National Council on Independent Living Annual Report 2010 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, In 2010 NCIL found many reasons for celebration. We honored the 20th anniversary of the ADA, saw a record-breaking membership increase, and hosted our largest Annual Conference to date. The past year brought our community back to its roots: the fight for independence! While Centers for Independent Living fought to survive devastating state budget cuts, the community began laying the groundwork for the independence of the Independent Living Program itself. For too long paternalistic attitudes have kept our bodies locked in nursing home beds. For too long community integration has been held hostage to the whims of corporate interests. And for too long the Independent Living Program has been forced into dependence on what Justin Dart once described as “a vast, inflexible federal system which, like the society it represents, still contains a significant portion of individuals who have not yet overcome obsolete, paternalistic attitudes about disability.” We will reauthorize the Rehabilitation Act to ensure Centers and SILCs have the resources they need to protect the civil rights of Americans with disabilities. We will fight for an Independent Living Administration that will be dedicated to promoting the Independent Living philosophy. 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. Learn more at www.ncil.org. NCIL Staff 2010 -Jason Beloungy, Policy Analyst -Christine Boucher, Development Director -Kelly Buckland, Executive Director -Eleanor Canter, Materials Specialist -Tim Fuchs, Operations Director -Denise Law, Member Services Associate -Jorge Pineda, Accountant -Lacy Pittman, Policy Analyst -Andrea Tito, Administrative Assistant & Bookkeeper -Austin Walker, Policy Analyst   NCIL Board of Directors   Executive Committee:   -Dan Kessler, President -Lou Ann Kibbee, Vice President -Phil Pangrazio, Treasurer -Pat Puckett, Secretary -Carla Lawson, Regional Representative Committee Chair -Stan Holbrook, Diversity Committee Chair -Kelly Buckland, Executive Director   Regional Representatives: Mary Margaret Moore, Anita Cameron, David Burds, Julia Sain, Maureen Ryan, Carla Lawson, Michelle Krajewski, Carol Jean Reynolds, Kent Mickelson, Jim Beck   Members At Large: Shannon Jones, Mark Derry, Ann McDaniel, Bruce Darling, Frank Shible, Jason Wilson   Advocacy   In 2010 NCIL worked to advance the social, economic, and political equality of people with disabilities by:   -fighting for increased housing accessibility by testifying before Congress in support of the Inclusive Home Design Act; -serving as a regular consultant to the White House and Congressional leaders on disability policy; -working with the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice to address issues concerning the IL community, especially regarding accessibility; -building the foundation for an improved and expanded Independent Living Program nationally by focusing on reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act and creation of an Independent Living Administration; -creating a Subcommittee of the Board of Directors to address issues surrounding Multiple Chemical and Electrical Sensitivities; -aggressively addressing discrimination by private businesses and organizations, including US Airways and Pew Research Center; -engaging with issues surrounding Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), specifically how to better incorporate CIL interests and involvement; -tirelessly promoting the Restraint and Seclusion issue to improve safety for students with disabilities; -passing Section 811 legislation to integrate people with disabilities by providing support services for very low-income adults with disabilities and rent subsidies; -assessing current rehabilitation services at CILs to help improve employment outcomes; and -testifying to the DOJ on ADA and Olmstead Enforcement to ensure community opportunities.   Accomplishments   In 2010 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 4th Annual Congressional Policy Briefing on Capitol Hill to educate members of Congress on Independent Living,  -continued developing and promoting practical outcome measurement for the Independent Living Program, -achieved a record-breaking membership base despite a severe recession and cuts to state budgets, -attracted more print and broadcast media coverage than ever before, -launched an annual commemorative NCIL lapel pin campaign, -established strategic partnerships with other high-profile, national disability rights organizations, and -honored the 20th anniversary of the ADA through a variety of outlets, including a celebration at NCIL’s Annual Conference in Washington, DC, which was the largest NCIL gathering in history.   