Workshop Classifications
Workshops are classified by target audience: frontline staff & consumers, advocates & project directors, or executive directors & board members. Workshops are also classified as newcomer, experienced, or appropriate for all knowledge levels.
Workshop Tracks
- Emerging Leaders Track: Workshops given by and for emerging leaders in Independent Living. How we can learn from emerging leaders and help develop Independent Living leadership.
- Innovations and Technology Track: Workshops that explore innovative new ideas, strategies, technologies and inventions that work to advance Independent Living philosophy and practice.
- Transformation through Collaboration Track: Workshops looking into diversifying partnerships, growing relationships, and opening funding opportunities.
- Level Up Your Advocacy Track: Workshops addressing advocacy topics and strategies. How we can advance and grow the Independent Living movement through consumer-driven advocacy.
- How To: Make It Happen Track: Workshops that describe challenges and the tactics and solutions presenters used to overcome them. Best practices for newcomers and those wishing to level up their organization’s provision of core services while maintaining Independent Living values.
Concurrent Workshops 1
July 22; 2:30 – 3:45 p.m.
1.1 Developing an IL-Led Funding Formulary
Independence Ballroom
This workshop will focus on the work done in the state of Wisconsin to develop an equitable funding formulary for IL services. This effort was led by the Coalition of Independent Living Centers, and engaged Independent Living Center (ILC), Designated State Unit (DSU) and Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) members in the development of a comprehensive formula. Presenters will share their new formula and discuss how and why they determined their criteria.
1.1 Developing an IL-Led Funding Formulary
- Independence Ballroom
- Innovations and Technology Track
- Target audience: Appropriate for all audiences. Knowledge level: experienced.
This workshop will focus on the work done in the state of Wisconsin to develop an equitable funding formulary for IL services. This effort was led by the Coalition of Independent Living Centers, and engaged Independent Living Center (ILC), Designated State Unit (DSU) and Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) members in the development of a comprehensive formula. Presenters will share their new formula and discuss how and why they determined their criteria.
Presenters
Jason Glozier is the Executive Director for the Wisconsin Coalition of Independent Living Centers. Jason has been involved in disability rights and justice work for the better part of his 40 years, and brings a wealth of knowledge from grassroots organizing to policy and program development.
Jason Beloungy has been the Executive Director of Access to Independence, the CIL in Madison, Wisconsin, since 2019, after having served as Assistant Director since 2010. Before his tenure with Access to Independence, Jason was a Policy Analyst for NCIL in Washington, D.C. Jason got his start in the Independent Living movement in 2004 as an IL Specialist. Additionally, Jason served 5 years as Chair of the Board of Directors for the WI Coalition of Independent Living Centers (WCILC) and has served on the Wisconsin’s SILC. Jason is currently on the Board of Directors for NCIL, where he co-chairs the Advocacy and Public Policy Committee, and chairs their CIL Capacity Committee.
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Workshop 1.1 Presentation (PDF)
SLIDE 1
Conference Logo – LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together. Graphic 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.
2025 Annual Conference on Independent Living
LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together
Presented by the National Council on Independent Living
SLIDE 2
Creating an ILC Led Funding Formulary
Jason Glozier
Executive Director
Wisconsin Coalition of Independent Living Centers
Jason Beloungy
Executive Director
Access to Independence
SLIDE 3: Outline
Background of Wisconsin’s Structure
History of the project
Creating the Formulary
Future uses
SLIDE 4: Background of Wisconsin’s Structure
Wisconsin ILCs created the Wisconsin Coalition of Independent Living Centers in 1994
All 8 of our Centers have been members from day 1
WCILCs board is made up of 16 members (1 director and 1 appointee from each center)
Wisconsin writes its SPIL through a committee structure with representatives from each Center
SLIDE 5: Background of Wisconsin’s Structure of
Wisconsin ILCs became recognized in 2 phases
All Centers are funded through both Federal and State mechanisms
3 Centers get approximately 375K each in federal funding the other 5 get approximately 33.5K
It has been long established that funding is distributed equitably until a base funding threshold is reached
We are only half way to that threshold
SLIDE 6
Switched DSE from Department of Vocational Rehabilitation to Department of Health Services
Currently DSE is housed in the Office for Physical Disabilities and Independent Living (created by an IL Director) under the Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources in the Public Health Division
SLIDE 7: History of the Project
SLIDE 8: Setting the stage
This process occurred over the course of 3 SPIL periods
2019-2021-Defining Underserved Populations
2021-2023(24) -Identifying underserved populations and developing data sets
2025-2027 -Developing and Implementing a formulary
SLIDE 9: Underserved populations
In Wisconsin, “served” means a person with a disability has received Information and Referral (I&R) service and/or has a Consumer Information File (CIF).
no part of the State or any target population segment is “unserved,” meaning in each county at least one I&R service and/or CIF has been provided in each of the eight ILCs’ service areas
With the current resources ILCs receive, the Network is able to provide IL services to 1% of the total number of people with disabilities in 54 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties
SLIDE 10: Underserved populations
Identifying barriers to services
Distance –Some Counties in the State have travel times greater than 3 hours one way
Cultural Competency –Many staff are white and have limited knowledge of disability in different
cultures
Funding –Center base funding levels are about 50% of the required base funding
SLIDE 11: Partnerships
DSE provided access to a State Demographer and provided funding for a GIS specialist to develop data
Led to the “disaster movie” meeting and connection to Department of Administration and State Cartographers Office
All 8 centers received the data developed and chose what they felt would work best
SLIDE 12: Creating the Formulary
Focused on State funding distribution
Many formularies out there look only at population and geospatial data (square milage of counties)
Felt like this did not tell the whole story about why populations are underserved
wanted a formulary that addressed different barriers
SLIDE 13: Development of New Data Sets
Data Sets used throughout the process
2010 Census Data
2023 ACS 5 year Estimate Data
In order to get more relevant data we needed new information
Created two new data sets to be included
Serviceable area
Drive time to assigned ILC
SLIDE 14: Serviceable Area
Serviceable Area is the geographic footprint of where people live and work within a County.
some are much smaller than the county area
some are equal to or larger than the county area
Issues we found with Serviceable areas
because it is based on tax parcels it does not include Tribal
land
Menominee County example
SLIDE 15: Serviceable Area
The Statewide Parcel Mapping Project contains 3.54m points of Data
Covers every taxable piece of property in the state
Is the most complete statewide land use resource
Image: Parcel Map of the state of Wisconsin.
SLIDE 16: Serviceable Area
Wisconsin Land Classifications
Residential (G1)
Commercial (G2)
Manufacturing (G3)
Agricultural (G4)
Undeveloped (G5)
Ag-Forest (G5M)
Productive Forest (G6)
Other (G7)
SLIDE 17: Serviceable Area
Classes used to establish serviceable area
- Any parcels classified with Residential(G1) and/or commercial(G2)
- Excluding Manufacturing(G3), Undeveloped(G5), Ag Forest(G5M), Productive Forest(G6)
- This left any parcel with a classification of G1, G2, including Agricultural (G4) and Other(G7)
SLIDE 18: Drive Time
Image: A map of the state of Wisconsin showing drive times to designated ILC with shortest in dark red and longest in a light peach.
Image: A map of the state of Wisconsin showing drive times to nearest ILC with shortest in dark red and longest in a light peach.
SLIDE 19: Drive Time
Image: Table that list average drive times to nearest ILC, Average Drive Time to Designated Independent Living Center, Average Drive Time to Nearest Independent Living, Average Distance to Designated Independent Living Center and Average Distance to Nearest Independent Living Center.
SLIDE 20: Final Formulary
Image: Table that list Independent Living Centers by county and funding by total population, Total Civilian Noninstitutionalized Population with any Disability, Land Area (Square Miles), Average Drive Time to Designated Independent Living Center ILC (Minutes), and Serviceable Area (Square Miles).
SLIDE 21: Final Formulary
Image: Table that list Independent Living Centers by funding and percentage based on Total Population, All Ages, 2022, Total Civilian Noninstitutionalized Population with any Disability, Land Area (Square Miles), Average Drive Time to Designated ILC (Minutes), Serviceable Area, Total, Share of Allocation, Total Population, All Ages, 2022, Total Civilian Noninstitutionalized Population with any Disability, Existing Funding Share, and Existing funding dollar amount.
SLIDE 22: Final Formulary over Base
Image: Table that list Independent Living Centers by funding and percentage over base by Total Population, All Ages, 2022, Total Civilian Noninstitutionalized Population with any Disability, Land Area (Square Miles), Average Drive Time to Designated ILC (Minutes), Serviceable Area, Total, Share of Allocation, Total Population, All Ages, 2022, Total Civilian Noninstitutionalized Population with any Disability, Existing Funding Share, and Existing funding dollar amount.
SLIDE 23: Current Uses
Making an argument for greater State funding
This doesn’t go into effect until base funding level is met
Demonstrating where deficiencies exist
Showing how the current funding structure works
SLIDE 24: Future Uses
Redrawing ILC regions for better coverage
Establishing branch or satellite offices
Rebalancing funding levels through data priorities
Planning for Future growth
Image: A map of the state of Wisconsin showing drive times to nearest ILC with shortest in dark red and longest in a light peach.
SLIDE 25: Questions
1.2 BASE Film Extravaganza: Community Partnership through Film and Connection to the Arts
Lafayette / Farragut
The presentation seeks to teach IL center staff about tools to increase innovative programming, unique community collaborations; thus, spotlighting our BASE Film Extravaganza program. The objectives of the BASE Film Extravaganza include: 1) Teach consumers with wide-ranging disabilities how films are created through writing scripts, directing, acting, running professional grade camera, sound, lighting, audio equipment, and editing. Participants have developed skills in lighting, special effects, prop design, and staging through this project. 2) Provide consumers with disabilities opportunities to build filmmaking skills that lead to internships and employment with local film production companies.
1.2 BASE Film Extravaganza: Community Partnership through Film and Connection to the Arts
- Lafayette / Farragut
- Innovations and Technology Track
- Target audience: Frontline staff & consumers. Appropriate for all knowledge levels.
The presentation seeks to teach IL Center staff about tools to increase innovative programming, unique community collaborations; thus, spotlighting our BASE Film Extravaganza program. The objectives of the BASE Film Extravaganza include: 1) Teach consumers with wide-ranging disabilities how films are created through writing scripts, directing, acting, running professional grade camera, sound, lighting, audio equipment, and editing. Participants have developed skills in lighting, special effects, prop design, and staging through this project. 2) Provide consumers with disabilities opportunities to build filmmaking skills that lead to internships and employment with local film production companies.
Presenters
Gavin Workman graduated from college with a bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in fine arts in the spring of 2012. Since, he has worked as a vocational rehabilitation employment specialist, client services supervisor for Bridges of Montana, and has been with Summit Independent Center since 2021. Gavin assists with running programing at Summit’s all ages all abilities social engagement center BASE, teaching IL skills classes at local high schools, disability etiquette trainings for local schools and businesses, founded and runs a weekly all abilities art group, and assists with teaching film production skills for the BASE Film Extravaganza program. He has co-facilitated 6 presentations at Montana statewide conferences and co-facilitated a conference session at the 2023 APRIL conference.
John Howard has been a driving force in inclusive filmmaking and disability advocacy since 2015. As the BASE Coordinator for Montana Summit ILC, he developed and manages the BASE Extravaganza Film Program, where people with disabilities create, write, direct, and act in original short films. He also oversees all-abilities programs, including improv, stage combat, and game nights. With a Bachelor’s in Media Arts (2009), John has worked on over 40 short films in various roles, including directing, editing, and practical effects. He has collaborated with the Montana Film Festival, Treasure State Studios, and The Rural Institute to expand accessible filmmaking opportunities. John has managed programs funded by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, ensuring greater accessibility in film and the arts. Additionally, he has presented on inclusive filmmaking at national conferences, worked with Camp Horror Film Festival to feature all-abilities shorts, and spent years managing live events, film screenings, and comedy showcases.
1.3 Accessible Marketing 101: Reaching Everyone, Every Time
Franklin / McPherson
This workshop provides a high-level overview of how Centers for Independent Living can apply accessibility best practices across all areas of marketing. From websites and social media to email campaigns, events, and print materials, attendees will learn practical strategies to ensure their messaging is inclusive and effective. Gain valuable insights to help your organization engage with and reach all audiences, including people with disabilities, every time.
1.3 Accessible Marketing 101: Reaching Everyone, Every Time
- Franklin / McPherson
- How To: Make It Happen Track
- Appropriate for all audiences and knowledge levels.
This workshop provides a high-level overview of how Centers for Independent Living can apply accessibility best practices across all areas of marketing. From websites and social media to email campaigns, events, and print materials, attendees will learn practical strategies to ensure their messaging is inclusive and effective. Gain valuable insights to help your organization engage with and reach all audiences, including people with disabilities, every time.
Presenter
Susan Larsen is an accessible marketing specialist and founder of Susan Larsen Marketing, dedicated to helping organizations create inclusive communications. With over a decade of experience in marketing and a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) credential, Susan partners with CILs, SILCs, and other mission-driven organizations to ensure their websites, social media, and outreach materials meet accessibility standards. She is a member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, NCIL, APRIL, and a proud member of the Leadership Baltimore County cohort for 2025. Susan is passionate about promoting accessibility and inclusion, equipping organizations to engage diverse audiences effectively while building trust and impact.
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Workshop 1.3 Presentation (PDF)
SLIDE 1
Conference Logo – LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together. Graphic 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.
2025 Annual Conference on Independent Living
LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together
Presented by the National Council on Independent Living
SLIDE 2: Title Slide
Accessible Marketing 101
Reaching Everyone, Every Time
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Susan Larsen
Susan Larsen Marketing, LLC
SLIDE 3: Meet Susan Larsen
Founder, Susan Larsen Marketing, LLC
20+years marketing experience. 5+ in accessible marketing.
Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP)
Image: Susan Larsen is a white woman with long, straight, light brown hair. She is wearing dark-rimmed glasses, a black pearl necklace, and a black top.
Image: IAAP Certified CPACC badge indicating Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals. The badge features white text on a dark blue circle with a red border.
SLIDE 4: Meet the Presenter, cont’
- Founded Susan Larsen Marketing, LLC in 2020
- Clients include:
- Centers for Independent Living (CILs)
- Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs)
- Other Disability Service Organizations
- Businesses & Nonprofits
Images: logos for the following organizations.
The Arc Howard County. Orange and yellow swoosh forming an arc above the text “The Arc Howard County.”
North Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council (NCSILC). Blue logo with stylized figures and text reading “NCSILC NC Statewide Independent Living Council.”
Independence Now. Teal logo with a person in a wheelchair forming the letters “IN,” above the words “Independence Now.”
The IMAGE Center. Orange gear and pixel-style blocks with disability access icons surrounding the text “The IMAGE Center.”
The Freedom Center. Circular logo with red, gold, and blue swooshes forming a stylized person, surrounded by the text “The Freedom Center – Empowering People with Disabilities.”
Accessible Resources for Independence. Triangle-shaped logo with a stylized blue ramp and arrow, labeled “Accessible Resources Independence.”
SLIDE 5: Services
- Contract marketing support for disability service organizations
- Consulting services to businesses and nonprofits
- Accessibility best practices in all digital communications
- 508/WCAG compliance for websites
Image: Logo for Susan Larsen Marketing featuring a stylized “S” formed by abstract human figures in purple and teal, with the business name below in white text.
SLIDE 6: Learning Objectives
Today’s Goal
Empower your organization to integrate accessibility into your marketing channels.
What You’ll Learn:
- What is Accessibility & Why It Matters
- Key Elements of Accessible Marketing
— Intro to WCAG & Sec. 508
— Contrast & Color
— Font Size & Readability
— Heading Syntax
— Alt Text
— Practical Tools & Resources - Q&A
SLIDE 7: What is Accessibility?
- Accessibility means designing content and tools so that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use and understand them.
- It’s about removing barriers—not just adding accommodations later.
SLIDE 8: What is Accessibility? cont’
Accessibility supports people with a range of needs:
- Cognitive (e.g., memory, attention)
- Sensory (e.g., vision, hearing)
- Motor (e.g., limited mobility, dexterity)
- Speech and communication
- Invisible disabilities (e.g., chronic illness, neurodivergence)’
TIP: Accessibility improves usability for everyone – including older adults, people using mobile devices, or those in noisy environments.
