National Council on Independent Living
Annual Report 2009
Mission: As a membership organization, NCIL advances Independent Living and the rights of people with disabilities through consumer-driven advocacy. 
The National Council on Independent Living envisions a world in which people with disabilities are valued equally and participate fully.


A Message From the Executive Director
Dear Advocates and Friends,
The past year has been a period of transition for our nation. Historically, people with disabilities and other minorities have borne the brunt of economic crises, and 2009 has been no exception for the Independent Living community. Our members have been fighting state budget cuts to home and community-based services, which are forcing people with disabilities nationwide into nursing facilities and other institutions.
NCIL has been fighting on Capitol Hill to ensure Centers and SILCs have the resources they need to protect the civil rights of Americans with disabilities. NCIL advocated and won stimulus funding and an increase in federal dollars for Independent Living in 2008 and 2009. We are working to ensure the priorities of the disability community will not be forgotten in healthcare reform, employment measures, and other sweeping changes currently underway.
2010 will bring the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. As we reflect on the progress made over that time, the work left to us grows increasingly urgent. For that reason, I ask that you join the National Council on Independent Living. Your direct participation in the national Independent Living Movement is critical for its success.
NCIL continues to provide first class member benefits, including training and technical assistance, insurance benefits, and a world-class Annual Conference.  Most importantly, NCIL provides its members with representation on Capitol Hill, ensuring that our voices are heard by those with the power to enact our priorities. I hope you will join us as we build a future of prosperity and equality for all.
Kelly Buckland, Executive Director
 
NCIL Board of Directors
Executive Committee: Dan Kessler, Lou Ann Kibbee, Phil Pangrazio, Ann Watts McDaniel, Carla Lawson, Stan Holbrook, and Kelly Buckland
Regional Representatives: Mary Margaret Moore, Todd Vaarwerk, David Burds, Julia Sain, Brenda Curtiss, Carla Lawson, Michelle Krajewski, Carol Jean Reynolds, Kent Mickelson, and Jim Beck
Members At Large: Shannon Jones, Mark Derry, Jeff Hughes, Bruce Darling, Frank Shible, and Andy Curry
 

Advocacy
In 2009 NCIL worked to advance the social, economic, and political equality of people with disabilities by:
-fighting for and winning funding for Independent Living in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA);
-advocating to remedy RSA’s lack of clarity and consistency with allocation and distribution of ARRA funds;
-securing an increase for Part C Centers for Independent Living in the Federal Budget for the 2nd consecutive year;
-developing legislative language to create an Independent Living Administration (ILA);
-successfully advocating the inclusion of several priorities of the disability community in legislation produced by the House and Senate by assuming a leadership role in the healthcare reform process;
-repeatedly bringing disability issues to the attention of the Administration by meeting with President Obama and members of his cabinet to discuss priorities of the Movement;
-advancing the national Movement by playing an instrumental role in the development of the Justice for All Action Network, a new national cross-disability coalition committed to building a strong and unified Movement;
-fighting to end the institutional bias in Medicaid by joining a strong coalition of disability and aging organizations;
-working to ensure disability is included equally in the expansion of the Aging and Disability Resource Center network by working on the national level to promote the importance of consumer control and collaboration;
-advocating for improved housing and transportation for Americans with disabilities through increased accessible, affordable, integrated and non-toxic options in our communities;
-helping restore civil rights by achieving passage of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which strengthens federal hate crimes law to include crimes committed based on disability, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity; and 
-serving as a resource to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee on multiple occasions regarding reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act.

 
Accomplishments
In 2009 NCIL was increasingly effective in expanding the work of our members and advocating their issues nationally. NCIL also:
-diversified revenue with new sources of income from grants, honorariums and sponsorships,
-conducted the bi-annual Legislative and Advocacy Survey of the Membership, 
-held the 3rd Annual Congressional Policy Briefing on Capitol Hill to educate Congress on Independent Living, 
-continued developing and promoting practical outcome measurement for the Independent Living Program,
-maintained a strong membership base despite a severe recession, cuts to state budgets, and RSA's inability to distribute ARRA funds in a timely fashion, and
-hosted the 2nd Annual National Disability Summit to discuss short and long-term goals and priorities with other national disability community leaders and non-profits.
 
A Sampling of Member Accomplishments
-Access Living of Chicago made 61 home modifications, placed 45 people in housing, and transitioned 38 people to the community.
-Independent Living Resources of Greater Birmingham provided 65 home modifications, eliminating barriers to independence.
-REACH Resource CILs in Texas transitioned 33 nursing home residents, saving the state and federal government $495,000.
-Disability Rights & Resources of Charlotte assisted 30 consumers in appealing their Social Security denials, recouping $520,949.
-In Rochester, the Center for Disability Rights and the Regional CIL transitioned / diverted 65 individuals, saving NY $4,041,914.
-Three Rivers CIL in Pennsylvania provided housing services to nearly 400 consumers, reducing homelessness and discrimination.
-The ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia persuaded Fairfax County to require grantees to ensure ADA compliance.
-Arizona Bridge to IL received a Community Hero Award from the City of Phoenix for its Home Modification Program. 
 
