National Council on Independent Living

LGBTQIA+ Alphabet
2025-01-23 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Detroit)
Archive:

Webinar recording

Presentation (PDF)

Presentation (Word)

This training provides a comprehensive introduction to the diverse identities represented within the LGBTQIA+ community. Participants will gain an understanding of the meaning behind each letter in the LGBTQIA+ acronym and its intersection with the disability community.

Learning Objectives:

Define and understand the terms within the LGBTQIA+ acronym.

Explore the distinctions between gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.

Recognize the impact of inclusive language.

This training is designed for individuals and organizations seeking to enhance their understanding of LGBTQIA+ identities and build more inclusive communities.

Presenter: Vicki Landers

Vicki Landers (She/They) is a proud, queer femme that lives with both visible and unseen disabilities. She is grounded by her partner Ray, her familiars Angel and Damien, and her son Kyle. She enjoys hunting for vintage Halloween items, early 1900’s colored glass, anything Tim Burton, and eating tacos. Vicki’s background is in retail management, training, and customer service. She is an assemblage artist and art curator.

Vicki is the Founder & Director of Disability Pride Pennsylvania. She found her space in the disability community by providing FUN. She says, “We as a community are inherently fighting for our rights to live independently and to be heard by the medical professionals, as well as our own bodies. We need a space to enjoy, have fun, and celebrate the victories.” Our programming includes disability pride events to bring communities together in a fun social way. We believe that bringing people together socially creates stronger communities, and stronger communities have better conversations. These conversations are key to the advocacy needed in our fight for equality. The organization has produced over 120 events, all with access and included history, art, music, comedy, tough conversations, fun socials, policy hearings, and more.

Resources:

Want to know more? Here is some recommended reading:

HRC Glossary of Terms

Transgender Resources

Intersex Informational Brochures

The Trevor Project’s Guide on Asexuality

Unlock New Opportunities for Collaboration: Introducing Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for CILs (Part 1)
2025-02-05 14:00 - 15:30
Archive:

Webinar recording

Presentation (PDF)

Presentation (Word)

Transcript (Word)

Key Acronyms List (see below)

Join NCIL’s exclusive 3-Part Training Series to empower your Center for Independent Living with the knowledge and tools to maximize the benefits of the newly developed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

In 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adopted a new set of physician billing codes to address health-related social needs. These codes are designed specifically to foster partnerships between healthcare professionals and Community-Based Organizations, like Centers for Independent Living (CILs), opening doors to enhanced services for individuals with disabilities.

What You’ll Gain

A clear understanding of the new FY24 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

Strategies to integrate these codes into your Center’s operations to diversify revenue

Expert-led guidance on implementation to ensure long-term success

Training Details

Session 1: Introduction to the FY24 Medicare Physician Billing Codes and Their Potential Impact

February 5, 2025; 2:00– 3:30 p.m. Eastern

Overview of the FY 24 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule specifically with a focus on Community Health Integration (CHI), Principal Illness Navigation (PIN), and Principal Illness Navigation-Peer Support. The session will provide participants with insight into the potential role of Centers for Independent Living in service delivery and provide a case study example.

Session 2: Deep Dive into the Codes and Service Delivery Models

February 19, 2025; 3:00-4:30 p.m. Eastern

Participants will do a deep dive into the mechanics of CHI, PIN, and PIN-PS service delivery.

Session 3: Strategies for Implementation

February 25, 2025; 3:30-5:00 p.m. Eastern

Participants will learn about how to develop a business model to sustain CHI, PIN, and PIN-PS service delivery and will receive helpful implementation tools and resources.

Who Should Attend?

Staff and leadership of Centers for Independent Living (CILs)

Partnering healthcare professionals

Advocates for Independent Living

Speakers:

Tim McNeill: Co-Chair, Partnership to Align Social Care & Principal, Freedman’s Health

Theo Braddy: Executive Director, National Council on Independent Living

Registration Fee: This event is free-of-charge.

ASL and CART will be provided. If you need any accommodations or have any questions, please contact Mary-Kate Wells at Mary-Kate@ncil.org.

