Sport as a Tool for Independent Living
Presented by: Ann Cody
The “Sport as a Tool for Independent Living” poster session will provide frontline staff and consumers with information on how sports programs/activities can enhance independent living skills. CIL staff and consumers will receive information on the benefits of sports participation, using sport as a convening mechanism for delivering IL services and referring consumers to local sports programs. Newcomer.
As Director of Partnerships and Public Policy for BlazeSports America, Ann Cody is responsible for shaping the organization’s advocacy efforts in Washington, DC. BlazeSports America provides opportunities for children and adults with physical disabilities to realize their potential through sport and healthy lifestyles.
CyberPals: Ensuring Independence through Technology
Presented by: Keith Greenarch and Mechelle Holt
CyberPals Computer Program has been very successful in placing refurbished computers in the homes of people with disabilities in rural western North Carolina. The program introduces the consumer to the Center and its core services. The computer allows the consumer to make friends, connect with family, and independently research topics pertaining to disability and independence. The session will cover how to find systems, recruit volunteers, provide computer training, and enrich lives through this “vehicle to the world”. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Newcomer.
Keith and Mechelle have served as Coordinators of the CyberPals Program, which has placed over 1000 computers since its conception. Both presenters are strong advocates and take pride in their work providing consumers the resources they need to live independently.
Concurrent Workshops I: Monday, July 21; 1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Managing Risk: Time for Change!; Farragut Square
Presented by: Daniel Gass and Leon Williams, Jr.
“If it’s almost right, it’s wrong!” Have you ever faced this philosophy? What if it becomes a reality that places your organization in jeopardy? When your best intentions face the scrutiny of the EEOC, will you be prepared to defend yourself? Babb Inc. will explore a variety of issues to equip participants with the tools to manage their risk. This session welcomes questions and challenges! This workshop is appropriate for project directors, advocates, front-line staff, and consumers. Experienced.
Dan Gass has a strong and diverse background, spending seven years as a formal educator, twelve years in manufacturing sales and marketing, and another five years in sales and circulation for PG Publishing. Twelve additional years in Commercial Insurance has given him a unique perspective and devotion to non-profit agencies and their support of others. As Vice-President of Social Services with Babb, Inc., Dan offers a wide range of expertise in Coverage.
Organizing Our Communities for Change: A Best Practice for Grassroots Systems Advocacy in the Disability Movement; Independence FG
Presented by: Jason J. Beloungy
Each day, thousands of lobbyists fill the halls of capitol buildings throughout our nation, while millions of dollars are poured into campaign coffers. How can the disability movement compete and move forward to make our issues and policies a priority? This workshop will look at one CIL’s efforts to develop a network to educate and empower citizens to impact disability policy at the local, state and federal level. Jason Beloungy will discuss “Act Now, Network for Disability Advocacy”, an effort taking place in Wisconsin. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.
Jason is an Independent Living Specialist with Independent Living Resources in La Crosse. Jason provides the majority of services provided by ILR, but his passion lies with systems advocacy. Mark Roesler-Begalke has worked in the disability field for 23 years, and has spent a large portion of that time working with children and adults with autism.
Responding to Community Need: How One CIL Created an Alternative to the Community Mental Health System;
Independence HI
Presented by: Dana V. Spinney, Jim Beck, Jill Coddington and Bill Aube
CILs must respond to the specific independent living needs of their communities. More persons with traumatic brain injuries and psychiatric disabilities are looking to CILs on their personal path to recovery. Participants will see an example of how a CIL can meet these specific community needs through the state Medicaid system while keeping in tune with organization mission and the independent living philosophy. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.
