The best disability policy happens when people with disabilities are involved in shaping it! So, how exactly does policy-making happen for the disability community?
Hillary Jorgensen, Co-Executive Director of Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, joins THINK+change this month for a fascinating conversation about disability policy advocacy. As a person with a disability, she has had an eye for social justice earlier than most. Through her work in the disability policy space, her efforts affect the everyday lives of the disability community. Learn about how policy-shaping happens and hear how you can join in the fight as well!
Discussed in this episode
- Policy wins for the disability community;
- Where policy ideas come from;
- Reasons for under-representation of disability in policy spaces;
- Common challenges;
- Advice for future policy advocates; and
- Sustaining your efforts in the “long game” of policy work.
Learn more by watching a vodcast (video) or listening to podcast (audio) episode 86.
Hillary Jorgensen: Co-Executive Director of Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC)
Timestamps:
- 1:10 – About Hillary and CCDC
- 6:45 – Defining Public Policy
- 8:15 – Successful disability policy – Medicaid Buy-In
- 11:20 – Where does policy come from?
- 12:50 – Reasons for under-representation in government
- 17:50 – Common challenges for disability policy advocacy
- 21:40 – Advice for future policy advocates
- 24:00 – Sustaining your efforts
Resources & Terms mentioned in this episode: 5:10 – P&A = Protection and Advocacy Systems, 27:40 – The ACA = Affordable Care Act, 29:00 – Disability Opportunity Office
This work is made possible through support from Dungarvin, arc Thrift Stores, Developmental Pathways, and The Arc of Aurora.