Key Acronyms:

AAA: Area Agency on Aging

ACO: Accountable Care Organization

ADRC: Aging and Disability Resource Center

AHC: Accountable Health Communities

AWV: Annual Wellness Visits

CBO: Community based organizations

CCH: Community Care Hubs

CHI: Community health integration

CHW: Community Health Workers

CIL: Center for Independent Living

CMMI: Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation

CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

COA: Care of Older Adults

CoC: Continuum of Care Program (Housing and Urban Development Program)

Duals: individuals with Medicare and Medicaid coverage

EDU: Emergency Department Utilization

EMR: Electronic Medical Record

E/M: Evaluation and Management

FUH: Follow-up after hospitalization for mental illness

HCBS: Home and Community Based Services

HCPCS: Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System

HEDIS: Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set

HRSN- Health-Related Social Needs

FFS: Fee-for-Services

PCR: Plan All-Cause Readmissions

PHQ-2 Patient Health Questionnaire-2

PIN: Principle illness navigation

PIN-PS: principle illness navigation- peer support

QMB: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary

QI: Qualified Individual

QDWI: Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals

SAMSHA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

SDOH social determinant of health

SHIP: State Health Insurance Assistance Program

SLMB: Specific Low Income Medicare Beneficiary

SNF: Skilled Nursing Facility

TCM: Transitional Care Management Visits

TOC: Transition of Care

Home Usability Peer Network Meeting
2025-02-12 14:00 - 15:00
Register

The Home Usability Peer Network meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. ASL and CART will be provided. To request additional accommodations or to ask questions, please contact Mary-Kate: Mary-Kate@ncil.org.

Unlock New Opportunities for Collaboration: Introducing Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for CILs (Part 2)
2025-02-19 15:00 - 16:30
Archive:

Webinar recording

Presentation (PDF)

Presentation (Word)

Transcript (Word)

Key Acronyms List (see below)

Join NCIL’s exclusive 3-Part Training Series to empower your Center for Independent Living with the knowledge and tools to maximize the benefits of the newly developed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

In 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adopted a new set of physician billing codes to address health-related social needs. These codes are designed specifically to foster partnerships between healthcare professionals and Community-Based Organizations, like Centers for Independent Living (CILs), opening doors to enhanced services for individuals with disabilities.

What You’ll Gain

A clear understanding of the new FY24 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

Strategies to integrate these codes into your Center’s operations to diversify revenue

Expert-led guidance on implementation to ensure long-term success

Training Details

Session 1: Introduction to the FY24 Medicare Physician Billing Codes and Their Potential Impact

February 5, 2025; 2:00– 3:30 p.m. Eastern

Overview of the FY 24 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule specifically with a focus on Community Health Integration (CHI), Principal Illness Navigation (PIN), and Principal Illness Navigation-Peer Support. The session will provide participants with insight into the potential role of Centers for Independent Living in service delivery and provide a case study example.

Session 2: Deep Dive into the Codes and Service Delivery Models

February 19, 2025; 3:00-4:30 p.m. Eastern

Participants will do a deep dive into the mechanics of CHI, PIN, and PIN-PS service delivery.

Session 3: Strategies for Implementation

February 25, 2025; 3:30-5:00 p.m. Eastern

Participants will learn about how to develop a business model to sustain CHI, PIN, and PIN-PS service delivery and will receive helpful implementation tools and resources.

Who Should Attend?

Staff and leadership of Centers for Independent Living (CILs)

Partnering healthcare professionals

Advocates for Independent Living

Speakers:

Tim McNeill: Co-Chair, Partnership to Align Social Care & Principal, Freedman’s Health

Theo Braddy: Executive Director, National Council on Independent Living

Registration Fee: The live event is open to the public and free of charge. Recording and Material: The recording and training materials after the event will be available exclusively to NCIL members through the Empowerment Training Academy.

ASL and CART will be provided. If you need any accommodations or have any questions, please contact Mary-Kate Wells at Mary-Kate@ncil.org.

Key Acronyms:

AAA: Area Agency on Aging

ACO: Accountable Care Organization

ADRC: Aging and Disability Resource Center

AHC: Accountable Health Communities

AWV: Annual Wellness Visits

CBO: Community based organizations

CCH: Community Care Hubs

CHI: Community health integration

CHW: Community Health Workers

CIL: Center for Independent Living

CMMI: Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation

CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

COA: Care of Older Adults

CoC: Continuum of Care Program (Housing and Urban Development Program)

Duals: individuals with Medicare and Medicaid coverage

EDU: Emergency Department Utilization

EMR: Electronic Medical Record

E/M: Evaluation and Management

FUH: Follow-up after hospitalization for mental illness

HCBS: Home and Community Based Services

HCPCS: Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System

HEDIS: Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set

HRSN- Health-Related Social Needs

FFS: Fee-for-Services

PCR: Plan All-Cause Readmissions

PHQ-2 Patient Health Questionnaire-2

PIN: Principle illness navigation

PIN-PS: principle illness navigation- peer support

QMB: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary

QI: Qualified Individual

QDWI: Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals

SAMSHA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

SDOH social determinant of health

SHIP: State Health Insurance Assistance Program

SLMB: Specific Low Income Medicare Beneficiary

SNF: Skilled Nursing Facility

TCM: Transitional Care Management Visits

TOC: Transition of Care

Unlock New Opportunities for Collaboration: Introducing Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for CILs (Part 3)
2025-02-25 15:30 - 17:00