SLIDE 9: The POUR Principles
The 4 Core Principles of Accessibility (POUR):
- Perceivable: Information must be presented in ways users can detect (e.g., alt text, captions).
- Operable: Users must be able to navigate and interact (e.g., keyboard navigation).
- Understandable: Content and interface should be clear and predictable.
- Robust: Content must work across devices, platforms, and assistive technologies.
SLIDE 10: The POUR Principles cont’
- POUR is the foundation of digital accessibility.
- If your content meets these four standards, you’re on the right track.
- Accessibility is not a one-time task. It’s an ongoing process, and POUR helps guide that process.
SLIDE 11: Why Accessible Marketing Matters
- 1 in 4 U.S. adults (61 million people) identify as having a disability. (CDC, 2020)
- Disability crosses all other demographic categories: race, gender, age, and income.
- Making your marketing accessible means it reaches more people.
SLIDE 12: Accessibility Boosts Visibility
- Accessible websites and alt text on images enhances SEO (Google)
- Captions improve watch time and engagement of videos, signaling to algorithms that your content is valuable which improves reach.
- “Adding captions to your Facebook videos can increase view time by 12% on average.” (3PlayMedia, 2020)
SLIDE 13: Accessibility Boosts Visibility, cont’
- The more people who can access and engage with your content, the broader your potential audience and engagement pool.
- This indirectly supports better engagement metrics (likes, shares, comments), which feed the algorithms.
- BOTTOM LINE: Accessibility improves the conditions that lead to better performance.
SLIDE 14: The Legal Framework
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
- Title II: Requires state/local governments to provide accessible communications
- Title III: Applies to “places of public accommodation,” which Title III can include websites
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act:
- Requires federal agencies and contractors to make all electronic communications accessible (Section508.gov)
- Covers websites, social media, PDFs, email, and more (access-board.gov)
SLIDE 15: The Legal Framework, cont’
- Being out of compliance puts organizations at risk or lawsuits and complaints
- In 2023, over 4,600 federal website accessibility lawsuits were filed under the ADA—a number that has steadily increased year over year. (UsableNet, 2023): https://info.usablenet.com/thank-you-2023-end-of-year-report-on-digital-accessibility-lawsuits?submissionGuid=4e9b8367-9ea1-4972-9765-3453f8503a7e
- Organizations offering services without accessible digital content may face legal risk or lose trust.
SLIDE 16: Where Accessibility Matters
- Websites & Digital Content
- Social Media
- Videos
- Emails / E-Newsletters
- Digital Documents (PDFs, Microsoft Documents)
- Print Materials
If it communicates a message, it should be accessible.
SLIDE 17: Website Accessibility Basics – WCAG & Section 508
- WCAG: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (W3C)
- Defines standards to make content Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR)
- Latest version: WCAG 2.2, released October 2023
- Section 508: U.S. law requiring accessible digital content for federal agencies and contractors
- Uses WCAG as the technical standard for compliance
- Resources: w3.org/WAI | section508.gov
SLIDE 18: Website Accessibility Basics – WCAG & Section 508 cont’
- If your organization receives federal funding (like most CILs), you are legally required to comply with Section 508.
- PRO TIP: When hiring a developer, be clear that your website must meet WCAG 2.2 standards to be 508 compliant.
SLIDE 19: Website Accessibility Basics – IMPORTANT WARNING!
- Accessibility overlays and plugins are not a substitute for proper compliance. True accessibility must be built into the website itself.
- These tools often fail to fix core accessibility issues and can interfere with screen readers & keyboard navigation
- Real accessibility comes from using proper code, design, and structure, paired with an accessibility statement
SLIDE 20: Contrast & Color
- Ensure a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1.
- Avoid relying solely on color to convey information.
WCAG Section on Color Contrast: https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/Understanding/contrast-minimum.html
SLIDE 21: Contrast Ratio
Web AIM Contrast Checker
Image: Very light gray background with white text that says, “This is an example of poor color contrast. Contrast Ratio 1.41:1.
Image: Navy blue background with white text that says, “This is an example of good color contrast. Contrast Ratio 8.13:1.
SLIDE 22: Avoid Reliance on Color Alone
Standard Vision
Image: White background with the word “ERROR” in red text above the word “ANNOUNCEMENT” in green text.
Deuteranopia
Image: White background with the word “ERROR” in yellowish-green text above the word “ANNOUNCEMENT” in green text.
Best Practice
Image: White background with the word “ERROR” in red text accompanied by an icon of a white exclamation point in a red circle. This appears above the word “ANNOUNCEMENT” in green text accompanied by a green bullhorn icon.
SLIDE 23: Font Size & Readability
- Use a minimum font size of 12 to 14pt for body text
- Ensure sufficient line spacing (1.5x preferred)
- Choose readable fonts (sans-serif preferred)
SLIDE 24: Selecting Fonts
Source: webaim.org
White background with two sentences in different fonts. The first sentence says, “This typeface is complex and more difficult to read.” written in a highly decorative script-style font. The second sentence says, “This typeface is simpler and easier to read.” In a less-decorative serif font.
White background with black text demonstrating the character ambiguity of different fonts. The first example compares the capital letters “C” and “O” with one “C” appearing more closed and like an “O” than the “C” in a different font. The second example does the same using the lowercase “e” and “o.”
White background with black text comparing ambiguity of the characters capital “I,” lowercase “l,” and the number “1” in two different fonts. In the first example, the I, l, and 1 all appear as vertical lines. In the second example, the characters are differentiated by serifs.
Source: webaim.org
SLIDE 25: Heading Syntax
- Heading syntax refers to the structured use of headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to organize content
- These headings create a logical outline of your content for screen readers and search engines
- Not the same as bold or large font—they must be properly coded or tagged
SLIDE 26: Why Heading Structure Matters
- Helps screen reader users navigate quickly between sections
- Allows users to skim content efficiently
- Improves SEO and content indexing
- Ensures a consistent experience across devices and assistive tech
SLIDE 27: Heading Syntax Structure
- H1: Page title (**only 1 H1 tag per page)
- H2: Section heading
- H3: Subsection under H2
Rule: Skipping heading levels (e.g., H1 to H4) can confuse assistive technologies.
SLIDE 28: Heading Syntax – Example
H1: 2024 NCIL Annual Conference Program**
**Only one H1 per page. This is the main title.
H2: Keynote Speakers
H3: Theo Braddy – Opening Remarks
H3: Judy Heumann Memorial Tribute
H2: Workshops & Sessions
H3: Accessible Marketing 101
H4: Presenter: Susan Larsen, CPACC
H3: Disability Policy Update
H3: Peer Mentoring for Youth with Disabilities
SLIDE 29: How to Apply Heading Syntax
- Use built-in heading styles, not just formatting
- In Word, PowerPoint, and Google Docs: use “Styles” panel
- In emails and e-newsletters: use platform settings
- In PDFs: use Adobe Acrobat’s accessibility tools
- In HTML: use actual , , etc. tags
SLIDE 30: Alt Text for Images
- Brief, descriptive text for images.
- Makes visual content accessible to users who can’t see images, screen-reader users
- Improves SEO, context, and engagement
- Keep descriptions concise but meaningful.
- Avoid phrases like ‘Image of’ or “Picture of.”
- Use tools like Microsoft Accessibility Checker
Image: Icon for Microsoft’s Accessibility Checker.
SLIDE 31: Writing Alt Text
1.Image of a dog.
2.A dog running in a field.
3.A golden retriever running in a field of green grass.
>> SLIDE 32: Alt Text for Data Visuals
Alt Text: A bar graph showing a 20% increase in sales.
SLIDE 33: Decorative Images
Image: Screengrab of Microsoft’s Alt Text field that shows the checkbox to mark an image as decorative.
Image: A flyer for accessible healthcare assistance with several triangular design elements. Triangles are decorative elements.
SLIDE 34: Alt-text – Context
“Cosmic Cliffs”
Source: webbtelescope.org
The image is divided horizontally by an undulating line between a cloudscape forming a nebula along the bottom portion and a comparatively clear upper portion. Speckled across both portions is a starfield, showing innumerable stars of many sizes. The smallest of these are small, distant, and faint points of light. The largest of these appear larger, closer, brighter, and more fully resolved with 8-point diffraction spikes. The upper portion of the image is blueish, and has wispy translucent cloud-like streaks rising from the nebula below. The orangish cloudy formation in the bottom half varies in density and ranges from translucent to opaque. The stars vary in color, the majority of which, have a blue or orange hue. The cloud-like structure of the nebula contains ridges, peaks, and valleys – an appearance very similar to a mountain range. Three long diffraction spikes from the top right edge of the image suggest the presence of a large star just out of view.
SLIDE 35: Alt Text – Things to Keep in Mind
- Method to embed alt text and character limits vary by platform
- Don’t over-focus on identity unless it’s relevant to the content
- AI tools like ChatGPT can help write or refine alt text
- Tools to catch missing alt-text: WAVE, Microsoft/Adobe accessibility checkers
SLIDE 36: Practical Tools and Resources
- WebAIM Contrast Checker
- Microsoft Accessibility Checker
- AI / Alt Text Generators (ChatGPT) WCAG
- ADA National Network / US Access Board
- State / Local Department of Disabilities
- International Association of Accessibility Professionals NVDA / JAWS
SLIDE 37: Thank You!
Image: Susan Larsen.
SLIDE 38
Questions?
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Concurrent Workshops 2
July 22; 4:00 – 5:15 p.m.
2.1 Collaboration Across the Aging and Disability Networks to Meet the Need of Americans Aging with Long-term Disabilities: Examples of Success and Opportunities for Improvement
Independence Ballroom
Approximately 14% of Americans between 35 and 59 live with a disability. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) sought to better understand the nature and extent of the partnerships between the aging and disability networks in their support of this population to remain living safely in their homes and communities as they age. ACL, with RTI International, conducted six in-person site visits, interviewing representatives from the CILs, aging network, and broader partners to shed light on elements of collaboration, examples of successful partnership, and considerations for improvement. Study results indicate that while some elements of coordination are well established, there are also areas for improvement.
2.1 Collaboration Across the Aging and Disability Networks to Meet the Need of Americans Aging with Long-term Disabilities: Examples of Success and Opportunities for Improvement
- Independence Ballroom
- Transformation through Collaboration Track
- Appropriate for all audiences and knowledge levels.
Approximately 14% of Americans between 35 and 59 live with a disability. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) sought to better understand the nature and extent of the partnerships between the aging and disability networks in their support of this population to remain living safely in their homes and communities as they age. ACL, with RTI International, conducted six in-person site visits, interviewing representatives from the CILs, aging network, and broader partners to shed light on elements of collaboration, examples of successful partnership, and considerations for improvement. Study results indicate that while some elements of coordination are well established, there are also areas for improvement.
Presenters
Meredith Raymond: As a Deputy Program Analyst for the Administration for Community Living, Meredith Raymond has subject matter expertise in health, aging, and disability policy. Meredith’s roots are in the independent living movement and prior to ACL, she directed and managed a case management agency and nursing home transition program in Silver Spring, Maryland. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis.
Jennifer Howard: As gerontologist with RTI International, Dr. Jennifer Howard’s research focuses on the intersection of disability and aging. She currently serves as Project Director of the Administration for Community Living’s (ACL’s) Rapid Cycle Research and Evaluation contract, under which she has led multiple disability-focused projects on behalf of ACL. In her previous role as Research Associate for IMPAQ International, her projects focused on long-term services and supports, including the development and refinement of a national set of indicators to measure states’ progress in rebalancing their LTSS systems for people with disabilities and older adults. Dr. Howard’s previous experience in disability program and policy-related research also includes overseeing a national disability organization’s research agenda. She holds a PhD in Gerontology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
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Workshop 2.1 Presentation (PDF)
SLIDE 1
Conference Logo – LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together. Graphic 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.
2025 Annual Conference on Independent Living
LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together
Presented by the National Council on Independent Living
SLIDE 2
Collaboration Across the Aging and Disability Networks to Meet the Need of Americans Aging with Long-term Disabilities: Examples of Success and Future Possibilities
July 22, 2025
Edward Ahern
Peter Nye
This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS’s) Administration for Community Living (ACL) and conducted by RTI International under contract number: HHSP233201500039I / 75P00120F37027.
The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to HHS or ACL. Funders do not determine research findings or the insights and opportunities of the
authors.
SLIDE 3
Background
SLIDE 4
Background
SLIDE 5 Shifting Demographics
- People age 65 and older are expected to represent approximately 22% of the population by 2040. (Footnote 1)
- The estimated population of 12 to 15 million Americans aging with disabilities (AwD) is expected to grow, (Footnote 2) reflecting general population aging trends and for some
conditions, medical advances. (Footnote 3)
SLIDE 6 Supporting Adults AwD
- Maintaining independence is key for many adult AwD who experienced the onset of their disability at birth, in early childhood, or before middle age. (Footnote 2,4,5,6)
- Although services and supports for older adults and people with disabilities often overlap, adults aging with disabilities experience unique needs.
SLIDE 7 AwD Project Description
- Project Purpose
— Provide ACL with a better understanding of how the aging and disability networks provide supports and work together to help people aging with disabilities remain living safely in their homes and communities.
SLIDE 8 AwD Project Description (continued)
Research Questions
- How does the literature describe the community-based supports and services available to meet the needs of aging adults with disabilities?
2.To what extent do the ACL-funded aging and disability networks capture systems-level data or metrics related to service eligibility, needs, and use of this population?
SLIDE 9 AwD Project Description (continued)
- What, if any, improvements to the ACL-funded aging and disability networks are required to ensure that adults aging with disabilities are receiving the services and supports they need to stay independent at home?
- What examples exist of successful collaboration among the ACL-funded aging and disability networks?
- What are the barriers and facilitators to positive and long-term engagement in the ACL-funded aging and disability networks for adults aging with a disability?
SLIDE 10
Project Activities
- Conduct scoping review
- Select sites and prepare for site visits
Phase 1
This slide summarizes the activities undertaken during each of the two phases of the project.
The first box, describes Phase 1. The phase 1 activities included a scoping review and site selection and site visit preparation. The second box, described Phase 2. The phase 2 activities included collecting and analyzing data from six site visits which included an average of 11 interviews per site.
SLIDE 11
Phase 2
Study Methods
SLIDE 12
Study Methods Phase 1
Scoping Review
Two boxes listing the methods for the activities undertaken under Phase 1 of the project, the scoping review of the literature and selecting sites and preparing for site visits. For the scoping review, the team reviewed both peer-reviewed and grey literature, screening titles, abstract, and full texts. Thirty-eight publications were included.
To select the sites, ACS aging data for 2017-2021 and AAA/CIL lists were used. Six sites were randomly selected via census region stratification. Once the sites were identified, state policies and organizations’ websites were reviewed. Site visits were coordinated with CIL and AAA points of contact.
Site Selection and Preparation
- Conducted Site Selection
- Used ACS Aging Data(2017-2021) & AAA/CIL lists
- Randomly selected six sites via Census region stratification
- Prepared for Site Visits
- Conducted website& policy reviews
- Developed protocols
- Coordinated visits with CIL/AAA points of contact
Two boxes listing the methods for the activities undertaken under Phase 2 of the project, the site visits and data analysis. The sites were recruited with the support of AoA and AoD staff via email and phone. In total, 64 interviews were conducted with CIL and AAA program staff and CIL and AAA partners. Site visits spanned 2-3 days per site visit. Interviews conducted during the site visits were recorded and transcribed. Transcriptions were coded using NVivo12. Twenty percent of transcripts were double-coded until an inter-rather reliability of 80% was met. Themes and supporting quotes were document in an RTI-developed tool and were reviewed and refined through team consensus before quality checked with AI software.
SLIDE 14
Site Visit Findings and Promising Practices
SLIDE 15 Data Collection and Sharing Findings
- Aging and disability networks are collecting data on program eligibility, service needs, and usage.
- Disability date of onset or duration data were more often reported to be collected by CILs than AAAs unless needed for program eligibility.
- Disability onset or duration data collected were not used to identify individuals on the cusp of eligibility for aging services and supports.
- Cross-network data sharing approaches and frequencies varied.
