About – Warriors On Wheels

Vision

It is our vision that individuals with disabilities will be able to thrive in an inclusive community that is sensitive to the needs and issues that individuals with various disabilities face from day-to-day.

Our vision is that our communities are all-inclusive, support the livelihoods of individuals with disabilities by empowering them with the tools and resources for equity in all areas of self-sufficiency. We educate the community on the rights of people with disabilities under the ADA of 1990 and all other laws pertaining to PWD.

Mission

To advocate for the rights of people with disabilities under the ADA and
other laws and rules especially those with physical disabilities. To ensure equity in Transportation, Housing, Education, and Civic Access.

Our mission is to ensure that our community is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and other laws and rules affecting individuals with various disabilities especially those with physical challenges. Our mission is to engage in public policy, advocate for opportunities in Living wage Employment, promote Safe reliable Transportation and Universal Housing, stress Public Civic Access with safe passable sidewalks with ADA-mandated curb cuts.

Our History

We have successfully completed many events and projects. This is what we’ve been up to…

Journey to the State Capitol – 2017 Proposed Budget for DHHS will change the deliverance of programs and services to individuals who are mentally challenged, substance abusers and autistic. Section #298 of the Proposed State Budget speaks to this. There are more meetings to come that we hope to gain knowledge of so that we can continue to voice opposition. A large number of people in opposition (Organizations & Consumers) attended this meeting and were very articulate in their delivery. We will keep you updated as we get the news. Warriors on Wheels was there and I was given the opportunity to speak:

“I am Lisa Franklin the Founder and CEO of Warriors on Wheels of Metropolitan Detroit, a grassroots non profit Advocacy Organization of people with disabilities for people with disabilities. I am NOT Disabled, I am NOT Handicapped….I Am a PERSON Living with a disability. I’ve read the proposed bill and major language that was prevalent to me was that services will be reduced on the delivery level. I ask DID you Read this?? Everyone here was elected by the people to best represent the people. So how does this happen??? This is not a Game of…. How Low can you go.

The last time you developed a plan to cut cost, we had two major crisis on our hands the Flint Water CONTAMINATION and the CRUMBLE of the Detroit Public School system.

As an organization, we work hard to make sure that this population of individuals understand the resources that are available to them; and there are still families who are unaware of programs and services and the safety nets in place to protect them as they recover or strive for independence and now you want to take them away?!.

If this happens, I fear that the homelessness rate will increase with greater numbers of people with disabilities and even more horrifying is, people who are misunderstood, due to mental illness.

By PRIVATIZING YOU place control into the hands of those who are only concerned about MONEY and who lack the compassion and the skills to best serve us.

I urge you to take a closer look at the people you represent, the least of these. We are the people you have been charged with assuring our wellbeing. IF THERE IS ANY CONSOLATION, IT SIMPLY CANNOT BE IN BLACK AND WHITE. YOU MUST HAVE INPUT OF THOSE AFFECTED. People recovering from Mental illness, people recovering from substance abuse and parents of Autistic children. These are the people who should serve on your boards. They know better than any lawmaker, consultant or healthcare provider, what will best serve the public.

I received an email from Susan Fitzmaurice a longtime advocate/activist for people with disabilities. Susan’s son, Teddy, is mentally challenged and if not for the programs and services in place for Teddy’s welfare, he would not be who he is today. Teddy works and runs his own business. Susan expressed to me that if this happens she would be forced to leave the State, she fears that if something were to happen to her, Teddy may fall by the waste side.

Not everyone will have that option.”

TESTIMONY OF MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2016 AT THE APPROPRIATIONS SUB COMMITTEE MEETING, LANSING, MICHIGAN.

Thank you to Donna Colter and Robert Spruce of Community Mental Health for bringing this to our attention and providing transportation to and from Lansing.

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Block the Bridge Demonstration – in 1990 the ADA was signed into law to protect the citizens in this country who have disabilities. Prior to the ADA there were other laws in practice, but weren’t as recognized. Though we have come a long way, we continue to confront barriers which hinder independence.   Curb Cuts, all around our communities are vital to our safety, as we maneuver the street. In 2011, M39, the Southfield freeway was refurbished.   Just about every bridge was rebuilt and new curb cuts installed; all except, Southfield @ W. Outer Drive. In the early 80’s, a WOW member Lawrence Dilworth, AKA Leapin Larry, lobbied local politicians to take action and correct the intersection, which dated back to when Gil Hill was president of Detroit City Council, to no avail. Over the years we have realized the three jurisdictions that intersect and their prospective responsibilities. Detroit/Sidewalks, Wayne County, Outer Drive and, MDOT (State), M39 and the Bridge overpass. We spoke with everyone, and got very little respect, until we stated we would go public. MDOT had a representative responsible for ADA issues, put in touch with us. They outlined a plan, a plan, a plan, assured us that the funding had been allocated, but…………….. it’s winter now.    Maybe July! Well, we pray that every, senior, student, parents with babies in strollers, bikers and those with mobility issues who have to use wheelchairs, are extra careful when crossing there and have to go into the street.   So for 30 minutes, we held up traffic. If we can’t cross, why should our counterparts.    SUPPORT WARRIORS ON WHEELS TODAY!   Thank you for visiting our website.

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“What About the CHILDREN??!”
Why close Oakman Elementary Orthopedic School.
Open since 1929, educating children with disabilities grades K-5????
Thanks to all our Supporters:
Lear Corporation, Presbyterian Church (SDOP), Wright & Fillipis
Foundation DTE Foundation, Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix Association,
Buck Dinner Committee, Motor City Casino Hotel, MGM Grand Detroit, US Ice Corporation, friends & families   Here are some pictures of our accomplishments.

Councilmember James Tate and the Detroit City Council honor Mr. Raleigh Chambers, a wheelchair user, with the Spirit of Detroit Award; for his bravery in saving his teenage neighbor from an intruder, who tried to break into her home, while her mom was at work. Despite Mr. Chambers physical ability, his strong Will would not allow him to do nothing less than take action. Warriors on Wheels recognized Mr. Chambers by making him an Honorary Member of WOW. God Bless you Mr. Chambers!