Coffee Chat for Executive Directors and Management-Level Staff
2026-02-02 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-02 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-06 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-04 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-01 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-03 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Detroit)
Looking for a space to connect, share ideas, and strategize with peers across the country? NCIL’s Coffee Chats are your opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about pressing grassroots and systems change advocacy issues.

What to Expect:

A monthly theme to spark discussion

Open space for strategy sharing

Peer feedback on challenges

Whether you want to dive into advocacy strategies, troubleshoot obstacles, or simply connect with others doing similar work, this is the place for you!

We are offering two types of recurring Coffee Chats:

Coffee Chat for Executive Directors and Management-Level Staff

Typically, the first Monday of each month at 3:00 p.m. Eastern

Register for the Director and Management-Level Coffee Chats

January 16, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

February 2, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

March 2, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

April 6, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

May 4, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

June 1, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

August 3, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

Coffee Chats for Community Organizers, Systems Change Advocates, Non-Management-Level Staff

Typically, first Friday of each month at 2:30 p.m. Eastern

Register for the Advocates, Organizers, IL Staff Coffee Chats

February 6, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

March 6, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

April 3, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

May 1, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

June 5, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

August 7, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

September 4, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

Bring your coffee, your questions, and your ideas — we can’t wait to chat with you!

ASL and CART will be provided. If you need any additional accommodations or ideas for a monthly theme, please reach out to Jessica Podesva at Jessica@ncil.org.

Coffee Chats for Organizers, Advocates, Non-Management Staff
2026-02-06 14:30 - 15:30, 2026-03-06 14:30 - 15:30, 2026-04-03 14:30 - 15:30, 2026-06-05 14:30 - 15:30, 2026-08-07 14:30 - 15:30, 2026-09-04 14:30 - 15:30
Looking for a space to connect, share ideas, and strategize with peers across the country? NCIL’s Coffee Chats are your opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about pressing grassroots and systems change advocacy issues.

What to Expect:

A monthly theme to spark discussion

Open space for strategy sharing

Peer feedback on challenges

Whether you want to dive into advocacy strategies, troubleshoot obstacles, or simply connect with others doing similar work, this is the place for you!

We are offering two types of recurring Coffee Chats:

Coffee Chats for Community Organizers, Systems Change Advocates, Non-Management-Level Staff

Typically, first Friday of each month at 2:30 p.m. Eastern

Register for the Advocates, Organizers, IL Staff Coffee Chats

February 6, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

March 6, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

April 3, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

May 1, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

June 5, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

August 7, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

September 4, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

Coffee Chat for Executive Directors and Management-Level Staff

Typically, the first Monday of each month at 3:00 p.m. Eastern

Register for the Director and Management-Level Coffee Chats

January 16, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

February 2, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

March 2, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

April 6, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

May 4, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

June 1, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

August 3, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

Bring your coffee, your questions, and your ideas — we can’t wait to chat with you!

ASL and CART will be provided. If you need any additional accommodations or ideas for a monthly theme, please reach out to Jessica Podesva at Jessica@ncil.org.

Region 4 Forum: AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN
2026-02-11 13:00 - 14:30
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) invites you to participate in a series of regional forums focused on building stronger networks within your region.

These sessions are designed to:

Foster peer-to-peer connections among Independent Living Networks and disability advocates.

Identify regional challenges and barriers impacting Independent Living services and the disability community

Explore opportunities for collaboration and mobilization to strengthen advocacy and resource sharing within your region

We ask that you register only for the session in your region.

Region 4: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee

February 11: 1:00-2:30 p.m. Eastern (12:00-1:30 p.m. Central)

Regional Representative: Edward Mitchell, Tennessee SILC (Tennessee)

Register for Region 4 Forum

ASL and CART will be provided. If you need accommodations, please reach out to NCIL Membership Mobilization and Engagement Coordinator Haley Yetter at haley@ncil.org.

See full schedule

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.

Region 8 Forum: CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY
2026-02-18 13:00 - 14:30
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) invites you to participate in a series of regional forums focused on building stronger networks within your region.

These sessions are designed to:

Foster peer-to-peer connections among Independent Living Networks and disability advocates.

Identify regional challenges and barriers impacting Independent Living services and the disability community

Explore opportunities for collaboration and mobilization to strengthen advocacy and resource sharing within your region

We ask that you register only for the session in your region.

