The National Council on Independent Living Presents:
Annual Conference on Independent Living 2012 
June 11-14; Washington D.C.
30 Years of Advocacy: And Miles to Go Before We Sleep
Conference Guide:
-Workshops & Events
-Registration Information
-Transportation & Lodging

People with Disabilities of the World, Friend of Justice, Lovers of Life: Unite!
We stand on an historic crossroad. After a century of hard won advances which have carried us to the threshold of Independence, our progress, our rights, our futures are threatened.
Will we choose the way of ritual protest, apathetic surrender and dependence - or the way of responsibility and self-determination?
Will we sell our birthrights, will we betray our disabled brothers and sisters and our children’s children for telethons, token titles and welfare checks—or will we dedicate our personal energies and resources to the struggle for a responsible society?
Will we destroy our movement by internal conflict over status, funding, personalities and unrealistic demands for instant perfection—or will we learn to practice patience, sophisticated organizational skills and the art of unity?
Will we act the impractical, self-centered people that our adversaries claim we are - or will we demonstrate a responsible productivity and a cooperative concern for the common good?
The consequence of weakness is subservience. We owe it to ourselves and to posterity to reach into the depths of our being for the strength to rise above the stereotypes and immaturities imposed on us by millennia of oppression. 
We must develop the self discipline, the psychological, philosophical, and economic toughness to live our ideals in today’s society. We must maintain a profoundly credible advocacy characterized by self-reliance, positive relationships with other groups, wholistic social responsibility, firm adherence to our principles and that dynamic unity which is based on rational, independent persons acting in harmonious complementarity.
People with disabilities have a right and a responsibility to become fully participating members of an accessible world community. We must work, not for one international year, but for lifetimes to evolve individuals and organizations capable of constructing a society in which the developing knowledge will be used to eliminate waste, want and injustice… and to utilize existing abilities effectively. We must create a social order in which every person will be employed 24 hours each day in the cooperative production of the maximum quality of life.
People with disabilities of the world, friends of justice, lovers of life, let us act! Individually! Together! Today!
Responsibility Now! Unity Now! Independence Now and Forever!
Adapted from a speech by Justin Dart, Jr.

Welcome
Dear Advocates and Friends,
Over the past three decades, we have grown from a handful of advocates and the Centers they represent into a force of thousands of people with disabilities from CILs and SILCs in every state and territory of the U.S. Our achievements over the past 30 years have been made together and our futures depend on the fellowship we have forged.
In 2012 the Annual Conference on Independent Living will celebrate NCIL’s 30th Anniversary! This week-long event, titled 30 Years of Advocacy: And Miles to Go Before We Sleep, will offer dozens of workshops and events designed to honor our past as we prepare for our future.
For the first time ever, the Annual Conference will feature a Pre-Conference that focuses solely on diversity and Independent Living. This exciting opportunity will provide a structured but fun learning environment with specific tools you can use to expand your cultural competence and increase the impact of your advocacy efforts.
We must continue to educate and empower ourselves if we are to meet the challenges we face. 
The hard-won battles of our past teach and motivate us to say “No!” to cuts that would endanger programs essential to the independence of people with disabilities! 
Our longstanding commitment to inclusion and empowerment inspires our search for new leadership among young people and underrepresented communities. 
And our experience running Centers and SILCs, large and small, allows us to provide excellent trainings on best practices and innovation in Independent Living.
As we celebrate the progress made over the past three decades, our most basic freedoms remain under attack. We must converge in the nation’s capital to do the work required to survive the current economic crisis and increase the opportunity for independence for the millions of people with disabilities still being robbed of their most basic freedoms by those who profit from bureaucracy and institutionalization. We must bring our message to Capitol Hill: Independent Living is a right we will fight for!
On June 13, NCIL will host a 30th Anniversary Celebration at which we will pause to commemorate the distance we have travelled together, as one people, in search of our America.
We have promises to keep, and miles to go before we sleep!
Kelly Buckland
Executive Director, National Council on Independent Living

Agenda

Sunday, June 10
10:00 am-3:00 pm: Board Meeting
12:00 pm- 4:00 pm: Diversity Pre-Conference
12:00 pm-6:00 pm: Registration Open
4:00 pm-5:00 pm: Orientation Session

