A Huge Thanks to Our 2023 Conference Sponsors
American Red Cross
Thank you to the American Red Cross for donating KN95 masks for conference attendees. If you want a disposable mask during the conference or forget to bring one of your own, we have you covered thanks to this generous donation!
Red Cross volunteers and staff work to deliver vital services – from providing relief and support to those in crisis, to helping you be prepared to respond in emergencies.
Click Here to Visit the American Red Cross Website and Learn More
Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living
EOCIL currently serves 13 counties and maintains three offices: a corporate office in Ontario, Ore., and branch offices in Pendleton and The Dalles.
Click Here to Visit their Website and Learn More
Service Center for Independent Life
A Special Thanks to Service Center for Independent Life in California for graciously donating COVID tests for APRIL Conference attendees.
Click Here to Visit the SCIL Website and Learn More
Please note: some of the COVID tests have dates that are expired, however based on updated CDC guidelines, these tests are still good to use.
Click this link to learn more about COVID test expiration deadlines
Centene Corporation
Centene is committed to helping people live healthier lives. They provide access to high-quality healthcare, innovative programs and a wide range of health solutions that help families and individuals get well, stay well and be well.
Since its founding as a single local healthcare plan in 1984, Centene's heart and soul has been linked to the health of the communities they serve. From that day until now, Centene has worked tirelessly to fulfill needs in healthcare and help more individuals.
As they go about their work today, this long-held commitment to the lives of children, families, seniors, people with disabilities and many more is encapsulated in their purpose: Transforming the health of the community, one person at a time.
Click Here to visit Centene Corporation website and learn more
Ford Foundation
Special thank you to the Ford Foundation for providing funding for 54 Youth Conference attendees under age 30.
Ford Foundation believes in the inherent dignity of all people. But around the world, too many people are excluded from the political, economic, and social institutions that shape their lives.
Across eight decades, their mission has sought to reduce poverty and injustice, strengthen democratic values, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement.
They cannot effectively challenge inequality—or advance their social justice mission—unless they address the needs, concerns, and priorities of the one billion people around the world who live with disabilities. While they have always complied with relevant laws regarding disability access and accommodation, in recent years they have sought to go beyond legal standards, and toward greater inclusivity.
Guided by the disability movement’s mantra, “Nothing about us without us,” they have been working to confront ableism and expand participation and inclusion on both the institutional and individual levels. These efforts—which are tied to their broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—are ongoing, and they are learning more every step of the way.
Click Here to visit the Ford Foundation website and learn more
Kelly's Kitchen
Kelly's Kitchen mission is to promote healthy nutrition in the whole community, with a focus on providing education on ways to access healthy food, explore employment possibilities in the food and beverage industry for people with disabilities, ensure food security, and learn healthy preparation techniques.
Programmatic initiatives of Kelly's Kitchen includes: employment opportunity list for work opportunities in the food and beverage industry, a resource for categorized accessible kitchen tools and accessories, interactive food pantry map, ability to assist with setting up food pantries, and the opportunities for online cooking classes to increase independence and meal prep access.
Click Here to visit the Kelly's Kitchen website and learn more
Elevance Health
Elevance Health brings together the concepts of elevate and advance, exemplified by our bold purpose of improving the health of humanity. They are a health company dedicated to making real progress toward improving the health of the people and communities we serve.
Their approach to health begins by redefining health, reimagining the system, and strengthening our communities. Improving health for everyone is possible.
Click Here to visit the Elevance Health website and learn more about them
ADA National Network
The ADA National Network provides information, guidance and training on how to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in order to support the mission of the ADA to “assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities.”
Funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), the network consists of 10 Regional ADA Centers located throughout the United States and an ADA Knowledge Translation Center (ADAKTC).
Each Regional ADA Center focuses on its region’s unique needs. This regional focus is critical to ensuring that ADA National Network services meet the needs of a diversity of populations and stakeholders throughout the country.
Click Here to visit the ADA National Network website and learn more about them
Idaho State Independent Living Council
The Idaho State Independent Living Council (SILC) actively engages in activities that help provide Idahoans with disabilities a greater voice in obtaining services that are consumer responsive, cost effective and community based. They are solutions oriented: collaborating with people with disabilities, public agencies, and private, non-profit and for-profit organizations to improve the quality of life and increase independence for Idahoan’s with disabilities.
