Believe. We Are Better. Reenergize, Reorganize, Reauthorize! National Council on Independent Living Annual Conference 2009 Images: NCIL Members protest outside RSA and at the US Capitol. Dear Advocates and Friends, We are facing monumental change – a new Congress, a new President, and new leadership for NCIL. We have the opportunity to bring our Movement out of the shadow of others. We have allowed others to tell our story. We have allowed Government to control our services and lives. We have allowed them to marginalize Independent Living by reinterpreting our law, diminishing our funding, and failing to properly measure and report our accomplishments. We must not sit and wait for change. We must focus on effectively promoting Independent Living to policy makers and appropriators. We must communicate the value of our Movement and our people. The Independent Living Program belongs to the People, not to bureaucrats and bean counters! It is time for us to take it back. This year’s Annual Conference, Believe: We Are Better. Reenergize, Reorganize, Reauthorize!, is designed to give us the tools to do just that. It is an acknowledgement that our time has come. It is a proclamation that we will no longer allow narrow-minded “professionals” to impede Independent Living. It provides individuals with disabilities, Centers and SILCs across the country a unifying opportunity to confront our common enemies – complacency, cynicism and resignation. In 1986, Justin Dart testified before Congress that RSA’s vocational rehabilitation system was “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 have made in-roads, but we have yet to seize control and turn it in a progressive direction. As a community, we will insist that decisions be made with us and by us. We will reenergize our efforts to reauthorize the Rehabilitation Act and we will insist on reforms that reflect the values of our community. No longer will “rehabilitation” programs exclude people with disabilities from deciding how our lives ought to be lived. We will design, implement, and monitor programs that will be focused on the principles of Independent Living: civil rights, consumer control, and social, economic, and political equality. The doors of opportunity do not slam open; our common commitment and effort must make it so. We must believe in our ability to create change; to do that which has seemed impossible. We have little to lose, and much more to gain in this time of critical change. We cannot stand in our own way. We need to put aside our internal differences, skepticism, and pessimism to Reenergize, Reorganize, and Reauthorize, for our common goals and our shared vision. It is my sincerest hope that you will join us for this week-long event, especially during this crucial time for our community. The 2009 NCIL Annual Conference will be an opportunity to reinforce the resolve that will be needed during the coming years. In addition, it's June in our nation's Capitol - great weather, great times and great friends. I can’t wait to see you there! Sincerely, John A. Lancaster, Executive Director The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me.* *Quote by Ayn Rand Registration: Please complete and return the conference registration form on the inside back cover of this brochure (page 19). You can also register online at www.ncil.org. Confirmations will be sent to each participant via the email address listed on the registration form. Individuals must register for the Conference and pay in full before reserving a discounted room at the Grand Hyatt. If you have any questions, please contact NCIL at 877.525.3400 (voice), 202.207.0340 (tty), or by email at conference@ncil.org. A complete account of registration fees is located on page 18. Agenda Thursday, June 4 (No Exhibits Thursday) 11:00am - 3:00pm NCIL Board Meeting 2:00pm - 5:00pm Registration Open 4:00pm - 6:00pm Orientation Session 7:00pm - 10:00pm Diversity Reception Friday, June 5 8:00am - 5:00pm Registration Open 9:00am - 10:00am Opening Plenary 10:45am - 12:00pm Concurrent Workshops I 12:00pm - 1:30pm Lunch (on your own) 1:30pm - 2:45pm Concurrent Workshops II 3:15pm - 4:15pm Diversity Caucuses 4:45pm - 5:45pm Diversity Caucuses 7:00pm - 9:00pm International Reception Saturday, June 6 8:00am - 5:00pm Registration Open 9:00am - 10:30am Diversity Plenary 10:30am - 11:45am Exhibit Fair 11:45am - 1:45pm Awards Banquet 2:00pm - 6:30pm Annual Meeting Sunday, June 7 8:00am - 5:00pm Registration Open 9:00am - 10:00am Legislative & Advocacy Update 10:00am - 10:45am Plenary: Preparing for the Day on the Hill 11:00am - 12:00pm Legislative & Advocacy Plenary 12:00pm - 1:30pm Lunch (on your own) 1:30pm - 2:45pm Concurrent Workshops III 3:15pm - 4:30pm Concurrent Workshops IV 5:00pm - 6:15pm Regional Caucuses: Regions VI-X 6:30pm - 7:45pm Regional Caucuses: Regions I-V Monday, June 8 (No Registration or Exhibits Monday) 9:30am - 10:00am Organize for the March: (Meet at 11th + G Streets NW) 10:00am - 11:00am March to the US Capitol 11:00am - 11:30am Distribution of Bag Lunches 11:30am - 12:30pm 2009 Rally at the US Capitol 1:00pm - 5:00pm Hill Visits 7:00pm - 11:00pm Closing Social