Town Hall for Improved Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Town Hall for Improved Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Co-Executive Director Reema Kapur speaking at the Town Hall for Improved Opportunities for People with Disabilities

On June 5th, 2015, SAAPRI’s Co-Executive Director Reema Kapur took part in a Town Hall for Improved Opportunities for People with Disabilities. There were approximately 50 attendees who listened as community leaders urged Illinois Governor Rauner and community organizations to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Many community-based initiatives risk being eliminated due to Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner’s proposed budget cuts. Asians with Disabilities Outreach Project Think Tank (ADOPT) is one of these initiatives. Without adequate funding, mainstream disability service providers rarely reach Asian American community organizations and community members. ADOPT works to reduce the cultural stigma and discrimination associated with disability in Asian communities. This vision was put on hold last year due to budget cuts. In the past, SAAPRI, along with other community organizations like Indo-American Center (IAC) and Apna Ghar, Inc., have collaborated with ADOPT in order to improve disability services for the South Asian community, but more needs to be done for this vulnerable population.