Monday, June 11
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 (I-V)
4:15 pm-5:15 pm: Regional Caucuses (VI – X)
6:00 pm-8:00 pm: Diversity Mixer

Tuesday, June 12
9:30 am-10:00 am: Organize for the March 
10:00 am-11:00 am: March to the U.S. Capitol
11:00 am-11:30 am: Bag Lunch (provided)
11:30 am-12:30 pm: 2012 Rally at the Capitol
1:00 pm-5:00 pm: Hill Visits

Wednesday, June 13
8:00 am – 5:00 pm: Registration & Exhibits Open
9:00 am-10:15 am: Concurrent Workshops II
10:15 am-12:00 pm: Exhibit Fair
12:00 pm-2:00 pm: Awards Luncheon
2:30 pm-5:30 pm: Annual Meeting
8:00 pm-11:00 pm: 30th Anniversary Celebration

Thursday, June 14
8:00 am-5:00 pm: Registration & Exhibits Open
9:00 am-10:15 am: Concurrent Workshops III
10:30 am-11:45 am: Concurrent Workshops IV
11:45 am-1:30 pm: Lunch (on your own)
1:30 pm-2:45 pm: Concurrent Workshops V
3:00 pm-4:30 pm: Legislative Debriefing
4:30 pm-5:15 pm: Closing Plenary

Friday, June 15
10:00 am-12:00 pm: NCIL Board Meeting

Sponsorships: this year, NCIL is offering CILs, SILCs, and IL Associations special rates on sponsorships, advertising, and exhibiting. Contact thea@ncil.org for further information on ways your organization can promote its services and special events while supporting NCIL!

Registration
Full Conference Registration Fees are per person and include registration for all events and activities, including the Pre-Conference, Awards Luncheon, materials and workshops. If you have any questions, please contact NCIL at 877.525.3400 (voice), 202.207.0340 (TTY), or by email at conference@ncil.org. 
Confirmations will be sent to each participant at 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. 
Register Online: You may register single or multiple people in one transaction by using our online store. Please visit www.ncil.org to register online. Online registrants do not need to complete a hard copy registration form.
Register by Mail or Fax: If you refer to register by mail or fax, please use a separate form for each registrant. Send completed hard copy forms to: 
The National Council on Independent Living
1710 Rhode Island Ave NW
Fifth Floor
Washington, D.C. 20036 
Fax: (202) 207-0341
Onsite (“At the Door”) Registration: 
Please note that onsite registration fees differ from standard registration fees and plan accordingly.
-Full Conference NCIL Member Registration: $305
-Full Conference Non-Member Registration : $430	
-Daily Rate: $210 / day
Registrant Replacement Policy: If it becomes necessary for you to send someone in your place, please contact us as soon as possible. Substitutions must be made in writing by May 25, 2012. 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 May 25, 2012 will be refundable less a $50 processing fee. There will be no refunds made after May 25, 2012. 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. Personal Assistants may also register online at www.ncil.org. Look for the link to Register a Personal Assistant.
Youth Registration Rate: NCIL offers a reduced youth registration fee of $110 to all NCIL members that are 25-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. 

Special Gatherings and Events

Diversity Pre-Conference: Sunday, June 10; 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Join the NCIL Diversity Committee and its Caucuses for a session that focuses specifically how you can foster and support diversity in your Center or organization. 

NCIL Orientation Session: Sunday, June 10; 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, our 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: Monday, June 11; 9:00am - 10:00am 
A representative of the President’s Administration will offer a national plan of action to demand and win full implementation of our civil and human rights. Don’t miss this exciting 2012 Annual Conference opener! 

Legislative & Advocacy Update: Monday, June 11; 10:15am - 11:30am
Get up-to-date information on the progress of NCIL’s advocacy efforts from the Chairs of NCIL’s Legislative & Advocacy Committees. The Chairs will review and answer questions about NCIL’s advocacy talking points so participants are fully prepared for their Congressional visits on Tuesday.

Preparing for the Day on the Hill: Monday, June 11; 11:30am - 11:45am
Learn the ABCs of NCIL’s March & Rally, including where to meet, what to bring, important information about our route, what to do in case of an emergency, and how to get home after your Congressional visits.