 
Annual Conference
The theme for the 2009 NCIL Annual Conference was Believe: We Are Better. Reenergize, Reorganize, Reauthorize! Despite the current economic crisis and the callous inaction on distribution of Independent Living stimulus funds by RSA, advocates came from all over the country to demand civil and human rights for people with disabilities, attend workshops and plenaries on the Independent Living Movement, and organize national and grassroots plans of action.
Throughout the week, NCIL’s Diversity Committee hosted events to expand dialogue on this important topic. The International Committee hosted another powerful event, at which advocates were delighted to hear rousing speeches from Judy Heumann and Marca Bristo. They spoke about the need to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The room was entirely packed and the response of the crowd echoed loudly throughout the hotel.
Monday morning 500 advocates gathered to march through the streets of Washington to deliver our message to Capitol Hill. Our permit to march was denied at the last minute. Undeterred, NCIL members took to the street, chanting “Freedom! Now!” and “Our Homes, Not Nursing Homes!”. For the first time in three years we were granted sunshine and all 500 marchers made it to the rally unhindered.
At the rally site, newly-elected NCIL Board President Dan Kessler led the crowd to demand freedom for our people. This year the Rally was held on the West Front Lawn, directly in front of the Capitol Building. Anyone inside certainly heard our demand for freedom. NCIL Board members charged the crowd with powerful speeches, reiterating the importance of diversity, advocacy, and the passion that drives change as everyone waited expectantly for Senator Harkin to take the stage. NCIL members led the crowd in song with “Won’t Back Down” and “We Shall Overcome”. Afterwards, attendees gathered to celebrate the week’s accomplishments at the closing social and say goodbye for another year.

2009 Award Recipients
Max Starkloff Lifetime Achievement Award: Denise Figueroa
President’s Award: David R. Obey
Diana Vietz Award: Eddie Rea and Micah Fialka-Feldman
Frank Harkin Memorial Award: Anthony Coelho
National Advocacy Award: Lee Perselay
Regional Advocacy Awards: 
-Janet Dermody, Region I
-Chris Hilderbrant, Region II
-Maureen Hollowell, Region III
-Scott Renner, Region IV
-Maureen Ryan, Region V
-Dennis Borel, Region VI
-Dawn Francis, Region VII
-Kristine Fawson, Region VIII
-Christie Rudder, Region IX
-Von Elison, Region X
 
 
Independent Living Training and Events
IL NET is a national training and technical assistance project for Centers for Independent Living (CIL-NET) and Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILC-NET) operated by NCIL in partnership with Independent Living Research Utilization and the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living that focuses on: 
-Deinstitutionalization / Community Services and Supports
-Outreach to Unserved and Underserved Populations
-Full Partnership: Consumer Control
-Peer Mentoring of CILs and SILCs
-Systems Advocacy
-Data Collection and Reporting
 

The National Council on Independent Living provides: 
-National Conference Trainings and Workshops
-Technical Assistance
-Support for Regional Conference Trainings and Workshops
-National Teleconferences and Webcasts
In 2009 NCIL presented two national onsite trainings and ten teleconferences / webcasts, co-sponsored one regional training, and provided technical assistance to thousands in the Independent Living community.  
 
National Onsite Trainings:
-Using Technology to Promote CIL Organizational Capacity
-Building an Effective Peer Support Program
 
National Teleconferences and Webcasts:
-Emergency Recovery: Assisting Individuals after a Disaster
-Strengthening Partnerships: Fostering Statewide Collaboration
-Federal Opportunities to Expand Community Living in Your State
-Practicing Consumer Control: Using Focus Groups in Your Strategic Plan
-Conducting Community Forums: Engaging Stakeholders, Mobilizing Communities
-Beyond the Filing Cabinet: Appreciating the Value of Consumer Service Records
-EDGAR and More
-IL Skills Training for Nursing Home Transition
-Orientation to Web Resources for New IL Personnel
 
Regional Trainings: Regional Training Support Funds supported “Tough Advocacy for Tough Times” in Region VIII, which trained 35 CIL staff and board members on strategies to improve access to housing and mental health services for people with disabilities. 
 

