1) 2011 Annual Conference: An Introduction
Pictures
Evaluations
2) Annual Meeting and Elections
Resolutions
3) Awards
Regional Awards
National Advocacy Awards
4) Legislative and Advocacy Update!
5) March and Rally on Capitol Hill
The 2011 NCIL Annual Conference was a wild success! Even in the midst of severe economic downturn, and in many ways because of it, the NCIL membership turned out in force to make our voices heard on Capitol Hill. This year’s Conference was graced with a large proportion of advocates new to the IL Movement and everyone brought an infectious enthusiasm.
On the first day, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius opened the conference with a stirring keynote address and NCIL Board and staff energized and prepared the raucous crowd for the next morning’s March and Rally at the capitol. Their voices, united in a thunderous demand for freedom, rocked the hotel.
The energy continued throughout the day Wednesday as chants for freedom and especially well done protest signs drew onlookers throughout the morning. Afterwards, participants headed to the Hill to speak our truth directly to power.
During the rest of the week over 20 workshops were presented on issues ranging from the proposed Independent Living Administration to mental health and civil rights to best practices in the core services. Elections were held for a variety of positions on the NCIL Board and some very interesting resolutions were voted on by the membership at the Annual Council Meeting. NCIL honored advocates throughout the nation for outstanding commitment to Independent Living during the Awards Luncheon, spent time browsing the products and services offered by vendors during the Exhibit Fair, then got a little rowdy on the dance floor and had a lot of fun during the Closing Social.
All in all, it was NCIL’s best Annual Conference to date! NCIL would like to thank the NCIL Board, staff, sponsors, and most of all our membership for another amazing year. Lead On!
Pictures
A select number of photos are now available through Google Images. The rest will be posted to the same location shortly. We apologize that we do not have the capacity or knowledge to caption every picture. If you see a picture of yourself or others you know, please caption it for the benefit of all. Thank you!
Evaluations
If you attended this year's Annual Conference, please help us by evaluating your experience. If you completed a paper evaluation on site, your responses have already been recorded and there is no need to use this online form. NCIL will use your feedback to continually improve as we plan for the coming years. Thank you!
NCIL’s Annual Council Meeting was held on July 16, 2011. This year, the positions of President and Treasurer were up for election, along with the Regional Representatives in odd-numbered regions and three Member-at-Large positions. Also up for consideration were 5 resolutions submitted by members for consideration by the full membership.
Board Officer elections were first on the agenda. Dan Kessler, current NCIL President and Executive Director of Independent Living Resources of Greater Birmingham ran unopposed for the position of President. Dan was elected to his second term as President and he will be eligible to serve until the Annual Council Meeting in 2013. Phil Pangrazio, current NCIL Treasurer and Executive Director of ABIL (Arizona Bridge to Independent Living) in Phoenix, AZ ran unopposed for the position of Treasurer. Phil was elected to his second term as Treasurer and he will be eligible to serve until the Annual Council Meeting in 2013.
Regional Representatives are elected in shifts, according to the year; even-numbered regions elect their representatives in even-numbered years and odd-numbered regions elect their representatives in odd-numbered years. This year, the following individuals were elected by the members in their region to represent them on NCIL’s Governing Board:
- Mary Margaret Moore was re-elected to represent Region 1 (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT);
- Jan Derry was elected to represent Region 3 (DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV);
- Maureen Ryan was re-elected to represent Region 5 (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI);
- Michelle Krajewski was re-elected to represent Region 7 (IA, KS, NE, MO); and
- Diane Rovai was elected to represent Region 9 (AZ, CA, HI, NV, AS, GU, CNMI).
In addition, there were three Member-at-Large positions up for election at this year’s Annual Meeting. The following individuals were elected to serve as Members-at-Large on the Governing Board through the 2013 Annual Council Meeting:
- Bruce Darling, Executive Director of the Center for Disability Rights in Rochester, NY;
- Vicki Haws, Executive Director of Dynamic Independence in Bartlesville, OK; and,
- Jason Wilson, Board Member at LIFE CIL in Savannah, GA.