Tuesday, June 9 10:00 am - 12:00 pm NCIL Board Meeting What to Bring NCIL Annual Conference participants often brave blistering heat, massive thunderstorms, and even chilly workshop rooms, all to bring our message to Capitol Hill! Remember to bring along the following items to ensure your comfort and safety: -large plastic bags to cover any batteries or electric devices that might be exposed to rain during the March and Rally, and duct tape to secure them; -attire appropriate for both very hot and chilly temperatures; and -any medications or assistive devices you may need during strenuous activity. Special Gatherings and Events Thursday, June 4 -NCIL Orientation Session: 4:00pm - 6:00pm. NCIL offers this general session for new NCIL members and conference attendees. Join us to gain greater insight into NCIL’s history, its Annual Conference, and formal procedures such as voting at the Annual Council Meeting. The Board of Directors will discuss preparations for the annual March and Rally, and more! -Diversity Reception: 7:00pm - 10:00pm. Join the Diversity Committee and its caucuses for networking and refreshments at the inaugural party of the 2009 Annual Conference! Friday, June 5 -Opening Plenary: 9:00am - 10:00am. Leaders from the Obama Administration will offer a national plan of action to demand and win the full implementation of our civil and human rights.  Don’t miss this exciting 2009 Annual Conference opener!  -Diversity Committee Caucus Meetings: 3:15pm - 4:15pm and 4:45pm - 5:45pm. The caucuses of the Diversity Committee meet to develop annual priorities. Meetings are open to all attendees. Current caucuses are: African-American; Aging & Older Adult; Asian & Pacific-Islander; Latino/a; Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT); Native American; Youth; and Deaf. Is your identity represented? Contact NCIL to learn how to create a caucus! -International Reception: 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Join the International Committee for a casual reception and to learn how you can become involved in efforts to advance Independent Living globally! Saturday, June 6 -Diversity Plenary: 9:00am - 10:30am. NCIL’s Diversity Committee is hosting this important session to present the advantages of a truly diverse workplace.  Join us to learn how you can make your board, staff, and consumers more representative of the community you serve.     -Exhibit Fair: 10:30am - 11:45am. Spend some time browsing the products and services offered by our exhibitors, many of which are your fellow NCIL members. The NCIL conference would not be possible without the generous support of our exhibitors and sponsors. Exhibits will also be open Friday and Sunday. -Awards Banquet: 11:45am - 1:45pm. Join us to celebrate and honor this year’s national advocacy award winners! Awards will be presented over lunch. -2009 NCIL Annual Council Meeting: 2:00pm - 6:30pm. Attend the Annual Council Meeting to vote on resolutions and board elections that will guide NCIL in the coming years. This year, elections will be held for: President, Treasurer, Diversity Committee Chair, Representatives of Regions I, III, V, VII, and IX, and Members-At-Large. Sunday, June 7 -Legislative & Advocacy Update: 9:00am - 10:00am. Get the most up-to-date information on the progress of NCIL’s advocacy efforts from the Chairs of each Committee. The Chairs will review and answer questions about NCIL’s advocacy talking points so that participants are fully prepared for their Congressional visits on Monday. -Preparing for the Day on the Hill: 10:00am - 10:45am. Learn the ABCs of NCIL’s March & Rally, including where to meet, what to bring, and important information about our route, what to do in case of an emergency, and how to get home after your Hill visits. -L & A Plenary Session: 11:00am - 12:00am. This plenary session has been reserved for discussion of a pressing advocacy issue. The topic will be announced beforehand and details will be in the conference program. -Regional Caucuses: Regions VI through X: 5:00 - 6:15pm; Regions I through V: 6:30 - 7:45pm. This is your opportunity to strategize for your Congressional visits. Each state should decide exactly who will attend which meeting to ensure that every Senator and Representative will be visited. A list of regions by state is available on page 18 in this brochure or at www.ncil.org. Monday, June 8 -NCIL March and Rally: 9:00am - 12:30pm. This annual tradition is your opportunity to take grassroots advocacy to the streets! Participants will march from the Grand Hyatt to Capitol Hill carrying signs and demonstrating support for the independence of people with disabilities! Marchers will converge in front of the Capitol Building for an empowering rally featuring a number of invigorating speakers from the disability rights movement and members of Congress. Following the rally, participants are strongly encouraged to meet with their elected officials to discuss issues that are important in their districts. -Capitol Hill Visits: 1:00pm - 5:00pm. The Key to a Successful Hill Visit is…Planning! It is very important that meetings with Senators and Representatives are scheduled 