Annual Conference Program Alternate Formats

LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together. Conference Logo features level (fader) switches in blue, green, yellow, and pink. 2025 Annual Conference on Independent Living. NCIL logo features a multi-colored fingerprint in matching colors.

Presented by the National Council on Independent Living

Reminder: Use the language translation plugin at the top of this website to translate any page. If you need a language that is not listed, please contact eleanor@ncil.org.

Hill Report Form

After your Hill Visits, submit your Hill Report Form at ncil.org/report.

Message from the Executive Director

NCIL’s 2025 conference theme, Level Up: Building Tomorrow Together, perfectly aligns with the spirit of the quote, “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” This year’s theme emphasizes that creating a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable world requires collective action and a commitment to continuous progress.

“You are not obligated to complete the work” acknowledges that no single person can do everything. This aligns with Level Up — the idea that while we each have limits, we can always grow, improve, and contribute. Progress is not about perfection but about striving for better together.

NCIL encourages every advocate, ally, and leader to bring their unique skills and energy to the movement, knowing that the collective effort will amplify individual contributions.

“Neither are you free to abandon it” reminds us of our personal responsibility, our obligation to take action. Even though we cannot do it all, our participation is crucial. This aligns with Building Tomorrow Together — which highlights the shared responsibility within the Independent Living movement.

It emphasizes that while systemic change may feel overwhelming, every action — large or small — moves us closer to a better future. Each contribution, whether through advocacy, education, or support, helps lay the foundation for tomorrow.

Together NCIL’s theme and this quote are our Call to Action. It is a powerful reminder that advancing disability rights, justice, and Independent Living requires both individual dedication and collective effort.

Together, we can level up our skills, partnerships, and impact, knowing that while the work may never be fully complete, our contributions today are vital steps toward building the better tomorrow we envision.

I would also like to extend our sincerest thanks to our conference sponsors: Centene; Airbnb; Waymo; CIL Suite; and Microsoft.

Theo Braddy
Executive Director

Image: Theo Braddy Headshot: Theo is a Black man with a bald head and full beard. He is wearing blue glasses and a plaid shirt. The back of his wheelchair is visible behind him.

Use our hashtag! #NCIL2025

Agenda At a Glance

Monday, July 21, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Registration + Exhibits Open (Independence Foyer)
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.: Opening Plenary (Independence A)
10:15 – 11:30 a.m.: Advocacy Updates (Independence A)
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Day on the Hill Prep + Regional Caucuses (Independence A)
12:30 – 2:00 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
2:15 – 2:45 p.m.: March Assembly (11th + G Streets NW)
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.: March to the Capitol
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.: Rally at the Capitol (U.S. Capitol)

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Registration + Exhibits Open (Independence Foyer)
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.: AI for Access: Expanding Possibilities (Independence Ballroom)
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.: Exhibit Fair + Coffee Break Sponsored by Airbnb! (Independence Foyer)
11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Awards Luncheon (Independence Ballroom)
1:45 – 2:30 p.m.: Annual Council Meeting (Independence Ballroom)
2:30 – 3:45 p.m.: Concurrent Workshops 1 (Various locations)
4:00 – 5:15 p.m.: Concurrent Workshops 2 (Various locations)
8:00 – 9:00 p.m.: ADA35: Social Hour (Independence Ballroom)
9:00 – 11:00 p.m.: ADA35: Celebration of Community (Independence Ballroom)

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Registration + Exhibits Open (Independence Foyer)
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.: Concurrent Workshops 3 (Various locations)
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.: Concurrent Workshops 4 (Various locations)
12:00 p.m.: Lunch (on your own)
12:30 p.m.: Hill Visits (U.S. Capitol)
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.: Professional Headshots (Location: Independence Level)

Thursday, July 24, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Registration Open (Independence Foyer)
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.: Concurrent Workshops 5 (Various locations)
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.: Concurrent Workshops 6 (Various locations)
11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Lunch (on your own)
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.: Welcome to the IL Party! (Independence A)
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Closing Plenary + Legislative Debriefing (Independence A)

Full Schedule of Events

For the complete and updated Schedule of Events, see ncil.org/2025-conference/agenda.

Workshops

For complete workshop descriptions, presenter biographies, and materials, see: ncil.org/2025-conference/workshops.

Speakers

View speaker biographies at ncil.org/2025-conference/speakers.

Annual Council Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, July 22, 2025; 1:45 – 2:30 p.m. Eastern

Independence Ballroom; Grand Hyatt Washington

Attend the Annual Council Meeting to hear the results of the elections for Governing Board members. This year, elections were held prior to the conference for: President; Treasurer; 3 Member At-Large positions; and Representatives of Regions 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9.

