St. Croix Valley Disability Coalition, Inc.
http://www.pressenter.com/~scdc/

The mission of the St. Croix Valley Disability Coalition is to help communities become more aware of the needs of people of all ages who are differently-abled in St. Croix, Polk, and Pierce Counties.

In existence since 1986, the St. Croix Valley Disability Coalition works to increase awareness of disability-related issues, including:

• Accessibility
• Education
• Community Employment
• Improved Transportation
• Socialization
• Recreation
• Community Integration
• Individual Advocacy
• Activities
• Provision of resource materials on disabilities from the local, state, and national levels
• Americans with Disabilities Act, support groups and other services
• Workshops and presentations
• Accessibility Surveys
• Individual and Systems Advocacy
• Advocacy training
• Provision of information to legislators
• Preparation for special education mediation
• Count-Me-In Puppets
• Recreational Programs including: Bowling, Dinner Dance, Christmas Party, and Summer weekend Camping

Member groups meet monthly to discuss advocacy issues, socialize and combine resources to help others become more aware of the needs of differently-abled persons.

Members of these groups attend the Wisconsin Disability Awareness Day at the state capitol in Madison every two years. The trip is co-sponsored by St. Croix Valley Disability Coalition, United Cerebral Palsy of West Central WI, the Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities, and grants. Prior to the trip, letters are written to the legislators discussing issues of concern to people with disabilities. Appointments are made with representatives where these letters are delivered, and members attend a rally held in the capitol rotunda.