Bill Aube, LMSW, Executive Director of Daybreak, Inc., has advocated for implementation of a mental health recovery model in Alaska, has been instrumental in an independent case management delivery system, and has fought for “money follows the consumer”. Jim Beck has worked in disability rights and independent living for over 20 years, working for Alaska Vocational Rehabilitation and throughout the ranks at Access Alaska, a CIL, including as its Executive Director since 2002. He currently serves as Chair of the Alaska SILC. Jill M. Coddington, MS is the Core Services Supervisor for Access Alaska. She has worked in the field for 10 years and enjoys being a passionate advocate for consumer empowerment and choice. Dana Spinney is the South Central Regional Director for Access Alaska and has worked with individuals with disabilities for nearly 20 years. Dana is proud to be part of a team that uses creative approaches to promote that Independent Living philosophy throughout Alaska.
Nursing Home Transition: Show Me The Money!;
Independence BC
Presented by: Kevin Nale and Lydia Cosgrove
Nursing Home Transition may soon be the fifth core service for CILs. The work is necessary and important, but where’s the money going to come from? One CIL, covering both urban and rural areas, has identified non-traditional funding sources and collaborations that have resulted in more than $25,000 for nursing home transition expenses in three years. Hear directly from the Nursing Home Transition Coordinator and the grant writer who have made this happen, and are continuing to find money for the agency’s program. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Newcomer.
Independent Living History and Philosophy;
Independence DE
Presented by: Billy Altom and Tim Sheehan
New to the Independent Living Movement? Join us for this essential workshop led by two passionate IL leaders. This session will explain the core principles of Independent Living and how these revolutionary ideals led early advocates to create the first CILs and work tirelessly to expand Independent Living into a global movement. Come learn the history, own your power, and Lead On!
Billy Altom is Executive Director of the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL). He worked at several disability rights organizations before becoming Executive Director at the Delta Resource Center. He is a past member of the Board of Directors for the Arkansas Disability Coalition and NCIL. Tim Sheehan is the Executive Director of the CIL for Western Wisconsin and serves on the Governing Board of NCIL, representing Region V. He is also Chairman of the Wisconsin Coalition of Independent Living Centers and has been appointed by three Governors to the Wisconsin SILC.
Concurrent Workshops II;
Wednesday, July 23; 2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Leveraging the New Ticket to Work Program for Your Center for Independent Living or Statewide Independent Living Council;
Independence BC
Presented by: Sue Suter, Clyde Terry, John Lancaster
SSA is listening, learning, and responding. Changes to Ticket to Work Program create greater financial incentives and flexibility for Employment Networks (ENs). SSA is re-launching the TTW Program with resources and tools developed to make becoming and serving as an EN easier as well as creative outreach strategies to increase the number of beneficiaries participating. Hear from a CIL that has been successful in getting beneficiaries to work under the Program. With more than $11.6 million paid to over 450 ENs to date, wouldn’t your Center like to share the success? Target Audience: Executive Directors and Board Members; also appropriate for advocates and project directors. Experienced.
Sue Suter oversees the planning, policy, and implementation of Social Security’s Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program. Clyde Terry is CEO of Granite State Independent Living, which has grown under his leadership from a $6 to $14 million operation. John Lancaster is the Executive Director of NCIL. Since 1974 he has worked as a civil rights attorney, pursuing issues related to the integration and empowerment of people with disabilities. *TTW staff will be available in the NCIL Congressional Suite from 3:00 - 6:00pm on Wednesday, July 23 for one-on-one discussion.
Using the Power of the ADA;
Independence DE
Presented by: Marissa Johnson and Hannah Pitts-Gilmore
Are you looking for new (or new-to-you) advocacy tools? Unsure of how to use the Americans with Disabilities Act to its best advantage in your advocacy efforts? This highly interactive workshop will help you better understand the ADA and apply it to the advocacy situations you face each day. Get your questions answered, interact with the ADA and gain a better understanding of the civil rights law essential to your role as an advocate. Join this workshop to learn important resources and where to get more information. Target Audience: Front Line Staff and Consumers. Newcomer.
Marissa Johnson is the Director of Training at the DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center. She conducts trainings on the ADA and disability awareness and coordinates the regional ADA Coalition affiliates. She has previously worked at CILs coordinating education and transition efforts and has served on numerous national committees, including the NCIL and National Youth Leadership Network Boards of Directors, and the Youth Advisory Council for the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities. Ms. Johnson is finishing her Masters in Deaf Education. Hannah Pitts-Galmore is an Independent Living Specialist at the DC CIL and has been there over 20 years, holding several positions including Acting Director. She also serves as the coordinator for the DC ADA Coalition.
