Sean Spence creates disabilities advocacy group [Columbia Daily Tribune (MO)]
By Jodie Jackson Jr; Jodie Jackson Jr. | |
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Spence, 42, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 10 years ago, recently completed a 10-day course of treatment that included a daily injection and cost a total of
"I happen to have very good insurance," said Spence. "Not everyone does."
The recent flare-up of his MS symptoms was the catalyst for shifting his energy to create the Como Disabilities Advocacy Network, or CDAN. He has invited local disability advocates and representatives of agencies that provide services to people with disabilities to attend a
Already, nearly 30 people have said they will attend the get- together from
"I'm really just trying to act as a coordinator" for others who are disability advocates, said Spence, who works as director of special projects at Marathon Building Environments.
"There are a lot of people doing a lot of incredible work" in advocating for safer sidewalks, independent living, lobbying, greater compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other issues, he said.
"In the past there have been attempts at this," Balthazor said, but he said those efforts have not resulted in a long-term, cohesive network of agencies and advocates. "You don't have an umbrella group," he said.
The concept of CDAN is "absolutely" needed, he added. "It's an opportunity for groups to come together to be part of something bigger."
Balthazor said a unified voice could be more effective in working with city government to make
"If this is something that will help us come together as an undivided group, that's a good way to go," said
Anderson said there is a vast array of organizations that provide services and advocacy for mental illness, independent living, developmental disabilities and others.
Networking is "essential," she said, for the work that SIL and similar organizations do. She likes the idea of advocates having a unified voice.
"We haven't met yet, so it would be premature to see what the direction of this group is going to be," Anderson said.
Spence said he has no preconceived agenda or list of priorities for CDAN, but he expects there could be common ground on the issues of transportation, jobs, housing and accessibility.
"I get the impression this is something people want," Balthazor said. "We're obviously stronger when we work together."
CDAN is not a membership group or a competing entity with other disability service-oriented agencies, Spence said.
Besides joining forces to advocate for policies that will make
Spence said he has had a good history of working with city officials, but he realizes that others might not have similar experiences.
"The city is going to be someone who has to hear us," he said. "I'm not going anywhere. The disability community as a whole is not going away."
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Wordcount: | 850 |
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