Region 8: Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming

February 18: 1:00-2:30 p.m. Eastern (12:00-1:30 p.m. Central / 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mountain)

Regional Representative: Tami Hoar, Summit Independent Living (Montana)

Register for Region 8 Forum

ASL and CART will be provided. If you need accommodations, please reach out to NCIL Membership Mobilization and Engagement Coordinator Haley Yetter at haley@ncil.org.

See full schedule

Region 3 Forum: DE, DC, MD, PA, VA, WV
2026-02-25 13:00 - 14:30
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) invites you to participate in a series of regional forums focused on building stronger networks within your region.

These sessions are designed to:

Foster peer-to-peer connections among Independent Living Networks and disability advocates.

Identify regional challenges and barriers impacting Independent Living services and the disability community

Explore opportunities for collaboration and mobilization to strengthen advocacy and resource sharing within your region

We ask that you register only for the session in your region.

Region 3: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia

February 25: 1:00-2:30 p.m. Eastern

Regional Representative: Lillian Harrison, Independent Resources (Delaware)

Register for Region 3 Forum

ASL and CART will be provided. If you need accommodations, please reach out to NCIL Membership Mobilization and Engagement Coordinator Haley Yetter at haley@ncil.org.

See full schedule

Region 9 Forum: AZ, CA, HI, NV, AS, GU, MP
2026-03-04 13:00 - 14:30
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) invites you to participate in a series of regional forums focused on building stronger networks within your region.

These sessions are designed to:

Foster peer-to-peer connections among Independent Living Networks and disability advocates.

Identify regional challenges and barriers impacting Independent Living services and the disability community

Explore opportunities for collaboration and mobilization to strengthen advocacy and resource sharing within your region

We ask that you register only for the session in your region.

Region 9: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands

March 4: 1:00-2:30 p.m. Eastern (12:00-1:30 p.m. Central / 11:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Mountain / 10:00-11:30 a.m. Pacific / 8:00-9:30 a.m. Hawaii)

Regional Representative: Lisa Hayes, California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (California)

Register for Region 9 Forum

ASL and CART will be provided. If you need accommodations, please reach out to NCIL Membership Mobilization and Engagement Coordinator Haley Yetter at haley@ncil.org.

See full schedule

Region 7 Forum: IA, KS, MO, NE
2026-03-11 13:00 - 14:30
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) invites you to participate in a series of regional forums focused on building stronger networks within your region.

These sessions are designed to:

Foster peer-to-peer connections among Independent Living Networks and disability advocates.

Identify regional challenges and barriers impacting Independent Living services and the disability community

Explore opportunities for collaboration and mobilization to strengthen advocacy and resource sharing within your region

We ask that you register only for the session in your region.

Region 7: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska

March 11: 1:00-2:30 p.m. Eastern (12:00-1:30 p.m. Central / 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mountain)

Regional Representative: Mike Parker, Paraquad (Missouri)

Register for Region 7 Forum

ASL and CART will be provided. If you need accommodations, please reach out to NCIL Membership Mobilization and Engagement Coordinator Haley Yetter at haley@ncil.org.

See full schedule

Region 10 Forum: AK, ID, OR, WA
2026-03-25 13:00 - 14:30
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) invites you to participate in a series of regional forums focused on building stronger networks within your region.

These sessions are designed to:

Foster peer-to-peer connections among Independent Living Networks and disability advocates.

Identify regional challenges and barriers impacting Independent Living services and the disability community

Explore opportunities for collaboration and mobilization to strengthen advocacy and resource sharing within your region

We ask that you register only for the session in your region.

Region 10: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington

March 25: 1:00-2:30 p.m. Eastern (12:00-1:30 p.m. Central / 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mountain / 10:00-11:30 a.m. Pacific)

Regional Representative: Kimberly Meck, Disability Empowerment Center (Washington)

Register for Region 10 Forum

ASL and CART will be provided. If you need accommodations, please reach out to NCIL Membership Mobilization and Engagement Coordinator Haley Yetter at haley@ncil.org.

See full schedule

Region 2 Forum: NJ, NY, PR, VI
2026-04-01 13:00 - 14:30
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) invites you to participate in a series of regional forums focused on building stronger networks within your region.

These sessions are designed to:

Foster peer-to-peer connections among Independent Living Networks and disability advocates.

Identify regional challenges and barriers impacting Independent Living services and the disability community

Explore opportunities for collaboration and mobilization to strengthen advocacy and resource sharing within your region

We ask that you register only for the session in your region.

Region 2: New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands

April 1: 1:00-2:30 p.m. Eastern

Register for Region 2 Forum

ASL and CART will be provided. If you need accommodations, please reach out to NCIL Membership Mobilization and Engagement Coordinator Haley Yetter at haley@ncil.org.

