Contacted with an urgent issue, got an immediate response and actual help even though my case wasn't too much they could help with. They're still helping! I'm so thankful--usually I get zero response from agencies of all sorts. My person of contact has been very nice and helpful and had the forms I needed. Thank you! We need more organizations like you!
Super knowlegeable advocates & great organization supporting PWD
I wish to share the details of my negative experience with Colorado Cross Disability Coalition. Staying silent about poor treatment would not effectuate change. I reached out to a Mr. Jaime Lewis for assistance with a number of systemic problems I am experiencing with Veyo, the transportation broker responsible for coordinating Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) for Medicaid eligible customers. Granted, he contacted Veyo on my behalf to obtain a satisfactory resolution, for which I expressed gratitude. However, Mr. Lewis failed to follow up with me for reasons I will explain later, in addition to the fact that his assistance came with hidden ulterior motives. Their role in disability advocacy has been questionable at best.
Mr. Lewis wasted no time adding my personal email address without my explicit permission to a group email, soliciting my attendance to a film shoot . He also invited me to their meetings. I did not have an issue with either of these solicitations because getting involved affords me a seat at the table in an attempt to get my voice heard.
However, I took umbrage to the exposure of my private email address to a group of people I did NOT know. In addition, I took exception to the possibility that my email address was subjected to unwanted spamming (via email contacts), computer viruses, and, hacking all of which is possible through unsecured electronic devices. I immediately raised concerns about my privacy rights and the aforementioned security issues in an email to Mr. Lewis by requesting that he send future invites to me using the blind carbon copying ( Bcc ) method. This protects the disclosure of my email address from other recipients.
Evidently, my decision to speak truth to power by calling out Mr. Lewis improper conduct, must have struck a nerve because he failed to (a) render an apology; and, (b) follow up with me regarding the status of the letter he sent to Veyo, on my behalf. It speaks volumes regarding the society we have become. People no longer show regard for the rights of others. In addition, I communicated my concerns about Mr. Lewis inappropriate conduct to the director, Ms. Reiskin. Copies of the email exchange between Mr. Lewis and myself were also provided. Ms. Reiskin responded that he was happy not to violate my privacy rights in the future. He did not recall but was going to find the email and apologize for not getting back to you. As I explained, he would have never considered using BCC , Ms. Reiskin quipped.
To the extent that Mr. Lewis failed to apologize and would have never considered using BCC , it suggests arrogance and that my privacy rights is subservient to his personal interests. As a consequence of the poor treatment, I decided to reach out to an advocacy attorney to properly address the chronic systemic abuses Veyo is notorious for. Nonetheless, comforting the afflicted and oppressed entail providing empowerment, marked by respect. There are no substitutes for making a positive impact on those with disabilities. Playing us for fools does not bode well for CCDC. My experience constitutes the very pinnacle of hypocrisy.
Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC) is a non-profit organization that works tirelessly to ensure people with disabilities have equal rights and access to services. The organization was founded in 1990 by a group of individuals with disabilities who were frustrated by the lack of resources available to them. Since then, CCDC has grown into one of the most respected disability advocacy organizations in Colorado.
The mission of CCDC is to promote social justice, create systemic change, and eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities. The organization achieves this through various programs and initiatives that focus on education, advocacy, and community outreach.
One of the primary goals of CCDC is to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to services. This includes everything from transportation and housing to healthcare and employment opportunities. To achieve this goal, CCDC works closely with service providers and governmental agencies at all levels.
CCDC also provides education and training for individuals with disabilities so they can become more self-sufficient. This includes workshops on topics such as financial management, job readiness skills, and self-advocacy.
In addition to its advocacy work, CCDC also provides legal assistance for individuals who have experienced discrimination or other violations of their rights. The organization has a team of attorneys who specialize in disability law and are dedicated to helping clients navigate the legal system.
Another important aspect of CCDC's work is community outreach. The organization hosts events throughout the year that bring together people with disabilities from all walks of life. These events provide an opportunity for individuals to connect with others who share similar experiences while also learning about new resources available in their communities.
Overall, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition plays a vital role in ensuring that people with disabilities are treated fairly and have access to the same opportunities as everyone else. Through its tireless advocacy work, education programs, legal assistance services, and community outreach efforts – CCDC continues making significant strides towards creating a more inclusive society for all Coloradans regardless if they have any disability or not!
ccdconline.org