4-6 weeks in advance. Contact the Appointment Secretary / Scheduler of your Senators and Representatives to schedule a meeting for the afternoon of June 8 (after 1:00pm). Explain your purpose and whom you represent. It will be easier for Congressional staff to arrange a meeting if they know what you wish to discuss. -Closing Social: 7:00pm - 12:00am. The fun begins, accompanied by drinks, a non-stop DJ, and some serious prizes. This is your chance to relax and have some fun with your fellow advocates! Workshop Sessions Welcome The following workshops have been selected by NCIL’s Annual Conference Subcommittee. Great care has been taken to ensure that the workshops are, as a whole, relevant to this year’s Conference theme and valuable to a cross-section of CIL, SILC, and IL Association staff, board members, consumers, and other IL advocates. Let us know what you think! You will have the opportunity to evaluate each workshop you attend. Note: We no longer require individuals to sign up for workshops in advance. Please arrive early, as workshops may fill up! Workshops are listed by target audience: “Front Line Staff and Consumers”, “Advocates and Project Directors” or “Executive Directors and Board Members”. Workshops are also classified — “Newcomer”, “Experienced”, or “Appropriate for All Audiences” — at the end of each workshop description. Poster Sessions -Customer Service & Disability: Improving Access in the Hospitality Industry.Presented by: Marissa Johnson.Are you frustrated by how a hotel or restaurant has treated you or others with disabilities? Have you struggled to help event venues understand customer service and access for people with disabilities? Check out this poster session to learn about resources developed by the DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center to help hotels and restaurants better serve customers with disabilities. Materials include etiquette tip cards, resources, training materials, and more! Newcomer. Front Line Staff and Consumers -The End of ‘Dependent Living Centers’. Presented by: Burt Danovitz. The “End of Dependent Living Centers” will establish a new direction for how Centers can approach funding, relationships with funding sources, and generalizing unrestricted dollars used for promoting the IL movement. Attendees will learn specific strategies for lessening dependence on single source funding. Also appropriate for Advocates and Project Directors; Executive Directors and Board Members. Experienced. -Sex and the City: Disability Style.Presented by: Chris Hilderbrant. Let’s talk about sex! Do you feel that as a person with disability you are unattractive or undesirable? Do you have a fun, healthy and active sex life? Do you feel that social attitudes limit your opportunities to find compatible partners? If you answered yes to any of these questions, come join us to talk about SEX! Newcomer. -Recognizing and Responding to Violence and Abuse of Individuals with Disabilities. Presented by: Leslie A. Myers. This workshop will teach participants the signs of emotional, physical, sexual, and financial abuse. It will inform participants what to look for in both the consumer and the behaviors of abusers. Participants will be led in a facilitated discussion on what types of interventions should be made and how best to respond to abuse. Members of the NCIL Taskforce on Violence and Abuse will share their experiences working in this area. Appropriate for all experience levels. -T.E.E.N.S.: Tools to Empower and Educate from a New Standpoint for IL. Presented by: Roger Frischenmeyer. How do we energize and organize youth to become involved in the effort to reauthorize the Rehabilitation Act? Let’s revisit our T.E.E.N.S. and learn what it takes to promote youth involvement! Learn about tools that have been used to empower and educate youth in building a stronger community. Participants will learn the value of community service projects involving youth, the importance of involvement in the legislative process, the necessity in having pride in who they are, and more! Join us as we explore how to help youth believe in their value and believe in the value of our movement! Newcomer. -CILebrity Squares. Presented by: Renee Sluzalis. CILebrity Squares is a replica of the game show “Hollywood Squares”. It is a fun and interactive way to learn IL movement information. The workshop will consist of 9 ‘CILebrities’ that will answer IL movement related questions. There will be a show host and screen projection from a computer program. The audience will be divided in to two teams, “X” and “O” and each audience member will have the opportunity to agree or disagree with the “CILebrity.” The topics covered will be basic IL movement information such as ADA related questions, information regarding Centers for Independent Living, and people that have been key players in the IL movement. Newcomer. -Upgrading the Economic Expectations: Emerging Projects in the IL Movement on Employment, Benefits, and Financial Planning. Presented by: Bryon R. MacDonald. This workshop will cover a wide range of partners and services CILs can use to improve employment services. Partnerships