See full schedule

Region 1 Forum: CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT
2026-04-08 13:00 - 14:30
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) invites you to participate in a series of regional forums focused on building stronger networks within your region.

These sessions are designed to:

Foster peer-to-peer connections among Independent Living Networks and disability advocates.

Identify regional challenges and barriers impacting Independent Living services and the disability community

Explore opportunities for collaboration and mobilization to strengthen advocacy and resource sharing within your region

We ask that you register only for the session in your region.

Region 1: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

April 8: 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Eastern

Regional Representative: Steve Higgins, Independence Associates, Massachusetts

Register for Region 1 Forum

ASL and CART will be provided. If you need accommodations, please reach out to NCIL Membership Mobilization and Engagement Coordinator Haley Yetter at haley@ncil.org.

See full schedule

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

Region 6 Forum: AR, LA, NM, OK, TX
2026-04-15 13:00 - 14:30
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) invites you to participate in a series of regional forums focused on building stronger networks within your region.

These sessions are designed to:

Foster peer-to-peer connections among Independent Living Networks and disability advocates.

Identify regional challenges and barriers impacting Independent Living services and the disability community

Explore opportunities for collaboration and mobilization to strengthen advocacy and resource sharing within your region

We ask that you register only for the session in your region.

Region 6: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas

April 15: 1:00-2:30 p.m. Eastern (12:00-1:30 p.m. Central / 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mountain)

Regional Representative: Justina Plowden, Southwest Louisiana Independence Center (Louisiana)

Register for Region 6 Forum

ASL and CART will be provided. If you need accommodations, please reach out to NCIL Membership Mobilization and Engagement Coordinator Haley Yetter at haley@ncil.org.

See full schedule

Region 5 Forum: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI
2026-04-22 13:00 - 14:30
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) invites you to participate in a series of regional forums focused on building stronger networks within your region.

These sessions are designed to:

Foster peer-to-peer connections among Independent Living Networks and disability advocates.

Identify regional challenges and barriers impacting Independent Living services and the disability community

Explore opportunities for collaboration and mobilization to strengthen advocacy and resource sharing within your region

We ask that you register only for the session in your region.

Region 5: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin

April 22: 1:00-2:30 p.m. Eastern (12:00-1:30 p.m. Central)

Regional Representative: Jennifer Kucera, The Center for Disability Empowerment (Ohio)

Register for Region 5 Forum

ASL and CART will be provided. If you need accommodations, please reach out to NCIL Membership Mobilization and Engagement Coordinator Haley Yetter at haley@ncil.org.

See full schedule

Rescheduled: Coffee Chats for Organizers, Advocates, Non-Management Staff
2026-04-29 14:30 - 15:30
Looking for a space to connect, share ideas, and strategize with peers across the country? NCIL’s Coffee Chats are your opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about pressing grassroots and systems change advocacy issues.

What to Expect:

A monthly theme to spark discussion

Open space for strategy sharing

Peer feedback on challenges

Whether you want to dive into advocacy strategies, troubleshoot obstacles, or simply connect with others doing similar work, this is the place for you!

We are offering two types of recurring Coffee Chats:

Coffee Chats for Community Organizers, Systems Change Advocates, Non-Management-Level Staff

Typically, first Friday of each month at 2:30 p.m. Eastern

Register for the Advocates, Organizers, IL Staff Coffee Chats

February 6, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

March 6, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

April 3, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

April 29, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

June 5, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

August 7, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

September 4, 2026: 2:30 p.m. Eastern

Coffee Chat for Executive Directors and Management-Level Staff

Typically, the first Monday of each month at 3:00 p.m. Eastern

Register for the Director and Management-Level Coffee Chats

January 16, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

February 2, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

March 2, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

April 6, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

May 4, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

June 1, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

August 3, 2026: 3:00 p.m. Eastern

Bring your coffee, your questions, and your ideas — we can’t wait to chat with you!

ASL and CART will be provided. If you need any additional accommodations or ideas for a monthly theme, please reach out to Jessica Podesva at Jessica@ncil.org.

2026 Annual Conference on Independent Living!
2026-07-20 09:00 - 2026-07-23 14:00
Registration is now open for NCIL’s 2026 Annual Conference on Independent Living!

The theme for this year’s conference is Protect. Persist. Prosper.

We’ll be making memories and making history. We hope you’ll join us.

Visit our Annual Conference website to review the agenda and workshops, register, and book your hotel room.