Regional Caucuses: Monday, June 11
Regions I through V: 2:45pm - 3:45pm; Regions VI through X: 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. 
Diversity Mixer: Monday, June 11; 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Join the Diversity Committee and its Caucuses for networking and light refreshments at the inaugural party of the 2012 Annual Conference!
March & Rally at the U.S. Capitol: Tuesday, June 12; 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 supporting disability rights! Then, Marchers will converge in front of the Capitol for an empowering rally featuring a number of invigorating speakers from the disability rights movement and members of Congress. 

Capitol Hill Visits: Tuesday, June 12; 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 12 (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: Wednesday, June 13; 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: Wednesday, June 13; 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Join us to celebrate and honor this year’s national advocacy award winners! Awards will be presented over lunch. 

Annual Council Meeting: Wednesday, June 13; 2:30pm - 5:30pm
Attend the 2012 NCIL 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: Vice President, Secretary, Diversity Chair, Representatives of Regions II, IV, VI, VIII, X, and three Members-At-Large.

30th Anniversary Celebration: Wednesday, June 13; 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Join us as we celebrate NCIL’s 30th Anniversary! Come ready to join your fellow advocates in merriment and don’t forget your dancing shoes! Light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be available free of charge, accompanied by a cash-bar.

Legislative Debriefing: Thursday, June 14; 3:00pm - 4:30pm
This session will summarize the advocacy accomplished during the week and serve as a springboard for development of a plan of action that can be implemented at the national, state, and local levels during the coming year.

Closing Plenary: Thursday, June 14; 4:30pm - 5:15pm
Invited guests will deliver a plenary session on pressing advocacy issues important to the NCIL membership and energize the crowd for the miles to go before we sleep.

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. 
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 as Newcomer or Experienced at the end of each description. 

Concurrent Workshops I: Monday, June 11, 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm

Shared Knowledge: Training IL Employees in Disability as a Social Phenomenon
Presented by: Matthew Westra and David C. Robinson
People often come to work at a CIL due to a personal connection to disability. Direct life experience, however, doesn’t automatically provide understanding of the Independent Living Movement, or the range of social, political, economic, spiritual, or other aspects of disability which prepare staff to be effective advocates. At The Whole Person, Inc., the need for a shared knowledge base was identified among both new and seasoned staff. A training program was adapted from a college course. The training has been offered to staff, and now Board members. We will examine the process and outcomes of providing this extensive training. Target Audience: Executive Directors and Board Members. Experienced.	

ADA Transportation Update: Changes to DOT ADA Regulation, and the Topic Guides on ADA Transportation
Presented by: Marilyn Golden
This session will present highlights from the new Department of Transportation ADA regulation changes affecting oversized wheelchairs, as well as the Topic Guides on ADA Transportation and technical assistance funded by the Federal Transit Administration and published by the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF). We will focus on ADA Paratransit: On-Time Performance and No-Shows. The Topic Guides include Equipment Maintenance, Stop Announcements, and ADA Paratransit: Eligibility, Telephone Hold Time, Origin to Destination Service, On-Time Performance, and No-Shows. The Topic Guides bring together the requirements of the ADA and Department of Transportation ADA regulations, Federal Transit Administration determinations, and best ADA operational practices. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: International Human Rights in the 21st Century
Presented by: David Morrissey and Susan Sygall
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is the first international human rights convention of the 21st Century and the first treaty to address disability rights globally. The United States signed the CRPD in 2009 and the Obama Administration is currently working on a treaty package to transmit to the Senate for their advice and consent for ratification. United States International Council on Disabilities (USICD) is conducting an education campaign to raise awareness of the CRPD among American audiences, as it is truly changing the world for disabled people globally. 
An accurate understanding of what the CRPD entails, the impact of the treaty abroad, and how the CRPD can be applied to our lives in the U.S. is essential for disability advocates who seek to continue advancing values of independence and equality. Target Audience: Executive Directors and Board Members. Experienced.