to promote education and credentialing of benefits planning services will be explored, including Medicaid Infrastructure Grants, Ticket to Work Employment Networks, Disability Benefits, and much more. Workshop will address the asset building model of economic development: Asset-building techniques with the goal of long-term economic health. Recommendations and strategies for legislation will be presented. Also appropriate for Advocates and Project Directors; Executive Directors and Board Members. Appropriate for all experience levels. -Through the Same Door: Inclusion Includes College and Living in the Dorms! Presented by: Micah Fialka-Feldman. What is a community and what is a student? This session will promote dialogue and educate the IL community that there are opportunities for young people with cognitive disabilities to go to college, but it is critical for them to be empowered self-advocates because discrimination still exists, especially in higher education. Participants will learn about Micah Fialka-Feldman and his struggle to live in the dormitory at Oakland University. Micah will present on issues relevant to the impending 5th core service – transition; focusing on youth transition and current issues facing students with disabilities, especially those with cognitive impairments – a new and groundbreaking idea. Also appropriate for Advocates and Project Directors. Appropriate for all experience levels. Advocates and Project Directors -Deaf Systems Advocacy in an Independent Living Center? It Can Be Done! Presented by: Dean DeRusso Has your Center had difficulties trying to serve and advocate on behalf of people who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind, or Hard-of-Hearing? Do you wonder how Independent Living Centers can better connect with people who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind, or Hard-of-Hearing? Are Deaf people disabled? Does it matter? Are you looking for solutions to your challenges with your deaf community? Come see how a CIL in New York State has addressed these issues. Newcomer. -Seclusion to Inclusion: Diversity Trainings to Reach an Underserved Population. Presented by: Don Dew. One goal of a Center for Independent Living is ensuring that the rights of all people with disabilities are in place and services are being provided. If gaps in services are found, they will advocate in the community for inclusion. Centers for Independent Living need to receive trainings on diversity and outreach that focus on all of the LGBT community, including those with disabilities. These trainings need to emphasize that the LGBT community must feel safe enough to request help needed and not fear repercussions based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Experienced. -MFP States Need You – Why NCIL, CILs, and Consumers Have Never Had a Better Opportunity to Free Our People! Presented by: John Sorensen. MFP is landmark legislation created under the DRA to rebalance states’ Long Term Care Systems (LTC) to a more community based orientation by way of deinstitutionalizing a proposed 35,000+ individuals and increasing Home & Community Based Services (HCBS) with the money saved over institutional costs. MFP is also unique in its requirement of consumer involvement. States are statutorily mandated to involve consumers in grant implementation in ways that go beyond the traditional advisory group. This creates an unprecedented opportunity for CILs and other consumer and advocate groups to work with State officials to transition persons with disabilities into the community and ensure that systems are developed to increase the availability of HCBS. Also appropriate for Front Line Staff and Consumers; Executive Directors and Board Members. Experienced. -Serving Veterans– An Overview by CILs and the Veterans Administration. Presented by: Steve Thovson. This workshop is intended for CIL staff, veterans and anyone interested in veterans issues and benefits. A presenter from the Veterans Administration will discuss the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation & Independent Living Programs. CILs from three states will provide overviews of how they are working with the VA to serve veterans. These CILs will discuss their work in community outreach to veterans and veteran organizations, as well as successful collaborations. Discussion will take place on opportunities to establish new relationships with the VA and Veteran Service Organizations, and how to reenergize and reorganize existing relationships with veterans and the VA. Newcomer. -Facing the Boogeyman: Conquering Your Fear of Advocacy. Presented by: Chris Hilderbrant. Is your CIL afraid to do advocacy? Are you worried that your 501 (c) 3 status will be in jeopardy? Do you feel that your image, credibility, or standing in your community will be negatively affected by engaging in advocacy? The Center for Disability Rights, a Rochester, NY-based Center for Independent Living with a long history of advocacy will address and debunk the myths and fears about this core service and value of Centers. Experienced. -ADA Amendments & You: How the New Law Impacts CIL Advocacy. Presented