Affiliations
Independent Resources, Inc. advocates for initiatives and legislation aimed at eliminating systematic discrimination and ignorance intentionally or unintentionally directed at the disability community.
In the 21 st Century, people with disabilities have greater opportunities to live independently and obtain gainful employment. The disability community demands and expects equal virtual and physical access to public facilities and services, and full integration in the community in all sectors.
Independent Resources, Inc. in addition to advocacy initiatives tied to its programming, is integrally involved and is a member of several committees and governor-appointed boards, whose missions are to ensure the adherence to local, national and international mandates that create barrier-free environments for all types of disabilities.
Committees:
- State Council for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD)
Mission is to unite, in one Council, disability advocates and State agency policy makers to ensure that individuals with disabilities are empowered to become fully integrated within the community.
Sub Committees under SCPD are:
Brain Injury Committee
Mission is to improve the lives of Delawareans with brain injury and their families. They are:
- A forum for the sharing and analysis of information;
- A network to identify and facilitate acquisition of enhanced resources;
- A technical assistance provider to educate public and private policymakers;
- An advocacy agency to promote a consumer-oriented, effective injury and prevention service delivery system.
The Policy & Law Committee
Analyzes and promotes state, federal and local legislation, regulations, programs and policies to
effectively meet the needs of persons with disabilities in Delaware.
The Housing Committee
Analyzes and promotes federal, state and local laws, regulations, programs and policies to ensure that people with disabilities have appropriate access to housing options in Delaware.
Healthcare Committee
SCPD is a member of, and provides staff support to, the Governor's Commission on Building Access to Community-Based Services and Healthcare Committee. This is a joint effort and the Committee is now collaborating with the Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS) to promote initiatives which improve the health of, and prevent secondary health conditions in, Delawareans with disabilities. The Healthcare Committee does not have a mission at this point since it has changed direction in its efforts.
Employment First Oversight Commission - VIEW LINK
The Commission’s mission is to ensure that state agencies promote and implement the Employment. First Act so that people with disabilities, as a first option, have the opportunity for meaningful and competitive employment in fully integrated work settings. This commission carries out this mission by working with state agencies to:
- Review the programs, policies, procedures, and funding of agencies that are related to implementation of the Employment First Act;
- Track and report on the progress of those agencies in reaching measurable goals and objectives related to the Act;
- Identify barriers to achieving those goals and objectives and finding strategies to overcome those barriers.
The Emergency Preparedness Planning for Persons with Access, Functional and Medical Needs (PWAFMN) Committee - VIEW LINK
Mission is to provide awareness and planning guidance to various Delaware Emergency Management Agencies for the varied and unique emergency preparedness needs of Persons with Access, Functional and Medical Needs.
Boards:
Access Wilmington
The Access Wilmington Committee works in an advisory capacity to the Mayor to raise awareness of accessibility issues and to advocate for resources on behalf of individuals with disabilities and their families who live, work or visit the City of Wilmington.
The committee's vision is for Wilmington to serve as a model of accessibility. It resolves to work toward:
- Community Education: Increasing awareness of disability issues and resources.
- Legislation: Develop laws and ordinances affecting citizens with disabilities and their rights.
- Accessibility: Assuring that all facilities and programs are totally accessible to citizens with disabilities.
- Employment: Promoting employment opportunities for citizens with disabilities.
- Transportation: Acquiring a totally accessible public transportation system.
- Economics: Promoting opportunities for economic independence for citizens with disabilities.
State Rehabilitation Council (SRC)
The Delaware State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) was established and is authorized under the provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended through August 1998. The SRC is a body of seventeen members appointed by the Governor and established to provide advice and support to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). The State Rehabilitation Council was authorized by changes to the Rehabilitation Act of 1992. A majority of the Council members are people with disabilities. The Council membership includes consumers and advocates, representatives from Community Rehabilitation Programs, business, the Department of Education and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.