SLIDE 16 Promising Practices in Data Collection and Sharing
- Among the six participating sites, three reported using a data system to support cross-network collaboration. These systems facilitate referrals, track service provision, and ensure coordination among service providers.
- One site’s data network connects a range of community providers, including aging and disability network providers, and behavioral and social services, to streamline referrals, enhance case management, prevent duplication, and improve service tracking. Network participants select a tier of participation in the system; some function solely as referral receivers, while others can both send and receive referrals.
Both the CIL and AAA participate in the data network.
SLIDE 17 Cross-network Collaboration Findings
- Collaboration is happening through the provision of I&A/I&R, coordinated service delivery, and staff networking, but it is often inconsistent and informal.
- Organizations have many examples of successful collaborations that provide important insight.
- Organizations are not located near one another, creating physical separation and potentially introducing additional access barriers for individuals.
SLIDE 18 Promising Practices in Cross-network Collaboration
- Collaborative Advocacy
- At one site, the CIL, AAA, and an aging network partner worked together to encourage an expansion of the city’s requirements to allow for home modifications (i.e., ramps) under the city’s home repair program.
- Sharing Programs or Funding
- One site described blending funding to meet consumer needs. For example, the AAA has flexibility in defining home modifications, but the program only allows up to $300 per person and this amount hasn’t increased in years and is often insufficient. If the funds are insufficient, the AAA will combine funds with resources from other organizations,
including the CIL, to support the consumer.
- One site described blending funding to meet consumer needs. For example, the AAA has flexibility in defining home modifications, but the program only allows up to $300 per person and this amount hasn’t increased in years and is often insufficient. If the funds are insufficient, the AAA will combine funds with resources from other organizations,
SLIDE 19 Promising Practices in Cross-network Collaboration (continued)
Collaboration/coordination for complicated cases
At one site, the AAA described working across the networks to assist a client find services for his mother who was transitioning out of a nursing home. The case was complicated because it involved APS as well. The AAA collaborated with the social worker at the facility, the senior center, and the CIL. The partners worked together to get the client educated on how to care for his mother, access transportation to and from specialist appointments, and get their house more wheelchair friendly.
“It was awesome coming together and working to get this lady back in her home with her son like she wanted.”
SLIDE 20 Barriers and Facilitators Findings
Network- and individual-level barriers and facilitators can significantly impede or improve access to supports and services.
- Barrier examples:
- Complexity accessing available supports and services
- Transportation
- Organizational silos
- Funding shortages
- Facilitator examples:
- Collaboration of the aging and disability networks
- Awareness of available supports and services
- Simplified self-referral and application processes
SLIDE 21 Promising Practices in Overcoming a Barrier
- Complexity accessing available supports and services
— At one site, through a joint decision of best fit, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program was relocated from the AAA to the CIL (where it is currently housed). Since the program’s relocation, the Ombudsman staff have been able to easily refer Money Follows the Person participants to the CIL for assistance with Medicaid applications, which has resulted in timely and accurately completed applications.
SLIDE 22
Possibilities
SLIDE 23 Possibilities for AAAs & CILs
- Data Collection and Sharing:
- Consistently collecting date of disability onset or duration and sharing across networks.
- Sharing data/referral systems and interoperable tools.
SLIDE 24 Possibilities for AAAs & CILs
- Cross-network Collaboration:
- Setting aside organizational operating resources to better align AAAs’ and CILs’ goals, service objectives, and staff for selected target population.
- Looking for opportunities for co-location (e.g., when leases are up).
- Offering frequent opportunities for staff to collect, review, and disseminate successful local innovations.
SLIDE 25 Possibilities for AAAs and CILs
- Cross-network Collaboration (Continued):
- Holding local cross-system discussions and routine check-ins.
- Cross-training staff and ensuring frontline staff are familiar with cross-network resources.
- Sharing referral protocols and co-enrollment strategies to reduce duplication and improve client/consumer pathways across networks.
SLIDE 26 Possibilities for AAAs & CILs
- Overcoming Some Barriers:
- Identifying a point of contact to help individuals aging with disabilities navigate supports and services across networks, apply for supports and services, and understand eligibility.
- Looking for ways for the networks to collaborate, such as universal design in local housing initiatives.
- Supporting mobile and virtual service delivery models, especially in rural areas.
SLIDE 27
Conclusions and Study Limitations
SLIDE 28 Conclusions
- This study provides a useful snapshot of current approaches to supporting adults aging with long-term disabilities.
- The networks aim to serve all older adults and people with disabilities—but gaps exist in efforts targeting adults aging with disabilities.
- The aging and disability networks may benefit from opportunities to learn from their peers on ways to better support adults aging with disabilities.
SLIDE 29 Study Limitations
- Interview data are not generalizable. The experiences of those who participated in our study are specific to those individuals and site and may not reflect all aging and
disability networks. - These findings also only reflect participants’ experiences during a snapshot in time.
SLIDE 30 References
- Administration for Community Living. (2023). 2023 Profile of older Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/Profile%20of%20OA/ACL_ProfileOlderAmericans2023_508.pdf
- LaPlante, M. P. (2014). Key goals and indicators for successful aging of adults with early-onset disabilities. Disability and Health Journal, 7(1), S15–S23.
- Molton, I. R., & Ordway, A. (2019). Aging with disability: Populations, programs, and the new paradigm, an introduction to the special issue. Journal of Aging and Health,31(10_suppl), 3S–20S.
- Putnam, M., & Frieden, L. (2014). Sharpening the aim of long-term services and supports policy. Public Policy & Aging Report. 24. 60-64.
- Putnam, M. (2017). Reducing the shared burden of chronic conditions among persons aging with disability and older adults in the United States through bridging aging and disability. Healthcare, 5(3), 56.
- Verbrugge, L. M., & Yang, L. (2002). Aging with disability and disability with aging. Journal of Disability Policy Studies,12(4), 253-267.
SLIDE 31
Questions?
2.2 Importance of Individualized Reentry Plans for Individuals with Disabilities
Lafayette / Farragut
Participants will learn about one Center for Independent Living, what an IRP (individualized reentry plan) is, and why it is necessary for successful reentry for individuals with disabilities. Presenters will discuss the statistics of individuals with disabilities who are in the justice system.
2.2 Importance of Individualized Reentry Plans for Individuals with Disabilities
- Lafayette / Farragut
- Innovations and Technology Track
- Appropriate for all audiences and knowledge levels.
Participants will learn about one Center for Independent Living, what an IRP (individualized reentry plan) is, and why it is necessary for successful reentry for individuals with disabilities. Presenters will discuss the statistics of individuals with disabilities who are in the justice system.
Presenters
Sharif Brown is the youngest of 19 children and was born and raised in Queens, NYC. Sharif started working with the disabled population in 1996. Sharif relocated to North Carolina in 2016 and started a pre- and post-release reentry program with Alliance of Disability Advocates.
Wayne Bell is former military and a 20+ year postal worker. Wayne has been doing in-reach into prisons through his ministry for over 10 years.
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Logo: ADA – ALLIANCE OF DISABILITY ADVOCATES
JUSTICE:
RELEASE, RE-ENTRY, and RE-INTEGRATION
RE-ENTRY PROJECT
SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION AFTER INCARCERATION
People who experience a disability deserve equal opportunities and are the best experts at determining what’s best for them.
INDIVIDUAL RE-ENTRY PROGRAM
Our Community Inclusion Specialists establish relationships with justice-involved individuals, listen to their goals for re-entry, and develop an Individualized Re-entry Plan (IRP) that centers on empowering individuals in their goals for success.
WHAT WE’RE HERE FOR
The main goal of the Re-entry Program is to reduce recidivism such that at least 80% of participants live in the community successfully.
3725 NATIONAL DRIVE
SUITE 105
RALEIGH, NC 27612
ADANC.ORG
919-833-1117
Image: A person working under the hood of a car.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Housing Referrals
- Employment Assistance
- Access to Programs (SUITcessful, Food Pantry, etc.)
- Benefits Assistance & Counseling
- Free Access to Individualized GED Training & Testing
- Independent Living Skills Training
- Behavioral/Mental Health Resource Information
- Peer Recovery Support Services & Mentoring
Despite the frequent success stories of former inmates building successful lives, research continues to show that as many as 75% of justice-involved individuals find themselves back in the criminal justice system within the first year.
Facebook: ALLIANCECIL
Instagram: @ADANCOFFICIAL
Cancelled – 2.3 Leveling Up the Next Generation: Building Disabled Teens
This workshop is cancelled.
2.3 Leveling Up the Next Generation: Building Disabled Teens Through Mentorship and Leadership Development
- Franklin / McPherson
- Emerging Leaders Track
- Appropriate for all audiences and knowledge levels.
This workshop will focus on equipping mentors, educators, and community leaders with the tools to help disabled youth “level up” their leadership development. Through mentoring strategies and actionable tips, we’ll explore how to support teens in growing their self-advocacy, leadership skills, and resilience.
Presenters
Leah Smith is the Associate Director of the National Center for Disability, Equity, and Intersectionality. For the past decade, she has also co-facilitated Her Power! This 4-day event is for teen girls with disabilities and explores issues around disability and media representation, self- acceptance, and leadership skills.
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Concurrent Workshops 3
July 23; 9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
3.1 Leveraging Additional Funding and Support: Leveling Up Sustainability
Independence Ballroom
Many CILs are seeking to expand services and bring in additional funding to support their work. In this interactive session, presenters will share effective strategies for identifying funding sources, partners, and opportunities to build or expand employment, youth transition and other related services. Presenters will highlight strategic partnerships, provide resources on how funders can braid and sequence funding to support employment, and facilitate a dialogue with participants on needed resources and support.
3.1 Leveraging Additional Funding and Support: Leveling Up Sustainability
- Independence Ballroom
- Transformation through Collaboration Track
- Appropriate for all audiences and knowledge levels.
Many CILs are seeking to expand services and bring in additional funding to support their work. In this interactive session, presenters will share effective strategies for identifying funding sources, partners, and opportunities to build or expand employment, youth transition and other related services. Presenters will highlight strategic partnerships, provide resources on how funders can braid and sequence funding to support employment, and facilitate a dialogue with participants on needed resources and support.
Presenters
Rebecca Salon is a Senior Advisor on the LEAD Center/WIOA Policy Development Center at National Disability Institute. She was Project Director of the LEAD Center for over six years, starting in 2013. Rebecca also works at the District of Columbia’s Department on Disability Services (DDS) on projects related to Employment First, was Project Director for DC’s No Wrong Door and Partnerships in Employment Systems Change grants, and works on many other program initiatives through DDS’s developmental disabilities and vocational rehabilitation administrations. Rebecca previously was Executive Director of the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Institute, where she worked for 20 years in positions that spanned all of its programs and projects. Since 1988, Rebecca has been an advisor to Project ACTION!, DC’s state-wide self-advocacy coalition run by adults with developmental disabilities.
Nancy Boutot has nearly 30 years’ experience in local, state, and national employment programs, focusing on community integration, employment policy, career pathways, and asset development. She brings subject matter expertise in Discovery and Customized Employment, financial empowerment, disability benefits management, work supports, and cross-systems collaboration. She is an experienced presenter and subject matter expert on employment and financial empowerment for individuals with disabilities.
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Workshop 3.1 Presentation (PDF)
SLIDE 1
Conference Logo – LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together. Graphic 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.
2025 Annual Conference on Independent Living
LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together
Presented by the National Council on Independent Living
SLIDE 2
Leveraging Additional Funding and Support
Leveling Up Sustainability / July 23, 2025
Rebecca Salon
Nancy Boutot
LEAD Center – National Center on Leadership for the Employment and Economic Advancement of People with Disabilities
SLIDE 3: Presenters
- Rebecca Salon, Senior Advisor, LEAD Center, National Disability Institute
- Nancy Boutot, Financial Empowerment Subject Matter Expert, LEAD Center, National Disability Institute
Image: Rebecca Salon, an older white woman with silver/gray wearing a gray sweater with a black jacket, smiling for the camera.
Image: Nancy headshot: A white woman with light brown medium length hair wearing glasses and a tan, black and white designed shirt smiling for the camera.
SLIDE 4: Learning Objectives (1)
In this session, participants will:
- Explore opportunities for blending, braiding, and sequencing funding and resources that can assist Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in expanding their services and supports, and engaging in resource mapping.
SLIDE 5: Learning Objectives (2)
- Learn about opportunities to build and cultivate strategic partnerships to leverage resources from different programs to support employment and independent living outcomes.
- Gain access to extensive free resources to support their work in assisting their members in gaining and maintaining employment, supporting independent living, and increasing their financial stability.
Partnerships for Blending, Braiding, and Sequencing (BBS) Resources and Services
SLIDE 7: Multiple funding streams may be:
Four arrows going into a funnel.
- Blended: combine dollars to create a single “pot” of dollars to purchase services for customers.
Image: Multi-colored braided strings.
- Braided: separately and simultaneously, purchase and provide specific services for customers.
Image: Two men running on a track in a relay race. One person is passing the baton to the other.
- Sequenced: separately and sequentially purchase and provide specific services for customers.
SLIDE 8: Resource Leveraging & Service
Coordination to Increase Employment Outcomes
With support from the LEAD Center, nine federal agencies issued a joint communication encouraging states to leverage resources and coordinate services from multiple systems to increase employment for people with disabilities.
Specifically, they encouraged state and local partners to proactively implement resource blending, braiding, and sequencing across systems to improve employment outcomes for youth and adults with disabilities.
SLIDE 9: Sequencing
- Multiple funders separately but sequentially provide services:
- Requires interagency coordination and collaboration to ensure no gaps in services for jobseekers.
- Unlike braiding, jobseekers leave one service to connect to the next service.
- Often requires creation of clear agreements in writing between agencies to define the services provided.
SLIDE 10: Braided Funding and Resources
- Multiple funders separately and simultaneously provide resources/services:
- Requires interagency coordination and collaboration.
- Funders must coordinate services to ensure non-duplication.
- Emphasizes cost-sharing rather than cost-shifting.
- Facilitates great opportunity for co-enrollment.
- Focuses on division of payment responsibility—defining what each funder can provide in the short- and long-term.
- When multiple funders can pay for the same thing, there must be clear agreement in writing on who will pay when.
SLIDE 11: Blending
- Multiple funding streams combining into one pot of funding:
- Funding from each program loses its program-specific identity.
- Requires explicit regulatory or statutory authorization.
- Requires a formal agreement between funders that aligns with regulatory or statutory authority.
SLIDE 12: Ideal Partnerships for Blending, Braiding, and Sequencing
- WIOA Title I, II, III & IV Services
- Medicaid Services
- Developmental Disabilities Agency
- Mental Health/Behavioral Health Agency
- State Offices for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, Blind &/or other disability-related offices
- Employment Networks through the Ticket to Work Program
- Career and Technical Education
- Schools and State Education Agencies
SLIDE 13: Why be strategic?
- Strategic partnering creates value and brings expertise from every organization.
- CILs have unique and robust knowledge that can be leveraged to provide guidance and bring expertise in many arenas.
- Utilizing partnerships opens doors for collaboration, which increases opportunities for jobseekers.
- Leveraging your knowledge and understanding creates connections that benefit everyone involved.
SLIDE 14: Enhancing workforce partnerships (1)
- Become knowledgeable with how American Job Centers, vocational rehabilitation, and others talk about partnerships and people with disabilities in your WIOA state and local plans, including agreements, and ensure staff/others are informed.
- Stretch beyond just being a referral source or presence. Offer training, share resources, attend meetings.
SLIDE 15: Enhancing workforce partnerships (2)
- Leverage WIOA to open doors to career pathways, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) use; financial planning; funding opportunities, including those utilizing blending, braiding, and sequencing.
SLIDE 16
Resource Mapping
SLIDE 17: What is resource mapping?
Resource mapping is a strategy to help individuals and organizations access and leverage resources available in their community. Resource mapping:
- Enhances cross-agency collaboration between organizations working towards the same goal of employment and economic self-sufficiency for customers.
- Expands referrals between organizations that can assist an individual in achieving their goals.
- Identifies the services/supports various organizations provide
- Creates an opportunity for soft referrals (vs. hard referrals)
SLIDE 18: Soft Referral versus Hard Referral
- Soft referral (soft hand off) – a referral to another organization in which a counselor, case manager, employment specialist or other staff member has a contact to open a door for an individual.