by: Marissa Johnson. Are you unsure of how the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) will affect you, your work, and your consumers? This highly interactive workshop will help you better understand the ADA Amendments Act and apply it to advocacy situations you face each day. Get your questions answered, interact with the ADAAA, and gain a better understanding of this new law and how it will impact your role as an advocate. Also learn about important resources and where to get more information. Experienced. -Providing Recovery-Oriented Services to Persons with Psychiatric Disabilities. Presented by: Michelle Olson. How does your CIL provide outreach and support to persons living with mental illness? There is a wide-held belief that Independent Living Centers do not work with persons who have psychiatric disabilities. This workshop will help CIL staff explore how to change this impression, as well as reviewing how to implement recovery-oriented practices within IL services. Session will include an agency self-assessment tool and will be interactive using the café model to discuss barriers to providing services to persons living with mental illness. Experienced. -8 Ingredients to Successful Grant Writing. Presented by: David Sanders. We have all faced the challenge of what to do when we need to expand an existing service or support, propose a new service, expand our capacity to serve, or just survive as a non profit. Funders are requiring more often that organizations look elsewhere to sustain an existing project or service. This workshop will encourage participants to look past just “surviving” and move towards “thriving” as an organization. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grant writer, join us for a interactive discussion on grant writing as a tool for advocacy. Newcomer. -HAVA in New York: The Long Road to a Fundamental Right. Presented by: Brad Williams. “HAVA in New York: The Long Road to a Fundamental Right” is a one-hour documentary that chronicles the struggle to achieve accessible voting rights in New York State. The multi-year battle took numerous advocacy actions and the exercising of civil and legal rights to win one accessible Ballot Marking Device (BMD) per polling place for Primary and Election Days 2008. Newcomer. Executive Directors and Board Members -Independent Living Administration. Presented by: Jeff Hughes. This workshop is intended to be a dialogue on the future of Independent Living. This roundtable discussion will provide information on current language regarding Statewide Independent Living Councils and Centers for Independent Living within the draft Independent Living Administration. The discussion will be facilitated by a panel with detailed knowledge of current language within the Rehabilitation Act and the most recent language of the Independent Living Administration. The panel hopes to receive feedback on draft language and participants will have the opportunity to interact with the panel. Also appropriate for Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced. -Worker’s Compensation 101. Presented by: Edward Shea; Dan Gass; Leon Williams. BABB, Inc. has just completed a Pennsylvania Statewide Worker’s Compensation Program for consumer-directed attendant services for all Centers for Independent Living in the state, as well as all home health and service agencies. The program began in October of 2008 and already has over 2000 consumer-directed attendants enrolled. The program will eventually expand to other states and will be of particular interest to Centers for Independent Living should the Community Choice Act become law. The presentation will feature a question and answer session. Experienced. -Partnering with Americorps to Create Systems Change. Presented by: Kelly Buckland. Americorps grant projects offer the possibilities of recruiting more people with disabilities into the Independent Living Movement and investing in people who can be extremely focused on a specific systems change activity. Presenters will describe how the Americorps Accessible Transportation project was developed and funded, the possibilities and challenges of starting a new Americorps project, the different Americorps programs and benefits, and how to be a successful applicant. Learn how you can develop full time volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to your systems change priorities. Experienced. -Independent Living in Indian Country. Presented by: Jim Beck. This best practices symposium will share the NCIL Taskforce position paper on Independent Living in Indian Country and the rationale behind its development. In addition, Taskforce members will share how they developed effective IL programs located on Tribal lands and staffed by Native Americans / Native Alaskans. Participants will have an opportunity to question the Taskforce participants and gain practical knowledge that can be translated into effective expansion of IL services to Native Americans / Native Alaskans. Experienced. -The International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Understanding America's Relationship with this Treaty and