The Nebraska Agenda for Full Participation: Framing the Disability Discussion; Farragut Square
Presented by: Brad Meurrens and Kathy Hoell
This workshop will discuss the Nebraska Agenda for Full Participation project and how advocates can and should employ a proactive approach to systems advocacy so their voices can begin to frame the public discussion of policies affecting people with disabilities rather than being purely passive participants. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.
Brad Meurrens is the Public Policy Specialist and registered lobbyist for Nebraska Advocacy Services, the designated Protection and Advocacy System, and the primary author of the Nebraska Agenda for Full Participation. Kathy Hoell is the Executive Director of the Nebraska Statewide Independent Living Council and the 2005 recipient of the Earl Walden Award, given annually by APRIL and ILRU for outstanding rural advocacy.
Grassroots Women with Disabilities vs. Sexism and Ableism: Feminists Organizing for Power; Lafayette
Presented by: Amber Smock and Monica Heffner
Are you bothered by what happened to Ashley X, Terri Schiavo and Sharon Kowalski? Do you know women who have been discriminated against because they are women and they have disabilities? This workshop will look at how to organize grassroots women with disabilities against sexism and ableism. We will present the collective citizen organizing work of Feminist Response In Disability Activism (FRIDA) as a model, and ask the audience to brainstorm more ways grassroots women can take action on issues of sexism and ableism. Target Audience: Front Line Staff and Consumers; also appropriate for advocates and project directors. Experienced.
Amber Smock is the Youth Leadership Coordinator for Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago, and a co-founder of Feminist Response In Disability Activism (FRIDA). She is the 2008 recipient of the Chicago Foundation for Women Founder's Award for Young Women Advocates.
My Polling Place or Yours: Survey Tools for Accurate Accessibility Reviews;
Independence FG
Presented by: Mark Derry
If you are working in your community to ensure polling place accessibility, or giving advice on accessibility, your credibility is your most valuable asset! Making sure you have the right survey tools, and knowing how to quickly get accurate answers to accessibility questions will build your value as a resource in the community. This training will include hands-on demonstrations, from simple fish scales to electronic Smarttool Levels. Attendees will gain knowledge about the “tools of the trade”, where to get them, and how they are used effectively to document barriers. Learn the importance of checklists and where to obtain them. Experience gained during this election year can later be directed to other access issues in communities! Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.
Mark Derry is President of Eastlake, Derry and Associates, LLC. Since 1999, the firm has specialized in accessibility, universal design, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) consulting and training. Mark has written articles for several newsletters and other publications on the ADA and architectural access. He is the current Chair of the NCIL ADA / Civil Rights Subcommittee.
Working Effectively with the Media: Basic Practices for Advocacy Using Media Relations and Fundraising; Independence HI
Presented by: Carol Voss and Jim Moore
Join us as we help your ILC to “jumpstart” media relations and fundraising efforts to promote your advocacy initiatives. Learn how awareness can help to raise funds and hear a success story that combines public awareness, media relations and fundraising. The workshop includes tips for writing effective news releases and story pitches, how to make friends with the media, and how to make the most of an interview. Participants will practice what they learn as part of this interactive workshop. Target Audience: Executive Directors and Board Members. Appropriate for all experience levels.
Carol Pritzlaff Voss, MS, OT served as an Advocate for 7 years at IndependenceFirst as a Public Relations and Marketing Manager. She successfully gains features or community expert source quotes in online, print, and television media. Carol has developed internal and external media relations procedures to assist advocacy initiatives and fundraising. Jim Moore has been an advocate for 15 years in special event management and fundraising, most recently as Fundraising Manager at IndependenceFirst. Events have included small and large dinners, auctions, day and evening events, and pledge walks with over 10,000 people participating.
