1) Introduction
2) Sponsor Descriptions
Vehicle Production Group (VPG)
AT&T
Centene Corporation
AARP
Center for Disability Rights, Rochester, NY
Pride Mobility Products
HSC Foundation
ClientTrack of DATA SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL
LINC
Amerigroup
Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL)
LegaWear
Amtrak
NCIL’s Membership, Board of Directors and Staff extend our appreciation to the following sponsors of the 2010 Annual NCIL Conference, 20 Years of the ADA: The Fight Goes On! This year’s conference saw record-breaking attendance and afforded conference participants more products and services than ever before. This is due, in part, to the generosity of our sponsors and their continued commitment to advancing independent living for people with disabilities.
Vehicle Production Group (VPG)
Headquartered in South Florida, The Vehicle Production Group LLC (VPG) is proud to introduce the new 2011 MV-1. The MV-1 is the first mobility vehicle that was designed from the ground up for wheelchair accessibility and will be proudly built in America. The MV-1 comes equipped with a deployable integrated ramp for quick and easy passenger access and has a spacious interior that can accommodate up to six occupants. In fact, the MV-1 is the only factory-built vehicle that meets or exceeds the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) vehicle guidelines. There is no aftermarket conversion. The MV-1 was engineered according to the principles of Universal Design, and true to those principles, the MV-1 provides a comfortable ride for all. The extremely versatile MV-1 will be built at the high quality assembly facility at AM General LLC in Mishawaka, Indiana. Vehicle production will begin soon, so reserve a vehicle through the “Build Your MV-1” link that can be found on the VPG website, www.vpgautos.com.
For those who did not have the opportunity to see the MV-1 at the NCIL Annual Conference in July, The MV-1 Wheels Across America Tour is continuing across the U.S.! There is an East Coast Tour with two new MV-1 vehicles and a West Coast Tour with an additional two MV-1 vehicles. Each Tour will have a clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) MV-1! Please visit www.vpgautos.com to check Tour dates and locations or call 786-230-2100 with any questions.
AT&T
As a leading communications company, AT&T understands that innovation and technology improve lives. For people with disabilities, access to innovative broadband and wireless technology means remaining competitive in a tough job market, fully participating in social networks and having access to health care and support services.
AT&T offers a host of handsets and applications that address the unique needs of customers with disabilities and feature voice activation and speech recognition software. The Apple iPhone, sold by AT&T, features the most revolutionary user interface since the mouse. Its large multi-touch display and pioneering new software open up new possibilities for access to technology by users with disabilities. AT&T's Mobile Speak and Mobile Magnifier applications are designed to increase usability for wireless customers who are blind or have low vision. We also offer the Text Accessibility Plan (TAP) for people who are deaf or have a speech disability and/or hearing loss.
AT&T is proud to work with prominent disability organizations, such as the National Council on Independent Living to support and promote more accessible communications. For more about AT&T’s leadership in accessibility for people with disabilities, follow this link: http://www.att.com/gen/public-affairs?pid=12897.
Centene Corporation
Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading multi-line healthcare enterprise that provides programs and related services to the rising number of under-insured and uninsured individuals. Many receive benefits provided under Medicaid, including the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD), Foster Care and long-term care, in addition to other state-sponsored programs, and Medicare (Special Needs Plans). Centene's CeltiCare subsidiary offers states unique, "exchange-based" and other cost-effective coverage solutions for low-income populations. The Company operates local health plans and offers a range of health insurance solutions. It also contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health, life and health management, managed vision, telehealth services, and pharmacy benefits management. More information regarding Centene is available at www.centene.com.
AARP
Founded in 1958, AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50 and over improve the quality of their lives.
AARP has offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a social welfare organization, as well as, the nation’s largest membership organization for people 50+, AARP is leading a revolution in the way people view and live life. In many areas, including livable communities and access to healthcare, AARP’s members share concerns with and work together with disability advocates to make a better world. AARP is easily found on the web at www.aarp.org.
Center for Disability Rights, Rochester, NY
The Center for Disability Rights, Inc. (CDR) is a not-for-profit, community-based advocacy and service organization for people with all types of disabilities. Incorporated as an all volunteer organization in 1990, CDR began providing services and grew throughout the 1990s. CDR uses a peer model where people with disabilities show other people with disabilities how to live independently and advocate for themselves. CDR’s services and advocacy are controlled by people with disabilities.
Originally organized as an all volunteer advocacy organization, CDR and its members were at the forefront of advocacy efforts to get lifts on buses. When that goal was achieved, CDR moved on to advocate for improved and expanded community-based services and accessible, affordable, integrated housing options for people with disabilities of all ages. Adding to our agenda, we both advocate and provide services to assist individuals to transition from nursing facilities to community living. We also continue to address transportation, as well as accessibility and employment issues. Learn more at www.cdrnys.org.
Pride Mobility Products
"Pride was honored to be a sponsor of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) Conference for a third year in a row. The conference provides an exceptional opportunity to educate and mobilize people on the issues threatening the independence of those with disabilities. NCIL has proven a valuable partner in this shared effort, having penned a letter to Congressional leadership in their continued support for a preservation of the first month purchase option for standard power wheelchairs. We look forward to continue working with NCIL to ensure that everyone maintains access to the equipment they need.
Pride Mobility Products® Corporation is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of mobility products including Jazzy® Power Chairs, Pride® Scooters, Pride® Silver Star Lifts and Ramps, and Pride® Lift Chairs. Quantum Rehab®, a division of Pride Mobility, designs and manufactures high-end rehab power chairs and power positioning seating systems. The company, headquartered in Exeter, Pa., also has operations in Australia, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Pride Mobility is dedicated to providing expertly designed, engineered, and tested products incorporating technologically innovative, intelligent features enabling end-users to achieve their mobility goals." For more information, visit www.pridemobility.com.
HSC Foundation
The HSC Foundation is dedicated to improving access to services for individuals who face social and health care barriers due to disability, chronic illness, or other circumstances that present unique needs. The Foundation serves as the supporting organization to The HSC Pediatric Center, Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Inc., and HSC Home Care, LLC. Together, these four nonprofit organizations comprise The HSC Health Care System. In addition to supporting direct service programs, the Foundation operates a Youth Transitions Initiative. The HSC Health Care System offers a comprehensive approach to caring, serving, and empowering individuals with disabilities. To learn more about The HSC Foundation, go to www.hscfoundation.org.
ClientTrack of DATA SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL
Data Systems International (DSI) has developed ClientTrack™ software and professional services solutions for Health, Human and Social Services organizations. ClientTrack software solutions currently empower thousands of professionals in more than 1,200 organizations by improving how they gather, use, and report their clients’ information. ClientTrack professional services help improve our customers’ technical and operational abilities by providing expert consultations and supportive services. We help our customers increase impact in their community and the lives of those they serve, and to transform their organizations by integrating people, processes and technology. To learn more, visit www.clienttrack.com.
LINC
Living Independence Network Corporation (LINC), is an Idaho-based non-profit organization empowering people with disabilities to achieve their desired level of independence. LINC promotes personal growth and freedom of choice through advocacy, networking, public awareness and modification of environments. LINC’s goals are as follows:
- Advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and the elimination of physical, attitudinal, social, economic, political and communication barriers.
- Create the necessary social supports for independent living.
- Foster respect throughout the community for individuals with disabilities.
- Initiate a cooperative effort among different disability groups for equal advancement.
For more about LINC, visit http://www.lincidaho.org.
Amerigroup
Serving approximately 1.9 million members in 11 states nationwide, Amerigroup coordinates services for individuals enrolled in publicly funded health care programs. Amerigroup is committed to the promotion of independent living options for people with disabilities. Our hundreds of case managers devote their time to our members, on an individual basis, including determining with members and their families the best possible options to support home and community-based living. For all of our members, Amerigroup is dedicated to offering real solutions that improve health care access and quality for those we serve, while proactively working to reduce the overall cost of care to taxpayers. For more information and real story examples of these solutions, please visit www.amerigroupcorp.com.
Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL)
ABIL is one of five Centers for Independent Living in Arizona, and the largest Center in the state. ABIL advocates personal responsibility - by, and for, people with disabilities – as a means to independence. Programs are designed to help consumers achieve self-sufficiency. In addition to the four core service areas, ABIL provides and promotes numerous other programs and services that help consumers achieve an independent lifestyle including Reintegration from Nursing Homes, Employment Services, Work Incentives Planning and Assistance, ADA Services and Counsel, Empowering Youth in Transition, Home Modifications, Social and Recreational Opportunities, Personal Assistance Services, and Early Intervention.
Through its comprehensive programs, ABIL touches the lives of individuals with disabilities and addresses the disability concerns of their family members, co-workers and employers. For more information, call Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) at 602-256-2245. Or visit ABIL at www.abil.org.
LegaWear
LegaWear makes custom-tailored clothing - including suits, tuxedos, shirts and jeans - for men and women of all body types and abilities. Customers receive video measurement instructions and design their clothing online, all according to their own, unique preferences. LegaWear's quality attire allows customers to look professional and feel great at a real value. Find out more about Legawear at www.legawear.com.
Amtrak
Amtrak is proud of its role as an important mode of travel for people with disabilities. All of Amtrak’s trains meet or exceed the ADA requirements for accessible seating and 94 percent of Amtrak passengers begin or end their trip at accessible stations. Amtrak is moving forward on several fronts including: ensuring that every station Amtrak serves is ADA compliant, voluntarily modifying rail cars to allow for on-board storage of Segway devices used by passengers with mobility impairments; ensuring the design of each new rail car to be purchased in the future provides for more accessibility; upgrading passenger information displays in stations to improve communication for deaf or hard of hearing passengers and passengers with visual impairments; and hiring an ADA program director to coordinate ADA work across the company as well as a Disability Outreach officer.
As the nation’s intercity passenger rail operator, Amtrak connects America in safer, greener and healthier ways. Last fiscal year (FY 2009), the railroad carried 27.2 million passengers, making it the second-best year in the company’s history. With 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each day—at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph)—to more than 500 destinations. Look for Amtrak online at www.amtrak.com.
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