- Hard referral (cold call) – a referral to another organization in which the counselor, case manager, employment specialist or other staff member has no contact with or relationship when referring an individual.
SLIDE 19: The Importance of Resource Mapping
- Important strategy for integrating services.
- Provides an opportunity for the blending, braiding and/or sequencing resources amongst a variety of organizations.
- Assists in identifying the gaps within the community needed to assist individuals in finding employment and/or building their financial well-being.
SLIDE 20: Five Key Strategies to Financial Stability
Circle that has “Goal” at the top and five strategies listed around the circle: Asset Development, Financial Education & inancial Counseling, Free Tax Preparation & EITC, Employment, and Public Benefits & Work Supports
SLIDE 21: Step 1 -chart
Identify resources and tools for each of the following strategies.
Public Benefits and Work Supports
Employment
Free Tax Preparation and EITC
Financial Education and Financial Coaching
Asset Development
SLIDE 22: Step 1 –chart with examples
Identify resources and tools for each of the following strategies.
Public Benefits and Work Supports:
- SSI
- SSDI
- SNAP
Employment:
- American Job Centers
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Behavioral/ Mental Health
- Developmental Disabilities
Free Tax Preparation and EITC
- VITA
- IRS
Financial Education and Financial Coaching
- FDIC Money Smart
- CFPB
- University Extension
- Banks
Asset Development
- ABLE Accounts
- Home ownership
SLIDE 23: Step 2 -chart
Identify the resources and tools for each strategy that are currently offered by your organization.
Public Benefits and Work Supports
Employment
Free Tax Preparation and EITC
Financial Education and Financial Coaching
Asset Development
SLIDE 24: Step 2 –chart with example
Identify the resources and tools for each strategy that are currently offered by your organization.
Public Benefits and Work Supports
- Example: Benefits Counseling
Employment
- Example: Resume writing
Free Tax Preparation and EITC
Financial Education and Financial Coaching
- Local Bank or Financial Institution
Local Bank or Financial Institution
- Home Ownership
SLIDE 25: Step 3 -chart
Identify providers in your community that support each strategy.
Public Benefits and Work Supports
Employment
Free Tax Preparation and EITC
Financial Education and Financial Coaching
Asset Development
SLIDE 26: Step 3 –chart with example
Identify providers in your community that support each strategy.
Public Benefits and Work Supports
- Example: Service Source – Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) services
Employment
Free Tax Preparation and EITC
- Example: United Way
Financial Education and Financial Coaching
Asset Development
SLIDE 27: Final Step
- Analyze the gaps and create a strategy to learn more about those organizations you may not be familiar with.
- Engage partners if appropriate.
SLIDE 28: Resource Mapping Tips
- It is important to do the resource mapping activity with your colleagues and/or other allies/partners. This will provide diverse responses and identify other resources you may not be familiar with.
- Resource mapping takes time and is a work in progress as you build new relationships
- Creating new relationships is key and allows for soft referrals and the blending, braiding and sequencing of resources.
SLIDE 29: Financial Empowerment (1)
We all navigate the same financial system.
However, many individuals with a disability face an additional layer of complexity as they make financial decisions and use financial products.
SLIDE 30: Financial Empowerment (2)
Among the factors contributing to that complexity are:
- Navigating public benefits.
- Limits to an individual’s ability to build assets and save towards goals.
- The need to receive financial and health supports.
- The planning and preparation needed to move from SSA cash benefits to earned income from working.
- The lack of access to resources and information needed to make informed decisions.
SLIDE 31: Financial Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities
Image of the home page for the Financial Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities website Secure Your Financial Future.
SLIDE 32: Financial Toolkit
Secure Your Financial Future: A Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities
The five work-life cycles found in the toolkit: Preparing for a Job, Starting a Job, Maintaining a Job, Changing or Losing a Job, and Retiring from a Job
SLIDE 33: Resources
- Secure Your Financial Future: A Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities
- Just click on any topic
Preparing for a Job
– Starting a Job
– Maintaining a Job
– Changing or Losing a Job
– and Retiring from a Job
for answers to important questions, including tools and resources to help you meet your financial goals.
- Aligning Employment and Financial Conversations in American Job Centers
- Aligning My Career Path with My Earning Needs
- Sign up for information and LEAD Center website notifications
SLIDE 34: More Resources
- Financial education handouts, quick reference guides and resources in English and Spanish
- Financial education programs/resources for kids, young people, young adults, adults, older adults, and small business.
- a set of financial empowerment materials for organizations that help people meet their financial goals by increasing their knowledge, skills, and resources.
Disability Companion Guide for Your Money Your Goals
- Tips, information, tools, and skill-building resources for people with disabilities and for organizations that serve the disability community.
SLIDE 35: LEAD Center State Specific Policies and Data
- With easy navigation, you can select any state to explore its unique approach to policies and data.
LEAD Center State Specific Policies and Data map of the United States
SLIDE 36: LEAD Center Website
Sign up for information and notifications.
LEAD Center – National Center on Leadership for the Employment and Economic Advancement of People with Disabilities
SLIDE 37: Connect with us
- Follow the LEAD Center on…
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LEADCtr
X: https://twitter.com/LEADCtr
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/odep-lead-center/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LEADCtr
Facebook icon.
X icon.
LinkedIn icon.
YouTube icon.
SLIDE 38
Questions?
3.2 #TeachDisabilityHistory
Lafayette / Farragut
The #TeachDisabilityHistory campaign aims to promote the importance of teaching disability history. The campaign is led by a dedicated committee of disabled young adults from across Massachusetts. They are passionate about expanding knowledge around the importance of teaching disability history. During the workshop, attendees will learn about the campaign and committee, as well as play an interactive game to test their knowledge of disability history. The campaign is supported by Easterseals Massachusetts, a nonprofit that provides equal opportunities for people with disabilities to live, learn, work, and play.
3.2 #TeachDisabilityHistory
- Lafayette / Farragut
- Emerging Leaders Track
- Appropriate for all audiences and knowledge levels.
The #TeachDisabilityHistory campaign aims to promote the importance of teaching disability history. The campaign is led by a dedicated committee of disabled young adults from across Massachusetts. They are passionate about expanding knowledge around the importance of teaching disability history. During the workshop, attendees will learn about the campaign and committee, as well as play an interactive game to test their knowledge of disability history. The campaign is supported by Easterseals Massachusetts, a nonprofit that provides equal opportunities for people with disabilities to live, learn, work, and play.
Presenters
Desi Forte is the Youth Program Manager at Easterseals Massachusetts. She has been in this role since 2013, helping to grow the programs centered around empowering youth with disabilities through leadership as well as mentoring. Alongside a group of young adults working with Easterseals MA, Desi helped start the #TeachDisabilityHistory Campaign. Desi is also an active member of the disability community and serves as vice chair of the Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council. Through both her work and advocacy, she is passionate about furthering disability rights.
Cody Rooney lives in Emerson, Massachusetts, currently studying political science at UMass Amherst. He is the Vice Chair of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, he has been part of the #TeachDisabilityHistory campaign committee with Easterseals MA since 2020, and he is a Change-Make-A-New-Deal for Youth. Cody is passionate about disability rights and youth issues traveling around the country to meet with policymakers, present at conferences. He is excited to present at this year’s NCIL conference.
Olivia Thompson is a communications graduate and has been a part of the #TeachDisabilityHistory campaign committee with Easterseals MA for 2 years. She serves on multiple boards in her community including being on the Easterseals Massachusetts board of directors as a youth representative. Teaching disability history through education and awareness is important to her.
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Workshop 3.2 Presentation (PDF)
SLIDE 1
Conference Logo – LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together. Graphic 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.
2025 Annual Conference on Independent Living
LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together
Presented by the National Council on Independent Living
SLIDE 2
#TeachDisabilityHistory
July 23, 2025
Olivia Thompson
Cody Rooney
Desi Forte
SLIDE 3:
Image: A round off-white button. A stylized figure, resembling a person in a wheelchair, is depicted with arms raised. The figure is outlined with a design reminiscent of the American flag. The words “FREE OUR PEOPLE ADAPT” are printed in bold, black capital letters around the image.
Image: A group of people are gathered on the south lawn of the White House at a wooden table. The people on either side of the table are in wheelchairs with a person standing behind each of them. The president George H.W. Bush is seated in the middle signing the ADA.
Image: Black and white outdoor shot of President Roosevelt a wheelchair with a black dog on his lap. A young girl is standing beside him. They are outside on a stone patio. He is dressed in a suit jacket and tie; The girl is wearing a patterned dress and dark socks/shoes. The girl is holding his hand.
Image: A round, white button features the phrase “I . ADA” in bold, capital letters. The letters “I” and “ADA” are in a black, with a red heart graphic centered between “I” and “ADA”.
SLIDE 4: Who Are We?
- The #TeachDisabilityHistory campaign is led by a group of young adults with disabilities working with Easterseals Massachusetts.
- Easterseals Massachusetts is a non-profit whose mission is to provide equal opportunities for people with disabilities to live, learn, work, and play.
SLIDE 5: Video
- In the next slide is a video to tell you more about the
campaign and why it is important to display text saying #TeachDisabilityHistory. - The video is of young adults in front of solid color backgrounds talking about the campaign.
SLIDE 6:
Image: video screen shot. #TeachDisabilityHistory in Massachusetts! Young adults in front of solid color backgrounds.
SLIDE 7: History of our Campaign
- In 2009, youth advocated to get the governor of Massachusetts to sign a proclamation making October disability history month in Massachusetts.
- This was a great step in the right direction but did not mandate that anything be taught in schools.
- In 2019, youth at Easterseals MA again joined with advocates by writing letters to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) about the disability history curriculum “The Great Fight for Disability Rights”.
- These efforts helped push to make this curriculum available for free to ALL Massachusetts teachers, but the work continues.
SLIDE 8: What is Disability History?
- Disability history is the experience, journey and oppression those with disabilities have experienced in the past.
- Including the advocacy and push the disability community has done and continues to do for equal rights.
- Every culture has its own history and people do not often realize that disability is a culture.
SLIDE 9: What is #TeachDisabilityHistory
- The goal of the #TeachDisabilityHistory campaign is to spread awareness everywhere about the importance of teaching disability history in schools
- In the video you heard why we think it is important to #TeachDisabilityHistory
- We also want to educate about available curriculums, such as “The Great Fight for Disability Rights” as well as Emerging America s curriculum, Reform to Equal Rights”.
SLIDE 10: What is the campaign committee?
- The #TeachDisabailityHistory campaign is led by a committee of disabled young adults.
- The committee helps to move the campaign forward by meeting regularly to discuss upcoming events and ways to spread the campaign’s message.
- The committee presents both in person and virtually across Massachusetts and beyond promoting the importance of teaching disability history.
- The committee is also continually working to support measures to teach disability history through advocacy.
SLIDE 11: The Importance of Our Campaign
- Currently the only states that have any type of legislation that disability history be taught are California, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, Illinois, and New Jersey with some states supporting disability history week.
- Even with legislation, it is often not enforced or built into the curriculum framework.
- Our campaign aims to help change this narrative; teaching disability history are moments in history that could be overlooked.
SLIDE 12: Get Involved
Check out our website & join us in spreading the word about teaching disability history by sharing on social media of why you think it is important to #TeachDisabilityHistory
(www.tdh.eastersealsma.org)
SLIDE 13: Game Time!
- We will be playing a multiple-choice game to learn disability history
facts. - Each slide will have a question and image relating to that question. The question will be read aloud, along with an image description.
- Following this, four possible answers will appear on the screen, along with a red triangle, blue heart, yellow circle, and green square associated to each response.
- After the choices are read, we invite you to hold up the card that you think relates to the correct answer. You are welcome to team up or play on your own.
- And remember, we are here to have fun and #TeachDisabilityHistory!
SLIDE 14: Question 1
This disabled Asian America activist authored the book Disability Visibility.
Dr. Suess
Steven King
Stephanie Mayers
Alice Wong
Image: The cover of a children’s book from the series “my itty-bitty bio.” The illustration on the cover features a cartoon-style drawing of a well-known Asian disability rights activist, author, and founder of the Disability Visibility Project. She is depicted with a large, stylized head and is seated in a motorized wheelchair, wearing a ventilator. The background shows a park scene with a river, trees, and a city skyline.
SLIDE 15: Question 2
This President had Polio and downplayed his disability in public because during that time there
was stigma, and disability was seen as a weakness.
George Washington
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR)
Abraham Lincoln
Barack Obama
Image: Black and white outdoor shot of this President seated in a wheelchair with a black dog on his lap. A young girl is standing beside him. They are outside on a stone patio. He is dressed in a suit jacket and tie; The girl is wearing a patterned dress and dark socks/shoes. The girl is holding his hand, and both are looking at each other in a friendly manner.
SLIDE 16: Question 3
This “conductor” of the Underground Railroad had a traumatic brain injury from a slave owner striking her in the head
Rosa Parks
Frederick Douglass
Harriet Tubman
Martin Luther King
Image: Sepia-toned portrait photograph of a black woman standing with a composed and dignified posture, resting one hand on the back of a fringed chair and the other hand on a small table. She is dressed in a dark, buttoned long dress with a white bow at the neck. On the chair is a coat and a broad-brimmed hat
SLIDE 17: Question 4
This person created this raised 6-dot system at age 15 that allows the blind to read.
Helen Keller
Alexander Gram Bell
Louis Braille
Samuel Gridley Howe
Image: Two blind women reading a book.
SLIDE 18: Question 5
In 1988 students from this Deaf university protested, Deaf President Now, to have the school run by a Deaf president.
Gallaudet University
Boston University
Duke University
Bridgewater State University
Image: Black and white photo of the outside of a multi-story brick building. The building has a symmetrical facade with numerous arched windows arranged in rows.
SLIDE 19 Fact
A documentary about this event called Deaf President Now is available to watch on Apple TV+
Image: A poster for an Apple TV+ original film titled “Deaf President Now!” “The revolution that refused to be silenced.” The visual features the back of a man raising his fist triumphantly, standing before a large crowd of protesters and the United States Capitol building in front of a rally. At the bottom, the poster says, “An Apple Original Film – STREAMING MAY 16.”
>> SLIDE 20: Question 6
The 504 Sit-ins in April of 1977 San Francisco’s HEW building lasted __ days, demanding enforcement of Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act
1 Hour
2 Days
1 Night
26 Days
Image: A round, yellow button. In bold black capital letters, the words “HANDICAPPED HUMAN RIGHTS” are arranged in a semicircle at the top edge. Centered on the button, the words “SIGN 504”. Below these, in smaller black capital letters, is the text “ACCD.” The letters and numbers are bold and clearly visible against the yellow background.
SLIDE 21: Question 7
During the 504 Sit-Ins, activist Brad Lomax used his connection to the Black Panther party to provide __ to the protesters?
Party Decorations
Food
Clothes
Makeup
Image: Sepia-toned photo of two black men. Brad Lomax seated in his wheelchair, wearing a dark-colored blazer and a patterned tie next to his brother Glenn who is kneeling beside him, wearing a light-colored blazer and a tie.
SLIDE 22: Question 8
This Oscar nominated documentary on Netflix highlights a summer camp where many disability advocates attended
Best Summer Ever
Forest Gump
Crip Camp
Lives Worth Living
Image: A group of people, some in wheelchairs, are on the Oscars red carpet. The person in the center-right of the image is seated in a wheelchair and is wearing a shimmering, pastel-colored, sequined gown. A yellow Labrador dog who is wearing a lavender-colored harness is sitting next to her. The person seated to the left of the center-right individual is wearing a patterned cream/goldish colored long-sleeved outfit. Other people are seated in wheelchairs, wearing various outfits, including a cream-colored, floor-length gown and a blue suit.
SLIDE 23 Fact
The full movie Crip Camp can also be found on YouTube in the Netflix channel for those who do not have access to Netflix
Image: A movie poster for “CRIP CAMP: A Disability Revolution,” a Netflix film. The poster features a sepia-toned photo of a young person in a wheelchair being pushed by another person on a paved road outside in a wooded area with small houses in the background.
SLIDE 24: Question 9
On what date was the Americans with Disabilities Act signed?