Home Usability Peer Network March Meeting
2025-03-12 14:00 - 15:00
The Home Usability Peer Network is a community of peer support and resource sharing to build the capacity of Centers for Independent Living to address housing and home usability issues. The Network will connect CILs from across the country to share resources, lessons learned, and provide peer support to help in our shared mission of community living.

Upcoming meetings:

March 12, 2025; 2:00-3:00 p.m. Eastern

April 9, 2025; 2:00-3:00 p.m. Eastern

May 14, 2025; 2:00-3:00 p.m. Eastern

Register online

ASL and CART will be provided. To request additional accommodations or to ask questions, please contact Mary-Kate: Mary-Kate@ncil.org.

Home Usability Peer Network April Meeting
2025-04-09 14:00 - 15:00

Home Usability Peer Network May Meeting
2025-05-14 14:00 - 15:00

National Conversation on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility: Exploring Equity in a Shifting Landscape
2025-06-04 15:00 - 16:30
Archive

Webinar recording

Transcript (Word)

The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) recently convened a powerful national webinar titled A National Conversation on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, bringing together leading voices in the disability rights movement to address the evolving definitions and implications of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in today’s sociopolitical climate.

The conversation was moderated by Theo Braddy, Executive Director of NCIL and a long-standing leader in the independent living movement. Braddy opened the session by grounding the discussion in NCIL’s commitment to disability-led advocacy and the urgent need to defend and advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility’s principles under growing national scrutiny.

The panel featured two nationally recognized advocates:

Dara Baldwin

Activist, author, and outspoken voice for equity, Dara Baldwin has spent her career championing policies and practices that uplift marginalized communities. Known for her unapologetic commitment to racial and disability justice, Dara brings deep experience in policy development, community organizing, and intersectional advocacy. Dara Baldwin is the author of To Be a Problem: A Black Woman’s Survival in the Racist Disability Rights Movement.

Vicki Landers

Founder and CEO of Disability Pride PA, Vicki Landers is a dynamic activist who has dedicated her work to empowering people with disabilities and amplifying pride in disability identity. As a business leader and community advocate, Vicki combines personal experience and professional expertise to fight for systemic change and social justice.

Together, the panelists explored the current attacks on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, the real-world impacts on disability communities, and the role of grassroots leadership in reclaiming equity work from political distortion.

This conversation marked a critical step in strengthening the disability community’s unified voice on the importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, and what’s at stake if we remain silent.

Understanding the PEO Model: A Strategic Partner for Organization Growth
2025-08-12 15:00 - 16:00
Archive:

Webinar recording

Webinar transcript (Word)

Presentation (PDF)

Presentation (Word)

Join Questco for an informative webinar designed specifically for nonprofit leaders and small organizations.

This session will break down:

What a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) is and how it works

How a PEO differs from traditional HR and operations models commonly used in the nonprofit space

How partnering with a PEO can help reduce administrative burden, improve compliance, and enhance employee benefits — all while freeing up time and resources to focus on your mission.

This live webinar is free and open to the public. The recording will be made available to NCIL members through the Empowerment Training Academy.

Presenters

Travis SwansonQuestcoVice President, Growth

Todd StarkeyQuestcoBusiness Development Manager

Hosted By: National Council on Independent Living Empowerment Training Academy

Community Conversation: Federal Funding and Government Shutdown Impact on The Independent Living Program
2025-10-09 15:00 - 16:30
In light of the recent government shutdown, we know many of you have questions about how this may affect funding and your programs. We want to hear from you! We invite you to join a community conversation so that your voice and experiences will guide our advocacy and response efforts.

NCIL is hosting this community conversation to:

Answer any questions we can about the shutdown

Discuss potential impacts on Part B-funded CILs and SILCs

Understand how your communities are being affected

Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025Time: 3:00-4:30 p.m. Eastern Location: Zoom

Register online

This is an open space for dialogue, and we encourage anyone to attend. Your insights are essential as we work to advocate for the needs of our community during this time.

If you have specific questions or concerns you’d like addressed during the session, please feel free to submit them on the registration form or email them in advance to NCIL Advocacy and Public Policy Director Jessica Podesva at jessica@ncil.org.