The SILC upholds the principles of the Independent Living movement: consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equity, equal access and positive systemic change through individual and systemic advocacy, maximizing opportunities available to all Idahoans. They are the only statewide organization governed by a majority of people with disabilities that serves Idahoans across disabilities and lifespan.
The SILC works closely with the Centers for Independent Living and other partners in the development and support of theState Plan for Independent Living.
Vision: Idahoans across disabilities and lifespan live in their community of choice with the services and supports they need to reach their full potential.
Mission: The mission of the Idaho State Independent Living Council is to promote, advocate for and enhance the ability of all Idahoans with disabilities to live independently, direct their lives and participate fully in their community of choice.
Click Here to visit the Idaho SILC website and learn more about them
Ability360
Ability360 is a Center for Independent Living (CIL) that advocates personal responsibility – by, and for, people with disabilities – as a means to independence. To help consumers achieve self-sufficiency, Ability360 offers comprehensive programs through grants, fee-for-service contracts, and individual and corporate contributions.
With more than 130 staff members, more than 2,500 personal care attendants and hundreds of volunteers, Ability360 has offices in Phoenix, Gilbert/Mesa, Glendale, Tucson, Coolidge, and Prescott Valley, and provides services throughout Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, and Gila Counties.
Click Here to visit the Ability360 website and learn more about them
disABILITY LINK
“disABILITY LINK is an organization led by and for people with disabilities and promotes choice and full participation in community life.”
disABILITY LINK is a grassroots, peer-led, non-medical organization that:
- Advocates for human rights, not special rights.
- Values the inherent worth of each individual, all of whom deserve dignity and respect.
- Promotes the inclusion and recognition of the talents and abilities of all individuals.
- Supports self-determination and choice.
disABILITY LINK services are available to persons with disabilities, their families and communities throughout Metro Atlanta and surrounding counties including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dekalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnet, Henry, Newton, Rockdale Counties.
Five Core Services:
1. Advocacy
Provide information and assistance for people with disabilities and their families in accessing support systems, and promoting changes that enhance full access to the community.
2. Independent Living Skills
Provide opportunities for people with disabilities to gain the skills that empower them to live independently. The following are examples of independent living skills activities:
• Independent living skills training (problem solving, decision making activities)
• Functional life skills training
• Social & recreational activities
• For more information on available independent living skills training see our transition services department.
3. Information & Referral
Provide comprehensive and up to date information on available resources for people with disabilities and assist individuals by providing referrals for:
• Housing
• Education
• Attendant assistance services
• Community resources for related services
4. Peer Counseling
Offer people with disabilities the opportunity to interact with peers sharing knowledge, experiences and related issues such as:
• Friendship
• Leisure recreation
• Family support
5. Transition Service
Transition services empowers consumers to participate and advance as members of the community. This service focuses on independent living skills, community supports, social leisure activities and appropriate referrals for education, training and employment.
Miscellaneous Community Services that we assist with or provide information and referral avenues include:
1) Assistive Technology
2) Children’s Services
3) Communication Services
4) Counseling and Related Services
5) Family Services
6) Housing, Home Modifications, and Shelter Services
• Note: We do not provide housing or shelter services. We assist in locating affordable and accessible housing.
7) Mental Restoration Services
8) Mobility Training Services
9) Personal Assistance Services
10) Physical Restoration Services
11) Preventive Services
12) Prostheses, Orthotics, and Other Appliances
13) Recreational Services
14) Rehabilitation Technology Services
15) Therapeutic Treatment – Referral to services
16) Transportation Services – Provision of, or arrangements for, transportation.
18) Vocational Services – Any services designed to achieve or maintain employment.
19) Other Services – Any IL services not listed above in A-V.
Click here to visit the disABILITY LINK website to learn more
Disability Network Southwest Michigan
DNSM is the first stop for people with disabilities and their families in Southwest Michigan. They serve people in Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph & Van Buren Counties. As the leading disability social services organization in Southwest Michigan, their goal is to help foster a community where people with disabilities are able to participate fully in everyday life with equal opportunities and self-determination. Whether someone has a physical, psychiatric, neurological, or sensory disability, they believe all should be able to thrive and grow at home, in the workplace, and in their community.
