Introduction

My name is Charlie Reichardt. I am the Systems Advocate at the Catskill Center for Independence. The center serves people with disabilities and their families in Delaware, Otsego and Chenango counties in Central New York.

As advocates we are devoted to improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by taking action to achieve a barrier free, fully inclusive society.
The vehicle used to accomplish this goal is the Statewide Systems Advocacy Network (SSAN) of which we are a part. This blog is designed to promote discussion and keep you informed about the goals, actions and accomplishments of the SSAN. It also provides ideas and avenues for interested citizens to get involved.

If you think about it: advocacy is something all of us do every day. Sometimes the issues are national, sometimes they are local and sometimes they are personal, but they are always important because they are our issues. It is when our voices are in concert that we speak the loudest and are heard. Due to the involvement of dedicated individuals we continue to reach out to and assist persons with disabilities enabling them to live more independent, productive and rewarding lives.

The SSAN employs a variety of strategies and methods in its efforts to achieve the goals outlined in the New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) Disability Priority Agenda. Volunteers across the state stand “at the ready” to mobilize into action when called upon. This mobilization typically starts with an “action alert”. An action alert is akin to a “call to arms” and is issued by the NYAIL Advocacy Coordinator whenever action is required to further the goals of the Disability Priority Agenda.
Action alerts are issued electronically to the Systems Advocates employed by various independent living centers throughout the state. In some cases action is required in support of an issue, regulation, or legislation, and in other cases action is required to oppose it. Either way, the action alert can require volunteers to respond in a variety of ways such as:
· Contacting legislators by phone fax and/or email
· Writing a letter to the editor in support of or opposition to a legislative issue
· Providing oral and/or written testimony on a given topic
· Participating in voter registration drives and/or get out the vote campaigns
· Engages in political action when necessary to achieve a goal.

The Systems Advocates are then responsible for contacting the volunteers they work with locally to inform them of the action alert and assist them in completing the tasks required in the alert. The Systems Advocates also provide education and training to volunteers both individually and in group settings whenever necessary to assist them in learning how to respond or improving their ability to respond to the action alerts.

The Catskill Center for Independents is always on the lookout for new advocates interested in getting involved in the community by becoming an SSAN Volunteer. No previous experience is necessary, just a desire to be part of an exciting team working together to create a barrier free environment for all New Yorkers. If you think you might qualify, please contact Charlie at the Center at 607.432.8000 or via email at ccfi@ccfi.us.

We look forward to your comments, having lively discussions and the sharing of ideas.

Charlie Reichardt
Systems Advocate
Catskill Center for Independence