NCIL’s new Governing Board is as follows:
Executive Committee:
- President, Daniel Kessler
- Vice-President, Lou Ann Kibbee
- Secretary, Pat Puckett
- Treasurer, Phil Pangrazio
- Diversity Chair, Stanley Holbrook
- Regional Representative Chair, Maureen Ryan
- Executive Director, Kelly Buckland
Regional Representatives:
- Region 1 Representative, Mary Margaret Moore
- Region 2 Representative, Anita Cameron
- Region 3 Representative, Jan Derry
- Region 4 Representative, Julia Sain
- Region 5 Representative, Maureen Ryan
- Region 6 Representative, Carla Lawson
- Region 7 Representative, Michelle Krajewski
- Region 8 Representative, Carol Jean Reynolds
- Region 9 Representative, Diane Rovai
- Region 10 Representative, Roger Howard
Members-at-Large:
- Ann McDaniel
- Bruce Darling
- Mark Derry
- Vicki Haws
- Shannon Jones
- Jason Wilson
Resolutions
After the elections, members considered five proposed resolutions:
- Proposed Resolution on Mad Pride Day;
- Proposed Resolution to Oppose Involuntary Electroshock;
- Proposed Resolution to Support Consumers with Mental/Emotional Disabilities;
- Proposed Resolution to Change NCIL Membership Policy; and,
- Proposed Resolution on Abuse in Government Funded Facilities.
The Proposed Resolution on Mad Pride Day requested that NCIL officially support, in spirit, the celebrations of Mad Pride Day, in honor and celebration of people with mental health disabilities and those labeled by the psychiatric system. The resolution was recommended for approval by the Governing Board and was approved by the membership.
The Proposed Resolution to Oppose Involuntary Electroshock called on NCIL to officially declare that the imposition of any forced medical treatment is inherently opposed to the most basic principles of independent living; that NCIL will support efforts to request that the United States government, including the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), publicly release the amount of taxpayer money spent annually funding involuntary electroshock; and that NCIL supports an individual’s right to personal choice, in accordance with the principles of independent living and will publicly support abolishing the use of involuntary electroshock. The resolution was recommended for approval by the Governing Board and was approved by the membership.
The Proposed Resolution to Support Consumers with Mental/Emotional Disabilities stated that NCIL shall officially recognize that the initially published version of the Temple University Fact Sheet is not consistent with Independent Living philosophy; that NCIL staff contact NIDRR and other agencies funding the CIL project at Temple to ensure that consumers knowledgeable about Independent Living philosophy drive revisions to the Fact Sheet and any future projects they fund; and, finally, that if IL Centers cannot find assistance locally on serving people with mental/emotional disabilities, the NCIL Mental Health Civil Rights Task Force can help with referrals and other assistance. The resolution was recommended for approval by the Governing Board and was approved by the membership.
The Proposed Resolution to Change NCIL Membership Policy sought to establish that an individual representing a CIL, SILC or organizational member of NCIL in good standing may choose to be exempt from having to become an individual NCIL member while serving on a NCIL committee, subcommittee or task force and that NCIL shall promptly make any and all necessary changes in its bylaws to fully implement this resolution. The resolution was not recommended for approval by the Governing Board and was not approved by the membership.
The Proposed Resolution on Abuse in Government Funded Facilities would have required that NCIL acknowledge that the abuse being endured by individuals who remain in institutions can no longer be tolerated, encourage the administration and legislature to improve [New York’s] oversight of the institutions they are funding, provide additional advocacy efforts and support any legal action taken should it be found that any of the victims are “Willowbrook Class members”; whom the State of New York State required by court order to provide for and protect, as a result of the Willowbrook Consent Decree. While the Governing Board strongly and publically supported the underlying philosophy and intent of the resolution, it was not recommended for approval because it was specific to the State of New York and violated NCIL’s Standard Operating Procedure on local and state issues; furthermore, there was concern among the Board and membership about the financial implications of supporting legal action. The resolution was not approved by the membership, but the authors were strongly encouraged by the Board and membership to submit a similar resolution next year that addresses the specific concerns stated above.
Inarguably, the most distinguished event of every Annual Conference is the Awards Banquet. This is our opportunity, as a community, to thank and congratulate our very best advocates for their outstanding service and support. Each of our award winners have for years, some for decades, dedicated their lives and work to the advancement of the Independent Living Movement and increasing opportunities and access for all people with disabilities. We salute these individuals with our most sincere congratulations and gratitude.
This year’s Awards Banquet was hosted by Stan Holbrook, Chair of NCIL’s Diversity Committee and Executive Director of Three Rivers Center for Independent Living in Pittsburgh, PA. Stan opened the event by welcoming our 500 guests and thanking our sponsors, especially AT&T, which had underwritten the luncheon. Stan then introduced Carla Lawson to present the Regional Advocacy Awards.
Regional Awards
- The members of Region 1 honored Steve Higgins, Executive Director of Independence Associates in Brockton, MA for his dedication to the IL Movement. In addition to his ongoing commitment to the CIL and the IL Movement, Steve’s colleagues recognized his years of service as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts SILC and a leader of Region 1 advocacy efforts and hill visits at the NCIL Conference. Congratulations, Steve!
- Region 2 members selected Melanie Shaw, Executive Director of the New York Association on Independent Living, as this year’s Advocacy Award winner for her work establishing the Association as a real advocacy force in New York State. Way to go, Melanie!