The Independent Living Administration: Where We Stand and What’s Ahead
Presented by: Shannon Jones and Vicki Haws
Attend this workshop to learn what is currently included in legislation to reauthorize The Rehabilitation Act and establish a new Independent Living Administration (ILA). The Workforce Investment Act (WIA), which includes the Rehab Act, needs to be reauthorized immediately to address the outdated infrastructure that hinders job growth for people with disabilities. 
NCIL is very proud and excited to announce that Senate HELP Committee is currently drafting legislation that creates the establishment of an ILA and strengthens America’s Independent Living Program.  A similar draft is being discussed in the House.  The ILA would elevate the IL Program at the federal level and would create an administration independent of and parallel to the Rehabilitation Services Administration within the Department of Education. The creation of this new administration marks a truly historic moment in the Independent Living Movement. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.

Accessible and Affordable Housing: Local and National Resources
Presented by: Sarah B.E. Hopkins
Obtaining affordable, accessible housing is extremely challenging, particularly in these economic times. Learn tips and tools to assist consumers in the housing search process, and develop your understanding of the subsidies and other financial assistance available to individuals with disabilities. Participants will leave the workshop with a list of national housing resources, and the tools to develop a local housing resource list. Target Audience: Front Line Staff and Consumers. Newcomer.

Concurrent Workshops II: Wednesday, June 13, 9:00 am - 10:15 am

The Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocacy Timeline: Cultural Differences Between the Anti-Violence and Disability Rights Movements
Presented by: Jan Derry, Robbi Barrutia, and Stephanie Sanford
Does your CIL have a strong relationship with the local crisis-response agency? By attending this workshop, you will understand why your organizations need to work together to keep peers safe, learn about the cultural differences that sometimes keep these groups at odds, and create an action list for your CIL to create strong sustainable partnerships. Participants who are past Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) recipients will learn how to maximize relationships begun under OVW grants. 
A PowerPoint that includes graphic timelines of each movement, resources, and grant opportunities to continue this work at your CIL will be presented. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.

A Coordinated Service Model from the Consumer and Stakeholder Perspective: Modernizing Our Healthcare System
Presented by: Lee Schulz, Shannon Jones, and Merrill Friedman
Disability and Aging Advocates are leading the way for Home and Community Based Services, Olmstead implementation, and Aging in Place initiatives. We will engage in a lively discussion on how to successfully incorporate independent living and aging philosophies with options for healthcare access and services in a coordinated service model, from stakeholder and consumer perspectives. We will discuss how the pursuit to provide healthcare coverage for Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries has inspired insight on how to transform it. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.

Forced Electroshock: Literature and Lived Experience
Presented by: Brad Meurrens and Krista Erickson
The purpose of the session is to educate the NCIL membership about the issues surrounding the recently adopted NCIL “Resolution to Oppose Involuntary Electroshock”. Drawing on both scholarly literature and the lived experience of individuals with a psychiatric diagnosis who have witnessed or were subjected to ECT, participants will discuss the history, current legislation authorizing and / or limiting the use of involuntary psychiatric treatment (with an emphasis on involuntary ECT), the medical rationale, ECT’s side effects, and demonstrated alternatives to the use of involuntary psychiatric treatment / ECT. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.

Home Modification Programming Made Easy: Best Practices
Presented by: Darrel Christenson
In the “Home Modification Programming Made Easy - Best Practices” symposia, attendees will participate in an exciting field of the Independent Living program that has successfully helped over 800 individual home modification projects as administered by Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) throughout the Phoenix Valley of the Sun. Attendees will learn how to plan for and how to implement a fee-for-service home modification program for integration in to health care programming. Attendees will explore as well as learn how to combine available resources to problem solve bringing in new revenue to the CIL, meet consumer needs to simultaneously increase housing stock which promotes the IL philosophy. Target Audience: Front Line Staff and Consumers. Experienced.

Empowering the Next Generation of Disability Rights Activists: A Contextual Framework
Presented by: Olegario "Ollie" D. Cantos VII, Leo, Nic, and Steven
This unique workshop will delve into the specific ways in which independent living center leaders and staff may engage youth with disabilities in their own communities. Three 12-year-old triplet boys, who are blind and who have already begun to come into their own within the disability rights movement, will talk about their experiences with bullying and social exclusion, discuss the very real reality of limited expectations held by youth themselves when proper and positive guidance is not available, and will describe the transformational effects of community service, network building, and involvement in disability rights advocacy. Tying this all together will be a long-time leader and activist in the disability community whose commitment to passing the torch to the next generation is already leading to some promising results. Target Audience: Front Line Staff and Consumers. Newcomer.