Annual Conference   The 2010 Annual Conference was a huge success. Over 900 NCIL members, presenters, and sponsors gathered in downtown Washington D.C. to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and bring our message to Capitol Hill. It was our largest Annual Conference ever, and a sense of pride and determination was palpable in the air. From the Annual Council Meeting to the closing Awards Banquet, NCIL members brought the spirit of Independent Living. Attendees worked hard throughout the week to plan and execute meetings with elected members of Congress, which led to several victories for the IL Movement. NCIL Members celebrate almost as well as we advocate. In addition to our typical Conference activities, this year’s event featured The Spirit of the ADA, a celebration of our history and the future we work toward. The dance floor was packed throughout the night, as Flame, a rock band made up of people with disabilities, rocked the crowd. This year, to everyone’s delight, Marchers were joined by the new Justin Dart parade puppet. The protesters braved and survived a scorching D.C. summer day to watch as a crowd of Senators and Representatives lined up for the opportunity to speak directly to people with disabilities on the historic 20th Anniversary of the ADA. 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. 2010 Award Recipients   National Advocacy Awards -Max Starkloff Lifetime Achievement Award: John Lancaster -President’s Award: Tim Sheehan -Diana Vietz Award: Allie Cannington -Frank Harkin Memorial Award: Senator Tom Harkin -Corey Rowley National Advocacy Award: Connie Garner and Kelly Buckland   Regional Advocacy Awards:   -Gary Waterhouse, Region I -Leslie Saunders, Region II -Ed Turner, Region III -Keith Greenarch, Region IV -John Johnson, Region V -Jeff Hughes, Region VI -Bill Cochran, Region VII -Bradley Taylor, Region VIII -Denika Boardman, Region IX -Rebecca Traylor, Region X   2010 Corporate Sponsors   NCIL thanks the following corporate sponsors for their support and partnership in 2010:   -Vehicle Production Group (VPG) -AT&T -Centene Corporation -AARP -Center for Disability Rights of Rochester -Pride Mobility Products -HSC Foundation -Disability.gov   -ClientTrack of Data Systems International -LINC -Amerigroup -Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) -LegaWear -Amtrak -Wyng Products   Strategic Plan Priorities 2011   Improve Infrastructure   -Ensure staff capacity to meet organizational membership needs and priorities -Strengthen NCIL Committees and Sub-Committees -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 to individuals sponsored by the CILs and SILCs -Develop and implement board recruitment process considering skills, interests, diversity, etc. -Ensure that every NCIL member on the Board of Directors “gives or gets” an annual donation   Create systems to secure funding support for NCIL 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 -Develop opportunities for revenue through sale of products and services unique to NCIL -Create a National Honorary Advisory Board to promote NCIL’s visibility -Increase membership revenue   Expand NCIL’s impact on legislation & policy as it positively impacts people with disabilities   -Improve communication with members -Be the “go to” organization for IL legislative/systems change 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   *The final Strategic Plan may vary slightly from this draft. Please contact NCIL for an updated report.   A Sampling of Member Accomplishments -Through Access Living’s advocacy, $30 million was included in the Illinois capital budget to increase affordable, accessible, integrated housing across Illinois. -ATTIC, Inc. of Indiana helped a couple with multiple disabilities regain custody of their daughter. The family is reunited and working with ATTIC to ensure they are able to stay together. -Granite State Independent Living provided career services to 59 consumers who then became employed, paid over $120,000 in income taxes, and increased their income on average by $11,336. -The Independent Living Center of the North Shore & Cape Ann completed development of the All People Accessible Business Project, a web-based project that will allow the public to review the accessibility of businesses after the businesses have a chance to receive technical assistance from the Center. -SKIL Resource Center assisted approximately 150 customers in filing Olmstead complaints with U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Civil Rights. -REACH of Texas assisted 31 nursing home residents to move into community living (saving the state