- NCIL members in Region 3 recognized Jan Derry of Morgantown, WV for her leadership in the Movement in WV and Region 3. Jan has been the Executive Director of Northern WV CIL since 1992 and has since turned the organization into an excellent advocacy-driven Center, while also supporting peers, such as the members of Virginia ADAPT to spread advocacy and Independent Living in her Region. Alright, Jan!
- In Region 4, David Allgood was selected by his peeres to be recognized for his advocacy during his 18 years in the Independent Living Movement in Kentucky. In addition to cutting his advocacy teeth at the University of Kentucky, where he fought for integration in and out of the classroom, he now serves on a variety of state boards and commissions to ensure that the disability message is heard loud and clear in Kentucky. Go David!
- This year, the members of Region 5 recognized Rudy Fox for her leadership and advocacy in Wisconsin. As an avid ADAPTer and IL advocate, Rudy has proven her ability to advocate in every realm: from leading protests to testifying in the State Capitol. Her peers in Wisconsin also made sure we knew that Rudy also makes a mean German Potato Salad! Keep it up, Rudy!
- In Region 6, Kathy Smith was honored for her contributions to the IL Movement as an effective activist, partner in Disability Rights Day, and advocate with legislators. She brings the IL philosophy to all of her work and her dedication has strengthened the IL Movement in New Mexico. Congratulations, Kathy!
- Region 7 advocates recognized Jennifer Grundy, Executive Director of the On My Own CIL and President of the Missouri Association of CILs for her unyielding advocacy in Missouri and beyond. Her peers reported that Jennifer’s leadership has raised the MO Association to a new level of power within the State and that her efforts on the State and local levels have improved access to housing and made a real difference in the lives of On My Own’s consumers. Alright, Jennifer!
- Members of Region 8 chose to recognize Andy Curry, Executive Director of Tri County ILC in Ogden, UT for his leadership and advocacy in Utah and around the country. As Chair of NCIL’s Healthcare Subcommittee, Andy led NCIL’s efforts to support the Affordable Care Act. Andy is also part of the Disability Advisory Council that meets monthly with Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah. Way to Go, Andy!
- In Region 9, Herb Levine, outgoing Executive Director of ILRC in San Francisco, CA was selected by his peers to receive the Advocacy Award for over 30 years of advocacy and leadership on behalf of Californians and all people with disabilities. Herb’s contribution to the Movement are too many to mention; among them, Herb has been a fierce advocate for Olmstead implementation and community living, accessibility in response to disasters, and outreach to people with disabilities in all of San Francisco’s diverse communities. Congratulations and thank you, Herb!
- Robert Honan, Executive Director of the Washington Statewide Independent Living Council was chosen to receive the Advocacy Award by the members of Region 10 for his leadership at the SILC and work to foster a positive relationship between the SILC and CILs in Washington. His peers also recognized his effective advocacy to bring more awareness and services at CILs for deaf and hard of hearing Washingtonians. Keep it up, Robert!
National Advocacy Awards
Dan Kessler presented NCIL’s 2011 President’s Award to Tom Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division at the US Department of Justice. Tom Perez was recognized for his leadership in restoring an aggressive civil rights agenda at the Department of Justice. Mr. Perez has also been an integral part of the Department’s follow up on long-standing Olmstead violations across the country.
Lou Ann Kibbee presented the Corey Rowley National Advocacy Award to Jeff Hughes, Executive Director of Progressive Independence, in Norman, Oklahoma. Jeff was unable to travel to Washington, so he joined the Luncheon via live video. Jeff thought he was joining the luncheon to present the award to Lou Ann and the look on Jeff’s face was priceless when he realized he was this year’s recipient. Jeff was honored for his national advocacy work as a past NCIL Board member, past Chair of NCIL’s Rehab Act & IL Funding Subcommittee, and a leader in the development of NCIL’s position on the Independent Living Administration. Jeff has had to resign from a few of these positions due to health reasons, but he remains involved in NCIL and a hard-working advocate, both with NCIL, and locally in Oklahoma.
Next, Dan Kessler introduced the Frank Harkin Memorial Award. Each year, Senator Tom Harkin is gracious enough to join us at the Awards Banquet to present this Award, created in his brother’s honor, to an individual that has shown unyielding dedication to independence, hard work, and advancement of the Independent Living movement. While Senator Harkin was unable to join us this year, Dan recalled some of Senator Harkin’s statements during the rousing speech he had given at NCIL’s Rally on Capitol Hill two days earlier and also spoke of Frank Harkin, Senator Harkin’s brother for which the Award is named. In honor of Frank Harkin’s lifelong dedication to hard work and disability advocacy in everyday life, this year’s award was given to Representative Jim Langevin of Rhode Island. Not only is Representative Langevin the Regional Democratic Whip for New England, he is also a person with a disability and proudly serves on the Board of Directors of PARI, the Independent Living in the State of Rhode Island. Representative Langevin was traveling during our conference, but gave a motivating and pertinent acceptance speech to the members via video.
