Solidarity Forever 2016 Annual Report National Council on Independent Living - NCIL Logo: National Council on Independent Living - Cover Image: NCIL Member Tangikina Moimoi holds signs that say “Solidarity” and “Everybody In” at NCIL’s 2016 Annual Conference on Independent Living. About NCIL The National Council on Independent Living is the longest-running national cross-disability, grassroots organization run by and for people with disabilities. NCIL represents people with disabilities, Centers for Independent Living, Statewide Independent Living Councils, and other organizations that advocate for the human and civil rights of people with disabilities throughout the United States. - NCIL advances independent living and the rights of people with disabilities. - NCIL envisions a world in which people with disabilities are valued equally and participate fully. A Message from the Executive Director In 2016, NCIL celebrated solidarity. The ferocity and passion we witnessed in 2016 left a lasting impression. Internally, we honored the contributions of young people with disabilities and people who bring experiences that are too often marginalized within the disability community and by society at large. Externally, we worked to build relationships with our brothers and sisters across the globe. #Solidarity relies on core principles of Independent Living philosophy. In 2016, we met as equals, ready to learn from our peers across the world and within our Movement. We learned that we have a lot to learn, but also that our potential is greater than we knew. We recognize the urgency with which we must address the issues facing our community. 2017 will be a critical year for our Movement. Frightening changes threaten programs and services for people with disabilities. NCIL will not stay silent as Congress dismantles legislation that allows people with disabilities to live in our homes and in the community. We will take a firm stand against anyone who denies the rights of students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. With your help, we will stop attempts to weaken the Americans with Disabilities Act and erode our civil rights. NCIL continues to provide first class member benefits, including training and technical assistance, insurance benefits, and a world class Annual Conference. Most importantly, NCIL provides its members with representation on Capitol Hill, ensuring that our voices are heard by those with the power to enact our priorities. I hope you will join us as we build a future of independence for all. For these reasons and so many more, I ask that you become a NCIL member. In Washington, DC and in every state, Independent Living advocates will work on every front until we achieve a world in which people with disabilities are truly valued equally and participate fully. Kelly Buckland Image: Photo Strip 1. Photo 1A: A NCIL Member gives the shaka or “hang loose” hand sign from the dance floor at the 2016 Annual Conference. Photo 1B: A NCIL Youth Member laughs deeply from the dance floor. Photo 1C: Billy Altom plays an acoustic guitar in front of the US Capitol. Photo 1D: Keri Gray smiles toward the camera during the 2016 March to the Capitol. Advocacy In 2016 NCIL worked to advance the social, economic, and political equality of people with disabilities by: - working with NCIL committees and membership to submit comments on legislation, rules, and regulations, as well as to communicate with representatives from the Administration and Congress on our positions; - engaging 94 CILs and SILCs to advocate for accessible sample ballots in their counties and states; - meeting with and encouraging the Pew Research Center to include the disability community in their polling on voting, which resulted in the publication of “A Political Profile of Disabled Americans;” - working with other national organizations to build relationships and participating in strategic and collaborative efforts related to the Department of Labor’s Home Care Rule, home and community-based services, and access to medical equipment and technology; - submitting comments on legislation related to SSDI, Adult Protection Services guidance, and the Department of Transportation’s proposed paratransit changes; - actively dialoguing with the Administration for Community Living regarding guidance related to Designated State Entities (DSE) and conducting a survey on the impact of this guidance on CILs and SILCs; - continuing significant advocacy supporting parental rights for people with disabilities, opposing assisted suicide legislation in many states, and opposing sheltered workshops and subminimum wage employment of people with disabilities; - helping craft new regulations on the Air Carriers Access Act regarding accessible restrooms, inflight entertainment and communications, and service animals, including emotional support animals; - participating in meetings and events in order to present the disability community’s perspective on issues including Social Security solvency and reform, Medicaid, mental health reform, autonomous vehicles, transportation networking companies, and the Disability Integration Act; - actively participating on coalitions including the Disability and Aging Collaborative, the Transportation Equity Caucus, the Administration for Community Living’s Interagency Committee on Disability Research Community Living Workgroup, and the National Disability Mentoring Coalition; - testifying in opposition to ADA Notification bills in the House Judiciary Committee; and - working with the Independent Living Administration on regulations, rules, and the transition of the Independent Living program more broadly. Image: A NCIL Youth Member holds a sign that reads “Disability is a natural part of the human experience #NCIL2016”. NCIL Accomplishments In 2016 NCIL was increasingly effective in expanding the work of our members and advocating their issues nationally. - NCIL set a new record for youth membership and participation for the fourth consecutive year. Youth now comprise nearly 10% of NCIL’s membership base! - NCIL members elected Emily Ladau to serve in the newly-created Youth-At-Large Board position. - NCIL received two major grants from the Craig Neilsen Foundation and will “pass-through” over $200,000 to nine CILs around the country in 2016 and 2017. - In partnership with AAPD and Walmart, NCIL reached over 4,000 students, schools, and employers as part of our Disability Mentoring Day Youth Transition Pipeline. - NCIL developed a Youth Transition Coordinators Call to support the youth transition work being done in CILs. - Thanks to the MEAF M