Advocating for the civil rights and equality of people with disabilities by influencing and implementing legislation and policy at the local, state and federal level. Advocacy means working on, supporting or recommending a particular cause or policy. Personal advocacy: an Individual acquires the knowledge and skills to solve his/her own problem, self-advocacy. Peer advocacy: Two or more individuals with common goals assist one another to achieve advocacy goals. Systems advocacy: The community works together to educate officials and influence legislation and policy at the local, state and federal level. Legal advocacy: Individuals or classes file formal complaints or seek court remedies with local, state or federal entities such as the Departments of Justice and Transportation or housing authorities for purposes of eliminating barriers to access, or when civil rights are being violated. We provide information on services and support such as adaptive equipment, transportation, accessible housing and other resources. We also provide referral services to groups and agencies that handle specific issues or programs pertinent to an individual’s needs.

TWP’s Call Center places callers in touch with the advocate or staff member most knowledgeable on the topic for which they are seeking information.