For the final award of the afternoon, Dan Kessler invited Colleen Starkloff onstage to help him present this year’s Max Starkloff Lifetime Achievement Award. NCIL founder, outstanding advocate, and community leader Max Starkloff passed away on December 27, 2010, and having Colleen present to help present the Award on Max’s behalf was truly moving. Colleen spoke of Max’s passion for NCIL and friendship and respect for this year’s winner, June Isaacson Kailes. June joined Dan and Colleen onstage and gave a wonderful speech about her experience as an IL advocate. She spoke eloquently about the commitment required, the inherent frustrations, but also the rewards. June left us with her favorite quote, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." – Dr. Suess.
Before the luncheon concluded, Kelly Buckland, NCIL’s Executive Director came to the stage for a special announcement. In honor of Max Starkloff, Jim Tuscher, and Helen Roth, three very important advocates that passed away since last year’s Annual Conference, Kelly announced that NCIL will establish a memorial Wall of Fame in NCIL’s office to recognize NCIL Board members and leaders that have passed away.
The 2011 NCIL Annual Conference was a major success, drawing hundreds of dedicated advocates to Washington, DC to fight for equal access and better opportunities for people with disabilities. Headlined by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, the conference served as a platform for the disability community to address some of the most important issues facing the nation.
As cuts to programs like Medicare and Medicaid are being considered by Congress, NCIL advocates stormed the Capitol to directly appeal to legislators in an effort to make the case that our nation’s problems should not be solved by disproportionally placing the burden on people with low incomes and disabilities. NCIL members met with 46% of the Senate and 33% of the House.
During this year’s NCIL Hill visits, members particularly stressed the importance of 3 top concerns expressed by our Legislative & Advocacy Priorities Survey including issues related to the Rehabilitation Act, Healthcare, and Housing. At the 2011 conference NCIL’s top priority was Reauthorization of the Workforce Investment and Rehabilitation Acts, with incorporated language authorizing the creation of a new Independent Living Administration (ILA). Other issues that were addressed include:
- Opposition to the President’s budget proposal suggesting the combination of Parts B & C for federal IL funding
- Consumer preferences for alternatives to institutional care and expansion of Medicaid HCBS programs
- Legislation that is inclusive and supportive of home and community-based services (HCBS) without the imposition of healthcare global caps
- Maintaining and increasing the number of durable medical equipment providers to maximize choice, satisfaction, and availability of equipment and repairs (without adding costs to tax payers)
- Work incentives as they relate to housing policy
- Housing programs in HUD and USDA Rural Development
- Protecting Homes and Communities Act of 2011, H.R. 1477 / S. 489
The advocacy that came out of the 2011 NCIL Annual Conference set the stage for the fights we will wage over the next year. NCIL advocates used this opportunity to strengthen our alliance and consolidate our power to achieve meaningful progress. This was perhaps the most effectively executed conference in NCIL history, only to be rivaled next year when NCIL celebrates its 30th year of leading change.
5) March and Rally on Capitol Hill
On Thursday, July 14, 2011, over seven hundred advocates marched to Capitol Hill as part of the Annual NCIL Conference in Washington, DC. The message from disability advocates was loud and clear as marchers demanded fairness and independence.
As NCIL members rallied in front of the Capitol on the National Mall, this message was echoed by our energized lineup of speakers, including:
- Dan Kessler, NCIL
- Mark Derry, NCIL
- Marca Bristo, Access Living
- Kelly Buckland, NCIL
- Laura Nuss, Office of the Mayor, Washington, DC
- Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)
- Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
- Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA)
- Bruce Darling, ADAPT
- Mark Perriello, AAPD
- Joyce Bender, AAPD
- Shannon Jones, NCIL
Rally speakers fired up the crowd, and legislators including Tom Harkin and Bernie Sanders even stayed afterwards to speak with NCIL members for almost an hour.
The theme of the Rally was particularly influenced by the ongoing debt discussions in DC, which continue to threaten programs vital to the disability community. A clear consensus emerged among the speakers that threats to Medicaid are threats to independence and stability for millions of Americans with disabilities. Leaders in the disability community and our friends in Congress recommitted their efforts to fight the disproportionate targeting of such vital programs, and called on advocates to continue pushing for commonsense solutions that reduce costs without placing unnecessary burdens on people with disabilities.
|
August 1, 2011