Building Economic Futures for Americans with Disabilities
Real Economic Impact Tour
Phoenix, Arizona
Contact Information:
If you, your business, or organization are interested in becoming a part of the Disability Initiative Workgroup, please contact Wayne Tormala of the City of Phoenix at Wayne.Tormala@cityofphoenix.gov.
If you are already a member of the Disability Initiative Workgroup and have questions regarding the IRS participation, then please contact Tax Specialist Linda Jackson at Linda.A.Jackson@irs.gov.
Community Initiative Coordinator for the City of Phoenix: Mitzila M. Hogans (Mitzila.hogan@phoenix.gov).
Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities and Mayor Commission on Disability Issues Members
Mayor’s Office - Office on Disability
Mayor Phil Gordon and his office participated in “Legislative Day” on February 1, 2007 in which the State Legislators held a disability conference where each constituent had lunch with various disability organizations. During the event Mayor Gordon provided a few statements on the EITC project in the City of Phoenix.
Arizona State Governors Office on Disability
The Governors office on Disabilities worked with the City of Phoenix and the IRS to participate in “Legislative Day” to bring awareness to the people and organizations with disabilities about EITC and the VITA program. In working together we were able to reach over 1,000 people about the EITC and VITA. This was done by providing information at the conference with brochures, flyers and the Mayor’s presentation informing them about the program and how the EITC refund may or may not affect their benefits. Along with the information we were able to provide them with a VITA site in their area. The three organizations are looking to work with Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) to provide outreach in both the EITC and VITA for this filing season.
Volunteer Center
The Volunteer Center, City of Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe and Two representatives from DES Anne Johnson Navigator-and IVY Meadow have continued the efforts of recruiting the disability populations. In January the local TV station aired a spot in which they interviewed a VITA volunteer to help in the recruitment of volunteers. This past month a meeting was held to review the progress of the recruitment of volunteers. During this meeting it was suggested on developing a timeline to be given to large corporations on the recruitment of volunteers. The volunteers that are needed, i.e.; Instructors, Site Coordinators, Preparers, Screeners and Interpreters. In the next few months the team is going to develop package to be given or presented to large corporations for their help in the recruitment process.
Disability Navigator Program
Working with coalition to provide information to people with disabilities.