetics and justice is thriving in Chicago. bit.ly/4d6Fnvx

Access Living Statement of Solidarity with Sonya Massey and Advancing Real Solutions for Mental Health Crisis bit.ly/3Aa8LT2

While the Democratic National Convention (DNC) is in town, Access Living staff will be working fully remotely. Our building at 115 W. Chicago Avenue will be closed because the DNC road closures will cause issues for travel for staff and consumers.

Illinois is a beautiful state with so many parks and trails to explore. Join us for a fall focus group with Openlands and tell us: What is needed in order to create accessible, inclusive outdoor experiences for our community? accessliving.org/openlands-form/

Community voices needed! This September, Access Living and Openlands are hosting a series of focus groups for people with disabilities to provide input on how we can make access to nature accessible to us ALL. Sign up now to join the discussion! accessliving.org/openlands-form/

We’re at the first stop on the #CareCantWait bus tour with Ai-jen Poo and Access Living to lift up the stories of caregivers and demand union jobs with living wages for all care workers so we can support our families and ensure we have a strong voice in the work we love.

"I love my job—I take pride in the work I do. It brings me joy and a great sense of purpose to care for people like my brother. However, low pay and a lack of benefits have made it difficult to get ahead financially." - Coston, care workers with SEIU HCIIMK! #CareCantWait

Picture this: A future where home care workers, child care workers, and care workers across all industries can live with dignity, respect, and good pay—thanks to good union jobs. This is the future the #CareCantWait Bus Tour is fighting for! 🚍

#CareCantWait

"Millions of Americans are priced out of homes and apartments. For people with disabilities, finding an accessible place they can afford can be even more challenging." pbs.org/newshour/show/…

Wheelchair basketball featured on today's Google Doodle!

“I think if this system was in place, and emergency responders were trained and aware of what is available to them, then I think Sonya Massey would still be with us today.” capitolnewsillinois.com/news/masseys-d…

Our Transportation Policy Analyst, Laura Saltzman is a panelist for tomorrow's "When Driving Is Not an Option" webinar with America Walks! Join the convo on Zoom, 1pm CT. us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

Today we hosted Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona at Access Living. As part of the 2024 Back to School Bus Tour, Secretary Miguel Cardona came to learn more about Access Living's youth transition services and, in particular, our new youth programming! #PathwaysToPartnership