Please note: the times outlined below are estimated and may occur earlier or later than stated in the agenda.

1:45 p.m.: Call to Order & Welcome (Kent Crenshaw)

1:50 p.m.: Review of Nomination & Election Procedures (John Herring)

1:55 p.m.: Announcement of Elected Executive Committee Positions (John Herring)

President
Treasurer

Announcement of Member At-Large Positions (John Herring)

3 Elected Positions

Announcement of Elected Regional Representative Positions (John Herring)

Regions 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9

2:00 p.m.: Reports

A. Outgoing President: Kent Crenshaw

B. Executive Director: Theo Braddy

C. Vice President: Jeff Hughes

D. Secretary: John Herring

E. Outgoing Treasurer: Jeremy Morris

2:15 p.m.: Acknowledgement of NCIL’s Committees and Subcommittees (Jeff Hughes)

2:20 p.m.: Old Business (Kent Crenshaw)

New Business
Announcements

2:30 p.m.: Adjournment

Map of Independence Level (5B)

After exiting the elevator or escalator, turn left. Proceed 20 feet and the bathrooms will be on your right. Proceed another 15 feet and the registration table and help desk will be on your right. Clockwise, the hallway to Independence BCDE is at 12:00. The registration / help desk is at 3:00. Independence Foyer is to your left, at 9:00. Lafayette / Farragut are at 7:00 and McPherson / Franklin are at 8:30. Washington Boardroom is at 10:30. Independence FGHI is at 11:00. Independence A is at 11:30. The walls between Independence A, Independence FGHI, and Independence BCDE come down to form Independence Ballroom.

Restrooms

All restrooms on Independence Level (5B) will be gender inclusive for the duration of the conference. Additional restrooms are available on Declaration Level (1B) and Constitution Level (3B).

Health & Safety Protocols

By attending the 2025 Annual Conference on Independent Living, you agree to abide by and engage in certain health and safety protocols while attending the conference sessions. Please note, these may be adjusted depending on the current public health environment.

Masks are encouraged, but will be optional this year, pending any unforeseen events. Please plan to bring your own mask if you would like to wear one. Social distancing must be practiced at all Annual Conference activities.

If you have any questions regarding the new protocols, please reach out to jenny@ncil.org.

Onsite Registration

NCIL Member: $350
Non-Member: $450
Youth (26 or younger): $150
Daily Rate – NCIL Member: $130 / day
Daily Rate – Non-member: $175 / day

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.

Tickets

Your ticket to the Awards Luncheon and ADA35 Celebration of Community is your name badge. Tickets to the ADA35 Celebration of Community for any unregistered guests should be purchased in advance.

NCIL Regions by State

Region I (1): Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont. Region I Representative: Steve Higgins.
Region II (2): New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands. Region II Representative: Aaron Baier.
Region III (3): Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia. Region III Representative: Vacant.
Region IV (4): Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee. Region IV Representative Edward Mitchell.
Region V (5): Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin. Region V Representative: Jennifer Kucera.
Region VI (6): Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas. Region VI Representative: Vacant.
Region VII (7): Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska. Region VII Representative: Vacant.
Region VIII (8): Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming. Region VIII Representative: Tami Hoar.
Region IX (9): Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Region IX Representative: Lisa Hayes.
Region X (10): Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington. Region X Representative: Kimberly Meck.

Map of NCIL Regions. List at ncil.org/regions

Do-It-Yourself Sign Kits

Complimentary Do-It-Yourself Sign Kits will be available on the conference floor the morning of Monday, July 21. Please take the kit back to your room and use it to create your signs for the Rally on Monday. Feel free to be creative. Some examples include:

Institutionalization Is No Way to Live!
Disability Is a Natural Part of the Human Condition
I ❤ INDEPENDENT LIVING
35 Years Later — Still Fighting for Basic Rights
Death By 1,000 Budget Cuts
Nothing About Us Without Us
End Institutions. Fund Freedom!
Real Inclusion Requires Real Investment
Fund Freedom, Not Facilities – Protect Medicaid HCBS
People Over Profits
LIVE, LOVE, LEAD ON
Full Community Integration Now
I Roll for Justice
Support Independence. Fund Community Living!
Respect Existence or Expect Resistance
Institutions Are Not Solutions
Our Lives. Our Homes. Our Communities.
Freedom = Living in the Community!
Justice Delayed is Justice Denied
Money Follows the Person — Not the Institution!
SHEESH.
Community Care Saves Lives
Our Homes Not Nursing Homes! #FreeOurPeople
ADA + 504: I Am Equal Too
Don’t Warehouse Me, Bro
Civil Rights Are Not Special Needs
Cure Ableism
Institutions = Cages. Community = Freedom.
Justice Not Just Us
There’s No Place Like Home
Ableism Is Trash

What to Bring

Remember to bring along the following items to ensure your comfort and safety:

attire appropriate for both very hot and chilly temperatures;
repair equipment / tools for your devices; and
any medications or assistive devices you may need during strenuous activity.