Concurrent Workshops III;
Wednesday, July 23; 3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Supercharge Your Mission by Making New Partners!;
Independence BC
Presented by: Burt Danovitz and Joann Marshall
The disability rights movement is stuck. Now more than ever, there is a need to create new partnerships that will support Centers’ work to create opportunities. This session will focus on how this can be done. Examples of who Centers can work with and how to develop a plan for doing so will be presented in this highly interactive session. Target Audience: Executive Directors and Board Members.
Burt Danovitz is the Executive Director of the Resource Center for Independent Living, Inc. (RCIL) in Utica, New York. During his tenure, the organization has grown into one of the largest and most diverse Independent Living Centers in the United States. Joann Marshall, Chief Operations Officer for RCIL, has a background in the field of employment and disability rights. For the past 20 years she has specialized in delivering integrated employment services.
Nursing Facility Outreach - Countdown to Independence: 3… Getting In; 2… Getting Ready; and 1… Launch to the Community!;
Independence DE
Presented by: Nancy Diehl and Trish Foley
Learn about practices successful at reaching out to nursing facility residents to tell them about systems in place to assist them to move to the community. The audience will be introduced to innovative methods Independence Now uses to outreach and achieve successful transition. Learn to contract with nursing facility survivors and those that still live in facilities to help with outreach. Learn how to conduct “happy hours” (non-alcoholic, with food and activities) at nursing facilities to talk to those who have expressed interest. Learn about Advocacy Movie Nights to improve advocacy skills and to host other activities held in fun locations, where consumers and nursing facility residents socialize. Funding mechanisms will be explained. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.
Nancy Diehl is the Executive Director for Independence Now, a CIL serving two metropolitan counties in Maryland. Nancy has directed disability programs in several states and experiences disability herself. Trish H. Foley is the Director of Community Services for Independence Now and Joe Richmond is the Independent Living Specialist serving Prince George County. Jim Keenan received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from George Washington University and has worked with a wide variety of people with disabilities for the past 30 years in Montgomery County Maryland.
Assisted Suicide: Why Leading Disability Advocacy Organizations Oppose Its Legalization;
Lafayette
Presented by: Marilyn Golden
The legalization of assisted suicide is a controversial issue. In the disability community, many people are strongly opposed to legalization, along with NCIL and ten other respected disability rights organizations. Others sometimes question that position. Many are simply uninformed about this crucial issue. This workshop will explain assisted suicide and provide a place for honest expression without criticism, attack, or judgment. Disagreement is expected and will be welcomed. Marilyn Golden of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund will describe the position of DREDF and many other disability organizations, and then open it up for a facilitated discussion. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Appropriate for all experience levels.
Marilyn Golden is a Policy Analyst at DREDF. Golden has become nationally prominent in opposing the legalization of assisted suicide and euthanasia pursuant to DREDF's position. She has represented the disability community in many debates and dialogues on the subject, authored articles, and worked to defeat assisted suicide legislation in Hawaii, Vermont, and California; none of which passed.
The Right to be Healthy: Evidence to Support Individual and Systems Advocacy in HCBS;
Farragut Square
Presented by: Dr. Amanda Reichard, Dr. Glen White, and Martha Hodgesmith
This session will discuss the relationship between HCBS and health services, especially preventive and screening services. The discussion will be based on a Kansas study that reviewed the use of HCBS waiver services in correlation with healthcare usage. Participants will be able to describe how the health of individuals has improved, describe how the use of healthcare services has changed and improved, and identify what CILs and personal care attendants can do to help consumers and policy makers improve health outcomes for consumers with physical disabilities. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.
Martha Hodgesmith, Associate Director of the Research and Training Center on Independent Living at the University of Kansas, uses legal training to analyze the impact of laws and policies on the lives of persons with disabilities. Amanda Reichard, Research Director at the Research and Training Center, remains committed to ensuring that her work results in practical outcomes for people with disabilities.