Concurrent Workshops III: Thursday, June 14, 9:00 am - 10:15 am

Innovative Best Practice of Producing Service Animals and Updated Federal Provisions
Presented by: Julie M. Shaw and Carol Christopherson
An Innovative Best Practice has been created by disAbility Solutions for Independent Living, Inc. (DSIL) and Florida Service Dogs, Inc. for producing service animals for individuals with disabilities will be featured. DSIL provides service animal training as one of the IL Skills Training classes offered at the Center. This presentation will also focus upon the new federal provisions related to services animals released by the Department of Justice effective March 15, 2011. Features of Florida's service animal law will also be presented as potential legislation for other CIL's to pursue. A service animal demonstration will also be included in the presentation. Front Line Staff and Consumers. Experienced.

Fundraising: From Identifying Options to Executing Strategies
Presented by: Daisy Feidt and Mimi Alschuler
It is getting more and more difficult to survive on Government funding sources alone. Come learn alternative fundraising strategies that will help you diversify your funding base to increase your long term sustainability and thrive even in economic downturns. Whether you are a small rural CIL or a CIL in an urban area or something in between, you will learn step by step strategies to help you start a robust fundraising program today! Target Audience: Executive Directors and Board Members. Experienced.

Legislative & Advocacy 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.

Recovery and the IL Philosophy
Presented by: Mike Bachhuber, Julie Alexander, Jim Beck, and Leslie Brewer
In the IL movement, we try to promote a cross-disability mission, yet Centers are often perceived as organizations specifically for people with physical disabilities. Some Centers have experience providing service for those with mental illness labels, who probably comprise the largest disability group. This session will provide an opportunity to learn about how to serve these consumers, risks and pitfalls, and what we can do differently. Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.

A Comprehensive Voter Engagement Strategy: Using Data to Increase Participation of People with Disabilities
Presented by: George Hoehmann, Jim Dickson and Aaron Baier
This workshop will give a detailed overview of exactly how any CIL can target and improve participation of persons with disabilities in the electoral process. Using public information and simple software, participants will learn how to run a voter education and outreach campaign that includes existing clients to evaluate historical participation, increase the numbers who are registered to vote, and improve the percentage who do cast a vote in both local and national elections. 
Participants will learn the keys to voter engagement, the tools required to improve participation, and practical steps to developing a comprehensive voter engagement strategy in order to improve participation of persons with disabilities in the electoral process. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.

Concurrent Workshops IV: Thursday, June 14, 10:30 am - 11:45 am

The Disability Community and Organized Labor: How to Work Together for Progress
Presented by: Mike Oxford, Bob Kafka, Erin McGaffigan, and Mark Polit
This workshop will consist of presentations by a panel of authors involved in the multi-year process that culminated in the publication of “Guiding Principles for Partnerships with Unions and Emerging Worker Organizations when Individuals Direct Their Own Services and Supports”. This work stemmed from the desire to avoid conflicts between unions and the disability community, to identify and eliminate barriers to working together, to forge strong, strategic partnerships between organized labor and the disability community at the local, state, and national levels. Discussion, debate, and suggestions from the audience are strongly encouraged. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Newcomer.

What It Takes to Run For and Win Elected Office
Presented by: Mark Perriello and Jason Mida
Public Service: Is it for you? Pursuing a career in public service presents you with a tremendous opportunity to make a difference in your community, your state, and possibly even your country. Running for office, however, will have a significant impact on your life and the lives of your family members. As such, it is a decision that should only be made after consultation with your loved ones, assessment of your strengths and weaknesses, and careful consideration of the personal and political factors at play. Increasing the number of people with disabilities in elected office will directly impact policy outcomes for our community at the local, state, and federal level. This workshop will provide you with the tools necessary to determine if you have what it takes to run and win. Target Audience: Executive Directors and Board Members. Newcomer.