International Development. Presented by: Marca Bristo and Joan Durocher. Marca Bristo of Access Living Chicago and Joan Durocher of the National Council on Disability will lead a panel of experts renowned for their work on international disability concerns. They will discuss the United Nations Convention on Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and Foreign Assistance, emphasizing how ratification of the Convention in the US can impact our domestic advocacy agenda. The panel will describe areas in which US law is harmonious to that of the Convention's requirements, as well as gaps in US law when compared to the Convention. It will also highlight potential areas within the body of US disability laws that would require examination if the US either signed and ratified the CRPD, or desired to have its domestic disability laws and policies of a level with the Convention’s coverage. This workshop will explore how NCIL members can become involved, and how Centers for Independent Living can take advantage of new opportunities for global partnership brought about by the Convention. Experienced. -Successfully Telling Your IL Story Through Effective Use of 704 Data. Presented by: Lita Jans, Ph.D. This workshop demonstrates how data shapes the national understanding of IL Program accomplishments. The presentation shows why data quality is essential to telling the story of CILs’ successes and demonstrating their value to funders. Presented jointly by RSA and InfoUse, a research firm assisting RSA to improve 704 Report data quality, this interactive session presents examples of data that may lead to misperceptions, as well as practices that improve data quality. Examples of effective practices to report Consumer Service Records (CSRs) and goals, and recommended customer satisfaction questions will be provided. Experienced. -How Aging & Disability Are Coming Together to Create System Change. Presented by: Joseph Lugo. This session seeks to find common ground between Aging and Disability networks on systems change. How can aging and disability partnerships help achieve the desired outcomes of both communities? Common service needs, increased prevalence of disabilities among seniors and increased life expectancy of younger persons with disabilities are driving the need for partnership. Both consumer groups will continue to influence policy trends and necessitate the need for collaboration. Experienced. -NCIL's Outcome Measures Task Force. Presented by: Bob Michaels. This workshop will bring IL advocates up-to-date on the work of the NCIL Outcome Measures Taskforce. The presenter will describe the steps taken thus far, from the inception of the committee, through the identification of desired outcomes; our efforts to and measure indicators of those outcomes, and the challenges we face when we pilot-test them. Participants will learn how the Outcomes Measures Task Force has incorporated ideas from the field into its products, and how to begin structuring Centers to measure outcomes. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and find out how they can participate. Experienced. General Information Hotels and Lodging -Grand Hyatt Washington: We will return to the Grand Hyatt Washington, located at 1000 H St. NW, one block from the Metro Center subway station in downtown Washington, DC. The Grand Hyatt is the official conference hotel and virtually all events will be held here. A block of rooms has been reserved for NCIL Conference attendees from Thursday, June 4 through Monday, June 8 at a special rate of $229 single/double (plus tax of 14.5%). Triple occupancy is available at $244 (plus tax). Regency Club rooms are available at a variable rate, based on availability. To make your reservations, call the hotel at (800) 233-1234 (voice/tty). Be sure to identify yourself as a NCIL Conference attendee to receive the discounted rate. Reservations received after May 4, 2009 will be accepted on a space availability basis. Van parking is available in a parking lot across the street from the Grand Hyatt. Vehicles parked in this outdoor lot are accessible 24 hours-a-day, but the lot entrance / exit is closed from Midnight until 6:00 a.m. daily. -Marriott Metro Center: Overflow accessible rooms are available at the Marriott Metro Center, 775 12th Street NW, just one block from the Grand Hyatt. The rate is $199 single / double occupancy (plus tax). Reservations must be made by May 14, 2009. Please call the hotel at 202.737.2200 for reservations. -Renaissance Washington DC: Overflow accessible rooms are available at the Renaissance Washington DC, 999 9th Street NW, just two blocks from the Grand Hyatt. The rate is $229 single / double occupancy (plus tax). Reservations must be made by May 14, 2009. Please call the hotel at 1-800-266-9432 for reservations. Important Notes: -Participants must register for the conference before being eligible for a discounted rate at the hotels. -Accessible rooms are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis! -The Grand Hyatt will sell out – register for the conference and reserve your rooms today! Airports and Transportation -Reagan National Airport(DCA) Taxicabs: Available at the exits of each terminal. Approximate fare to DC is $12.00-$15.00. Van Service: Contact Battles Transportation at (202) 462-8658 for large lift-equipped vans. Super Shuttle is also available; (800) BLUE-VAN for reservations or details. Red Top Cab at (202) 328-3333 has accessible mini-vans. Metrorail: The Metro stops adjacent to Terminals B and C. Take the Blue Line to the Metro Center station or the Yellow Line to the Gallery Place / Chinatown station. Both stations are 1-2 blocks from the Grand Hyatt. Total fare: $1.35; all stations and trains are accessible. -Dulles Airport (IAD) Red Top Cab: Approximate fare to DC is $55. For an accessible van, call (202) 328-3333. Reservations recommended 2-3 days in advance. Super Shuttle: Super Shuttle vans are available outside the Main Terminal. For an accessible van, call (800) BLUE-VAN for reservations or details. Public Transportation: Metrobus 5A departs Dulles once an hour, between 6:30 am and 11:30 pm, and travels to the L’Enfant Metrorail station. From L’Enfant, take the Blue or Orange Line to the Metro Center station. Total fare: $4.35; all buses and trains are accessible. Please allow 1+ hour for travel time. Visit www.wmata.com for details. -Baltimore / Washington International (BWI) Taxicabs: Approximate fare to DC is $55. Call (410) 859-1100 for details. Van Service: Contact BWI Airport Shuttle at (410) 859-1100. Reservations recommended 4 days in advance. Public Transportation: Metrobus B30 departs BWI once every 40 minutes, and travels to the Greenbelt Metrorail station. From Greenbelt, take the Green Line towards Branch Avenue. Depart at Chinatown / Gallery Place, just two blocks from the Grand Hyatt. Total fare: $5.35; all buses and trains are accessible. Please allow 1+ hour for travel time. Visit www.wmata.com for details. Local Services Wheelchair and Scooter Rental and Repair -Roberts Home Medical (rental and repair). 20465 Goldenrod Lane / Germantown, MD 20876 / (301) 353-0300 (V) -ZASK Medical Supply (rental and repair). 4600-C Pinecrest Office Dr. / Alexandria, VA 22312 / (703) 354-1266 (V) zaskoo@erols.com (email) -Area Access (rental and repair). 8117 Ransell Road / Falls Church, VA 22041 / (703) 573-2111 (V) -E-Car Corporation (scooter rental). 8673 Grovemont Circle / Gaithersburg, MD 20877 / (301) 527-6119 (V) Personal Assistant Services -Maxim Healthcare Services. (202) 545-6980 (V); Use 711 for Relay. clduvall@maxhealth.com (email) -ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (CIL). (703) 525-3268 (V); (703) 525-3553 (TTY). Attn: Ruchika Lalwani, PAS Coordinator 2009 Annual Conference Sponsorship Opportunities Dear Advocates and Friends, On behalf of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), I ask you to support our 2009 Annual Conference, which attracts approximately 750 employers, disability leaders, advocates, and Members of Congress. If you have any questions please contact Justin Chappell at justin@ncil.org. John A. Lancaster, Executive Director 2009 Annual Conference Sponsorship Form Company Name (please print name as it should appear in printed materials): Contact Name: Title: Address: City: State: Zip: Telephone: Fax: Email: Please charge $__ to my credit card (indicate the type of card below). [ ]Visa [ ]MasterCard [ ]Discover [ ]American Express Expiration Date: Account Name (as it appears on card): Account Number: Signature: Checks made payable to: The National Council on Independent Living (Federal ID # 74-2291620). Sponsorship Opportunities -$50,000 Diamond Level -$25,000 Emerald Level -$12,500 Sapphire Level -$6,000 Ruby Level -$3,000 Opal Level Conference Program Advertising Opportunities NCIL Members-Only Advertisement Rates $900 Full-page (8” x 10.5”) $550 Half-page (8” x 5.25”) $175 Eighth-page (business card) NCIL Non-member Advertisement Rates $1500 Full-page (8” x 10.5” $850 Half-page (8” x 5.25”) *Deadline for Camera Ready Ads is May 1st, 2009. Exhibiting Opportunities Exhibits will be displayed for three full days, including an exhibit fair. Materials not available in large print, Braille, audio & text-only (electronic) versions must not be displayed. -$2,000 Corporate Exhibit Space, includes ¼ page advertisement -$1,000 Non-profit and Government Exhibit Space, includes ¼ page advertisement -$500 Member Exhibit Space, includes ¼ page advertisement Once complete, please fax this form to (202) 207-0341, or submit via mail to: National Council on Independent Living / 1710 Rhode Island Avenue, NW / Fifth Floor / Washington, D.C. 20036 General Information and Registration Rates Registrant Replacement Policy: If it has become necessary for you to send someone to the conference in your place, please contact us as soon as possible. Substitutions must be made in writing by May 22, 2009. Please send written requests to the National Council on Independent Living by fax to (202) 207-0341, or by email to conference@ncil.org. Cancellation Policy: Cancellation requests received on or before May 22, 2009 will be refundable less a $50 processing fee. There will be no refunds made after May 22, 2009. Cancellation requests must be made in writing and sent to the National