This web site is currently being upgraded for an improved user experience. Several web pages will continue to retain the former user interface during this transition period.

Advocacy and Support

Printer Friendly View

The Commission on Disabilities is involved in advocacy and support on a county wide level by addressing large systemic issues (on-going problems that affect many people). Examples include developing recommendations for curbcut standards, accessibility of housing and policies regarding accessible parking. The Commission addresses these types of issues by recommending solutions to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors that will provide accessibility for all disabilities. Although the Commission does not address individual cases they are pleased to provide the following resources. The Help at Home Directory can now be found at the  Commission on Aging web site. Universal Design Recommendations for Accessibility was developed to address the accessible housing needs for seniors and people with disabilities. Residential Visitability allows for socialization and less isolation of individuals with disabilities. Removing Barriers Through Self-Advocacy is designed to assist in barrier removal at private businesses, city and county facilities, buildings, streets, parks and events. Removing Barriers Through Self-Advocacy PDF is also available for download in PDF. In order to view the PDF document you need Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed on your computer (available free from Adobe Systems). To download Acrobat Reader click here. Housing Resources Brochures are also available in print form by Contacting the Commission. FOR ASSISTANCE IN THE REMOVAL OF BARRIERS THE COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES SUGGESTS CONTACTING THE FOLLOWING ADVOCACY AGENCIES: Center for Independence of the Disabled, Inc. (All Disabilities) 873 O’Neill Avenue Belmont, CA 94002 (650)595-0783 Voice (650)595-0261 Fax (650)595-0743 TDD PARCA (Developmental Disabilities) 1750 El Camino Real, Suite 105 Burlingame, CA 94010 (650)312-0730 Voice (650)312-0737 Fax Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County (All Disabilities) Clients’ Rights Advocate 521 East 5th Avenue San Mateo, CA 94402 (650)558-0915 Voice (650)558-0673 Fax (650)558-0786 TDD Project Sentinel (Housing Discrimination) 430 Sherman Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650)321-6291 Voice (650) 321-4173 Fax E-mail Peninsula Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired 2470 El Camino Real, Suite 107 Palo Alto, Ca. 94306 (650)858-0202 Voice (650) 858-0857 Fax   CALIFORNIA RELAY SERVICE HAS NEW PHONE NUMBER   Now, you can dial 7-1-1 and reach the California Relay Service, the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program of the California Public Utilities Commission. This invaluable telephone communication service for hearing impaired and deaf is easy to use. The service is available to everyone-callers who can hear, and people who have a hearing loss or who are deaf. Dialing 7-1-1 connects toll-free to the California Relay Service where a specially trained operator relays conservation between a caller using an standard voice telephone and a caller using a TDD, a text telephone on which a caller types and reads the conversation. Normal connection and long-distance charges apply for the number you choose to call through the 7-1-1 service. The California Relay Service is funded by the CA Relay and Communications Devices Fund. This fund receives its funding from surcharges appearing on phone bills and is paid by each phone user. For further information, please contact the California Relay Service at (800) 735-0373 (voice), 711 for the California relay service (TDD) or visit their website: www.call711.org.