NCIL: National Council on Independent Living
Annual Report 2011
As a membership organization, NCIL advances independent living and the rights of people with disabilities through consumer-driven advocacy.
NCIL envisions a world in which people with disabilities are valued equally and participate fully.

A Message From the Executive Director

Dear Advocates and Friends,
2011 was a monumental year for NCIL and the nation. As budget cuts swept through states, slashing and burning the supports that keep people with disabilities living independently in our communities, our membership mobilized in ways not seen since the passage of the ADA twenty years ago.
NCIL and our members refused to sit idly by as governments forced people with disabilities to bear the brunt of budget cuts while our civil rights continue to be undermined in the defense of corporate interests and rampant misuse of taxpayer dollars.
We will not rest until the right to live independently in our communities is safe from the whims of bureaucrats. We will not rest until the Independent Living Program is fully funded and consumer-controlled. We will not rest until we reach a day when every last one of our brothers and sisters in the disability community breathes the free air of independence.
As we reflect on the progress made over the past year, 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 independence for all.
Kelly Buckland, Executive Director

About NCIL
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. 

NCIL Staff 2011
-Dara Baldwin, Policy Analyst
-Christine Boucher, Development Director 
-Kelly Buckland, Executive Director 
-Eleanor Canter, Materials Specialist 
-Thea Ervin, Disabilities & Aging Specialist 
-Tim Fuchs, Operations Director 
-Denise Law, Member Services Associate 
-Jorge Pineda, Accountant
-Lacy Pittman, Policy Analyst
-Rie Terashima, Administrative Assistant 
-Austin Walker, Policy Analyst
-Crystal Jones and Jeremiah Swisher, Policy Interns

NCIL Board of Directors

Executive Committee: 
-Dan Kessler, President
-Lou Ann Kibbee, Vice President
-Phil Pangrazio, Treasurer
-Pat Puckett, Secretary
-Kelly Buckland, Executive Director
-Stan Holbrook, Diversity Committee Chair
-Maureen Ryan, Regional Representative Committee Chair

Regional Representatives: Mary Margaret Moore, Anita Cameron, Jan Derry, Julia Sain, Maureen Ryan, Carla Lawson, Michelle Krajewski, Carol Jean Reynolds, Diane Rovai, Roger Howard

Members At Large: Shannon Jones, Mark Derry, Ann McDaniel, Bruce Darling, Vicki Haws, Jason Wilson

Advocacy

In 2011 NCIL worked to advance the social, economic, and political equality of people with disabilities by:
-helping to draft Senate legislation that, when passed, will create an Independent Living Administration as a new organization within the Department of Education, 
-fighting cuts to Medicaid with the My Medicaid Matters Rally at Capitol Hill,
-defeating an amendment that would have allowed schools to discriminate by significantly lowering the academic expectations for students with disabilities,
-fighting for implementation of the Community Living Assistance Supports and Services (CLASS) Program as passed in the Affordable Care Act,
-holding an open forum to discuss proposed Workforce Investment Act (WIA) legislation in the Senate, 
-fighting the President’s Budget Proposal to block grant IL,
-laying groundwork for full funding of the National Housing Trust Fund to increase the amount of accessible, affordable, and integrated housing,
-working with the House and Senate on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Violence Against Women Act to ensure the needs of the disability community were addressed during the reauthorization process, 
-bringing the voice of the disability community to the table during Super Congress negotiations,
-advocating for an additional $5.7 million in funding through Alternative Financing Programs for Assistive Technology, and
-presenting a Position Paper and testimony to encourage Congress to act on accessible transportation and ensure America’s taxi fleets are fully accessible to people with disabilities.

Accomplishments

In 2011 NCIL was increasingly effective in expanding the work of our members and advocating their issues nationally. NCIL also:
-maintained a strong and active membership base despite a severe recession and cuts to state budgets, 
-partnered with Brown, Goldstein & Levy to pursue legal action against entities egregiously violating the rights of people with disabilities,
-held the 5th Annual Congressional Policy Briefing on Capitol Hill to educate members of Congress on Independent Living, 
-adopted a new logo and communication system to better mobilize and correspond with our membership,
-held the 7th annual Policy Briefing webinar for the IL Community,
-began planning and development for a new website, 
-implemented a NCIL Policy Internship Program,
-served on the steering committee and as fiscal agent for the National Disability Leadership Alliance, a new consortium of national, consumer-led disability organizations,
-launched social networking sites to increase outreach and dialogue about Independent Living issues,
-established strategic partnerships with other high-profile, national disability rights organizations, 
-diversified revenue with new sources of income from grants, honorariums and sponsorships,
-continued developing and promoting practical outcome measurement for the IL Program, and
-hired a Disabilities & Aging Specialist to collaborate with other aging advocates and stakeholders.

