On May 15, 2002, the Alliance For Disabled In
Action, Inc., participated in the nationwide MiCASSA Event, a
teleconference coordinated by the Topeka Independent Living Resource
Center. Our Executive
Director, Debbie Bain, believed that MiCASSA is an integral step in
achieving full independence for all Americans with disabilities.
The Alliance took the initiative to garner
support from numerous individuals and organizations that could assist
in promoting the passage of MiCASSA to the New Jersey Federal
Legislators. We continue
to urge disability groups, people with disabilities and other
organizations to join in the grassroots effort to make sure that
MiCASSA becomes a reality.
Currently, there are several organizations signed
onto the NJ MiCASSA Advocacy Coalition.
The two versions of the phone script were
approved. One targets cosponsors who previously supported this
legislation last session, to become cosponsors once again. The other
reaches out to legislators who have not cosponsored this legislation
in previous sessions to become cosponsors.
Also, the petitions for the citizens and
organizations of New Jersey were approved. They will be sent out
shortly.
In previous meetings, members agreed to plan a
trip to Washington DC to advocate for the reintroduction and passage
of MiCASSA in 2003. Further information will be discussed in future
meetings.
The Coalition members are in pursuit of creating
a state CASA and will work in a joint effort with various
organizations in the near future.
Our next meeting will take place on May 2, 2003,
at the North Brunswick Municipal Complex from 1-3pm. If you have any
questions, please contact the Advocacy/Outreach Coordinator, Maria Abbot at
advocacy@adacil.org.