April 25, 1999
January 18, 1992
July 26, 1990
May 4, 2000
Image: A group of people are gathered on the south lawn of the White House at a wooden table. The people on either side of the table are in wheelchairs with a person standing behind each of them. The president is seated in the middle signing a document, the ADA.
SLIDE 25: Question 10
What does ADA stand for?
Americans Dedicated to Arts
Adults Decide to Act
Architectural Demands Act
Americans with Disabilities Act
Image: A round, white button features the phrase “I . ADA” in bold, capital letters. The letters “I” and “ADA” are in a black, with a red heart graphic centered between “I” and “ADA”.
>> SLIDE 26: Question 11
This president signed the Americans with Disabilities Act
George H. W. Bush
George Washington
Abraham Lincoln
Barack Obama
Image: The presidential portrait painting of a white man dressed in a dark suit and red tie. A painted backdrop features a framed historical scene with figures in military attire. A globe rests to the left of the subject, and the man is holding a sheet of white paper. A wooden chair is visible at the person s right side.
SLIDE 27: Question 11
There are five titles under the ADA: 1 Employment, 2 State and Local Government, 3 Public
Accommodations, and 5 Miscellaneous.
What is the 4th title?
Transportation
Housing
Research
Telecommunications
Image: The image is a page from the ADA. It displays printed text organized into sections and subsections, with numbered entries and headings.
SLIDE 28: Question 12
The Education for all Handicapped Children’s Act, later changed to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), gave people with disabilities the right to an education. This is first signed in what year?
1960
1990
2000
1975
SLIDE 29: Question 13
This Mexican woman was a surrealist artist with disabilities; she created much of her artwork while in the hospital.
Frida Kahlo
Alice Wong
Frederick Douglass
Dua Lipa
Image: A portrait of a Mexican woman depicted with a bold, graphic style, using flat colors and strong lines. Her skin tone is warm, reddish-brown. Her hair is black and styled updo. She is wearing a dark green top.
SLIDE 30: Question 14
Disability activists did this action at the Capitol building in Washington D.C. to push for the passage of the ADA.
Sang at the Capitol
Climbed the steps
Slept at the Capital building
Danced at the Capital building
Image: Full outdoor shot of the United States Capitol building. The building is a large, light-gray, stone structure with a prominent dome and a wide staircase leads up to the main entrance. The sky is a clear, vibrant blue with a few scattered, small, white clouds.
SLIDE 31 Fact
On March 13, 1990, over 1,000 people went to the U.S. Capitol to demand that Congress pass the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Image: A black and white image shows a group of people crawling up the steps of the United States Capitol Building during the Capitol Crawl. The Capitol building, with its iconic dome, dominates the background.
>> SLIDE 32: Question 15
Which major marathon was the first to create a wheelchair division in 1975?
Boston Marathon
Chicago Marathon
London Marathon
New York City Marathon
Image: black and white photo of Bob Hall in his wheelchair during this major marathon. The wheelchair is an older hospital style wheelchair.
>> SLIDE 33: Question 16
What does the name of the disability activist group ADAPT currently stand for?
Americans Disabled for Accessible Transit
All Disabled Angry People Together
Always Do As People Tell
Americans Disabled for Attendant Program Today
Image: A round off-white button. A stylized figure, resembling a person in a wheelchair, is depicted with arms raised. The figure is outlined with a design reminiscent of the American flag. The words “FREE OUR PEOPLE ADAPT” are printed in bold, black capital letters around the image.
>> SLIDE 34: Question 17
Geraldine Lawhorn was a stage performer at this historic New York City theater
The Boston Garden
Sydney Opera House
Carnegie Hall
The Wilbur
Image: Sepia-toned image shows a multi-story building, likely a view from the street level. The structure is ornate, with several levels of balconies, arches, and decorative elements. Cars and pedestrians are visible on the street in front of the building. Other buildings are visible in the background.
SLIDE 35
Geraldine Lawhorn was the first Deaf Blind African American to graduate college.
Image: A deaf blind African American women, with short auburn hair wearing a floral top, smiling at the camera.
SLIDE 36: Question 18
This Supreme Court decision ruled that people with disabilities have the right to live in the community
Olmstead Decision v L.C.
Brown v. Board of Education
Image: President Barack Obama is standing in the Oval Office, interacting with a group of people. Two women with dark brown hair are standing on either side of a black woman who is presenting the President a framed panting.
SLIDE 37: Question 19
When independent living centers were forming there was no way for them to connect. This organization was started as a way for them to have a unified voice.
ADAPT
NCIL
Developmental Disability Services (DDS)
Easterseals
SLIDE 38: Question 20
What year was NCIL founded?
1990
2000
1982
1965
Image: National Council on Independent Living. Graphic features a periwinkle semicircle.
SLIDE 39: Question 21
Who was the first Board president of NCIL
Max Starkloff
Charlie Carr
Marca Bristo
Judy Heumann
Image: Sepia-toned portrait of a middle-aged white man seated in a wheelchair. He’s wearing a dark suit jacket, a light-colored collared shirt, and a patterned tie on a dark background.
SLIDE 40
Questions?
3.3 The Living Legacy of Diane Coleman and the Disability Rights Lawsuit That Says Assisted Suicide Laws Violate the ADA
Independence BCDE
Assisted suicide laws set up a two-tiered system where some suicidal people receive suicide prevention while others receive suicide assistance, and the difference is their health and disability. This endangers older, ill and disabled people, especially from underserved and marginalized groups. Learn about the groundbreaking lawsuit challenging assisted suicide as unlawful discrimination under the ADA, Section 504 and the U.S. Constitution. All people with disabilities deserve equal healthcare and suicide prevention, not healthcare disparities and suicide assistance.
3.3 The Living Legacy of Diane Coleman and the Disability Rights Lawsuit That Says Assisted Suicide Laws Violate the ADA
- Independence BCDE
- Level Up Your Advocacy Track
- Appropriate for all audiences and knowledge levels.
Assisted suicide laws set up a two-tiered system where some suicidal people receive suicide prevention while others receive suicide assistance, and the difference is their health and disability. This endangers older, ill and disabled people, especially from underserved and marginalized groups. Learn about the groundbreaking lawsuit challenging assisted suicide as unlawful discrimination under the ADA, Section 504 and the U.S. Constitution. All people with disabilities deserve equal healthcare and suicide prevention, not healthcare disparities and suicide assistance.
Presenters
Ian McIntosh is Interim Executive Director of Not Dead Yet beginning this past January 2025 in the wake of the sudden passing of the organization’s founder, President and CEO, Diane Coleman. Before taking the helm at Not Dead Yet, Ian was the Director of Disability Outreach at the Patients Rights Action Fund (PRAF), a leading national organization that fights against assisted suicide legislation across the country by marshalling diverse coalitions in individual states to oppose assisted suicide bills. As a Canadian living in America with extended family in the UK, Ian has long personal experiences with the international intersection of disability and healthcare and has advocated for and written on various topics, having been published in the International Journal of Disability, Community & Rehabilitation. He lives in the Historic District of Manassas, Virginia with his wife and two children.
Steve Lieberman is the Senior Director of Advocacy & Policy for United Spinal Association. In this role, he oversees United Spinal’s Advocacy Program, including its Grassroots Advocacy Network, which comprises more than 2,500 registered advocates across all 50 states. He also develops United Spinal’s advocacy-related programming. Additionally, he serves a co-chair of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Rights Task Force. Prior to joining United Spinal, he spent ten years as a staffer in the United States Senate. As one of the few openly-disabled Congressional staffers during his service on Capitol Hill, he developed an understanding of the most effective methods for influencing members of Congress as well as the dire need for improvement in Congressional understanding of the disability experience. Steve holds a B.A. in Political Science from George Washington University. He lives in Bethesda, Maryland with his wife and two children.
3.4 Mentorship, Leadership & Legacy
Independence FGHI
In this interactive session, we’ll explore how mentorship and intergenerational leadership strengthen our movement and ensure lasting change. Many young advocates feel intimidated when approaching seasoned leaders or asking for leadership opportunities—but building these relationships is a powerful step toward creating impact and ensuring the legacy of disability rights continues.
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Mentorship, Leadership & Legacy
- Independence FGHI
- Emerging Leaders Track
- Appropriate for all audiences and knowledge levels.
In this interactive session, we’ll explore how mentorship and intergenerational leadership strengthen our movement and ensure lasting change. Many young advocates feel intimidated when approaching seasoned leaders or asking for leadership opportunities — but building these relationships is a powerful step toward creating impact and ensuring the legacy of disability rights continues.
Participants will reflect on their own leadership goals and learn how to:
- Approach potential mentors and ask meaningful questions with confidence and curiosity.
- Identify mentorship and leadership opportunities
- Move from fear to empowerment when speaking with people in positions of power
- Understand the dynamics of inter-generational leadership and what it means to “pass the torch.”
We’ll also hear from experienced advocates who are excited to connect with emerging leaders and share insight on how to carry forward the values, history, and future vision of the Independent Living movement. Whether you’re looking to take on your first board seat or simply build confidence in connecting with mentors, this workshop will give you practical tools and inspiration to take the next step.
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Concurrent Workshops 4
July 23; 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
4.1 Prioritizing, Strengthening, and Leveraging Partnerships to Maximize Opportunities and Outcomes
Independence Ballroom
Arizona is home to one of the smallest, most rural CILs, which is on tribal land, and one of the largest, most urban CILs in the country, mirroring the contrasting landscape of the state. These complex dynamics require thoughtful planning, frequent reevaluation, and continuous reflection to ensure stability, sustainability, and progress. Join representatives of the Arizona Independent Living Network as they share the strategies, challenges, and impacts of their intentional and ongoing efforts to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and leverage partnerships while advancing social justice and enhancing and expanding disability community resources, services, and opportunities throughout the state.
4.1 Prioritizing, Strengthening, and Leveraging Partnerships to Maximize Opportunities and Outcomes
- Independence Ballroom
- Transformation through Collaboration Track
- Target audience: Appropriate for all audiences. Knowledge level: experienced.
Arizona is home to one of the smallest, most rural CILs, which is on tribal land, and one of the largest, most urban CILs in the country, mirroring the contrasting landscape of the state. These complex dynamics require thoughtful planning, frequent reevaluation, and continuous reflection to ensure stability, sustainability, and progress. Join representatives of the Arizona Independent Living Network as they share the strategies, challenges, and impacts of their intentional and ongoing efforts to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and leverage partnerships while advancing social justice and enhancing and expanding disability community resources, services, and opportunities throughout the state.
Presenters
Mellie Adu (she / they) has worked in the disability community for 35 years, including at CILs in three states, currently serves as Chief Executive of Strategy and Innovation for Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council (AZSILC) and has also served as a SILC member. Mellie was reluctant to make the shift from CIL to SILC work a dozen years ago but soon recognized the critical role SILCs have in strategic systems change and wholeheartedly embraced the challenge of eliminating barriers and forging pathways for AZSILC to be a true catalyst for change, growth, and enduring impact. As a longtime facilitator of strategic action planning for individuals and organizations, Mellie is well regarded for pioneering projects, programming, and practices that generate solutions, create opportunities, and sustain progress.
Vicki Cuscino: After a five-year stint as a journalist, Vicki Cuscino switched paths to social justice, focusing on health equity, ending violence against women, and disability rights – with over two decades devoted to Independent Living. She has worked at three CILs in two states, currently serving as Executive Director at Direct Advocacy & Resource Center. With experience on two SILCs, Vicki chairs AZSILC’s SPIL Development Committee that employs a universal access approach to engage our communities to develop a plan grounded in disability rights and justice and aimed at galvanizing substantive change, growth, and impact. She is known for being an ardent advocate for justice, resourceful and unconventional in developing solutions, and committed to cultivating cross-sector partnerships for change.
Eileen Tohonnie is the Executive Director of Assist to Independence, a Center for Independent Living located in Navajo Nation. Eileen, who is also an appointed member of the Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council, worked with state and tribal vocational rehabilitation programs for many years prior to making the decision to lead the CIL that serves the Navajo, Hopi, and San Juan Southern Paiute tribal nations. The catalyst for this change was the recognition that her experience, education, and training were needed in the areas of self-advocacy and systems advocacy for tribal members with disabilities.
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Workshop 4.1 Presentation (PDF)
SLIDE 1:
Prioritizing, Strengthening, and
Leveraging Partnerships to Maximize
Opportunities and Outcomes
Mellie Adu, Vicki Cuscino, Eileen Tohonnie
Arizona Independent Living Network (AZILN)
SLIDE 2: Intention
Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council (AZSILC):
- Stays in its lane; unblurs blurred lines
- Promotes and models network mindset
- Assumes leadership role in statewide strategy; sets foundation/expectations for success
SLIDE 3: Interaction
AZSILC:
- Centers on strategy
- Aims to be ahead of the curve/setting the trends
- Creates opportunities to bridge gaps/mitigate barriers without crossing lines
SLIDE 4: Arizona Independent Living Network (AZILN)2
- Diverse
- Complex
- Disparate
- United
SLIDE 5: State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) Development-2
- Invest
- Collaborate
- Prioritize
- Negotiate
- Commit
SLIDE 6: SPIL Goal 1
Arizona Independent Living Network (AZILN) engages Arizonans who have disabilities in the mission of the AZSPIL.
SLIDE 7: SPIL Goal 2
Arizona disability organizations collaborate to mitigate barriers and create equity for Arizonans who have disabilities.
SLIDE 8: SPIL Goal 3
AZILN builds capacity in rural Centers for Independent Living through strengthened peer infrastructure.
SLIDE 9: SPIL Goal 4
AZSILC models strategic, cross-disability, cross-movement systems change through responsive, innovative practices.
SLIDE 10: Peer Infrastructure Investment
- Benefits
- Successes
- Opportunities
- Obstacles
SLIDE 11: Tips and Tools
- Truth and Transparency
- Autonomy and Collectivity
- Maximize and Leverage Assets/Resources
- Responsibility and Accountability
- Proactivity and Planning
- Leadership and Engagement
- Inclusion and Choice
- Sustainability and Scalability
SLIDE 12: Questions/Comments?
Mellie Adu
Arizona SILC
mellie@azsilc.org
Vicki Cuscino
Direct Advocacy & Resource Center
vickic@directaz.org
Eileen Tohonnie
Assist! To Independence
etohonnie@assistti.org
4.2 End-game: Unlocking the Retention Code
Lafayette / Farragut
Do you want to save your CIL money? Increase efficiency and productivity? Improve culture and morale? Maintain partnerships and progress? Come chat with Programs Directors from Disability Empowerment Center who worked together to create unique staff retention strategies to decrease turnover and boost organization performance while lowering costs and roadblocks to growth. You will leave this workshop with tools to begin conversations and establish tools to support your teams’ unique needs.
4.2 End-game: Unlocking the Retention Code
- Lafayette / Farragut
- Emerging Leaders Track
- Appropriate for all audiences and knowledge levels.
Do you want to save your CIL money? Increase efficiency and productivity? Improve culture and morale? Maintain partnerships and progress? Come chat with Programs Directors from Disability Empowerment Center who worked together to create unique staff retention strategies to decrease turnover and boost organization performance while lowering costs and roadblocks to growth. You will leave this workshop with tools to begin conversations and establish tools to support your teams’ unique needs.
Presenters
Cassidy Thorne: “I once asked my supervisor “Do I have a disability?” In true IL fashion, I was told to reflect. It wasn’t until then that I considered I have a disability that impacts how I interact with a world that isn’t built for me. When my obstacles were magnified, I was not only encouraged to get to where I needed to be but given the opportunity to grow beyond them. I learned the tools I needed to be able to do my best work and be my best self. As leaders, our goal should be to have staff say that working at a CIL was pivotal to them reaching their goals. I want to pass on the opportunity to grow within an organization while appreciating those whose time with us is steppingstone to their career goals knowing IL with go with them”.
Leanna Namovic: “Despite becoming disabled as a toddler, I didn’t learn about Disability Culture until college, where I was introduced to the independent living model. I went on to get my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, straddling the line between being seen as a practitioner and a patient. The program worked closely with our local CIL, where I co-founded a self-management group for people with SCI/D. It feels so good to be able to say, ‘Hey, welcome to the club. You’re not alone, come share disabled wisdom’. In my work at a CIL, I wear both my OT and disability hat every day to think of creative solutions for staff and participants. I feel most at home getting to teach (and learn) tips to help our bodyminds survive (and thrive) in this ableist world”.