Annual Conference

The 2011 Annual Conference on Independent Living was a huge success! The theme for this year’s Conference was “Keeping Our Eyes on the Prize: Independence!”
Even in the midst of severe economic downturn, and in many ways because of it, the NCIL membership turned out in force to make our voices heard on Capitol Hill. This year’s Conference was graced with a large proportion of advocates new to the IL Movement and everyone brought an infectious enthusiasm.
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius opened the Conference with a stirring keynote address and NCIL Board and staff energized and prepared the raucous crowd for the March and Rally. 
The energy continued the following day as our chants for freedom and protest signs drew many onlookers. Afterwards, NCIL members headed to the Hill to speak our truth directly to power.
Over 20 workshops were presented on issues ranging from the proposed Independent Living Administration, to mental health and civil rights, to best practices in the core services. 
Elections were held for a variety of positions on the NCIL Board and important resolutions were voted on by the membership at the Annual Council Meeting. 
NCIL honored advocates throughout the nation for outstanding commitment to Independent Living during the Awards Luncheon, spent time browsing the products and services offered by vendors during the Exhibit Fair, then got a little rowdy on the dance floor and had a lot of fun during the Closing Social.
NCIL would like to thank our members for their tireless efforts to bring about full equality for Americans with disabilities, the NCIL staff and Board for their hard work, and the sponsors that made this event possible.
 
2011 Award Recipients

NCIL congratulates the following advocates, who were honored in 2011 for their outstanding commitment to Independent Living and civil rights of people with disabilities.

National Advocacy Awards:
-President’s Award: Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez
-Frank Harkin Memorial Award: U.S. Congressman Jim Langevin
-Corey Rowley National Advocacy Award: Jeff Hughes of Progressive Independence in Norman, OK
-Max Starkloff Lifetime Achievement Award: June Isaacson Kailes, Advocate and Policy Consultant

Regional Advocacy Awards: 
-Steve Higgins, Region I
-Melanie Shaw, Region II
-Jan Derry, Region III
-David Allgood, Region IV
-Rudy Fox, Region V
-Kathy Smith, Region VI
-Jennifer Grundy, Region VII
-Andy Curry, Region VIII
-Herb Levine, Region IX
-Robert Honan, Region X

2011 Corporate Sponsors
NCIL thanks the following corporate sponsors for their support and partnership in 2011:
-AT&T
-Centene Corporation
-Amerigroup
-Pride Mobility
-HSC Foundation
-Living Independence Network Corporation
-Research & Training Center on Independent Living, University of Kansas
-Brown, Goldstein and Levy, LLP
-Q90: CIL Management Suite
-United Spinal Association
-IndependenceFirst
-American Association for Homecare
-Yoshiko Dart
-Bronx Independent Living Services
-APRIL

A Sampling of Member Accomplishments

The Independent Living Center of Southern California delivered arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in the case Douglas v. ILCSC, dealing with proposed Medi-Cal provider rate reductions as a violation of a federal Medicaid law and whether Medi-Cal recipients, providers, and advocates have a right to sue the State of California to stop those reductions.
-SKIL Resource Center in Kansas conducted trainings across the state on Olmstead and helped more than 400 people with disabilities file Olmstead Complaints after being forced onto waiting list for needed services. Over 600 complaints were filed across the state by Centers for Independent Living.
-New Jersey’s Alliance Center for Independence held their first Disability Pride Parade & Celebration. 300 people with disabilities turned out to celebrate disability pride, enjoy the work of artists with disabilities, and honor National Disability Employment month.
-Access Alaska Fairbanks achieved the implementation of 120 new curb cuts and 2 new fixed bus routes, successfully advocated to stop paratransit rate increases, and provided disability awareness training to local bus drivers.
-The Staten Island Center for Independent Living successfully introduced Independent Living Philosophy to the IEP process for students with disabilities to aid successful transition to adult life and continued education.
-Independence Incorporated of Lawrence, Kansas developed the Youth Employment Program (YEP!) to address barriers to employment for transition-age youth. The program partners with local schools and businesses to provide community-based, paid work trials for youth with significant disabilities with no prior work experience.
-The Independent Living Center of Kern County led the California Community Transitions program, which has already transitioned four individuals into their own residences after a combined total of nearly ten years in nursing homes.

