Access Living marked for 45 years of disability-rights work, county recognition noted

Michelle Garcia, manager of organizing and community development at Access Living, told the Cook County Board of Commissioners the organization was "proudly disability led" and thanked the board for recognizing Access Living's 45th anniversary. "At Access Living, the leadership from lived experience shapes everything we do," Garcia said.

Garcia said Access Living provides direct services each year to thousands of people with disabilities, including housing assistance, transition services out of institutions and legal and policy advocacy to advance accessible housing, transportation, education, employment and health care. She said the organization trains the next generation of disability leaders and that the recognition was important as disability rights and support systems face threats at multiple levels.

Her remarks were submitted during the meeting's public-comment/recognition period and were recorded for the meeting record. No formal county action was announced in response to the statement; the recognition was part of the day's ceremonial resolutions and proclamations.