- NCIL 2023 Election Results
- Meet Andrew Robertson, Professional Photographer for NCIL’s Annual Conference!
- NCIL Mourns the Loss of Lillibeth Navarro
- NCIL Earns 2023 GuideStar Platinum Seal
- No Research About Us Without Us
NCIL 2023 Election Results
Every year, elections for the NCIL Board of Directors are held prior to the Annual Conference and announced at the Annual Council Meeting. This year, NCIL’s membership voted in two new Board Members and welcomed back seven returning members! Please help us to welcome the following new and returning members.
- President: Kent Crenshaw
- Treasurer: Jeremy Morris
- Region 1 Representative: Steve Higgins
- Region 5 Representative: John Herring
- Region 7 Representative: Shelly Osgood (New Board Member)
- Region 9 Representative: Lisa Hayes
- Member At-Large: Latricia Seye
- Member At-Large: Suzanna Gamez
- Member At-Large: Brittany Boyd-Chisholm (New Board Member)
For the full Board member roster, visit https://bit.ly/3ZpFUSY.
In addition to the Board election, NCIL members also voted to approve new bylaws. The new bylaws can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3oNwrXV. Reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
Meet Andrew Robertson, Professional Photographer for NCIL’s Annual Conference!
Andrew Robertson a talented professional photographer who is Deaf. Andrew began providing professional photography for NCIL’s Annual Conference on Independent Living in 2022. His vibrant pictures depict the spirit of the hundreds of Independent Living advocates who participate. From the March to the Capitol to the dance floor at the closing social; from the workshops that showcase CILs and SILCs across the nation to NCIL’s in-depth policy discussions, his pictures capture every moment of the week-long event.
An African American man in the kitchen raising his hands for a test shot. He is wearing the 2023 NCIL Annual Conference t-shirt with the “INDIVISIBLE” logo.
Andrew believes that connecting with your subject is critical to great photography. “I am grateful to NCIL for teaching me about documenting events. People with disabilities from all across the states, from the West Coast to Washington, DC, shared their personal histories and stories of overcoming barriers. They spoke of moments of deep humanity and witnessed compassion, care, and love for advocate leaders. They shared bitter stories, but also discussed changing laws to put an end to barriers. I believe that my creativity and work can contribute to NCIL through my efforts,” he said when interviewed for this article.
“As a photographer for NCIL’s Annual Conference, I am often asked what I enjoy most about my role. For me, it’s the March to the Capitol and the Rally that really stand out. What impresses me most about NCIL is their commitment to promoting positive narratives about the movement and the marchers. This is crucial for two key reasons. First, the right to protest is a fundamental freedom for citizens and must be protected. Second, by focusing on important issues, we can drive positive change within society.”
Andrew, his wife, and their three children live in Silver Spring, Maryland.
- Read more: https://bit.ly/45n3diH
- See the top 100 photos from NCIL’s 2023 Annual Conference: https://bit.ly/3YToKNG
NCIL Mourns the Loss of Lillibeth Navarro
NCIL joins disability advocates in California and across the country in mourning the loss of disability rights activist and leader Lillibeth Navarro.
Lillibeth leaves a rich history of her life in advocacy through ADAPT, Independent Living, Not Dead Yet, and so much more.
Diane Coleman wrote an article on Lillibeth’s life and legacy, which is available at https://bit.ly/48hHjiK.
NCIL Earns 2023 GuideStar Platinum Seal
This past month, NCIL earned our 2023 GuideStar Platinum Seal. The GuideStar website details nonprofits and provides transparency for donors, partners, and other interested parties. As a 2023 Platinum Seal holder, we are excited to show the work that we do through our updated nonprofit profile (https://bit.ly/3Pmeclx).
The Platinum Seal allows us to bring in more donations, attend staff trainings, and ensure that we are as transparent as possible. Support NCIL further and work with us to ensure that all people with disabilities lead independent lives by making a donation at https://bit.ly/47wtFYH.
No Research About Us Without Us
All of Us Research Program Graphic that shows a diverse collage of photos of people with disabilities. Reads “No Research About Us Without Us.”
AAHD’s Disability Community Engagement Partner Project is excited to present the launch of “No Research About Us Without Us”, a message to the disability community. This statement marks the endorsement of the All of Us Research Program by a nation-wide network of disability organizations and advocates. Read the full statement + Learn more about the importance of accessible health research at https://bit.ly/45Wc37m.
Check out the video “No Research About Us Without Us” at https://bit.ly/3sUcJLH.
Image: All of Us Research Program Graphic that shows a diverse collage of photos of people with disabilities. Reads “No Research About Us Without Us.”