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Workshop 4.2 Presentation (PDF)
SLIDE 1
Conference Logo – LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together. Graphic 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.
2025 Annual Conference on Independent Living
LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together
Presented by the National Council on Independent Living
SLIDE 2
End Game: Unlocking the Retention Code
July 23, 2025
Leanna Namovic and Cassidy Thorne
SLIDE 1: About Us
Leanna Namovic (she/ her)
- Background in Occupational Therapy
- Physical and Psychiatric Disabilities
- Loves knitting and has completed 5 sweaters
Cassidy Thorne (she/ her)
- Background in Education
- Psychiatric and Cognitive Disabilities
- Loves crafting and has 8 unfinished projects
SLIDE 2: Activity: Positive versus Negative Feedback
We need one brave volunteer!
- They will be reflecting on the different weights positive and negative feedback have
SLIDE 3: Reflection: Positive versus Negative Feedback
Why is negative feedback so heavy?
SLIDE 4: Why is Staff Retention Important?
Average employee turnover rate for all industries is 12%.
Nonprofits experienced an all-time high of 19% turnover in 2022.
- Financial constraints
- Burnout
- Lack of growth opportunities
- Lows morale
- Better opportunities elsewhere
SLIDE 5: Saves Time and Money
- Direct Costs:
- Recruitment fees
- Background checks
- Training programs
- Indirect Costs:
- Lost productivity
- Decreased morale among remaining employees
- Potential loss of clients or customers due to service disruption
SLIDE 6: Creates a Positive Culture
- Boosts morale
- Improves team cohesion
- Increases shared knowledge and understanding
- Builds stronger relationships
- Reduces burnout
SLIDE 7: Promotes Organization Growth and Development
- Reduces disruption to workflow
- Furthers development
- Increases engagement levels
- Promotes more effective collaboration
SLIDE8: Activity: Fairness vs. Equity
In small groups, we are going to model how creative accommodations create equity
- You will be given supplies and a space
- Each person will take a turn trying to complete the task
- We ll come back together to reflect, and problem solve
- You ll repeat the task with new information and tools
SLIDE 9: Reflection: Fairness versus Equity
- Individual needs
- Resource distribution
- Outcomes
SLIDE 10: Equity in Centers for Independent Living
A team made of people with cross-disabilities can mean complex and differing support needs.
Creative accommodations can benefit everyone
SLIDE 11: We Can t Pay More, So What Can We Do?
Alter and Accommodate
- Schedules
- Environment
- Tasks
- Supervision
SLIDE 12: Schedules
- Individualized working hours
- Paid Time Off flexibility
- Scheduled work-from-home days
- Adjustable holidays
SLIDE 13: Health Care Benefits
Complex medical needs = High medical bills
SLIDE 14: Environment
- Practice of Universal Design
- Customizable Office Spaces
- Various meeting rooms in offices, communities, and virtually
- Safe space to learn and grow
SLIDE 15: Utilizing Strengths, Experiences, and Passions
- Develop programming
- Build skills
- Increase intrinsic motivation
SLIDE 16: Supervision
- Leadership Styles
- Consult
- Staff Meeting
- Role-Specific Guidance
- Professional Growth Mentoring
SLIDE 17: Evaluations
Collaborative conversation where we:
- Discuss discrepancies in responses
- Celebrate successes
- Identify barriers and problem solve
- Set goals and action steps
SLIDE 18: In the End
We all want to know we re valued, respected, and making a difference
Focus on these aspects, not the smelly feet
SLIDE 19
Questions?
4.3 Indigenous Perspectives of Disability
Independence BCDE
The South Dakota Center for Disabilities successfully created and expanded the Oyáte Circle initiative across the state and nation. Led by Jim Warne, Oglala Lakota Tribal Member, information on this model of “Indigenized” approaches to disability related efforts across health, education, mental health, and other sectors can be applied across the various disability networks, including Independent Living. In the Lakota language, Oyáte is translated to “the people”. The Oyáte Circle is focused on indigenous communities in South Dakota.
4.3 Indigenous Perspectives of Disability
- Independence BCDE
- How To: Make It Happen Track
- Appropriate for all audiences and knowledge levels.
The South Dakota Center for Disabilities successfully created and expanded the Oyáte Circle initiative across the state and nation. Led by Jim Warne, Oglala Lakota Tribal Member, information on this model of “Indigenized” approaches to disability related efforts across health, education, mental health, and other sectors can be applied across the various disability networks, including Independent Living. In the Lakota language, Oyáte is translated to “the people”. The Oyáte Circle is focused on indigenous communities in South Dakota.
Presenter
Jim Warne: Educator-Advocate-Filmmaker Jim Warne, Oglala Lakota, Community Engagement Director, USD Center for Disabilities, Oyáte Circle, Sanford School of Medicine, and Administrative Affiliate, Arizona College of Medicine. Jim owns Warrior Society Development, LLC. Jim has over 30 years’ experience in the disability advocacy and education arena. He consults with various government agencies, universities, Tribal Nations and is a motivational speaker. Jim is an Emmy nominated producer through his WSD Productions Film Division and now his Gen7 Film Productions. Jim is an Emmy Judge and Member of the Academy. Website: warrior-society.com and gen7films.com.
4.4 Breaking Barriers: The First Case of Using Japan’s Public Personal Assistance Service Abroad for the Long Term
Independence FGHI
This workshop introduces a groundbreaking policy change in Japan that, for the first time, allows disabled individuals to use publicly funded personal assistance services during long-term stays abroad. Kyota Yagi, a member of Japan’s CIL and a trainee in the U.S. for 10 months, will explain the negotiation process and strategies that led to this groundbreaking decision. Additionally, the session will discuss the current state of Japan’s disability movement, which has been enhanced by public personal assistance systems, and explore the potential for expanding international collaboration in the Independent Living Movement.
4.4 Breaking Barriers: The First Case of Using Japan’s Public Personal Assistance Service Abroad for the Long Term
- Independence FGHI
- Transformation through Collaboration Track
- Target audience: Advocates & project directors. Knowledge level: experienced.
This workshop introduces a groundbreaking policy change in Japan that, for the first time, allows disabled individuals to use publicly funded personal assistance services during long-term stays abroad. Kyota Yagi, a member of Japan’s CIL and a trainee in the U.S. for 10 months, will explain the negotiation process and strategies that led to this groundbreaking decision. Additionally, the session will discuss the current state of Japan’s disability movement, which has been enhanced by public personal assistance systems, and explore the potential for expanding international collaboration in the Independent Living Movement.
Presenter
Kyota Yagi: “When I was 15, I got a spinal cord injury during judo practice. After the injury, I spent one year in the hospital and then lived with my family for three years, depending on their support. At 20, I began living independently with 24-hour personal assistance. Since then, I have been active at CIL Iroha, where I currently serve as the Vice Representative. In 2023, I was selected as a trainee for the Duskin Leadership Training program for people with disabilities. From February to December 2025, I will be training in the United States. I will be the first person with a disability to use Japan’s public assistance services overseas for a long-term stay”.
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Workshop 4.4 Presentation (PDF)
SLIDE 1
Conference Logo – LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together. Graphic 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.
2025 Annual Conference on Independent Living
LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together
Presented by the National Council on Independent Living
SLIDE 2
Breaking Barriers
The First Case of Using Japan’s Public Personal Assistance Service
Abroad for the Long Term.
Date: July 23
Kyota Yagi
SLIDE 3: Introduction
- Kyota Yagi [he/him]
- Vice Director of CIL IROHA in Japan
- I’m currently training at CIL in Berkeley for ten months.
- I control my power wheelchair with my chin.
Image: An Asian man with short black hair, smiling while looking at the camera, seated in a power wheelchair.
SLIDE 4: Question for audiences
What image do you have of Japan?
SLIDE 5: Visual slide
Image: A photo of soy sauce ramen topped with various ingredients.
Image: A photo of sushi. Ten pieces of various types of sushi are lined up.
Image: An illustration of Japanese anime characters. Various characters are posing individually.
Image: A photo of a Japanese landscape. A temple, cherry blossoms, and Mt. Fuji are visible.
SLIDE 6: Your image will change
“Japan is one of the countries with advanced personal assistance services.”
In this workshop, I will talk about:
- Japan’s excellent personal assistant services.
- The negotiations I had with the government to make my training in the U.S. possible.
SLIDE 7: History of Japanese CILs
- The first CIL in Japan was founded in Tokyo in 1986.
- Now there are about 120 CILs in Japan.
- These CILs have made it possible for many people with disabilities to live independently in their communities.
SLIDE 8: Japan’s PA system
- Apply to the government and receive a disability level certification.
- Submit a required personal assistance service plan to the city.
- If the plan is approved, service hours are granted.
- Start using the service with public funding.
SLIDE 9: Japan’s PA system
- Nationwide standardized public service.
- Services are provided through agencies, not direct contracts.
- Publicly funded services available 24/7, 365 days a year.
SLIDE 10: My Independent Living
- Injured during judo practice at age 15.
- Returned home after one year in the hospital.
- Received daily care from my mother for four years.
- Desire to live independently grows
- Encounter the CIL
Image: A photo of me at age 15. I’m wearing a judo uniform and holding a certificate while facing the camera.
SLIDE 11: Support provided by the CIL
CIL provided me with:
- An Independent Living program
- Providing personal assistance services
- Help with housing research
- Support for creating materials for negotiation
- Support for negotiating with the city
- Ongoing support after starting independent living
SLIDE 12: Other Examples
- People with higher support needs can receive assistance from two personal assistants.
- Even individuals with intellectual disabilities can receive 24-hour services.
Thanks to the disability rights movement, PA services in Japan continue to improve!
SLIDE 13: Support and Management
- Japanese CILs operate agencies that provide PA services.
- Provides both independent living support and PA services.
- Income from PA services funds CIL activities.
- A system is in place that balances support and business operations.
SLIDE 14: Support and Management
A graph of five interconnected elements in a cycle. Providing support, Independent living, PA services, Earning income, Securing funding. (連続性強調循環)
SLIDE 15: Challenges in Japan
- Shortage of workers in the personal assistant industry.
- Some people are denied the necessary service hours.
- Work and school hours are not covered.
- Year-round and long-term outings are not covered.
SLIDE 16: Overseas Training Program
“The Duskin overseas leadership training program”
What’s this program?
- A Japanese private program that supports training costs for people with disabilities who want to study abroad.
- It has been running for over 40 years.
- The disability leaders who founded Japan’s first CIL visited Berkeley through this program.
SLIDE 17: Visual slide
A photo from the send-off event for the overseas training program. Five trainees are sitting in front of a panel with the program name.
SLIDE 18: The Systemic Barrier
I was selected as a trainee!
However, there was a barrier in the system.
“Year-round and long-term outings are not covered”
Without access to public PA services, I would have to pay $150,000 out of pocket for assistance during the one-year training.
SLIDE 19: Unprecedented Negotiation
City Office:
“Since there’s no precedent in our city, we will review the case.”
National Government:
“A long term stay in the U.S does not count as residing in Japan, so the services cannot be used.”
- As a result, I was denied access to the service.
SLIDE 20: Visual slide
A photo of a meeting with city hall staff. Three wheelchair users and city officials are talking at a table.
SLIDE 21: With a national organization
- Consulted Disabled People’s International (DPI) Japan
- Started direct negotiations with national officials.
- Found a solution by aligning with tax rules!
Income Tax Law:
“If the stay abroad is less than one year, there is no need to submit a moving-out notification, and the person is still considered a resident of Japan.”
SLIDE 22: Approval Granted!
- After re-negotiation, I was finally allowed to use Japan’s public PA services during my training in the U.S.
- Like the Income Tax Law, if the stay is under one year, I’m still considered a Japanese resident and can use services as usual.
- This became the first case of its kind in Japan!
SLIDE 23: Don’t Stop There
- This decision shouldn’t be a one-time exception.
- It’s a chance to create a new standard!
- We requested the national government to issue an official notice to local authorities.
SLIDE 24: Creating New Standard!
- In response to our request, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare issued an official notice to local authorities.
- We succeeded in creating a new standard, not just a one-time exception!
- This opened new possibilities for future overseas training for Japanese people with disabilities.
SLIDE 25: Visual slide
A group photo of four wheelchair users and the Parliamentary Secretary. They are smiling and looking at the camera.
SLIDE 26: Connection with the World
Let’s connect more,
Let’s collaborate more,
Let’s move forward together!
SLIDE 27: With Deepest Gratitude
I thank all the disability rights activists who paved the way for our movement.
Special thanks to Shoji Nakanishi, who recently passed away.
He founded the first CIL in Japan and made a tremendous contribution to our movement.
Photo of Shoji Nakanishi: An elderly Japanese man in a wheelchair, wearing glasses, looking toward the camera.
SLIDE 28: To the Future!
An illustration with the words “Lead on!!” written. Next to the text, there is a small drawing of Mr. Justin Dart.
SLIDE 29
Questions?
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Concurrent Workshops 5
July 24; 9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
5.1 TBA: Hot Topic Workshop
Independence Ballroom
5.2 Newcomers with Disabilities in the United States: Towards a More Inclusive Independent Living Movement
Lafayette / Farragut
Critically affected by Trump Administration’s hostile approach to DEI and to immigration, refugees and immigrants with disabilities are experiencing the highest negative impact often overlooked by both disability movement and immigrants movement. In this workshop, participants will learn about unique barriers faced by newcomers with disabilities, and how ILCs can extend services to newcomers with disabilities, including by establishing mutually beneficial allyship with refugees and the immigration sector.
5.2 Newcomers with Disabilities in the United States: Towards a More Inclusive Independent Living Movement
- Lafayette / Farragut
- Emerging Leaders Track
- Appropriate for all audiences and knowledge levels.
Critically affected by Trump Administration’s hostile approach to DEI and to immigration, refugees and immigrants with disabilities are experiencing the highest negative impact often overlooked by both disability movement and immigrants movement. In this workshop, participants will learn about unique barriers faced by newcomers with disabilities, and how ILCs can extend services to newcomers with disabilities, including by establishing mutually beneficial allyship with refugees and the immigration sector.
Presenters
Elham Youssefian is the Director of Disability Inclusion and Accessibility in the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP). Her mission is to advocate for equal protection and human rights for refugees and displaced persons with disabilities. Prior to that, Elham was with the International Disability Alliance (IDA) as the senior adviser on humanitarian, disaster risk reduction, and climate action. Elham is a blind lawyer born and raised in Iran, immigrated to the United States in 2015. She has lead extensive research and advocacy on human rights of persons with disabilities including with Human Rights Watch and Center for Human Rights in Iran, and holds a Master of Human Rights Law from the London School of Economics. In 2023, Elham was recognized as one of BBC 100 Influential Women because of her advocacy on inclusion of persons with disabilities in climate action.
Isabel Hodge is the Executive Director of the United States International Council on Disabilities (USICD). Isabel’s training and advocacy work involves striving for the US’ ratification of and assisting countries with implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and advocating for improved support for refugees and asylees with disabilities. Prior to that, Isabel was a Senior Analyst for the US Department of Defense Office of Special Needs. She currently serves as the co-chair of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities International Task Force, Secretary of Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI) Board of Directors, the Vice President of DPI North America and the Caribbean, and on the Board of Directors for Wheelchairs for Kids International. Isabel is a person with a disability, and a US Marine Corps veteran.
J.C. Salyer is Associate Professor of Practice in Anthropology and the Director of the Human Rights Program at Barnard College. He is also the staff attorney for the Arab-American Family Support Center, a community-based organization in Brooklyn, where he runs the organization’s immigration clinic. His book, Court of Injustice: Law Without Recognition in U.S. Immigration (Stanford University Press) combines anthropological and legal analysis to understand how the U.S. immigration law operates and how immigrants and their attorneys navigate this often-hostile system. J.C. will co-present recent research findings supported by his 2025 Human Rights and Anthropology students on the rights violations experienced by people with disabilities seeking safety in the US, particularly with the anti-disability and anti-immigrant approach adopted by the new Administration.