They also assist organizations, businesses, and government agencies to understand their rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. They provide workshops and onsite training, technical assistance and support in learning to be welcoming of people with disabilities as customers, clients, patrons, volunteers, or employees.
Their goal as a disability rights advocate is to protect the civil and human rights of individuals with disabilities, and make sure that the laws put in place to protect them are vigorously enforced. In fact, they, too, are people with disabilities. At least 51% of their Board of Directors and staff members identify as having some kind of disability. Their philosophy has always been that people who live with a disability are experts on disability issues, and that services provided should be created with the direct input of those they will impact. That makes DNSM different from the traditional social services model.
Click here to visit the Disability Network Southwest Michigan website to learn more
Arizona State Independent Living Council
Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council (AZSILC) is one of 56 Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), which are federally mandated under the Rehabilitation Act. There is one SILC in each state and US territory. AZSILC members are appointed by the Governor, and the Council is comprised of Arizonans who have diverse disabilities, as well as advocates for people who have disabilities from across the state.
The Council participates in developing, monitoring, and reviewing the triennial State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), which is implemented by the AZSILC administrative team, in collaboration with the five Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in Arizona.
Click Here to visit the Arizona SILC website and learn more about them.
Bender Consulting Services, Inc.
The ONLY disability led search firm focused solely on funding exceptional candidates and leaders with disabilities.
Bender Excutive Search Services
Our nonprofit senior executive search consultant is a person with a disability who has served and consulted in thed isability nonrpfit & government sectors.
Working ONLY with nonprofits committed to hiring a leader with a disability to fulfill the organizations's mission, Bender has helped many nonprofits find exceptional candidates and emerging disability leaders such as APRIL, NDRD, CFILC, BILS, and CIDNY.
Work with the experts in finding impactful disability leadership for nonprofits.
Click Here to Visit the Bender Consulting Services, Inc. website and learn more.
Oklahoma Statewide Living Council
The Statewide Independent Living Council 0f Oklahoma (SILC) was established in compliance with the provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and as amended in the Rehabilitation Act of 2015, Section 705, herein to be referred to as the Rehabilitation Act. Specifically the duties and responsibilities of the Council are to:
- Jointly develop and submit, in conjunction with the Directors of the Centers for Independent Living, the State Plan required in Section 704;
- Monitor, review and evaluate the implementation of the State Plan;
- Coordinate activities with the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council established under section 105 of the Rehabilitation Act and in accordance with the State Plan, and other Councils that address the needs of specific disability populations and issues under other Federal law;
- Ensure that all regularly scheduled meetings of the SILC are open to the public and sufficient advance notice is provided;
- Submit to the Commissioner and Governor such periodic reports as the Commissioner may reasonably request, and keep such records, and afford such access to such records, as the Commissioner finds necessary; and
- Other duties and responsibilities as may be contained in the State Plan for Independent Living.
The Oklahoma Centers for Independent Living (CILs)
The Oklahoma CILs are community-based, cross-disability, nonprofit organizations that are run by and for people with disabilities, providing programs and services to help individuals have a more independent life style. CILs support the Civil Rights of all people with all types of disabilities within all aspects of service delivery and lifestyle. Oklahoma has 5 CILs that are located in Bartlesville, Enid, McAlester, Norman, and Tulsa, and provide the 4 core services that include: systems and individual advocacy, peer counseling, information and referral, and independent living skills training.
Save the Date for the 2024 SILC Congress March 11-13, 2024
Click Here to View a Save the Date Flyer
Click Here to Visit the Oklahoma SILC Website and Learn More
Arkansas State Independent Living Council
The Arkansas State Independent Living Council (ARSILC) is a non-profit organization promoting independent living for people with disabilities. The ARSILC has a Board of Directors comprised of Governor appointed Arkansans, the majority with disabilities.
Mission/Vision:
The vision of the Arkansas State Independent Living Council is to reside in a state where all its citizens have equal rights and opportunities. The Arkansas State Independent Living Council is an education, advocacy, and referral agency that works to provide information to the public throughout the state about the Independent Living Philosophy, civil rights, technology and services.