Access, Accommodations, & Resources

Environmental / Chemical Sensitivities

Fragrances and chemicals can be barriers to access. To help make this Conference accessible to participants for whom chemicals or fragrances are an access barrier, NCIL requests that you come fragrance free. Please refrain from wearing any scented products or washing with them. This includes clothing that has been laundered with fragranced detergent or fabric softening products. Additionally, please completely air out any dry-cleaned clothing before wearing it to the Conference.

Smoke can also be an access barrier. It is essential that we maintain a smoke-free environment. If you smoke, please use the designated smoking area located outside the Hyatt. Please refrain from smoking near any other doorways or paths of travel. The hotel entrance at 11th Street should be the least polluted with cigarette smoke and vehicle exhaust, although it unfortunately has steps.

Parking

The maximum vehicle height for the garage at the Grand Hyatt is 6’ 6”. Taller vehicles (up to 8’ 2”) may park in the City Center complex, directly across the street from the Grand Hyatt. City Center offers an overnight parking rate of $24 / night, which is less than the rates at the Grand Hyatt.

Sensory Retreat / Quiet Room

During all conference hours, a space is reserved as a quiet zone / sensory retreat. This room is provided for individuals who need a break from overstimulation and / or the large group environment of the conference. Please help us maintain this accommodation. Do not use this space to hold conversations or meetings. The dialogue zone is available for that purpose. Check the Full Schedule of Events for locations at a given time.

Auxiliary Aids & Services

CART captioning, sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, personal assistants, accessible materials, and other services will be provided for all Conference activities. However, participants must arrange their own services for Hill Visits. Congress is responsible for providing interpreters for Hill Visits upon request. Email contact: interpreters@saa.senate.gov.

Local Service Providers

Personal Assistant Services

NCIL’s Personal Assistants will be available during conference hours only. NCIL’s personal assistants are only to be used for basic tasks. If you need more assistance than basic tasks, you will be required to bring your own personal assistant. Personal assistants may attend all conference activities free-of charge but should register to receive a name badge. Use the information below to arrange your own personal assistant service during non-conference hours.

Right at Home Washington DC

Phone: 202-269-0008 / Contact form: https://www.rightathome.net/dc/contact

DC Health Home Care Agen cy Direct ory (PDF): https://bit.ly/3z3NBFw

Wheelchair and Scooter Rental and Repair

ZASK Medical Supply – Alexandria, VA

Phone: 703-354-1266 / Email: info@zaskmedical.com

ScootAround (Rentals only. Delivery available.)

Phone: 1-888-441-7575 / Website: scootaround.com

Express Mobility Services

Phone: 703-346-8796 / Website: expressmobilityservices.com

Scooterplus / Lenox Medical Supply (Rentals only. Delivery available.)

Phone: 1-866 474-4356 or 202-387-1960 / Website: lenoxmedicalsupply.com

Advocate’s Guide to the Hill

Each year, the highlight of the NCIL Annual Conference is the convergence of members from across the nation, who unite on Capitol Hill to share their stories with their Senators and Representatives.

Rally Site

The Rally will take place at the US Capitol in Area 12, next to the Reflecting Pool on Monday, July 21; 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Hill Visits

The afternoon of Wednesday, July 23 has been set aside for Hill Visits. NCIL members are strongly encouraged to meet with their elected officials (or set up virtual meetings where necessary) to discuss pressing issues. These meetings must be arranged in advance. Senators and Representatives set their own policies about whether they are meeting with constituents in-person or virtually. When scheduling meetings, ask about any COVID protocol or practices that are required so that you can be prepared. The public spaces within the Grand Hyatt can be utilized for in-person meetings with elected officials and their staff for those needing a meeting space outside of the Capitol.

Getting to the Capitol

Directions from the Grand Hyatt Hotel to Area 12, next to the Capitol Reflecting Pool:

Depart 11th & G Streets NW.
Travel 2 blocks East on G St. NW.
Turn Right on 9th St. NW, travel 3 blocks South.
Turn Left on Pennsylvania Ave. NW, travel 4 blocks SE.
Proceed to Area 12 of the Capitol Grounds, immediately North of the Capitol Reflecting Pool.