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 ILRU and APRIL that focuses on: 
-Deinstitutionalization / Community Services and Supports
-Outreach to Unserved and Underserved Populations
-Consumer Control
-Peer Mentoring of CILs and SILCs
-Systems Advocacy
-Data Collection and Reporting

In 2011 NCIL presented 3 national onsite trainings and 22 webinars. The IL Net program also provided technical assistance to thousands in the Independent Living community.  
National Onsite Trainings: 
-Operating Personal Assistance Services in CILs 
-Outcome Measures for CILs
-Implementing and Enforcing Olmstead

National Teleconferences and Webinars:
-The President’s Budget: What It Means for IL and What You Can Do About It!
-New Opportunities in Community Based Services
-The Strategic Management Series: Sound Employment 
Practices for CILs
-Ride On! An Introduction to Accessible Transportation 
Programs and Advocacy at CILs
-Exploring ADRC Partnership for CILs
-ABCs of Nursing Home Transition
-Cultural Competence for SILCs
-Integrating Care for People Dually Eligible
-Gathering Consumer Feedback for SILCs
-Creating Successful Aging and Disability Partnerships
-Playing By the Rules: A SILC Fiscal Guide to Federal Dollars

Strategic Plan Priorities 2011

Improve Infrastructure
-Ensure staff capacity to meet organizational membership needs and priorities
-Strengthen NCIL Committees and Subcommittees
-Foster new leadership and diversity with input and assistance from CILs and SILCs
-Provide focused leadership to members
-Create and promote the NCIL “Brand”

Develop NCIL Membership
-Expand and improve member services and benefits
-Recruit new members
-Develop leadership training and development
-Develop and implement board recruitment process
-Ensure that every member of the Board of Directors makes or secures an annual donation

Create Systems to Secure Funding Support in the Short- and Long-Term
-Generate restricted and unrestricted revenue from corporations
-Generate program-related funding and operational support from foundations
-Generate broad support from individuals
-Secure in-kind support for goods and services
-Create a National Honorary Advisory Board to promote NCIL’s visibility
-Increase membership revenue
-Develop opportunities for revenue through sale of unique products and services 

Expand NCIL’s Impact on Legislation & Policy as It Positively Impacts People with Disabilities
-Improve communication with members
-Be the “go to” organization for Independent Living issues
-Build and launch a new NCIL website; increase website traffic
-Increase awareness of issues facing people with disabilities and the principles of IL Philosophy

Statement of Financial Position*

Revenues:
Membership Dues: $296,141.00 (23%)
Program Revenue: $475,565.00 (37%)
Annual Conference: $211,375.00 (16%)
Grants & Donations: $273,974.00 (21%)
Other Income: $36,580.00 (3%)
Total 2011 Income: $1,293,635.00

Expenses:
Advocacy & Membership: $579,662.00 (41%)
Administration and Fundraising: $134,248.00 (10%)
Training & Assistance: $475,565.00 (34%)
Annual Conference: $204,399.00 (15%)
Total 2011 Expenses: $1,393,874.00

Assets:
Current Assets: $371,170.67
Prepaid Expenses: $27,522.70 
Inventory: $1,271.48  
Fixed Assets: $6,419.10
Deposits: $14,556.50
Total Assets: $420,940.45

Liabilities and Fund Balance:	
Liabilities and Restricted Funds: $267,538.96
Net Assets/Unrestricted Reserve: $153,401.49
Total Liabilities and Net Assets: $420,940.45 

*All figures represented in this statement of financial position are unaudited. Final numbers may vary slightly. Please contact NCIL for an updated report.

Donors
NCIL would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the following people who contributed financially in support of our mission in 2011:
-ADAPT of Texas
-Advocates for Better Living for Everyone, Inc. (ABLE)
-Charlotte Bowen
-Kathy Brill
-John Chappell
-Diane Coleman
-Deborah Cotter
-Yoshiko Dart
-Jonah Deppe
-Disability Resource Association
-Owen Erquiaga
-Becky Flores
-Merrill Friedman
-Timothy Fuchs
-Bryna L. Helfer
-Kathy Hoell
-Emily Holmes
-Independent Living Resource Center
-San Francisco
-IndependenceFirst
-Institute for Educational Leadership
-Invacare Corporation
-Shannon Jones
-Dan Kessler
-Kenneth Klauck
-Carlotta Lawson
-Angela Lindig
-Joseph Matovu
-Tracy Miller
-Gary Montrose
-Philip Pangrazio
-Jim Paprocki
-Kathleen Steele Pautler
-Michael Peluso
-Patricia L. Puckett
-Curtis L. Richards
-Gordon Richins
-Maggie Roffee
-Diane C. Rovai
-Maureen Ryan
-Millie Ryan
-Ellen Weaver
-Sarah Wendell
-Leon Williams
-Michael Winter
-Patricia Yeager