more than $1,000,000 in Medicaid expenses); built 62 ramps at the homes of low income residents with disabilities; and held a week long gallery exhibit of art work created by artists with disabilities. -The Houston CIL relocated 161 consumers from nursing homes last year. Based on data from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, these activities will save the state $2.4 million, versus the projected cost of institutional care during the first year of relocation. -Arizona Bridge to Independent Living completed 232 home accessibility modifications, presented a fair housing forum for 155 participants, and assisted 33 consumers in leaving nursing homes to experience less restrictive, more independent living arrangements.   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 -Consumer Control -Peer Mentoring of CILs and SILCs -Systems Advocacy -Data Collection and Reporting   The National Council on Independent Living provides: National Teleconferences and Webcasts ? Technical Assistance ? National Trainings and Workshops In 2010 NCIL presented three national onsite trainings and nine teleconferences / webcasts. The IL Net program provided technical assistance to thousands in the Independent Living community. National Teleconferences and Webcasts: -Developing & Evaluating an Outcomes-Focused SPIL Parts I and II -Recruiting and Supporting SILC Members -Leading Statewide Strategic Planning -Using Social Media: Parts I and II -Get to the Core of It: Systems Advocacy -Get to the Core of It: Individual Advocacy -Get to the Core of It: IL Skills -Get to the Core of It: Peer Support -Get to the Core of It: Information & Referral   National Onsite Trainings: -Financial Management for CILs -Inclusion and Diversity in CILs -Keep it Real: Youth Leadership Development in CILs   Donors NCIL would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the following donors and members who contributed to the organization’s 1st Annual Pin Campaign: Alexa Mavroidis Andy Curry Anita Cameron Ann McDaniel Becky Williams Benny G. Jauregui Brenda Curtiss Bruce Darling Bryna Helfer Carla Lawson Carol Jean Reynolds Carolyn Phillips Carolyn Watrous Centro Ponceno De Vida Independiente Charlotte Bowen Chera Minkler Christine Boucher Clifton Perez Dan Kessler Dana Jackson David Burds David Swanson Deborah Cotter Delta Resource Center Denise Figueroa Dennis Fitzgibbons Diana Sullivan Diane Coleman disABILITY Resources of SW Washington Eastern Shore Center for Independent Living, Inc. Eileen Healy Elisha Gelardin Emily Holmes Eva Proa Frank Shible Gary Montrose Georgia SILC H. Lon Swearingen Illinois SILC Independent Living Center of the North Shore & Cape Ann James Baker Jason Wilson Jeff Hughes Jim Beck Jim Paprocki John Lancaster Judith Heumann Julaine Monson Julia Sain Kansas SILC Karyn Menk Kathleen Hoell Kay Miley Kelly Buckland Kenneth Mitchell Kent Mickelson Kris Launon Laurie Elinoff Liberty Resources, Inc. Lou Ann Kibbee Louis J. & Ruth G. Herr Foundation Marilyn Caye Maris Burton Marissa Johnson Mark Derry Mary Lopez Mary Margaret Moore Maureen Hollowell Maureen Ryan MetroWest CIL, Inc. Michael Winter Michelle Krajewski Montana Independent Living Pat Puckett Patricia Yeager Phil Pangrazio Robert Michaels Robert Treptow Roselin McFarlane Sarah D. Wendell Launderville Scott Crawford Shannon Jones Shirley Tarbox SouthWest Louisiana Independence Center Stan Holbrook Stan Spence Sue Fager Surya Patricia Lane Hood Susan Thompson Three Rivers CIL Tim Sheehan Timothy Fuchs Todd Vaarwerk Tracy A. Miller Trina Forest US Business Leadership Network   NCIL is grateful for the vision, artistry and generosity of the following members who donated their work to the silent auction in support of our mission: Skip Smith Tom Olin   Statement of Financial Position* *All figures represented in this statement of financial position are unaudited. Final numbers may vary slightly. Please contact NCIL for an updated report.   Assets: Current Assets: $476,561.27 Prepaid Expenses: $21,079.99 Inventory: $2,104.09 Fixed Assets: $9,155.65 Deposits: $14,556.50 Total Assets: $523,457.50   Liabilities and Fund Balance: Liabilities and Restricted Funds: $269,093.89 Net Assets/Unrestricted Reserve: $254,363.61 Total Liabilities and Net Assets: $523,457.50   Revenues: Membership Dues: $299,705.00 (22%) Program Revenue: $403,163.00 (30%) Annual Conference: $292,656.00 (22%) Grants / Donations: $323,948.00 (24%) Other Income: $30,259.00 (2%) Total 2010 Income: $1,349,731.00   Expenses: Advocacy & Membership: $632,846.00 (45%) Administration and Fundraising: $140,076.00 (10%) Training & Assistance: $403,163.00 (29%) Annual Conference: $221,644.00 (16%) Total 2010 Expenses: $1,397,729.00