How to Advocate Effectively with Jane Johnson

The Independent Life

Advocating for the rights of people with disabilities is an essential step towards creating a more inclusive, equitable society. People with disabilities are often subjected to discrimination, lack adequate access to resources and services, and are underrepresented in the public sphere. Disability advocacy seeks to address these issues by amplifying their voices and advocating for improved policy changes.

On today's episode, Jane Johnson joins us to recap CIL Day at the Capital, which took place on January 26th. Tony, CIL Gainesville staff, and others throughout the Independent Living Network converged at the Capital in Tallahassee; they met with legislators and heads of state agencies to talk about the Legislative Agenda. Jane and Tony get into a conversation about advocacy, unpacking the current legislative agenda, and the pillars of The Independent Living Movement. They also discuss their partnership with special programs such as Agrability, which supports farmers with disabilities, and a pilot program serving inmates with disabilities who are preparing to be released back into the community.

We also talk about the upcoming expiration of the Federal COVID-19 Emergency Declaration, which is set to expire on May 11, 2023. For those on Medicaid or knows anyone on Medicaid, this is an extremely important episode to listen to, to ensure that you are not left without the type of insurance and resources you need when this executive order expires.

Episode Resources:

• Check Your Eligibility via Access My Florida: https://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/