Children’s Disabilities Information Coalition — Civic Engagement for People with Disabilities

The Children’s Disabilities Information Coalition provided training resources and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities (DD) in El Paso to address issues important to their independence, self-determination, and inclusion in community life. The project coordinated training programs and community events for participants to gain experience and skills in civic participation and engagement.

Some of the project’s highlights included:

• Developing a training toolkit with essential resources and information to support effective community-level advocacy on important disability issues.
• Working with an El Paso City Council member to establish an internship program for people with disabilities to develop employment skills in city departments.
• Successfully advocating for a formal proclamation from the City of El Paso that acknowledged the importance of expanding inclusive and accessible job opportunities for people with disabilities.
      

TCDD funds projects that support civic engagement among people with DD so self-advocates and their families can participate in policymaking and take part in the design of community services and individualized supports while having access to those services and supports. Engagement by people with DD benefits society by creating responsive policies and programs that integrate the experiences and expertise of people who are directly impacted.