Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL)

Advocacy - Disabilities

530 N Robert St, St. Paul, MN, 55101

Distance: 1032 Miles

(651) 646-8342

advocacy@mcil-mn.org

https://mcil-mn.org/services/individual-advocacy

Description

Program that works on behalf of individuals and/or groups to make sure that they receive the benefits and services for which they are eligible

Additional Information

Offers one-on-one advocacy work with consumers or families to eliminate barriers to getting services, income, or meeting other needs

Advocates can assist with:
* Understanding Social Security and how to apply, managing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, and referrals to resources for developing an individualized Plan To Achieve Self Support (PASS).
* Understanding and applying for health care benefits such as Medical Assistance, Medical Assistance (MA) for Employed People with Disabilities, Medicare, and using MN Sure to shop for individual insurance plans.
* Understanding county waiver programs and how to apply.
* Information about housing options, voucher programs, how to search for affordable housing, renters rights and responsibilities.
* Learning about and utilizing transportation options, bus training, Metro Mobility applications.
* Strengthening soft skills and self-image, increasing assertiveness, confidence, and ability to advocate for oneself.
* Basics of money management, tips about creating and sticking to a budget.
* Time management and good organization skills.
* How to talk to your legislator to advocate for systems change, keep up on relevant public policy, and be more engaged in civic life.
* Coordination of services with other agencies and organizations.
* Learning useful community resources to help you meet your needs.

Features

Area Served by County
- Anoka County
- Carver County
- Dakota County
- Hennepin County
- Ramsey County
- Scott County
- Washington County
Specialization
- Adults with disabilities
- Blind or visually impaired
- Brain Injury (BI)
- Children and/or youth with disabilities
- Deaf or hard-of-hearing
- Developmental disabilities
- Disabilities
- Mental health
- Older adults with disabilities
- Physical disabilities
- Veteran

Eligibility

People with all types of disabilities, of all ages

Application Instructions

Visit online for opportunities and groups.

For additional information on disability advocacy call the Disability Linkage Line: (866) 333-2466.

Business Hours

8:00am – 4:30pm, Monday - Friday

Area Served

Twin Cities Metro area

Disability HUB MN, DB101 and ADA MN - Statewide

Websites

https://mcil-mn.org/services/individual-advocacy

https://mcil-mn.org

Phone Numbers

Type	Number	Hours
Main	(651) 646-8342
Disability Hub MN	(866) 333-2466

Last Update

12/5/2024

Other Locations

This provider does not offer this service at other locations.

Other Services or resources

Taxonomy Terms Used. Clicking a taxonomy term from the list below launches a new search.: Clicking a taxonomy term from the list below launches a new search.

FP-0500.2500Group Advocacy Definition

Programs that intervene on behalf of groups of people who have a common grievance against a public or private service provider or who believe that their rights have been violated, and which attempt to reach an equitable settlement without resorting to litigation.
FP-0500.3300Individual Advocacy Definition

Programs that intercede on behalf of individuals to help them establish eligibility for or obtain needed services when they have been denied benefits or services for which they are eligible, when they need assistance to communicate their needs to a service provider or to otherwise effectively represent themselves, or when they have a complaint about a service. Individual advocacy attempts to reach equitable settlements without resorting to litigation and seeks to meet individual needs without attempting to change social institutions.
FP-0500.8000System Advocacy Definition

Programs that seek changes in community conditions, structures or institutions when modifications in the service delivery system as a whole are required to ensure the adequate availability of essential community services, to contribute to human growth and development and to prevent unwitting support of conditions which are injurious to individuals and families who are residents. The objective of system advocacy is to make changes that are required to benefit the community as a whole rather than focusing on the needs of a particular individual, family or group of residents.
LR-1550Centers for Independent Living Definition

Consumer controlled, community based, cross disability, nonresidential agencies designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities that provide an array of independent living services. All CILs provide five core services: information and referral, independent living skills training, peer counseling, individual and systems advocacy and transition. In addition, many CILs also offer transportation services, mobility training, personal assistance, housing and home modifications, recreation services, vocational programs, assistance in obtaining assistive technology equipment and other individualized services designed to increase and maintain independence.
TD-1600.3100-180Disability Rights Groups Definition

Organizations that support the passage and enforcement of laws or other social measures that protect the rights of people who have physical, mental, developmental or learning disabilities and maximize their ability to enjoy the same opportunities, resources and privileges as the mainstream population.
YJ-8750People With Disabilities/Health Conditions Definition

Individuals who have physical, sensory, developmental, cognitive, mental or emotional limitations, illnesses or injuries that affect their ability to engage in one or more major life activities. Disabilities and health conditions may be temporary or permanent, may be present at birth or occur at any point in a person's lifetime, and can be of different levels of severity.