The metro stations at Union Station and South Capitol are located just a few blocks away from the House and Senate office buildings. Union Station is to the North, closest to the Senate office buildings. Capitol South is located to the South, closest to the House office buildings.

Cabs are also readily available near the U.S. Capitol. A limited amount of wheelchair accessible Uber vans are also available in DC. For more information: uber.com/ride/uberwav.

About Your Visit to Capitol Hill

Security Notice: To meet with your elected official, you will have to pass through a security screening in all House and Senate office buildings. You are encouraged to bring photo ID with you on your Capitol Hill Visit.

You will be required to pass through a body scanner. If you are unable to be scanned or uncomfortable, please request a pat down or wand screening. All bags are subject to thorough search and security screening. If you have any of the following items with you on your visit to Capitol Hill, you may not be allowed to visit your representative. Prohibited items include:

Mace and pepper spray
Any sharp or pointed object
Knives of any size, including pocketknives
Cans and bottles
Any bag larger than 14″ wide x 13″ high x 4″ deep (per security discretion)
Weapons of any kind
Non-aerosol spray
Aerosol containers
Signs

This is an abbreviated list. If in doubt, leave it at the hotel!

Tunnels

Both the Senate and the House Office Buildings are connected by underground tunnels. Once you pass through security to either the Senate or the House Office Buildings, you can move about freely between buildings of that office without having to repeatedly go through security. The interconnecting tunnels can be found in the basements of both the Senate and House Office Buildings.

Map of Rally Site

Accessible Entrances

Capitol Building: Public tours enter through the Capitol Visitor Center; Official House business enters on the south side of the Capitol; Official Senate business enters on the north side of the Capitol.
Capitol Visitor Center (CVC): Main entrance at First and East Capitol streets. The CVC also offers an on-demand shuttle and other services.
Cannon House Office Building: Entrance on New Jersey Avenue, SE, south of the terrace at the intersection with Independence Avenue.
Dirksen Senate Office Building: First and C Street entrance.
Ford House Office Building: Entrance on 3rd Street, SW or 2nd Street, SW.
Hart Senate Office Building: Second Street entrance or Constitution Avenue entrance.
Longworth House Office Building: Main entrance, Independence and New Jersey Avenues. Or the South Capitol Street entrance.
O’Neill House Office Building: C Street SW between 2nd and 3rd Streets.

Hill Cafeterias

Have some down time in between appointments once you are in the House or Senate Office Buildings? Both offer a number of places to have everything from a quick snack to a full meal. For more specific information on directions to tunnels, eateries, or to your Representative’s office, feel free to ask Hill staff or security.

Please note that only water is being provided at this year’s Rally.

Senate Office Buildings:

Russell Basement: Coffee and Sandwich Shop
Dirksen Basement: Full Cafeteria – Your best bet on the Hill!

House Office Buildings:

Longworth Basement: Cafeteria
Rayburn Basement: Coffee and Sandwich Shop

There is also a cafeteria located inside the U.S. Capitol Building.

Services on Hill Visits

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 Wednesday, July 24. Congress is responsible for providing interpreters for Hill Visits upon request. The following email contact is provided by the Capitol Visitor Center: interpreters@saa.senate.gov.

Directories of the 119th Congress: First Session

Directory of the Senate: To contact your Senator, use the directory at: senate.gov/senators/contact. Senators are listed alphabetically with their phone numbers, email addresses, and office locations available. You may also find information by calling the Capitol Switchboard at 202-225-3121 or 202-224-3091 (TTY).

Your Senator’s office will be in one of three “Senate Office Buildings” or SOB. They are Dirksen, Hart, and Russell. The room number of your Senator coincides with the floor his or her office is on. If your Senator is located in Hart 302, that office is on the 3rd floor; Dirksen 439, is on the 4th floor; Russell 238 is on the 2nd floor.

Directory of the House of Representatives: To contact your Representative, use the directory at: house.gov/representatives. Representatives are listed alphabetically with their phone numbers, email addresses, and office locations available. You may also find information by calling the Capitol Switchboard at 202-225-3121 or 202-224-3091 (TTY).

Your Representative’s office will be in one of three “House Office Buildings” or HOB. They are Cannon (CHOB), Longworth (LHOB), and Rayburn (RHOB). The room number of your representative coincides with the floor his or her office is on. If your representative is located in Cannon 328, that office is on the 3rd floor. If the office number is more than three digits, disregard the first number and the second number represents the floor your representative’s office is located on. For example, an office listed as Rayburn 2439, is on the 4th floor; Longworth 1721 is on the 7th floor.

Additional Resources

For more help with planning your visit to the Capitol please visit the Capitol Visitor Center’s website: visitthecapitol.gov/plan-visit/visitors-disabilities.