Accommodating Consumers and Staff with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
Presented by: Darrell Lynn Jones and Mary Lamielle
This presentation will expand the knowledge and competency of the IL community about multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) as an authentic disabling condition and how centers can be more relevant for and inclusive of this population. It includes a framework for: how MCS can affect an individual’s functioning; implications for useful and relevant services; what public policies assist or impede the freedom of choice and independent living options for people with MCS, including housing, employment, and public accommodations; how CILs can incorporate MCS into their advocacy agenda; and what basic steps centers can take to ensure they are proactive, inclusive, and not discriminatory. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.

The Mobility Management Independent Living Program: Strategies to Improve Transportation Planning and Services	
Presented by: Judy Shanley and Kathy Hatch
To ensure that individuals with disabilities have choices in independent living, reliable transportation options must be available. For this purpose, Easter Seals Project Action (ESPA), funded by the Federal Transit Administration, launched the Mobility Management Independent Living (MMIL) Program, a partnership with APRIL and NCIL, as a way to build community-infrastructures around accessible coordinated transportation. In this interactive panel by ESPA and its partners, including CIL staff who serve as MMIL Liaisons, attendees will acquire strategies related to building relationships, establishing infrastructures, and disseminating tools. Target Audience: Front Line Staff and Consumers. Experienced.

Measuring CIL Services that Improve Community Participation for People with Disabilities: A Comparative Study of the United States, Japan and Korea	
Presented by: Glen W. White, Shoji Nakanishi, and Ahn Jinwha
This session will present the results of a national U.S. CIL survey in terms of how CIL staff rated their services in terms of importance, strengths and weaknesses. In addition, these results will be compared with similar national CIL survey results that were conducted in Japan and Korea. Following the presentation there will be time for interactive discussion with the audience on the influence that advocacy has on CIL service processes and delivery. Target Audience: Executive Directors and Board Members. Experienced.

Concurrent Workshops V: Thursday, June 14, 1:30 pm - 2:45 pm

Best Practices in Disability and Aging Partnerships
Presented by: Elizabeth Leef, Liz Pazdral, Karol Swartzlander, Phil Pangrazio, Mary Lynn Kasunic, Gayl Brunk, and Paul A. Lavigne	
Through the development of innovative partnerships, Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) have brought together the aging and disability networks to empower older adults and people with disabilities to live successfully in community settings. This session will explore how effective partnerships can evolve among aging and disability organizations that have different policy origins, separate funding mechanisms, distinct target populations, and unique organizational philosophies. An interactive panel discussion with representatives from both aging and disability networks will describe strategies that have worked to forge successful partnerships.  Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.

Community Organizing and the Independent Living Community: Building Power
Presented by: Michelle Bishop
This workshop will cover core principles of community organizing and strategies for translating the practice of organizing to the disability community. Attendees will learn why organizing a strong disability voice at home can be the key to defending IL funding and community-based programs at the state and federal levels, ensuring a consumer voice in decision-making and service provision, and leading the way for disability rights work. As we look back over the past 30 years of NCIL, we must address the challenges that lie ahead in advancing independent living and creating change in an environment of economic and political uncertainty. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.

Social Networking for CILs and the Disability Community
Presented by: Ed Pahula, Michelle Loar, and Robert Loar
This session will be interactive with the participants and the information provided will help them improve their social networking both personally and professionally. Target Audience: Front Line Staff and Consumers. Newcomer.

Youth Organizing! Disabled and Proud – Empowering Youth with Disabilities to Make Change
Presented by: Kirk Aranda
Participants will learn how YO! Disabled & Proud was developed and has become a successful statewide program for youth and CILs to engage in advocacy work together. Learn how California’s youth with disabilities passed an annual Disability History Week and are now tackling bullying. Whether you’re interested in starting a youth program, building your existing program, or looking for ways to engage your CIL staff and youth to work together, you won’t want to miss this session. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Newcomer.

