WHAT WE DO
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The National Coalition for Latinxs with Disabilities (CNLD) is a volunteer organization comprised of Disabled Latinx leaders and allies from across the nation. We came together in 2016 to form CNLD because we shared the experience of living fractured identities (in Disabled and Latinx worlds, respectively). Throughout these two years, CNLD leadership has grown into a network of colleagues who have become like family.
Together, we celebrate our intersectional identity and advocate for the rights of Disabled Latinxs. CNLD hosts an annual conference for Disabled Latinxs and their allies to come together once a year -- many attendees describe this event as "coming home". CNLD's scholarly leaders have pioneered research to assess the needs of Disabled Latinxs. Currently, CNLD scholars are prepping to start new groundbreaking research to assess the needs of immigrants and refugees with disabilities. CNLD engages in advocacy on and leads the way on spotlighting important intersectional issues. CNLD is (re)defining and expanding advocacy work in immigration, disability, and Latinx policy arenas. Below are a list of selected events, speaking engagements, and advocacy efforts in which CNLD has engaged. CNLD 2018 Events, Speaking Engagements, and AdvocacyLetter to Congress on Policies Regarding Immigrants and Refugees with Disabilities
February 21, 2018 Sixty-five plus (65+) organizations co-signed a letter written by CNLD compelling our leaders to act on immigration policy that takes the needs and experiences of immigrants and refugees with disabilities into account. Letter was addressed to: Senators Mitch McConnell (Majority Leader) and Chuck Schumer (Minority Leader); Representatives Paul Ryan (Speaker of the House) and Nancy Pelosi (Minority Leader); Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Congressional Hispanic Conference. CNLD 2017 Events, Speaking Engagements, and AdvocacyAssociation of University Centers on Disability 2017 "Life Your Voice" Conference
"Needs and Self-Identification of Latinxs with Disabilities in the U.S." (75-Minute Panel Presentation) Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Panelists: Conchita Hernandez, Katherine Perez, & Kristen Salkas, CNLD Co-Founders Nothing About Us Without Us: Disability Rights Call to Action Friday, October 20, 2017 at the University of Illinois at Chicago Katherine Perez, CNLD Co-founder (coordinator of event and guest speaker) Rally event of disability leaders from UIC and the wider-Chicago community to celebrate Disabled identity and rally for disability rights/justice. Katherine spoke as a CNLD representative about the Disabled Latinx Movement. Virginia Commonwealth University: "The Intersection of Immigration and Disability" On Tuesday, October 17th from 5:00pm to 6:30 pm in Aspire Building Room 1004A Presenter: Conchita Hernandez Legorreta MAT In commemoration of Latinx Heritage month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Conchita spoke as a CNLD representative on the intersection of immigration and disability, and the importance of translation and interpretation for social justice. Disability Visibility Podcast: Episode 2: Immigration and Disability CNLD Co-Founder, Michelle Garcia and Alicia Contreras sit down with Alice Wong to talk about Immigration and Disability. Aired: September 2017 Podcast with two activists from Chicago and Oakland: Michelle Garcia and Alicia Contreras. Michelle and Alicia joined Alice Wong in a conversation about immigration, deportation, the current political climate, and what disabled Latinx immigrants are experiencing right now. DONetwork Training: "Dialogues in Disability Pride & Culture: Organizing Within an Intersectional Framework" Training provided for disability community organizers (called Systems Change Advocates) who work at the Independent Living Centers in California on September 29, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CNLD Co-Founders, Katherine Perez & Leonor Vanik This training asked participants who work with individuals with disabilities to consider how organizing within an intersectional framework shapes their work. Participants assessed their knowledge/practice of reaching out to, and working effectively with, individuals with multiply marginalized identities. Trainers, Katherine and Leonor as CNLD representatives, led a training, large group discussion, and individual exercises that helped community organizers build on our individual and organizational capacities to work within inclusive frameworks. Merging theory with praxis, participants were challenged to imagine and execute strategies to create safe and equitable environments that work for all people. Tuesdays with Liz: Policy for All: "Conchita Hernandez on Education and Employment for the Blind" Published: September 19, 2017 Liz interviewed Conchita Hernández, the chair of METAS - Mentoring Engaging and Teaching all Students and Co-Founder of CNLD. Liz and Conchita spoke about METAS and what blindness skills means. Learn more about METAS at metasinternational.org. Conference: Tearing Down Walls, Building Bridges: The Disabled Latinx Movement Annual CNLD Conference at The Ed Roberts Center in Berkeley, CA June 15-17, 2017 For more info, click here. Disability Visibility Project Interview: "Disabled Latinx Familia: Interview with Lisette Torres-Gerald" Published: June 6, 2017 In preparation for the second annual CNLD conference, Alice Wong of DVP interviewed CNLD Co-founder. CNLD 2016 Events, Speaking Engagements, and Advocacy |
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