2026 Annual Conference on Independent Living
July 20-23, 2026
Grand Hyatt, Washington, DC
Presented by the National Council on Independent Living
Protect Independent Living Silent Auction
Today we are launching the Protect IL Silent Auction: an online event running through July 20.
NCIL’s Annual Conference on Independent Living is where our movement’s coordinated response to threats takes shape. The silent auction will give our community a tangible way to support the work we gather to do every year.
Proceeds go directly toward conference costs and support our efforts to get disability rights leaders, Independent Living staff, and disabled advocates from across the country into the same room and onto Capitol Hill.
The stakes are real and we all have a role in building the Independent Living Movement.
The auction is open to everyone: conference attendees, colleagues, family members, and allies.
You do not have to be present at the conference to bid. All you need is an internet connection, email address, and credit card or other form of electronic payment.
Please direct all questions to Dara Bright at dara@ncil.org.
Happy bidding and thank you for supporting the disability-led Independent Living Movement!
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
Q: What is the Protect IL Silent Auction?
A: It is NCIL’s first-ever online silent auction. People bid on items, and the money raised helps pay for the Annual Conference. The auction runs from June 24 to July 20, 2026.
Q: How do I participate?
A: You need internet access and an email address. Go to our Silent Auction website. You can browse items without an account, but you will need to register to place a bid. Registration is free.
Q: Can I participate if I am attending the conference in person?
A: Yes. The auction is online, so you can bid from your phone, tablet, or laptop from anywhere — including here at the conference. If you need help getting online or navigating the site, please contact Dara Bright at dara@ncil.org.
How Bidding Works
Q: How does bidding work?
A: Each item has a starting bid. You enter the amount you want to bid. If someone else bids higher, you will receive a notification and can choose to bid again. The person with the highest bid when the auction closes on July 20 wins the item.
Q: Is there a minimum bid amount?
A: Yes. Each item displays a starting bid. You cannot submit a bid below that amount.
Q: Can I set a maximum bid so I do not have to keep checking back?
A: You will need to return to the site and place a new bid manually if you are outbid.
Q: What happens if I win an item?
A: You will receive an email notification after the auction closes on July 20. The message will include instructions for payment and information about how your item will be delivered or made available for pickup.
Q: What payment methods are accepted?
A: All major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club), Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App Pay, and ACH. Complete payment details will be included in your winner notification email.
Accessibility
Q: Is the auction website accessible for screen readers?
A: Alt text for our auction items can be found in the item’s description. Please contact Dara Bright at dara@ncil.org if you need assistance.
Q: I have difficulty using a touchscreen or keyboard. Can someone help me place a bid?
A: Absolutely. Please reach out to Dara Bright at dara@ncil.org.
Q: Are item descriptions available in alternative formats?
A: All item descriptions are posted on the auction website. If you need a description in large print, audio, or another format, please email Dara Bright at dara@ncil.org.
About the Proceeds
Q: Is my bid or payment tax-deductible?
A: No; however, donations made to NCIL will be accepted and are tax deductible.
Troubleshooting
Q: I registered but did not receive a confirmation email.
A: Check your spam or junk folder first. If it is not there, come to the registration desk and a staff member can help verify your account and resend the confirmation.
Q: I placed a bid but it is not showing up on the site.
A: Reload the auction page and log in again. If the bid still does not appear, let a staff member know. We will contact the auction platform on your behalf.
Q: The website is not loading on my device.
A: Please reach out to Dara Bright at dara@ncil.org for troubleshooting.