Council on Independent Living by fax to (202) 207-0341, or by email to conference@ncil.org. Personal Assistant Registration Policy: Personal Assistants are not required to pay the registration fee but should fill out a form to receive a badge. Personal Assistants are welcome to attend all conference events, including scheduled meals and receptions. Youth Registration Rate: NCIL is offering a reduced youth registration fee of $110 to all NCIL members that are 22-years-old or younger. NCIL believes it is vital that more young people with disabilities be exposed to the benefits of active involvement in NCIL and self-advocacy. We hope this special rate will allow young people to afford the conference and for CILs, SILCs, and other organizations to sponsor additional young people to attend. Full Conference Registration: Fees are per person and include materials, workshops, meals, and banquet. Registration Rate: Payment postmarked on or after April 10, 2009 NCIL Member: $265 Youth Member (22 & Under): $110 Non-Member: $385 Early Bird Rate: Payment must be postmarked by April 10, 2009 NCIL Member: $190 Youth Member (22 & Under): $110 Non-Member: $310 Onsite (“At the Door”) Registration: NCIL Member: $305 Non-Member: $430 Daily Rates and Special Events Daily Rates: Indicate days you will attend on your registration form. Daily rates do not include banquet. NCIL Member: $115 / day Non-Member: $160 / day Onsite: $210 / day Banquet Ticket and Saturday Registration (Included with full conference registration) NCIL Member: $165 Non-Member: $210 Banquet Ticket Only: $150 Regions by State Region 1- CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT Region 2 - NJ, NY, VI, PR Region 3 - DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV Region 4 - AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN Region 5 - IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI Region 6 - AR, LA, NM, OK, TX Region 7 - IA, KS, NE, MO Region 8 - CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY Region 9 - AS, AZ, CA, CNMI, GU, HI, NV Region 10 - AK, ID, OR, WA 2009 NCIL Conference Registration Form Please type or print and use a separate form for each registrant. Send completed registrations to NCIL; instructions are listed below. If you prefer to register online, please visit www.ncil.org. Full Conference Registration: [ ]Early Bird Rate (must be postmarked by April 10, 2009) [ ]Full Registration (postmarked after April 10, 2009) Daily Registration: [ ]Friday [ ]Saturday [ ]Sunday [ ]Monday [ ]Saturday and Banquet [ ]Banquet Only Please select one: [ ]NCIL Member [ ]NCIL Youth Member [ ]Non-member [ ]Personal Assistant of: Prefix and Name: Organization: Region: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: TTY: Fax: Email: Auxiliary Aids (Please indicate the materials and services you will need.) Materials: [ ]Large Print [ ]Braille [ ]Audio CD [ ]Text-Only CD Accommodations: [ ]Reader [ ]American Sign Language [ ]CART [ ]Transcripts [ ]Assistive Listening Device [ ]Personal Assistant [ ]Contact Sign [ ]Other: Diet: [ ]Salt-Free [ ]Vegetarian [ ]Low Cholesterol [ ]Other: Payment Information -Please make checks or money orders payable to “NCIL Annual Conference”. -Credit card payment (please indicate one): [ ]Visa [ ]MasterCard [ ]American Express [ ]Discover Card #: Exp. Date: Signature: Total Charge: $ Send completed registrations to: The National Council on Independent Living / 1710 Rhode Island Ave NW / Fifth Floor NW / Washington, D.C. 20036 or by fax to (202) 207-0341. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone at (202) 207-0334; by TTY at (202) 207-0340 or by email at conference@ncil.org. Find up-to-date conference information at www.ncil.org. Please Join NCIL in Washington DC, June 5-8, 2009 to Celebrate and Advance the Independent Living Movement! Ads: Mi CIL - The Proven CIL Data System Mi CIL - a state of the art, cooperative data system, proven in 60 CIL’s nationwide 10 Years Unparalleled Experience in CIL’s Powerful Reporting: 704 and 7-OB Federal Reporting State and Grant/Funding Reporting "New" Mi CIL On-LINE Local “in-house” Version also available "Not only is Mi CIL logical and systematically complete, it’s easy to use. I’ve worked with other data systems and Mi CIL is the best by far.”- Janice Kanaly (Colorado Mi CIL Member since May, 2002) "Thank you for creating Mi CIL, it's really wonderful. I have seen a really big improvement with audits [for CIL's] since they began using Mi CIL."- Velja Elstad, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, State of Alaska Alaska CIL’s: Mi CIL Members since 2001! Call: (800) 308 -1658; www.tanabesystems.com Research and Training Center on Independent Living Partnering with NCIL to increase full participation of Americans with disabilities Research and Training Center on Independent Living The University of Kansas 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Room 4089 Dole Center Lawrence, Kansas 66045-7555 785-864-4095 785-864-0706 TTY rtcil@ku.edu www.rtcil.org IDAHO SILC Idaho State Independent Living Council Wishing NCIL Another Successful Conference. 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