5.3 Independent Living Technology Program: Decreasing Digital Inequity in our Communities
Independence BCDE
This workshop will teach CIL staff about Access Living’s thriving technology program. During the session, the facilitators will discuss the digital inequity consumer’s face, the importance of offering a technology program to consumers, and suggested programmatic structure and lessons. We will also touch on possible funding opportunities within your communities.
5.3 Independent Living Technology Program: Decreasing Digital Inequity in our Communities
- Independence BCDE
- Innovations and Technology Track
- Appropriate for all audiences and knowledge levels.
This workshop will teach CIL staff about Access Living’s thriving technology program. During the session, the facilitators will discuss the digital inequity consumer’s face, the importance of offering a technology program to consumers, and suggested programmatic structure and lessons. We will also touch on possible funding opportunities within your communities.
Presenters
Katie Blank joined Access Living in 2009 as the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Coordinator. Since then, she has worked as the MFP-CRP Transition Coordinator moving consumers out of nursing facilities, the Peer Supports Supervisor facilitating a mentoring group and supervising an independent living training program for consumers moving out of nursing facilities, and the Youth Team Manager developing and supervising youth programing that teaches job readiness, post-secondary education, independent living and advocacy skills. Today, Katie is the Senior Manager of the Independent Living Department overseeing the following programs: Youth programing (Fast Track, YIELD, and Illinois Pathways to Partnership), Survivors of Gun Violence program, Technology program, and Colbert Engagement and Supports program. Katie holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Education from National Louis University.
Rachel Rush: As Access Living’s Independent Living Technology Coordinator, Rachel teaches digital literacy classes and provides one-to-one technology support to people with disabilities. Prior to joining Access Living, she worked with migrants and refugees in the Chicago area teaching ESL. Originally from the UK, Rachel also previously lived in Hong Kong for 10 years where she worked on research related to labor rights and environmental justice issues. Rachel holds a PhD in Public Policy.
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Workshop 5.3 Presentation (PDF)
SLIDE 1
Conference Logo – LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together. Graphic 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.
2025 Annual Conference on Independent Living
LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together
Presented by the National Council on Independent Living
SLIDE 2
Independent Living Technology
Program
Decreasing The Digital Inequity In Our Communities
July 24, 2025
Katie Blank-Access Living, Senior Manager-IL Dept.
Rachel Rush-Access Living, Independent Living Technology Coordinator
SLIDE 3:
Agenda
- The purpose of a Technology program
- Program structure, curriculum, development, and best practice
- Technology program funding
SLIDE 4:
What is a Technology Program?
It’s a curriculum-based program that provides basic digital skills training, and devices, to consumers who have minimal to no computer skills and do not have access to a device.
SLIDE 5:
What is the purpose of a Technology Program?
- To decrease the digital divide.
- What is the digital divide?
— The digital divide is the unequal access to digital technology,
including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and the internet.
— The digital divide creates a division and inequality around
access to information and resources.
SLIDE 6:
How to Decrease the Digital Divide
- Provide consumers basic computer or iPad/tablet training.
- Setup and customizing laptops or iPads for consumers.
- Identify the need for and providing assistive tech to consumers.
- Give a device and internet service to consumers.
- Offer individualized support to consumers.
SLIDE 7:
Access Living’s Technology Program:
Pilot Program
SLIDE 8:
Access Living’s Pilot Technology Program
- 25 consumers
- 1 time, 1 hour training
- Refurbished computers
- In-home internet service with Comcast
- Tech support offered after the training-not through AL
- Computer bags, assistive tech/devices, and additional 1:1 support was not offered.
SLIDE 9:
Access Living’s Technology Program:
Program Structure
SLIDE 10:
Program Structure-Quarterly Plan
- 1st and 3rd quarter:
- Market program
- Recruit and enroll consumers into the program
- 1:1s, walk-in hours, and facilitate 1 to 2 lessons (Advanced information or reviewing previous lessons).
- Internet distribution
- 2nd and 4th quarter:
- Facilitate 2 computer groups
— Facilitate 2 iPad/Tablet groups
— Facilitate 1 computer group with outside entity (Career Center)
- Facilitate 2 computer groups
SLIDE 11:
Program Structure-Groups
- Number of consumers per group:
- 8-10 consumers per group.
- 4-5 groups every other quarter
- 100 consumers per fiscal year.
- Consumers can choose to take one of the following classes and are grouped accordingly:
- Computer Class
- iPad Class
- iPad Class with VoiceOver
SLIDE 12:
Program Structure-Groups
- Duration:
- 6 sessions, 1 time a week, for 1 hour.
- Location:
- 2 computer and 2 iPad/Tablet groups are facilitated at AL
- 1 computer group is facilitated at a collaborative agency’s location.
- Peer Support is offered during the group.
- Peer support is provided a stipend or gift card for volunteering.
SLIDE 13:
Access Living’s Technology Program:
Curriculum
SLIDE 14:
Curriculum Development Process:
- Surveyed consumers that participated in the pilot program and other AL programs.
- Utilized consumer feedback.
- Connected with other organizations facilitating technology programs in the area.
- Attended technology trainings and conferences focused on teaching technology to consumers.
- Best practices and additional feedback from each group.
SLIDE 15:
Computer Lessons
- Introduction to the program
- Computer Basics
- How to use the internet to search for information
- Sending and receiving email
- Using Zoom to make video calls
- Internet fraud and protection
SLIDE 16:
Collaborated Computer Lessons (Career Center & AL Tech Program)
- Introduction to the program
- Computer Basics
- How to use the internet to search for information
- Internet job search
- Email for jobs
- How to use Zoom/using Zoom for job interviews
- Microsoft Word Basics
- An introduction to Excel
SLIDE 17:
iPad and iPad VoiceOver Lessons
- Introduction to the program
- Introduction to iPad
- How to download and use apps
- Sending and receiving email
- Zoom and FaceTime for iPads
- How to use the internet to search for information
SLIDE 18:
Access Living’s Technology Program:
Devices and Internet
SLIDE 19:
Choosing Devices for the Program
- Device options:
- Computer
- Notebook-computer
- Tablet
- iPad
- Phone
- What to consider?
- Why did AL choose computer and iPads?
SLIDE 20:
Assistive Technology
Items:
- Stylus
- Large print keyboard
- Ergonomic mouse/mouse pad
- Headsets
- Laptop stand
Accessibility Settings:
- Screen reader
- Assistive touch
- Magnifier
- Speak screens/reading assistance
- Sticky keys
- Live captions
- Color contrasts
SLIDE 21:
Internet Distribution-Hot Spot vs. Home Internet
- Hot spot or Home Internet Service?
— Pros and cons for both options
-What to consider?
— Cost
— Usage and frequency
— Location
— Installation Process
— Internet provider
SLIDE 22:
Internet Distribution-Planning
- Choose between providing a hot spot or home internet
- Identify/collaborate with service providers or organizations that offer reduced rates and/or assistants.
- Identify consumers that qualify for the service.
- Collect necessary documents and complete enrollment.
- Schedule a date to teach consumers how to connect/use their internet (and distribute devices if you are providing hot spots).
SLIDE 23:
Access Living’s Internet Distribution
- Hot spots instead of home internet service.
- Collaborate with a local entity for the hot spot and service.
- AL pays for the device and 1 year of service.
- Consumer has to qualify.
- 2 Hot Spot distribution days a year.
- Distribute the hot spot
- Connect the device to the consumer’s computer/iPad
- Facilitate a lesson on how to use the Hot Spot
- After 1 year-consumer can discontinue the service or pay a reduced fee.
SLIDE 24:
Access Living’s Technology Program:
Program Impacts
SLIDE 25:
Health/Mental Health:
- Use MyChart so that consumers can access their medical records, obtain test results, refill prescriptions and communicate with their doctors more efficiently and quickly.
- Attend medical appointments online
- Look up times and locations of fitness classes
- Learn cooking skills to be able to cook healthier meals
- Communicate with family and friends
- Pursue hobbies
- Watch videos/movies to destress and unwind
SLIDE 26:
Independent Living:
- Apply for social security
- Pay bills
- Manage online bank accounts
- Shop
- Housing search
Employment:
- Learn new employable skills
- Look for and apply for jobs
- Online interview
- Work remote
Education:
- Apply/attend school/training programs
- Learn new skills online
— A new language, cooking, additional tech skills - Attend CIL programs virtually
SLIDE 27:
Access Living’s Technology Program:
Best Practices and Program Recap
SLIDE 28:
Best Practice
- New vs. refurbished devices.
- Use the same device for all consumers throughout the training.
- Use pictures of the device in the lessons.
- Provide at least 6 training sessions-1 training is not enough support.
- Offer follow-up training sessions on certain topics.
- Limit group size (5-8 people).
- Have additional support staff available during the group (coordinator, intern, volunteer, peer support).
- Leading groups every quarter vs. every other quarter.
SLIDE 29:
Best Practice
- 1:1 and walk-in hours are helpful (sign-up for walk-in hours).
- Extra support for those using screen readers.
- One type of internet provider vs. multiple providers/services.
- In home internet vs. hot spot.
- Insurance on devices.
- We limit the program to 50 consumers every other quarter (100 consumers a year).
- Wait list for consumers.
- Provide a bag/case for the device.
SLIDE 30:
Technology Program Recap:
- Basic skills training course:
- 6 sessions, 1-hour per session
- Additional lessons (advanced or review)
- Devices provided:
- Computer or Tablet
- Assistive devices/technology
- Hotspot-the device and 1-year of free service
- Additional Support with the coordinator:
- 1:1 individuated meetings
- Walk-in hours
- Peer Support during groups
SLIDE 31:
Funding
- Internet providers (Comcast & AT&T)
- Federal, city, or state funding
- Private donors
- Start-up Grants
- Fundraising
- Digital Equity grants
- Broad band USA website
- Join local technology coalitions to learn about funding options in your area
SLIDE 32
Questions?
5.4 Stronger Together: Bringing More Voices to the Table in IL Leadership
Independence FGHI
Presented by: IL Training & Technical Assistance Center
For Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), staying grounded in the community means having leaders and staff who reflect the people they serve. This session will offer practical ways to bring in more voices and lived experiences, particularly from individuals with disabilities who have often been left out of leadership roles. Through discussion, examples, and planning tools, participants will explore how to recruit and support board members and staff from a wider range of backgrounds. We’ll discuss what gets in the way, what has worked for others, and the steps organizations can take to reflect the community better and strengthen peer support along the way.
5.4 Stronger Together: Bringing More Voices to the Table in IL Leadership
- Independence FGHI
- How To: Make It Happen Track
- Appropriate for all audiences and knowledge levels.
Presented by: IL Training & Technical Assistance Center
For Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), staying grounded in the community means having leaders and staff who reflect the people they serve. This session will offer practical ways to bring in more voices and lived experiences, particularly from individuals with disabilities who have often been left out of leadership roles. Through discussion, examples, and planning tools, participants will explore how to recruit and support board members and staff from a wider range of backgrounds. We’ll discuss what gets in the way, what has worked for others, and the steps organizations can take to reflect the community better and strengthen peer support along the way.
Key Learning Takeaways
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Create a starting plan for how their organization can take practical steps to involve more people and voices in leadership.
- Explain why it’s important for staff and board members to reflect the full range of people in their communities to support true peer connection.
- Recognize common challenges that make it harder for some people to join or stay involved in staff or board roles.
- Learn real-world approaches other CILs and SILCs have used to bring in and support people from different backgrounds.
- Talk about the value of lived experience and how it strengthens peer support and decision-making in leadership roles.
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Concurrent Workshops 6
July 24; 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
6.1 CILs as Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Resiliency Hubs
Independence Ballroom
Join the Disability Disaster Access and Resources (DDAR) team at California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) as we convene a workshop on using the Independent Living Core Service model to create and support Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Resiliency Hubs for people with disabilities. We will examine our model in California and share lessons learned from recent wildfires. This roundtable workshop will include representatives from DDAR, Access Central Coast (a CIL serving Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties in California), Pacific Gas & Electric, and California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES).
6.1 CILs as Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Resiliency Hubs
- Independence Ballroom
- How To: Make It Happen Track
- Appropriate for all audiences and knowledge levels.
Join the Disability Disaster Access and Resources (DDAR) team at California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) as we convene a workshop on using the Independent Living Core Service model to create and support Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Resiliency Hubs for people with disabilities. We will examine our model in California and share lessons learned from recent wildfires. This roundtable workshop will include representatives from DDAR, Access Central Coast (a CIL serving Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties in California), Pacific Gas & Electric, and California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES).
Presenters
Serra Rae is the Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program Manager for California Foundation for Independent Living Centers.
Vance Taylor serves as the Chief of the Office of Access and Functional Needs at the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).
Jennifer Griffin is the Executive Director of Access Central Coast, the Independent Living Center serving California’s Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
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Workshop 6.1 Presentation (PDF)
SLIDE 1
Conference Logo – LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together. Graphic 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.
2025 Annual Conference on Independent Living
LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together
Presented by the National Council on Independent Living
SLIDE 2
CILs as Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Resiliency Hubs
Thursday, July 24, 202510:30-11:45 AM: Independence A
Moderator: Russell Dawson Rawlings, CFILC
Panelists: Serra Rea, CFILC; Jennifer Griffin, ACC; Vance Taylor, Cal OES; Tom Smith, PG&E
SLIDE 3: Panel Introduction
- Panelists:
- Serra Rea, Disability Disaster Access and Resources (DDAR) Manager, CFILC
- Jennifer Griffin, Executive Director, Access Central Coast
- Vance Taylor, Chief Access and Functional Needs, Cal OES
- Tom Smith, Customer Strategy Officer Emergency Operations Center, PG&E
SLIDE 4: Emergencies and Disasters
- Not all emergencies are disasters
- All emergencies are small, may escalate into disasters
- Four steps of emergencies
- Prepare
- Respond
- Recover
- Mitigate
SLIDE 5: It all begins with Prepare
- Assist community members with preparing an emergency plan
- Understanding what goes in a Go-Bag
- Locating resources before the emergency
- Limiting the fear of the emergency
SLIDE 6: California Model
- Goal: A CIL should be involved in any emergency that affects the community
- California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC)
- Disability Disaster Access and Resources (DDAR) Program
- Collaborating with government, utility companies and other partners
SLIDE 7: CILs Response to Emergency
- Ensure people with disabilities are supported before, during, and after disasters
- Holistic, person-centered services rooted in the Independent Living philosophy
- Peer-led, community-integrated, cross-trained teams ready to respond
SLIDE 8: Emergency Response
- Sheltering support (Transition Service)
- Temporary food and basic needs (I&R)
- Meeting Assistive Technology (AT) needs
— Temporary loans or replacement
SLIDE 9: Recovery
- Information & referral to local and national resources
- Peer Support Trauma-informed, disability-competent support from those with shared lived experience
- Employment services working with Department of Rehabilitation
SLIDE 10: Training CIL Staff in Community
- VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster): Collaboration and coordination
- FAST (Functional Assessment Service Teams): Disability-competent shelter assessments
- CERT (Community Emergency Response Team): Local disaster response certification
SLIDE 11: Network Collaboration
- CFILC and CILs collaborate with state and local government
- Coordinating information about weather, community needs and resources during emergencies
SLIDE 12: Office of Access and Functional Needs
- A bout Cal OES Office of Access and Functional Needs
- Individuals with access and functional needs face additional barriers to remaining safe and secure before, during, and after disasters
SLIDE 13: Personal Safety and Security
- Plan as though no one is coming
- Individuals in the community need to have personal plans
- Work together in partnership
SLIDE 14: Emergency Management process
- Disaster-related information
- Accessible transportation resources
- Shelters
SLIDE 15: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)
- CFILC Collaboration with utility on AFN support
- History of our partnership: Creation of DDAR Program
SLIDE 16: Who PG&E Serves By Numbers
- 16 Million people served
- 70,000 Square mile service area
- More than 50% of our service area is in high fire-risk areas
SLIDE 17: Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)
- High winds can cause tree branches and debris to contact energized electric lines and potentially lead to a wildfire.
- As a result, we may need to turn off power during severe weather as a last resort.
