Community Now! Legislative Platform:
83rd Texas Legislature Summary 
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      You have the right to remain silent but it is not encouraged!

Groups urge relocation of residents at El Paso State Center
(El Paso Times Article - May 31, 2013)
To view the letter referenced in the article, click here.
To view the Press Conference and Meeting Media Alert click here. (June 10, 2013)
El Paso state center protest: Improvements, moves urged for residents (El Paso Times Article - June 12, 2013)

MEDICAID THREATENS TO PULL $29 MILLION FROM STATE CARE HOME American Statesman Article 5/27/2013

My Medicaid Matters Video Footage: Listen to Joe Tate's passionate speech regarding consolidation/closure of the SSLCs and the need to expand access to community-based long-term care supports and services for individuals who have an IDD in Texas. (Joe's speech starts at the 1:06 mark)

INCLUSION CINEMA EMPOWERMENT PROJECT  Program Summary 

Community Now!, Inc. is launching The Inclusive Cinema Empowerment Project (“ICEP”) in order to promote Disability Empowerment by creating Inclusive Films and providing customized training in film production for people with disabilities using professional-standard tools.  The ICEP believes that one of the most powerful steps an oppressed minority group can take toward its own empowerment is to effectively shape society’s discourse through powerful narrative fiction cinema. The ICEP’s mission is to help achieve Cultural Empowerment through Cinematic Empowerment. 

Community Now! awards the film: Love Land with a $50,000 grant!
Love Land in the news: theeagle.com 2/24/2013 article.

Check out the Disability Cinema Coalition (DCC) here.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

The disability rights movement, an ongoing struggle by individuals who live life with a disability label to gain full citizenship, is a civil rights issue. Many individuals, due to their disability, have been denied equality, independence, autonomy and full access to society.

It is often attitudinal barriers that affect everyday life for individuals who have a developmental disability. In addressing those barriers through positive awareness efforts, fears and negative attitudes can be replaced with knowledge and understanding. 

We are inviting everyone to participate - to look beyond an individual's disability to picture that person's potential, seeing the individual's unique abilities, capabilities and contributions. To be an inspirer; to encourage families and individuals who have a disability to work toward their own dreams, and raise awareness and understanding within your community.  If we can dream it,we can achieve it! 

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." -- MLK, Jr.