ASL and CART will be provided. If you need other accommodations, please contact Jessica Podesva at jessica@ncil.org.

We look forward to connecting with you!

Digital Accessibility for CILs, SILCs and other Non-Profits
2025-10-23 15:00 - 16:00
Archive:

Webinar archive

Presentation (PDF)

Presentation (Word)

Transcript (Word)

Digital accessibility shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Yet many organizations struggle with the technical complexity of making their websites genuinely accessible—not just compliant on paper, but truly usable for people with disabilities.

That’s why the National Council on Independent Living is partnering with ArcStone and Insi to offer free web accessibility training specifically designed for disability advocacy organizations and Centers for Independent Living.

The recording of this webinar is available to NCIL members through the Empowerment Training Academy.

What You’ll Learn

This isn’t another compliance-focused webinar that leaves you confused. We’re covering practical accessibility fundamentals you can implement immediately:

Online accessibility basics including Section 508, WCAG guidelines, and what different compliance levels actually mean for your organization

An overview of accessibility fundamentals from structural foundations and design choices to content creation and interactive features

Accessibility tools you can use today—we’ll demonstrate free browser tools, professional scanning platforms, and show you what automated tools can and cannot do

Real demonstrations of Chrome Lighthouse, WAVE, ANDI, and Insi’s automated scanning technology

Throughout the session, we’ll address your specific challenges, from whether you have accessibility experts on staff to how your current website designs address accessibility requirements.

Why This Partnership Matters

NCIL members are uniquely positioned to lead by example in digital accessibility. Your websites serve people with disabilities every day. When Centers for Independent Living and disability rights organizations prioritize genuine accessibility over superficial compliance, it demonstrates what’s truly possible.

This training represents a collaboration between NCIL’s advocacy expertise, ArcStone’s two decades of WordPress experience, and Insi’s accessibility scanning technology. Together, we’re bringing insightful and practical accessibility training to organizations that need it most.

Beyond the Webinar

We’re keeping this session interactive. You’ll have opportunities to ask specific questions about your website challenges, and we’ll address common obstacles facing disability advocacy organizations—from limited technical staff to competing priorities.

You’ll also receive post-webinar materials and exclusive discounts on professional accessibility tools as a NCIL member.

Whether you’re just beginning your accessibility journey or looking to strengthen existing efforts, you’ll leave with practical knowledge and actionable next steps for creating more inclusive digital experiences.

Community Conversation: Changing Landscape – Food Insecurity and the Independent Living Network
2025-10-30 15:00 - 16:30
Register online

Considering the recent federal policy changes from recently-passed legislation (H.R. 1) and the government shutdown, we know many of you have questions about how this may affect your programs and the communities you serve.

We want to hear from you! We invite you to join a community conversation where your voice and experiences will guide our advocacy and response efforts.

NCIL will be hosting a community conversation to:

Answer any questions we can related to changes in federal policy

Discuss potential impacts on CIL programming

Discuss partnerships and actions CILs and SILCs can take to support the communities we serve

Understand how your communities are being affected

Hear why food benefits are important to you!

This is an open space for dialogue, and we encourage anyone to attend. Your insights are essential as we work to advocate for the needs of our community during this time.

If you have specific questions or concerns you’d like addressed during the session, you can submit them on the registration form or by emailing NCIL Director of Advocacy and Public Policy Jessica Podesva at jessica@ncil.org.

ASL and CART will be provided. If you need accommodations, please email jessica@ncil.org.

We look forward to connecting with you!

Preserving ADA Parking Community Conversation: The Policy Challenge Spreading Across States
2026-02-17 14:00 - 15:30
Archive:

Webinar recording

Presentation (PDF)

Transcript (Word)

The National Council on Independent Living and United Spinal Association are coming together for a community conversation and educational meeting on what people with disabilities, allies, and community members can do to protect disability rights and access to accessible parking.

Several states across the country are considering or have passed legislation that would allow anyone who is pregnant to use ADA designated parking spaces for a full year regardless of whether their pregnancy has impacted their mobility.

This meeting will explain what’s happening, why it matters, and how we can work collectively to educate our local communities and to ensure that people with disabilities continue to have access to accessible parking spaces.

ASL and Cart will be provided. Please reach out to NCIL Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at jessica@ncil.org if you have any questions or accommodation requests.

PARTNER EVENT: Building Financial Independence
2026-04-14 15:00 - 16:30
Building Financial Independence: The ABLE Age Adjustment Act and Tools to Support Financial Empowerment

Hosted by the Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center (DETAC)

Read more