SLIDE 18: Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) [continued]
Conditions that may lead to a PSPS:
- Low humidity levels of less than ~30%
- Forecasted high winds above 19 mph with gusts above 25-40 mph
- Red Flag Warning declared by the National Weather Service
- Condition and moisture content of dry material and vegetation on the ground
- Real-time ground observation
SLIDE 19: Access and Functional Needs (AFN) Identification
The AFN population are individuals who have the following conditions:
- Developmental or intellectual disabilities
- Physical disabilities, chronic conditions, injuries
- Limited English proficiency or non-English speaking
- Low income
- Homeless
- Transportation disadvantaged, dependent on public transit
- Pregnant
SLIDE 20: Access and Functional Needs (AFN) Identification [continued]
The AFN population are individuals who have the following conditions:
- Older adults
- Children
- People living in institutionalized settings
SLIDE 21: Access and Functional Needs (AFN) Community Support
- It is estimated that over 80% of the PG&E population is considered people with Access and Functional Needs
- Individuals with AFN are eligible for extra support and assistance during PSPS
- If a loss of power at the customer s home creates a health or safety risk for their household, a customer may qualify for PG&E s accommodations and support services during a PSPS
SLIDE 22: Access and Functional Needs (AFN) Program Website
- For more information, visit: https://pge.com/afn
Image: QR Code: Location: (https://pge.com/afn)
>> SLIDE 23: Partnering with CFILC
We partner with the CFILC to administer the Disability Disaster Access and Resources (DDAR) Program to support people with disabilities and chronic conditions.
Resources Provided:
- Emergency planning assistance
- Portable backup batteries
- Accessible hotel accommodations and transportation
- Food vouchers
- Fuel cards for generators
SLIDE 24: Partnering with CFILC
- For more information, visit:
- (https://pge.com/ddar)
Image: QR Code: Location: (https://pge.com/ddar)
SLIDE 25: Framework for AFN Support
The Framework for AFN Support was developed in partnership with AFN leaders to reduce risk and ensure safety for electric dependent customers with AFN during PSPS.
Key components include:
- PSPS background and overview
- Developing an AFN support team within a utility
- Identifying customers with AFN
- Collaboration with community partners
- Programs to support customers with AFN during PSPS
SLIDE 26: Framework for AFN Support Website
- For more information, visit: https://prepareforpowerdown.com/
Image: QR Code: Location: https://prepareforpowerdown.com/
SLIDE 27: Panel Discussion
- Is there something unique in your CIL or SILC that is working or needs more collaboration?
- As a resource to you, what have we missed or what can we look at for future collaborations?
- Any other questions?
SLIDE 28
Thank you for attending!
Stay in touch: info@cfilc.org
6.2 Litigation as a Catalyst: How Legal Action Drives Change in the Disability Community
Lafayette / Farragut
Litigation is a powerful tool for advancing disability rights, from enforcing the ADA to recent victories in accessibility. Kelley Simoneaux, a disabled lawyer, will explore how legal action drives systemic change and highlights injustices. She will discuss how Centers for Independent Living (CILs) can leverage litigation to enhance advocacy, assess when legal action is appropriate, and support consumers. Real-world examples will show how litigation drives policy changes, improves accessibility, and empowers the disability community.
6.2 Litigation as a Catalyst: How Legal Action Drives Change in the Disability Community
- Lafayette / Farragut
- How To: Make It Happen Track
- Target audience: Executive directors & board members. Knowledge level: experienced.
Litigation is a powerful tool for advancing disability rights, from enforcing the ADA to recent victories in accessibility. Kelley Simoneaux, a disabled lawyer, will explore how legal action drives systemic change and highlights injustices. She will discuss how Centers for Independent Living (CILs) can leverage litigation to enhance advocacy, assess when legal action is appropriate, and support consumers. Real-world examples will show how litigation drives policy changes, improves accessibility, and empowers the disability community.
Presenters
Kelley Simoneaux is a nationally recognized attorney and disability rights advocate, dedicated to securing justice for individuals with spinal cord injuries and catastrophic harms. Paralyzed at 16 in a car wreck, her personal experience fuels her relentless advocacy in and out of the courtroom. As the founder of The Spinal Cord Injury Law Firm, PLLC, Kelley is the first woman with a spinal cord injury to establish a law firm focused on catastrophic injury cases. She also founded Wheel2Ride to improve rideshare options for people with mobility disabilities and serves on multiple boards, advising government agencies on disability rights. Kelley is passionate about advancing adaptive sports and has been instrumental in efforts to make Adaptive Boxing a Paralympic event. A skilled litigator, dedicated advocate, and mom of three, Kelley continues to lead with purpose and empower others through her work.
Josh Basile is a quadriplegic attorney, disability rights advocate, and founder of Determined2Heal and SPINALpedia. After sustaining a spinal cord injury at 18, Josh transformed his personal challenges into a mission to empower others with disabilities. Through Determined2Heal, he offers resources and mentorship for those adjusting to life after injury, while SPINALpedia serves as an innovative video mentoring platform for the spinal cord injury community. As a practicing lawyer, Josh specializes in advocating for greater accessibility and inclusion in all areas of life. His legal and advocacy work has led to significant policy changes, improving the lives of people with disabilities nationwide. Josh also serves on several advisory boards, championing adaptive technology, healthcare access, and independent living. His relentless commitment to uplifting the disability community is matched by his passion for mentorship and systemic change.
6.3 Developing Your Power Analysis for Subminimum Wage Phaseout
Independence BCDE
With how intertwined subminimum wage phase-out has become with disability employment services, phasing out 14(c) requires the collective partnership of numerous stakeholders (Self-advocates, Councils on Developmental Disabilities, Rehabilitation Services agencies, parents’ networks, and of course, Centers for Independent Living). Join an interactive discussion to identify how you can grow your 14(c) phaseout coalition to eliminate subminimum wage, while also bringing competitive, integrated employment (CIE) job opportunities for people with disabilities in your community.
6.3 Developing Your Power Analysis for Subminimum Wage Phaseout
- Independence BCDE
- Level Up Your Advocacy Track
- Target audience: Advocates & project directors. Appropriate for all knowledge levels.
With how intertwined subminimum wage phase-out has become with disability employment services, phasing out 14(c) requires the collective partnership of numerous stakeholders (Self-advocates, Councils on Developmental Disabilities, Rehabilitation Services agencies, parents’ networks, and of course, Centers for Independent Living). Join an interactive discussion to identify how you can grow your 14(c) phaseout coalition to eliminate subminimum wage, while also bringing competitive, integrated employment (CIE) job opportunities for people with disabilities in your community.
Presenter
Nick Boyle is the Economic Justice Policy Analyst at Access Living, Chicago’s Center for Independent Living. In his position, Nick works to identify barriers to building wealth amongst people with disabilities, focusing on workforce development, public benefits, and improving access to financial services. During Nick’s time at Access Living, he built a coalition of self-advocates, provider networks, parent advocates, and others to advocate for the successful passage of the Dignity in Pay Act. Nick is currently working on the implementation of the Dignity in Pay Act, expanding ABLE Account access in Illinois, and defending against cuts to critical public benefits such as Social Security and Medicaid.
.
Presentation
SLIDE 1
Conference Logo – LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together. Graphic 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.
2025 Annual Conference on Independent Living
LEVEL UP: Building Tomorrow Together
Presented by the National Council on Independent Living
SLIDE 2
Fair Wages for All
Developing Your Power Analysis for Subminimum Wage Phaseout
July 24th, 2025
Nick Boyle
SLIDE 3: Meet Nick (he/him)
- Economic Justice Policy Analyst, Access Living
- Focus on employment, public benefits, and financial wellness
- Identifies as a person with a disability
- Hobbies include guitar, cooking, working out, hiking
Image: A professional photo of a white man with a brown crew cut, glasses, and a grey suit.
SLIDE 4: Passion for I/DD Advocacy
- Brother, Matthew, has autism & I/DD;
- Seen his struggles and discrimination he faces in education, health care, and employment;
- Believes subminimum wage phaseout is deeply rooted in independent living philosophy;
Image: Two white men at the Oregon Coast, standing on a bluff in front of the Pacific Ocean. Nick wears a backwards baseball cap and green hoodie while Matthew wears a fisherman’s vest, t-shirt, and headphones.
SLIDE 5: Dignity in Pay Coalition
- One of the core leaders on the phaseout of subminimum wage in Illinois;
- Lobbied the Illinois General Assembly for over a year;
- Met with sheltered workshops, disability service providers, and other opponents;
- Signed into law by Gov. Pritzker in January 2025;
Image: Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, surrounded by disability advocates, holds up the Dignity in Pay Act now signed into law at a bill signing
SLIDE 6: Presentation Agenda
- Definitions / Key Terms
- Brief History of Subminimum Wage in the United States
- What is a Power Analysis?
- Dynamics of Subminimum Wage
- Important Players in YOUR Power Analysis
SLIDE 7: Definitions / Key Terms
- 14(c): The specific type of certificate / form to allow an employer to pay subminimum wage;
- CIE: Competitive Integrated Employment, job opportunities in the community;
- Community Rehabilitation Provider (CRP): An organization that provides community-based services for people with disabilities;
- Disability Service Provider: An organization that provides direct services to people with disabilities;
- I/DD: Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
- Piece Rate: Being paid per item you build, assemble, etc.;
- State Legislature: The group that makes laws in your state;
- Subminimum Wage: A policy that allows people with disabilities to be paid less than minimum wage, often at piece rate;
- Vocational Rehabilitation (VR): State programs that help people with disabilities find jobs / work;
SLIDE 8: Brief History of 14(c)
- In 1938, FDR signs the Fair Labor Standards Act;
- Creates minimum wage, overtime pay, ends child labor, and the 40-hour work week;
- Allows for disabled people to be paid subminimum wage;
- Intended for WWI Veterans;
Image: FDR signing the Fair Labor Standards Act
SLIDE 9: History–14(c) & I/DD
- Parents groups organize for better I/DD services;
- Previously, doctors / the medical community pushed institutionalization for disabled children;
- Late 1960’s / early 1970’s, parents groups begin developing subminimum wage programs;
Image: A woman teaches two young children with disabilities
SLIDE 10: History –Present Day
- Beginning in the 1990’s / 2000’s, disability advocates begin protesting the use of subminimum wage;
- Goodwill becomes the flashpoint in the debate;
- Growing research shows how to best support PWD in CIE and that 14(c) is not effective;
- States begin eliminating use of subminimum wage;
Image: Two Black disabled activists hold signs that read “CEO Salary $500,000 – Worker Pay 20 cents”
SLIDE 11: What is a Power Analysis?
- An understanding of who and what entities hold power;
- Challenges us to ask questions of how we can make the change we seek;
- Allows us to be targeted and intentional in our advocacy;
- Creates a framework to develop an overall advocacy plan;
- Grants us insight to craft specific strategies for different advocacy challenges;
SLIDE 12: Power Analysis Quote
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles”
Sun Tzu, The Art of War
SLIDE 13: Power Analysis of 14(c)
BUSINESS VERSUS LABOR?
Image: Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali wins over competitor Sonny Liston in the famed 1965 boxing match
SLIDE 14: Power Analysis of 14(c)
Image of a pentagon shape with the following agencies at each corner
- State VR Agencies
- Disability Advocates
- Service Providers
- Business / Labor
- Governor / Legislators
SLIDE 15
Let’s Develop
YOUR Power Analysis!
SLIDE 16: Disability Advocates
- Which groups / organizations are crucial to advocating for subminimum wage elimination?
- What roles do disabled people have in educating lawmakers about eliminating subminimum wage?
- What do disability advocates bring to the conversation that other groups might not?
- How can you make your advocacy accessible for people with all disabilities?
SLIDE 17: Disability Service Providers
- Which groups / organizations are crucial to advocating for subminimum wage elimination?
- What is the position of your state’s disability service provider trade association?
- Have 14(c) organizations already spoken up about the need to move away from this practice?
- What has the broader response been by 14(c) providers to the elimination of subminimum wage?
- What have conversations looked like when meeting with
sheltered workshops / disability service providers?
SLIDE 18: Government / VR Agencies
- What influence does your state’s VR agency have in setting disability employment policy?
- How active is your state’s Developmental Disability Council?
- What is the quality of VR services offered in your state? What is the general sentiment about securing VR for people with disabilities?
- Does VR have an interest in helping phaseout subminimum wage?
SLIDE 19: Business / Labor
- Do you have buy-in from key business groups to help increase CIE opportunities in your state?
- Which businesses are willing to highlight their work in expanding CIE opportunities / hiring people with disabilities?
- Is organized labor in support of this bill? Can they add their names as supporters?
SLIDE 20: Legislators & Governor
- Does your Governor support the phaseout of 14(c)?
- What is the opinion of subminimum wage phaseout amongst key leaders in your state legislature?
- Who are the organized lobbying forces in your state capitol, regarding disability issues? Are they for or against subminimum wage phaseout?
- Who are your champions that will make this a priority during the legislative session?
SLIDE 21
Questions?
Handout
Page 1
Image of a pentagon shape with the following agencies at each corner:
State VR Agencies
Disability Advocates
Service Providers
Business / Labor
Governor / Legislators
Page 2: Disability Advocates
Which groups / organizations are crucial to advocating for subminimum wage elimination?
What roles do disabled people have in educating lawmakers about eliminating subminimum wage?
What do disability advocates bring to the conversation that other groups might not?
How can you make your advocacy accessible for people with all disabilities?
Page 3: Disability Service Providers
Which groups/ organizations are crucial to advocating for subminimum wage elimination?
What is the position of your state’s disability service provider trade association?
Have 14(c) organizations already spoken up about the need to move away from this practice?
What has the broader response been by 14(c) providers to the elimination of subminimum wage?
What have conversations looked like when meeting with sheltered workshops / disability service providers?
Page 4: Government / VR Agencies
What influence does your state’s VR agency have in setting disability employment policy?
How active is your state’s Developmental Disability Council?
What is the quality of VR services offered in your state?
What is the general sentiment about securing VR for people with disabilities?
Does VR have an interest in helping phaseout subminimum wage?
Page 5: Business / Labor
Do you have buy-in from key business groups to help increase CIE opportunities in your state?
Which businesses are willing to highlight their work in expanding CIE opportunities / hiring people with disabilities?
Is organized labor in support of this bill? Can they add their names as supporters?
Page 6: Governor / State Legislatures
Does your Governor support the phaseout of 14(c)?
What is the opinion of subminimum wage phaseout amongst key leaders in your state legislature?
Who are the organized lobbying forces in your state capitol, regarding disability issues? Are they for or against subminimum wage phaseout?
Who are your champions that will make this a priority during the legislative session?
6.4 Cracking the Compliance Code: Mastering IL Grantee Monitoring & Success
Independence FGHI
Presented by: IL Training & Technical Assistance Center
A practical guide to navigating oversight, avoiding compliance pitfalls, and leveraging reviews for long-term impact. Independent Living (IL) grantees must navigate various monitoring processes to ensure compliance and program success. This training provides a clear breakdown of baseline, targeted, and comprehensive reviews, helping grantees understand their role, responsibilities, and strategies for preparing effectively. Participants will gain insights into compliance triggers, key performance metrics, and reporting requirements, ensuring they understand how to avoid common pitfalls and respond proactively to oversight. Additionally, grantees will receive guidance on engaging with review teams and using monitoring results to strengthen their operations.
6.4 Cracking the Compliance Code: Mastering IL Grantee Monitoring & Success
- Independence FGHI
- How To: Make It Happen Track
- Target Audience: Appropriate for all audiences. Knowledge level: experienced.
Presented by: IL Training & Technical Assistance Center
A practical guide to navigating oversight, avoiding compliance pitfalls, and leveraging reviews for long-term impact. Independent Living (IL) grantees must navigate various monitoring processes to ensure compliance and program success. This training provides a clear breakdown of baseline, targeted, and comprehensive reviews, helping grantees understand their role, responsibilities, and strategies for preparing effectively. Participants will gain insights into compliance triggers, key performance metrics, and reporting requirements, ensuring they understand how to avoid common pitfalls and respond proactively to oversight. Additionally, grantees will receive guidance on engaging with review teams and using monitoring results to strengthen their operations.
Key Learning Takeaways
By the end of the session, grantees will be better equipped to:
- Develop strategies for engaging with reviewers, organizing documentation, and responding effectively.
- Apply corrective actions effectively and utilize review findings for improvement.
- Understand monitoring protocols and learn how different review types impact grantees.
- Manage compliance efficiently by identifying key reporting requirements and avoiding common compliance pitfalls.
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