Education / Outreach
Environmentalists & Disability Advocates??
You do not often find a disability rights organization and an environmental policy organization partnering on a project, but from 2000-2005, United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan collaborated with the Michigan Land Use Institute to improve transportation for people with disabilities across Michigan.
When UCP Michigan was preparing its proposal for the Michigan Developmental Disability Council transportation advocacy grant, it sought an edge of excellence. That edge came through collaboration with a non-disability partner. Transportation has always been an issue for more than people with disabilities. Everyone has a stake in transportation. Alternative transportation options are essential to curb congestion on the state’s crowded highways, connect people to jobs, and allow people unable to drive to remain active, independent members of their community. To broaden the debate over the essential need for transportation choice, UCP partnered with an organization known for its transportation advocacy but not traditionally associated with disability issues, the Michigan Land Use Institute.
The Michigan Land Use Institute (MLUI) is an environmental policy and advocacy organization located in Beulah, Michigan, near Traverse City. The Institute, founded in 1995, “…works to build public support for policy so that Michigan can avoid the patterns of suburban sprawl and over-development that cause traffic congestion, pollution, loss of community, rising costs to individuals and governments, and a deteriorating quality of life.” Transportation makes up a very important part of this effort. Comprehensive public transportation gives people a real alternative to the automobile and congestion and helps contain suburban sprawl.
Teaming with MLUI allowed UCP Michigan to utilize the skills of an organization with extensive knowledge about transportation policy in Michigan and experience with transit advocacy. MLUI co-manages the Michigan Transportation and Land Use Coalition with the Michigan Environmental Council, of which UCP Michigan is a member. The coalition has 37 member groups representing environmental organizations, transit agencies, disability organizations, bicycle advocates and faith-based interests. The Coalition has been very successful in influencing state policy on transportation decisions, steadily increasing funding for public transportation and working to ensure road maintenance comes first in Michigan.
Updated 6/05