Power with a Cause: Women in the Independent Living Movement throughout History and Into the Future
Presented by: Judith Heumann, Marca Bristo, Mary Margaret Moore, and Amber Smock
Participants come ready to learn from accomplished NCIL leaders about women and the IL movement. How did women help push us to where we are today? Who are the women we should thank for leading the way? What barriers do women of color and those in the LGBT community face within our Movement, and how does the mainstream feminist movement interact with us? Come ready to learn and commit to how you will integrate this knowledge into your CIL, state plan, and other policies. Target Audience: Front Line Staff and Consumers. Newcomer.

Access, Accommodations, and Resources

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 Tuesday, June 12.
*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.

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 (rentals only; hotel delivery and pick-up in DC): www.scootaround.com; phone: 1-888-441-7575

-Scooterplus / Lenox Medical Supply (rentals only; hotel delivery and pick-up in DC): www.lenoxmedicalsupply.com; phone: 1-866 474-4356 or 202-387-1960

Personal Assistant Services
-Maxim Healthcare: phone: (202) 545-6980 (711 for Relay); 
email: clduvall@maxhealth.com
-ENDependence Center of Northern VA (CIL): 2300 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 305 / Courthouse Plaza II / Arlington, VA; phone: (703) 525-3268; TTY: (703) 525-3553; email: ruchikal@ecnv.org; Attn: Ruchika Lalwani, PAS Coordinator

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 Sunday, June 10 through Thursday, June 14 at a special rate of $259 single / double occupancy (plus tax of 14.5%). Triple and quadruple occupancy is available at $284 and $309, 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 May 9, 2012 will be accepted on a space availability basis.
 
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!

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 $259 per night (plus tax of 14.5%). Reservations must be made by May 20, 2012. Please call the hotel at 202.737.2200 for reservations.

Embassy Suites
Overflow accessible rooms are available at the Embassy Suites Convention Center, 900 10th St NW, just one block from the Grand Hyatt.
The rate is $249 per night (plus tax of 14.5%). Reservations must be made by May 11, 2012. 
Please call the hotel at 202.739.2001 for reservations.

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: 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 Plaza station. From L’Enfant Plaza, 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. 

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.

2012 Annual Conference Registration Form

1. Complete the form    2. Save the form    3. Email the form to Rie@ncil.org
Or, mail or fax to:
1710 Rhode Island Ave NW Fifth Floor
Washington, D.C. 20036 ?Fax: (202) 207-0341? 

Prefix and Name: 
Title: 
Organization: 
Address: 
City, State, Zip: 
Email: 
Phone: 
Fax: 

[  ] Check this box if you are a personal assistant to a registered  attendee and are therefore not required to pay registration fees.
I certify that I am providing personal assistance to: 

Full Conference Registration: Full Conference registration fees include all events and activities, including the Pre-Conference.

Early Bird Rate (must be postmarked by March 11, 2012):
[  ] NCIL Member: $190
[  ] Youth Member: $110 (25 & Under)
[  ] Non-member: $310

Standard Registration (postmarked after March 11, 2012):
[  ] NCIL Member: $265
[  ] Youth Member: $110 (25 & Under)
[  ] Non-member: $385

Daily Registration: Skip this section if you are registering for the full Conference.

[  ] Sunday (Pre-Conference)
[  ] Monday
[  ] Tuesday
[  ] Wednesday
[  ] Thursday
[  ] Friday

[  ] NCIL Member: $115 / day
[  ] Non-member: $160 / day

Payment

Please charge my:

[  ] Visa
[  ] MasterCard
[  ] American Express
[  ] Discover
[  ] I'm sending a check

Total Amount: 

Name on Card: 
Card #: 
Expiration: 
CID / CIV: 
If paying by credit card, consider mailing or faxing this form; email does not provide encrypted delivery of your personal information.?Please make checks payable to National Council on Independent Living (Federal Tax ID: 74-2291620). 

Auxiliary Aids

Materials:
[  ] Standard Print
[  ] Large Print
[  ] Braille
[  ] Audio on CD
[  ] Text-Only

Diet:
[  ] Standard Fare
[  ] Vegetarian
[  ] Salt-Free
[  ] Low Cholesterol
[  ] Other: 

Accommodations:
[  ] American Sign Language
[  ] Transcripts
[  ] Contact Sign
[  ] Personal Assistant
[  ] CART
[  ] Assistive Listening Device
[  ] Other: