Keeping Our Eyes On The Prize: Independence! 2011 Annual Conference on Independent Living July 13-16, 2011 Washington, D.C. Registration Booklet Welcome Dear Advocates and Friends, The Independent Living Community is strong and we have much to celebrate. Yet we face widespread challenges to our independence: our independence as individuals, as organizations, and as a national program. If we are to achieve full independence, we must remain united and Keep Our Eyes on the Prize! A reform is a correction of abuses; but a revolution is a transfer of power.* A transfer of power is what we shall have. We cannot rest until people with disabilities have sole power over their lives individually, lead disability communities locally, and control the Independent Living Program nationally. We must not become distracted – we must maintain our focus and commitment to our mission. This year’s Annual Conference is an opportunity for advocates to gather in our nation’s capital to develop a national plan of action and deliver our message to Capitol Hill: independence now! The 2011 NCIL Annual Conference will be an opportunity to reinforce the resolve that will be needed during the coming years. It is my sincerest hope that you will join us for this week-long event, especially during this crucial time for our community. Sincerely, Kelly Buckland, Executive Director *Quote by Robert Bulwer-Lytton Agenda Tuesday, July 12 10:00 am - 3:00 pm: Board Meeting 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Registration Open 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Orientation Session Wednesday, July 13 8:00 am - 5:00 pm: Registration Open 9:00 am - 10:00 am: Opening Plenary 10:15 am - 11:30 am: Legislative & Advocacy Update 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Preparing for the Day on the Hill 11:45 am - 1:00 pm: Lunch (on your own) 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm: Concurrent Workshops I 2:45 pm - 3:45 pm: Regional Caucuses VI – X 4:15 pm - 5:15 pm: Regional Caucuses I-V 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Diversity Mixer Thursday, July 14 9:30 am - 10:00 am: Organize for the March 10:00 am - 11:00 am: March to the US Capitol 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Distribute Bag Lunches 11:30 am - 12:30 pm: 2011 Rally at the US Capitol 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Hill Visits Friday, July 15 8:00 am - 5:00 pm: Registration & Exhibits Open 9:00 am - 10:15 am: Concurrent Workshops II 10:30 am - 11:45 am: Concurrent Workshops III 11:45 am - 1:30 pm: Lunch (on your own) 1:30 pm - 2:45 pm: Concurrent Workshops IV 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm: Legislative Debriefing Saturday, July 16 8:00 am - 5:00 pm: Registration & Exhibits Open 9:00 am - 10:15 am: Concurrent Workshops V 10:15 am - 12:00 pm: Exhibit Fair 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Awards Luncheon 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Annual Meeting 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm: Closing Social Sunday, July 17 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Board Meeting Special Gatherings and Events NCIL Orientation Session: Tuesday, July 12; 4:00pm - 5:00pm 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! Opening Plenary: Wednesday, July 13; 9:00am - 10:00am Invited guests 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 2011 Annual Conference opener!  Legislative & Advocacy Update: Wednesday, July 13; 10:15am - 11:30am Get 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 Thursday. Preparing for the Day on the Hill: Wednesday, July 13; 11:30am - 11:45am 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. Regional Caucuses: Wednesday, July 13 Regions VI through X: 2:45pm - 3:45pm; Regions I through V: 4:15pm - 5:15pm 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 14 in this brochure. Diversity Reception: Wednesday, July 13; 6:00pm - 8:00pm Join the Diversity Committee and its caucuses for networking and refreshments at the inaugural party of the 2011 Annual Conference! NCIL March and Rally: Thursday, July 14; 9:30am - 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. Capitol Hill Visits: Thursday, July 14; 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 July 14 (after 1:00pm). Explain your purpose and who you represent. It will be easier for Congressional staff to arrange a meeting if they know what you wish to discuss. Exhibit Fair: Saturday, July 16; 10:15am - 12:00pm 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. Awards Luncheon: Saturday, July 16; 12:00pm - 2:00pm Join us to celebrate and honor this year’s national advocacy award winners! Awards will be presented over lunch. 2011 NCIL Annual Council Meeting: Saturday, July 16; 2:00pm - 6:00pm Attend the Annual Council Meeting to vote for Board members and resolutions that will guide NCIL in the coming years. This year, elections will be held for: President, Treasurer, Representatives of Regions I, III, V, VII, IX, and four Members-At-Large. Closing Social: Saturday, July 16; 8:00pm - 11:00pm Join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of the week and the end of another successful Annual Conference.   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. 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. 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” or “Experienced” at the end of each workshop description. Poster Sessions Project Accessibility: Removing Barriers for Women with Disabilities "Project Accessibility: Removing Barriers for Women with Disabilities" is a comprehensive education and empowerment health promotion intervention for women with disabilities facing barriers in receiving breast health services. Newcomer. Poster created by Janet Kreitman, American Association on Health and Disability. Home Sweet Home Transition into the community brings a set of unique challenges. It also brings a host of new and exciting opportunities. Join us in exploring the possibilities! Experienced. Poster created by Damaris Wolf, LEAP: Linking Employment, Abilities & Potential. Healing Pathways: An Innovative Approach in Addressing Depression Among Women with Physical Disabilities Healing Pathways is a strengths-based peer-to-peer series of workshops addressing depression among women with physical disabilities. The curriculum was developed adhering to the philosophical tenants of the IL Philosophy from start to finish. Newcomer. Poster created by Elizabeth McNeff, Portland State University / RRI. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: The United States and the World This poster will present why U.S. ratification is important and how it is bringing the American disability community closer to the global disability community. Experienced. Poster created by David Morrissey, USICD. HomeFreeHome: 7 Principals of Universal Design that Change Lives Volunteer Architects explain and explore the 7 Principles of Universal Design. Newcomer. Poster created by Laura Montllor, American Institute of Architects. Concurrent Workshops I: Wednesday, July 13, 2011; 1:00 p.m. Independent Living Administration and Reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act Presented by:  Vicki Haws and Shannon Jones NCIL has been working on reauthorization of WIA and the Rehabilitation Act for nearly a decade while people with disabilities continue to fall through the cracks, facing a 70% unemployment rate. This session will give you the latest information on the future of Independent Living and the status of Reauthorization.  Learn about current language within the Rehabilitation Act and the most recent language for an IL Administration. Talking points will be available to assist all advocates in their advocacy efforts. Target Audience: Advocates, Project Directors, Executive Directors, and Board Members. Experienced. Not Dead Yet: History and Current Systems Advocacy Priorities Presented by: Diane Coleman, Not Dead Yet If independent living means consumer control, then why do Not Dead Yet and other disability rights groups oppose assisted suicide? When people holler ‘death panels‚’ how can we have real conversations about public policy? Learn the history of Not Dead Yet, and the latest state legislation on assisted suicide and health care decisions to withhold life-sustaining medical treatment. What powers do hospitals and physicians have to withhold life-sustaining treatment against your will? Should hospital Ethics Committees be required to have a disability advocate representative? Take away useful materials and learn strategies for identifying and addressing the issues in your state. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced. Changing Economic Expectations for People with Disabilities: Making the American Dream Your Reality! Presented by: Thomas Foley, J.D., World Institute on Disability and Jackie Wilks-Weathers, Center for Financial Independence & Innovation The asset building movement has embraced disability inclusion, delivering the promise of a better economic future for all Americans. Learn how to: buy your first home through special financing programs and down payment assistance; receive a savings match to start a business or go back to school; build a solid credit score and history; and use your advocacy skills, knowledge and networks to strengthen the asset movement in your community and across the nation! Learn concrete strategies to leverage these programs together to build your financial future. Target Audience: Front Line Staff and Consumers. Newcomer. Services and Organizing Model: A Best Practice for Consumer and Community Empowerment Presented by: Connie Soucy, Access to Independence The Services and Organizing Model integrates direct services with community organizing. Direct services can be a vehicle to building the credibility of a CIL, demonstrate its commitment to advocacy, empower consumers, create opportunities for educating and building relationships with Legislators and Congress members, and organize consumers to create a power base of people with disabilities. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced. Stigma & Attitudinal Barriers: Stumbling Blocks to Success Presented by: Melissa Richard, FREED CIL As a movement we need to focus on the major stumbling blocks before us. Stigma on disability and the attitudinal barriers are at times more pervasive that any physical barrier. I have a strategy that encompasses really taking a look at the issue and how we have gotten our movement here. Through the use of technology and a coordinated effort we can increase the visibility of our movement. We can brand the DR movement with a logo and a branding slogan so we are seen as our own entity and not a splinter movement. Historically splinter movements do not get the same attention and success as an entity with its own identity. By breaking down barriers and increasing understanding of the diversity of disabilities we can ease the stigma on the word and increase the amount of people that identify and understand that there is no longer (never was) one look to a disability. When we mainstream the movement and disempower the "d" word, tear down the attitudinal barriers that create the constant budget cuts and a lack of buy in to community based services, we can move toward creating viable employment for people with disabilities. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced. Concurrent Workshops II: Friday, July 15, 2011; 9:00 a.m. Eyes on the Social Media Prize - Broadening Your ILC Reach with Tips, Tricks, Best Practices & What's Next Presented by: Carol Voss, IndependenceFIRST Have you started with social media but has it kind of fizzled for your ILC? Are you frustrated because your followers aren't engaged? Still trying to find your way? Does this stuff really work for some ILCs--even if our consumers aren't online? If you know about social media and have started to use it, this session is geared toward helping you with tactics, sharing best practices for real things that have worked (and haven't) in order to bring the disability rights movement and ILC awareness forward. Questions welcome but attendees expected to have general understanding of social media. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Newcomer. Liability and Independent Living Presented by: Ami Hyten, Topeka Independent Living Resource Center If anything happens to her, I am holding YOU liable. This not-so-thinly-veiled threat is designed to frighten us from supporting people who want to move into the community. This workshop will explain what liability is and why independent living is the best antidote. Participants will be asked to share experiences and develop strategies to respond to issues of liability as we support freedom and choice. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced. Addressing Organizational and Personal Barriers to Diversity and Empowerment Presented by: Ralph W. Edwards, TASH and Stan Holbrook, Three Rivers CIL Cultural Competency is important for individuals and disability organizations to support diversity in our community. For years, TASH, NCIL and other advocacy organizations have collaborated to enhance cultural competency and to acknowledge / respect / empower diverse communities. This interactive session discusses the need for cultural competency and helps managers develop personal skills and organizational policies to promote and support cultural diversity. Target Audience: Executive Directors and Board Members. Experienced. Bridging the Gap: Improving CIL Service Delivery to Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities Presented by: Nancy Salandra, Liberty Resources This workshop focuses on improving the effectiveness of CIL programs in serving people with psychiatric disabilities, with an emphasis upon: discussing the difficulties of working with mental health systems that rely on a 'medical model' of care; reviewing the growing mental health movement toward more empowering 'recovery' and 'community inclusion' orientations; and improving strategies by which CILs can link to both the mental health consumer movement and local mental health providers for program collaborations and cross-training that offer empowering care. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced. What You Don't Know About Violence and Abuse and What YOU Can Do About It Presented by: Kim Brittenham, Vermont Center for Independent Living  Participants will become familiar with the prevalence of violence in lives of peers across the nation and learn what they can do in their CILs to address violence, abuse, and sexual assault. This will be achieved through a resource-rich lecture and small break-out sessions. Presenters will share examples of products produced by CILs and collaborative grant recipients while sharing lessons learned as they built local community-based coalitions responsive to all survivors. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Newcomer. Concurrent Workshops III: Friday, July 15, 2011; 10:30 a.m. New Tools to Support Community Integration and Independent Living: Advances in Home and Community Long Term Services and Supports Presented by: Mike Oxford, Topeka Independent Living Resource Center Olmstead Compliance? State Medicaid budget woes? There are new tools for providing cost effective home and community services and supports and to assist with Olmstead Compliance. Learn the latest, most up-to-date information about the Community Choice Act, the CLASS Act, Community First Choice and the 1915(i) Waiver. Understand how these reforms interact with older, existing home and community services and supports programs. Brainstorm and share effective advocacy strategies for implementing one or more of these reforms at the state level and Free our People! Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced. Using Research Findings for Advocacy Presented by: Amanda Reichard, Research and Training Center on Independent Living From our recent research we have uncovered information that consumers with disabilities and those who support them (e.g., CILs) can use to advocate for themselves directly, and for broader policy change in health care. In this presentation we will describe how our research findings can be used to support advocacy actions to increase access to effective and efficient health care for people with disabilities. Health is not the end goal for most of us. However, we must be healthy so we can advocate for our rights, participate to our fullest ability in our communities and achieve our greatest dreams. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Newcomer. Person-Directed Mobility Management and Independent Living Coaches Program Presented by: Karen Wolf-Branigin, Easter Seals Project ACTION Mobility managers (a USDOT New Freedom Program eligible expense) work closely with disability organizations and individuals with disabilities to increase accessible transportation options. Many mobility managers have limited experience in serving customers with disabilities or knowledge of independent living/person-directed philosophies. A network of 20 IL community coaches was trained to educate and support mobility managers. This presentation will review the coaches' progress, discuss how you can support the project and give you an opportunity to offer advice on how to expand the project. This project is funded by the Easter Seals Transportation Group in partnership with the NCIL and APRIL. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced. The 'New' Section 811 Housing Program: Advocating for Integrated Affordable Housing for People with Disabilities in Your State Presented by: Gina Schaak, Technical Assistance Collaborative This is an interactive workshop focused on newly passed housing legislation and the opportunities this legislation offers for the development of affordable, accessible, integrated housing for people with disabilities across the country. Participants will learn about the new law and have an opportunity to role play advocating for these resources in their own State. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced. Get to the Core of It: Information and Referral Services Presented by: Roger Howard, LINC CIL and Darrel Christenson, ABIL Why is I&R a Core Service? I&R can be: a primary means to promoting consumer empowerment, support an individual’s capacity for self-reliance and self determination, and promote education, affirmation, collaborative planning, and problem solving, and can provide a road map for navigating complex and confusing systems. Target Audience: Front Line Staff and Consumers. Newcomer. Concurrent Workshops IV: Friday, July 15, 2011; 1:30 p.m. Emergency Registries for People with Disabilities: Questions & Cautions Presented by: June Isaacson Kailes, Disability Policy Consultant Are registries model emergency practices? Through presentation and discussion this workshop will deepen your critical thinking about use of registries. It will review current issues, critical elements, evidence of successful and failed outcomes and the potential role of ILCs. Participants are encouraged to share their positive and negative registry outcome experiences. Leave with take home lessons and action steps. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced. Catch 'Em While They're Young! Presented by: Heather Barcal and Laura Mellon, Lake County CIL Learn the ABCs of starting a Youth Leadership program in your service area. Participants will experience actual classroom activities designed to harness the energy of youth and enlighten them to take control of their lives as they emerge to independence. The YL program is a dynamic way to engage youth and teach them the attitude of independence, with their eyes on the prize of personal control and power, freedom and self-determination. Whether you are a director or an advocate interested in implementing a dynamic youth program, this workshop is for you! Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced. Building an Effective Peer Support Program Presented by: Amina Donna Kruck and April Reed, ABIL A core service, Peer Mentoring is the heart of the Independent Living Movement. The impact mentoring has on an individual with a disability can be immeasurable. For twenty years Arizona Bridge to Independent Living in Phoenix, AZ has had an active peer mentor program with volunteer contributing hundreds of hours annually to support consumers in learning IL Philosophy and gaining success in their quality of life. This workshop will provide information on service delivery, peer recruitment, training, and supervision. A benefit to participants will be an electronic copy of ABIL’s peer training manual used in our two day training course. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced. What's New in Aging and Disability Resource Centers? Presented by: Elizabeth Leef, Administration on Aging This workshop will describe current trends in Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) networks. By providing a foundation for state and national LTC reform, ADRCs have empowered older adults and people with disabilities to live successfully in community settings. This workshop will explore current trends at the federal level and new initiatives. Additionally, presenters will review the core competencies of options counseling, describe how states have designed robust options counseling protocols and standards, and provide an update on federal collaboration efforts to strengthen the D in ADRCs. A facilitated discussion with participants will follow focusing on workshop participants' experiences with ADRC networks. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced. Expanding the Reach of Independent Living Centers through Partnership with National and Community Service Erin Gannon, National Service Inclusion Project National and community service programs such as AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America aim to ‚improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. As the Independent Living Community evaluates how to increase services to underserved people and continue to create more inclusive organizations, national and community service provides a unique opportunity for engagement and collaboration. This session will provide attendees a better understanding of national service programs, an opportunity to discuss the role of service in creating communities that are inclusive of all people, and a venue for planning future collaboration with service organizations. Target Audience: Front Line Staff and Consumers. Experienced. Concurrent Workshops V: Saturday, July 16, 2011; 9:00 a.m. L & A Workshop Session: Topic to be Determined This workshop 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. Target Audience: Appropriate for All Audiences. Experienced. Systems Change and the 'IKAN' Model Presented by: Chris Owens, Prairie IL Resource Center and Deone Wilson, Resource CIL The IKAN partnership received funding from the designated state unit to provide greater access to community based services that support employment and independent living for people with visual impairments age 55 and older. PILR is the lead agency for the IKAN partnership. Session participants will learn how the IKAN project will increase capacity to provide independent living skills training, orientation and mobility, Braille instruction, and assistive technology. Results from 28 focus groups in the multi-county area will be developed into a curriculum for use by other IL centers. Attendees will leave with tools they can use in their own CIL. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced. New York State's Innovative Model for Collaboration between Independent Living Centers and the State’s Money Follows the Person Program Presented by: John DelGrosso, New York Association on Independent Living New York State has developed an innovative model of collaboration between Independent Living Centers, the IL state association, and the state Department of Health on the Money Follows the Person program. Participants will learn how ILCs worked with the state to develop and implement two successful programs under MFP, and how they might develop a similar collaboration between ILCs and their state under MFP. New York's housing education program, based at the state IL association, helps communities increase affordable, accessible and integrated housing for people with disabilities and seniors. The nursing facility outreach program is based at ILCs and provides peer based outreach to individuals who may wish to transition to the community. Target Audience: Executive Directors and Board Members. Experienced. Systems Change through CIL / VR Collaboration Presented by: Carri George, University of AR and Joan Kester, George Washington University Using Texas as an incubator state, the University of Arkansas CURRENTS brought together staff from the VR agency and CILs to develop a collaborative model for systems change. Learn how these organizations have increased services to young people with disabilities by building relationships and creating common vision, goals and strategies for coordinating services. Participate in the social media sites that allow the partners to continue to work together and share resources. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced. CIL Group Product Benefits Rollout and Successes Presented by: Leon Williams, Babb Inc. Babb, Inc. has worked with many CILs and has rolled out the newly offered group products to their staff and Attendants. This workshop will provide information on the need and successes of the group benefit programs and highlight how the programs work together with the recent changes in healthcare. Target Audience: Front Line Staff and Consumers. Newcomer. General Information NCIL Regions by State -Region I: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont -Region II: New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands -Region III: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia -Region IV: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee -Region V: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin -Region VI: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas -Region VII: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska -Region VIII: Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming -Region IX: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands -Region X: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington Local Service Providers Wheelchair and Scooter Rental and Repair -Roberts Home Medical: 20465 Goldenrod Lane / Germantown, MD; phone: 301-353-0300 -ZASK Medical Supply: 4600-C Pinecrest Office Dr. / Alexandria, VA; phone: 703-354-1266; email: zaskoo@erols.com -Area Access: 8117 Ransell Road / Falls Church, VA; phone: 703-573-2111 -ScootAround (scooter rentals only; hotel delivery and pick-up in DC): ww.scootaround.com; phone: 1-888-441-7575 Personal Assistant Services -Maxim Healthcare: phone: (202) 545-6980 (711 for Relay); email: clduvall@maxhealth.com -ENDependence Center of Northern VA (CIL): phone: (703) 525-3268; TTY: (703) 525-3553; Attn: Ruchika Lalwani, PAS Coordinator Accessibility Auxiliary Aids & Services: CART (Communications Access in Real Time), sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, personal assistants*, accessible materials, and other services will be provided upon request for all NCIL conference activities; however, participants must arrange their own services for Hill Visits on Thursday, July 14. Please make requests on your registration form. *Personal Assistants will be available during conference hours only. Please see the “Local Service Providers” section above for information on arranging your own personal assistant service. Environmental / Chemical Sensitivities: For the safety and comfort of attendees with chemical or environmental sensitivities, please refrain from using perfumed products such as scented soaps, deodorants, colognes, perfumes, fabric softeners, etc. It is essential that we maintain a smoke-free environment. Please refrain from smoking in paths of travel and doorways. 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 Tuesday, July 12 through Sunday, July 17 at a special rate of $245 single / double occupancy (plus tax of 14.5%).  Triple and quadruple occupancy is available at $260 and $295, respectively (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 June 17, 2011 will be accepted on a space availability basis. Van parking is available in a parking lot across the street from the Grand Hyatt. 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 $202 single and $249 per night (plus tax of 14.5%). Reservations must be made by June 27, 2011.  Please call the hotel at 202.737.2200 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 -Visit www.wmata.com to plan your trip using public transportation. -All public buses, stations, and trains are accessible (when in operation). -Super Shuttle: 800-BLUE-VAN -Battles Transportation: 202-462-8658 -Red Top Cab: 202-328-3333 Reagan National Airport (DCA) Taxicabs: Available at the exits of each terminal. Approximate fare to DC is $20.00. Van Service: Contact Super Shuttle or Battles Transportation for large lift-equipped vans. Red Top Cab 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. Fare: $1.35. Dulles Airport (IAD) Red Top Cab: Approximate fare to DC is $60. Call to reserve an accessible van 2-3 days in advance. Super Shuttle: standard vans are available outside the Main Terminal. Contact them to reserve an accessible van. Public Transportation: Metrobus 5A departs Dulles once an hour, between 6:30 am and 11:30 pm, and travels to the L’Enfant station. From L’Enfant, take the Blue or Orange Line to the Metro Center station. Fare: $4.35. Please allow 1+ hour for travel. Baltimore / Washington International (BWI) Taxicabs: Approximate fare to DC is $75. Call 410-859-1100 for details. Van Service: Contact BWI 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, 2 blocks from the Grand Hyatt. Fare: $5.35; allow 1+ hour for travel. General Information and Registration Rates Full Conference Registration Fees are per person and include the Awards Luncheon, materials and workshops. Registration Rate: Payment postmarked on or after April 29, 2011 -NCIL Member: $265 -Youth Member (22 & Under): $110 -Non-Member: $385 Early Bird Rate: Payment must be postmarked by April 29, 2011 -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. -NCIL Member: $115 / day -Non-Member: $160 / day -Onsite: $210 / day Registration Policies Registrant Replacement Policy: If it has become necessary for you to send someone in your place, please contact us as soon as possible. Substitutions must be made in writing by July 1, 2011. Send written requests to NCIL by fax to (202) 207-0341, or by email to conference@ncil.org. Cancellation Policy: Cancellation requests received on or before July 1, 2011 will be refundable less a $50 processing fee. There will be no refunds made after July 9, 2011. 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 offers a reduced youth registration fee of $110 to all NCIL members that are 22-years-old or younger. We hope this special rate will allow young people to afford the conference and for organizations to sponsor young people to attend. 2011 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. Please select one: _NCIL Member _NCIL Youth Member _Non-member _Personal Assistant of: Full Conference Registration: _Early Bird Rate (must be postmarked by April 29, 2011) _Full Registration (postmarked after April 29, 2011) Daily Registration: _Tuesday _Wednesday _Thursday _Friday _Saturday 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 mark 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.