Assisting People with Disabilities to Obtain Assistive Technology: Making Use of Alternative Financing;
Independence FG
Presented by: Lee Schultz, Mary Margaret Moore, Jason Luciano, Kevin Huwe and Susan Tachau
People with disabilities cherish their independence. Assistive Technology (AT) is often needed to ensure this independence. Unfortunately, funding for AT is often limited or non-existent. Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) are one means of funding AT that allows consumer choice and consumer involvement. A panel of staff from various AFPs will share information about their programs and how the ILCs can become more involved to ensure all states have an AFP. Target Audience: Front Line Staff and Consumers. Appropriate for all experience levels.
Lee Schulz is Executive Director of IndependenceFirst in Milwaukee and has 35 years experience in social services, disability rights and healthcare. Mary Margaret Moore is the Executive Director of the ILC of the North Shore and Cape Ann. Jason M. Luciano, Ph.D. is the Massachusetts AT Loan Director at Easter Seals. Kevin Huwe is the Program Manager for Three Rivers CIL in Pennsylvania. Susan Tachau is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation and is responsible for programs and systems change initiatives that expand access to assistive technology.
Movement by the Masses: Using Alternative Media to Speak Truth to Power;
Independence HI
Presented by: Ryan Pinion, Anita Cameron, and Stacey Milbern
Interested in getting your voice heard by the masses? Why bother with mainstream media? Create your own! Come see how to create your online space for less than $20 and have it read by millions. By attending this workshop, activists will have the means to realize the potential of the internet and other forms of alternative media (blogs, video, zines). Activists can use this media to voice truth in a world where disability is often misrepresented. This session is vital for NCIL members interested in virtual communication, creating community space, and tapping into their full power. Newcomer.
Anita Cameron created and runs The Roving Activist's Blog, which focuses on disability activism and advocacy. She works as a Systems Advocate for the Center for Disability Rights, an ILC in Rochester, NY. Stacey Milbern runs a personal blog that receives over 200 visitors a day. She believes in the power of creating space, promoting pride with visibility, and the future of the movement. Ryan Pinion has been delivering his message to the masses via the stage as a member of a political performance group. Ryan works as a transitions coordinator at Alliance of Disability Advocates CIL in Raleigh, NC.
Concurrent Workshops IV;
Thursday, July 24; 8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
The Roots of Power: How Your CIL Can Create Community and Move Beyond Advocacy; Independence BC
Presented by: Stacey Milbern, Everett Deibler, and Eleanor Canter
Creating “space”. Promoting disability culture. Moving beyond advocacy. Are you wondering how other CILs around the country are able to not only include members of the community (specifically youth), but have them sign up to actively serve in various leadership capacities? Attend this workshop to find out how to get back to the roots of people power. We will explain the need for building a community that is bigger than advocacy and awareness and how you can go about doing so at your local CIL. Target Audience: Front Line Staff and Consumers. Newcomer.
Stacey Milbern runs a personal blog that receives over 200 visitors a day. She believes in the power of creating space, promoting pride with visibility, and the future of the movement. Historically Ryan Pinion has been delivering his message to the masses via the stage as a member of a political performance group. Ryan works as a transitions coordinator at Alliance of Disability Advocates CIL in Raleigh, NC. Eleanor Canter is a staff member at NCIL, a person with a disability, and a passionate advocate.
Stepping Stones: How to Provide a Platform for Peer Mentoring for Nursing Home Survivors; Independence DE
Presented by: Monica Heffner, Tom Wilson, George Brimmage and Fran Madnick
This workshop examines the issues encountered as people transition to community living after confinement in a institution. Access Living’s experiences in developing a peer mentoring group called Stepping Stones for nursing homes survivors will be shared as a model for Centers. They have found that through peer mentoring nursing home survivors who participate tend to stay in the community and evolve into self advocates. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.
Ms. Heffner is the Home Again Coordinator at Access Living in Chicago and works to transition seniors from nursing homes to the community. She is also one of the founders of Feminist Response in Disability Activism (FRIDA). Mr. Brimmage is a nursing home survivor, and uses his experience to advocate for better home services and options for institutional placements. He has evolved into a powerful advocate for people residing in nursing homes who want to move back into the community.
