Advocacy

They provide a range of health and support services to improve the health of women, children and families. They provide home visiting, breastfeeding support, outreach and education, and more to protect the health of families throughout Philadelphia. Office of Maternal, Child and Family Health Special Healthcare Needs Parent Advocacy 1101 Market Street, 9th floor Philadelphia, PA 215-658-5225 email: Kheli.muhammad@phila.gov

Vision for Equality’s Advocacy Department’s principal goal is to provide effective advocacy for people with disabilities and their families. Vision’s advocates work tirelessly to forward an agenda that targets quality outcomes in people’s lives and advances empowerment through self- determination and choice. It maintains an independent critical viewpoint focused on the rights and well-being of the individual, unabridged by outside influences. We act as collaborators, problem solvers, facilitators, negotiators, and mediators always keeping in mind the best interests of the individual for whom we are advocating. Vision for Equality Cast Iron Building 718 Arch Street, 6N Philadelphia, PA 19106 215-923-3349 or TTY 215-923-8898 ext. 133 email: visionforequality@visionforequality.org

Tools for Meeting Life’s Challenges provides resources, support and advocacy, in-person and online, to help empower people with disabilities and their families. They offer education on advocacy, assistive technology, disability planning resources, educational benefits, and medical benefits. Tools for Meeting Life’s Challenges Two Commerce Square 2001 Market Street, Suite 2900 Philadelphia, PA 19103 866-594-8362 email: jscullin@toolsmlc.org

SPEAK Unlimited Inc. is an organization started in 2004 by Susan F. Rzucidlo, the mom of a young man who has autism. This organization is dedicated to serving individuals who have special needs and supporting Emergency Responders. We promote community safety programming and support families in locating and utilizing services. SPEAK provides a range of services, advocacy, family support, employment and education, training to First Responders (Police, Fire Fighters, Paramedics). Speak Unlimited PO Box 98 Landenberg, PA 19350 610-659-3145 email: SPEAKSusan@gmail.com

The Citizen Advisory Committee acts as an independent representative and advocate on behalf of SEPTA customers in the five-county region of Southeastern Pennsylvania served by SEPTA. The committee's major concerns are the quality of service, including reliability and frequency, speed, cleanliness, safety and security; fares; policies; financing and planning; and accountability. The website also posts their annual reports for consumers to view. SEPTA Citizen Advisory Committee 1234 Market Street, 10th floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 215-580-7800 email: CAC@septa.org

PPC is a children’s advocacy organization, advancing government policies that improve the health, early learning, and well-being of Pennsylvania’s children. Pennsylvania Partnership for Children 200 N. Third Street, 13th floor Harrisburg, PA 17107 717-236-5680

PA Elks is a home service program that provides support and advocacy services to individuals of any age with intellectual disabilities. 814-781-7860

Raise awareness and reduce the debilitating stigma associated with mental health disorders through adolescent and college programs and education. Minding Your Mind 124 Sibley Avenue Ardmore, PA 19003 610-642-3879

To ensure that Philadelphia is in full compliance with ADA, the Mayor’s Office works to eliminate attitudinal, and communication barriers, to ensure that individuals with disabilities have a voice in government and receive equity in services. It also combats discrimination and promotes understanding of and sensitivity to individuals with disabilities. Information and referral services for major concerns facing persons with disabilities (i.e. transportation, employment, housing, education, city compliance with ADA) are offered. Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities City Hall, Room 260D Philadelphia, PA 19107 215-686-2798

Liberty Resources, Inc. is the Center for Independent Living for the Philadelphia area, which advocates for and works with people with disabilities to ensure their civil rights and equal access to all aspects of life in our community. They provide these five core services: advocacy, information and referral, peer support, skills training, and transitioning/youth services. The Center also has additional services. Liberty Resources 112 N. 8th Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19107 215-634-2000 email: lrinc@libertyresources.org