Mission
Empowering people with disabilities to liveindependently in our community.
Vision
The center for advocacy, information, referraland services for people with disabilities by people with disabilities.
Independent Living Philosophy
Independent living is the right of people with disabilities to control and direct their own lives, to have choices and options and to actively participate in all aspects of society.
Advocates for Access is a private, not-for-profit, non-residential organization established in 1985, managed by and for people with disabilities. To fulfill our mission, we provide direct services, combined with advocacy for social change, to allow greater integration of persons with disabilities into mainstream life.
Advocates for Access services the counties of Peoria, Tazewell, Fulton and Woodford. We serve people of all ages and disabilities, their families, and the communities in which they live. We also work with private organizations, local communities, service providers, businesses and industries that require technical assistance in responding to the needs of people with disabilities.
As a Center for Independent Living, we provide the following core services:
- Independent Living Skills Training provides individualized instruction in life skills by setting and achieving goals such as using public transportation, money management, social skills, attendant management, nutrition and self-advocacy.
- Information and Referral provides information about disability issues and referrals to other agencies which provide services to people with disabilities. This is available to the public and to consumers.
- Peer Support Services support people as they deal with emotional aspects of their disabilities in group and individual settings.
- Systems Change Advocacy strives to change policies to make government, transportation and housing systems more accessible to people with disabilities.
- Transition includes reintegration of individuals from nursing homes back into their community, as well as transition for youth from school to post-secondary education or employment.
Other services include:
- Accessibility Audits
- Equipment Loan Program
- Personal Assistant Program
- Amplified Phone Program
- Youth Services Program
- Ramp Program/Ready to Roll
How to Help
Visit advocatesforaccess.com for volunteer activities or contact Jeannine McAllister at (309) 682-3500.
Advocates for Access
4450 N. Prospect Road, Suite C8
Peoria Heights, IL 61616
Phone: (309) 682-3500
Fax: (309) 682-3989
Toll Free: (877) 501-9808
advocatesforaccess.com
[email protected]
Facebook: @AdvocatesForAccess
Twitter: @AdvoForAccess
Instagram: @AdvoForAccess
Jeannine McAllister, Executive Director
Jodi Scott, Director of Operations
Jessica Allan, Office Manager
Judi Sutter, Office Assistant
Bailey O’Connor, Youth Services Coordinator
Thane Hunt, Personal Assistant Coordinator
Alexis Rhoades, Transition Coordinator
Adam Duvall, Independent Living Coordinator