Strategic Plan Priorities
Strengthen the value of NCIL to our members:
-Create a comprehensive membership recruitment and retention program based on member needs and interests
-Ensure that members have proportionate input into NCIL priorities and decisions
-Increase quality, frequency, and interactivity of communication between NCIL and its membership
-Create a governance team that represents the mix of visionary leaders required to successfully implement the strategic plan
-Develop a measurement system that demonstrates NCIL’s effectiveness in its mission through efficient utilization of resources
-Develop a staffing structure that fully supports the mission and strategic plan
-Increase the diversity of NCIL’s membership
-Ensure the relevance and quality of NCIL training opportunities
Strengthen member effectiveness at the local level:
-Support local CILs, SILCs, and regional and state efforts to promote Independent Living philosophy
-Improve leadership skills in CIL management
Expand NCIL’s impact on legislation as it positively impacts people with disabilities:
-Proactively collaborate with other disability-related organizations
-Market NCIL as the preeminent voice on disability issues
Ensure long-term financial stability:
-Develop a diversified income plan
-Increase NCIL membership by 10% per year
 
NCIL 2009 Staff
Jorge Pineda
Accountant
Tim Fuchs
Operations Director  
Jason Beloungy
Policy Analyst
Andrea Tito
Administrative Assistant 
Christine Boucher
Development Director 
Denise Law
Member Services Associate 
Lacy Pittman
Policy Analyst
Kelly Buckland
Executive Director 
Eleanor Canter 
Materials Specialist 

Donors and Sponsors
NCIL thanks our members and the following organizations and individuals for supporting our mission financially over the past year:
-Purple Language Services
-Pride Mobility
-NCART
-Johnson & Johnson 
-Amerigroup
-HealthSouth
-The Center for Disability Rights
-Verizon
-Invacare 
-Q90 CIL Management Suite
-IndependenceFirst
-Vehicle Production Group LLC  
-Arizona Bridge to Independent Living 
-AdvaMed
-Edison Electric Institute
-Living Independence Network Corporation (LINC)
-Sunrise Medical 
-Delta CIL
-HSC FoundationBlack Hawk CIL
-Center for Disability Rights
-Georgia SILC
-Independent Living Resources
-Metro West CIL
-Museum of disAbility History
-Living Independence for Everyone
-On My Own, Inc.
-Rhode Island SILC
-Southwestern CIL
-Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville, PC
-Progressive CIL 
-REACH of Denton Resource CIL
-Southwest Louisiana Independence Center  
-The Louis J. & Ruth G. Herr Foundation 
-Ann Watts McDaniel
-Becky Boykin Bob Malcolm
-Bryna Helfer
-Carol Jean Reynolds
-Charlotte J. Bowen 
-Charlotte Stewart
-Christine Boucher
-Curtis Richards
-David T. Williams 
-Deborah Cotter
-Diana Sullivan
-Emily K. Holmes
-Mary Margaret Moore
-Gordon Richins
-Jackie Zamarripa
-Jeff Hughes
-Mark Derry
-Millie Ryan 
-John A. Chappell, Jr.
-John Dziennik
-John Page Garrett
-Lita Jans, Ph.D.
-Lee Schulz
-Joseph V.A. Partansky
-Judy R. Roy
-Kenneth Klauck
-Kim Dority 
-Laura Tidmore
-Leon Williams, Jr.
-Lou Ann Kibbee
-Patricia M. Beattie 
-Phil Pangrazio
-Robert Grant
-Maggie Roffee
-Marissa Johnson
-Stan Spence 
-Monica J. Foster
-Patricia Puckett
-Patricia Yeager
-Ronald J. Jansen
-Shannon Jones
-Theodore Haworth
-Peggie Reyna
 
Statement of Financial Position*
 
Assets:
 
Current Assets: $469,494.10
Prepaid Expenses: $22,591.96
Inventory: $4,047.91
Fixed Assets: $8,620.97
Deposits: $14,556.50
Total Assets: $519,311.44
 
Liabilities and Fund Balance:	
 
Liabilities and Restricted Funds: $214,651.25
Net Assets/Unrestricted Reserve: $304,660.19
Total Liabilities and Net Assets: $519,311.44
 
Revenues

Membership: $256,467
Program Revenue: $315,957
Annual Conference: $218,130
Grants / Donations: $296,650
Other Income: $29,759
Total 2009 Income: $1,116,963

Expenses

Advocacy & Membership: $523,683
Administration and Fundraising: $153,943
Training & Assistance: $315,957
Annual Conference: $198,519
Total 2009 Expenses: $1,192,102
 
*All figures represented in this statement of financial position are unaudited. Final numbers may vary slightly. Please contact NCIL for an updated report.
 
The National Council on Independent Living is the longest-running national cross-disability, grassroots organization run by and for people with disabilities. NCIL represents people with disabilities, Centers for Independent Living, Statewide Independent Living Councils, and other organizations that advocate for the human and civil rights of people with disabilities throughout the United States.
 
www.ncil.org