Critical Role of CILs for Aging and Disability Resource Center Networks;
Farragut Square
Presented by: Joseph Lugo, Kim Borowicz, and Elizabeth Leef
This session is Part II of the conversation that started last year at the 25th Anniversary NCIL Joint Conference Luncheon, which hosted ADRCs and CILs from across the country. At this joint luncheon, CILs shared their experiences in developing, leading and sustaining productive collaborative partnerships between the aging and disability networks. Any staff interested in learning how CILs are playing an active role in ADRC networks could benefit from this session. Partnerships at the community level, which cut across aging and disability networks, are required to create a seamless experience when consumers access long-term care. The entities that have agreed to participate are actively involved in forming partnerships, are respected in both the aging and disability communities, and have had previous experience sharing their story to various audiences. Target Audience: Front Line Staff and Consumers. Appropriate for all experience levels.
Joseph Lugo, M.A. is an Aging Specialist for the U.S. Administration on Aging. Kim Borowicz works as an Aging & Disability Resource Center Project Coordinator at the Progress Center for Independent Living. Elizabeth Leef serves as Healthcare Policy Analyst for the National Council on Independent Living. A panel with representation from multiple CILs participating in ADRC Networks will be featured.
High School/High Tech: Teaching Advocacy to Youth through a Career Framework;
Lafayette
Presented by: JT Davis
High School/High Tech helps youth make better, more informed decisions about careers and their futures and advocacy plays a role in this. It’s successful in reducing the dropout rate of youth with disabilities, increasing enrollment in college, and improving participation in employment-related activities. HS/HT programs develop and sustain youth-based partnership building strategies in order to help youth explore exciting opportunities and careers in technology; helps parents to watch their children become more independent; helps employers gain access to a new, viable, and well-trained labor source; and helps CILs to train the next generation of disability community leaders. This workshop will feature youth with disabilities co-presenting on their experiences with the program alongside program staff. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.
JT Davis is a 22 year old self-advocate from Perry Florida. An alumnus of High School/High Tech and the state Youth Leadership Forum, JT has risen through the ranks to become one of the leading young advocates from the Sunshine State. JT is the Youth Advisor to the Florida Youth Council, a Youth Information Center run for and by youth with disabilities. The FYC was successful in getting a state law passed this year requiring the teaching of disability history and awareness to K-12 students in Florida’s public schools during the month of October. JT Davis is on the transition team for the State Department of Education and will be joining the curriculum review board.
Leveraging Your Voting Access Efforts;
Independence FG
Presented by: Brad Williams
This workshop will explore a range of voting access efforts that led to successful results. Some examples include a voter-turnout PSA; a voting advocacy video; a state legislative bill to improve polling place access; the defeat of procedures to segregate countywide voting sites for voters with disabilities; the defeat of a proposed amendment that would have suspended accessible voting rights under HAVA in New York until 2010; and various litigation efforts and media impact. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.
Brad Williams is the Executive Director of the New York State Independent Living Council (NYSILC). He has found creative ways to increase public awareness and utilize media strategies to pursue systemic change for people with disabilities. Brad is also a consultant for the national SILC-NET, which looks to provide technical assistance and training to State Independent Living Councils.
Collaborating for Systems Change in Education;
Independence HI
Presented by: Amber Smock, Jose Ocampo and Veronica Martinez
Systems change that is by the people and for the people happens because people get together and demand it! Learn how a youth disability rights group and SEIU Local 73 worked together to stand up to the officials of the third largest school district in the country to demand that teachers and staff support students with disabilities. Empower yourself by hearing a terrific story and seeing how grassroots organizing tactics were used to prevent special education in Chicago from being “flushed down the toilet”. Target Audience: Advocates and Project Directors. Experienced.
Amber Smock is the Youth Leadership Coordinator for Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago, Co-Coordinator for Chicago ADAPT, and a co-founder of Feminist Response In Disability Activism (FRIDA). She is the 2008 recipient of the Chicago Foundation for Women Founder's Award for Young Women Advocates.
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