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    Boston Center for Independent Living > Advocacy > Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When are BCIL’s meetings?
    BCIL hosts many meetings and events about our disability rights campaigns, but we do not have regularly scheduled open meetings. For up-to-date information about upcoming meetings, please subscribe to our email list, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter. You may also contact our community organizing team at bciladvocacyteam@bostoncil.org to learn about current events related to issues that are important to you.

    How can I get involved?
    There are lots of ways to get involved in our advocacy! Here are just a few:

    • Call, Tweet, email, or write a letter to your state or federal legislators
    • Join us at the State House for an advocacy day or a one-on-one meeting with your state legislator
    • Attend a training to learn advocacy skills
    • Connect us with another organization that works on related issues
    • Come to a rally or march
    • Help plan strategy for a campaign
    • Help plan an advocacy event
    • Speak about access issues on the MBTA at a public meeting about the BCIL-MBTA settlement
    • Share your experiences with access problems in hospitals or other medical facilities
    • Share your experiences with MassHealth
    • Invite your friends, family, coworkers, and anyone else to get involved

    To learn about current ways to get involved, please contact contact our community organizing team at bciladvocacyteam@bostoncil.org , or subscribe to our email list, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

    I need help advocating for my needs with my landlord, my school, my employer, a housing authority, or another agency.

    We can help! Contact BCIL’s Information and Referral Department to request an advocate.

    I can’t travel to meetings or events. Can I still help?
    Yes! We always need people to write letters, make phone calls, get the word out on social media, and more. You can stay up to date via email, Facebook, and Twitter. We are happy to provide call-in options to our meetings and events when feasible. We can also meet with you by webcam with advance notice. Please contact our community organizing team at bciladvocacyteam@bostoncil.org to discuss what ways might work best for you to participate.

    I have never done any advocacy before, and I’m nervous/I don’t know how. How will BCIL help me feel comfortable?
    We want to make sure you feel prepared and have all the skills and information you need when you get involved in our advocacy! Here are some ways we help new members feel comfortable:

    • We offer occasional training’s on advocacy and community organizing skills.
    • We introduce new members to more experienced members who can help explain things.
    • We provide one-on-one coaching and practice as needed before you do new things like meeting with legislators, speaking at public hearings, or writing letters.
    • We do most things in pairs or groups.
    • We provide information through our website, emails, Facebook, and Twitter.
    • We are always available to answer your questions.

    I have lots of questions about the MBTA transportation systems. How can I get answers?
    We encourage you to contact the MBTA to answer your questions. Check out the MBTA website or The Ride’s part of that section. You can also email contactBCIL@bostoncil.org to discuss your questions and concerns.

    I have had access issues when I go to my doctor’s office. How can I address this?
    BCIL is continuing its campaign, with Greater Boston Legal Services and the Disability Law Center, to promote increased access to hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other healthcare facilities throughout Massachusetts. Please contact our community organizing team at bciladvocacyteam@bostoncil.org  if you’ve run into an access barrier.

    How can I make sure my business is compliant with all AAB requirements?
    You can contact the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board located at 1 Ashburton Place, Room 1310, Boston MA 02108. Their phone number is 617-727-0660. They can give advice and direction as it relates to meeting all AAB requirements.