Achieve Independent Living
The Council envisions an Arkansas where all its citizens have equal rights and opportunities. Therefore, the mission of the ARSILC is to promote independence including freedom of choice and full inclusion into the mainstream of society for all Arkansans with all types of disabilities.
The ARSILC collaborates with the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) which provide the five core services including:
- Information and Referral – Utilizing local and national resources to increase your independence by finding creative solutions to your problems.
- Peer Support – Learn from other people with disabilities through their problem solving experiences and mutual support.
- Independent Living Skills Training – Learn skills that will increase your independence at home, in the community and in the workplace.
- Individual & Systems Advocacy – Learn about your legal rights, civil rights, available benefits and community accessibility.
- Transition – Transition from nursing homes and other institutions, Transition of youth who are eligible for an IEP to post-secondary life.
Centers for Independent Living, or CILs, are non-residential places where people with all types of disabilities can go to get services, enabling them to live more independently in their community. Arkansas has four such places which cover the state with Independent Living services. Each of the Centers also participates in other community projects or grants.
The ARSILC maintains a resource library open to the public which includes information and technology pertinent to the life of an individual with a disability.
The ARSILC staff maintains a good networking relationship with other agencies throughout the state and nationally to help to strengthen and build the IL philosophy across Arkansas.
Click Here to Visit the ARSILC Website and Learn More About Them
Valley Association for Independent Living (VAIL) Texas
VAIL Texas is a Center for Independent Living in McAllen, Texas
The services offered include:
- Information and Referral – VAIL specialists are knowledgeable about resources in the community and can refer consumers to the programs that can be most helpful to them.
- Independent Living Skills – VAIL specialists provide skills training in areas such as money management, time management, use of public transportation, proper use of medications, Use of assistive devices, personal and home safety, prescription assistance, personal advocacy and much more.
- Individual and Systems Advocacy – VAIL specialists help consumers stand up for their rights as individuals to live independently, and work for changes in society that would better support independent living for people with disabilities.
- Peer Counseling – Counselors who have disabilities may share similar experiences and may better understand what barriers others with disabilities encounter. VAIL peer counselors are prepared to assist you to make your own choices and reach your goals to live independently in your community.
Center for Independent Living Western Wisconsin
The Center for Independent Living is part of a network of Wisconsin Independent Living Centers that are non-residential, private, non-profit, consumer-controlled, community-based organizations providing services and advocacy by and for persons with all types of disabilities. Their goal is to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential within their families and communities.
Mission:
Our Mission is to advocate for and with persons with a disability to exercise their right to full participation in society.
Resources:
Links to disability resources and contact information for western & greater Wisconsin areas.
Independent Living Centers provide these five core services:
Advocacy – Individual advocacy is to provide support and assist consumers in learning skills for self-advocacy. CILWW also advocates at community, state, and federal levels for system change resulting in new legislation, expanded benefits and services, as well as improved community service areas. CILWW provides support and training for consumers to become involved in systems change advocacy.
Peer Support – One-to-one Peer Support is available from trained volunteers and staff who have personally experienced a disability and are willing to share their life experiences. Information, assistance, and support may be provided to assist a consumer in dealing with issues related to their disability.
Independent Living Skills Training – IL Skills Training provides assistance in assessing and developing the skills individuals need in order to live independently. Skill areas may include communication, financial management, household management, accessing community services, problem-solving and identifying, and using adaptive/non-adaptive equipment.
Information / Referral – CILWW Staff provides information on disability-related subjects and resources. Referral information for community services is provided. CILWW maintains a library of books, catalogs, and periodicals relating to disabilities that are available to the public. CILWW also publishes a quarterly newsletter called the Advocate.
Transition (youth, nursing home, etc)
This service is to facilitate the transition of individuals with significant disabilities from nursing homes and other institutions to home and community-based residences, with the requisite supports and services; provide assistance to individuals with significant disabilities who are at risk of entering institutions, so that the individuals may remain in the community; and facilitate the transition of youth who are individuals with significant disabilities, who were eligible for individualized education programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and who have completed their secondary education, or otherwise left school, to post-secondary life.
CILWW also offers Other Independent Living Services that you may be interested in.
Click Here to Visit Their Website and Learn More About Them
Disability Resource Network
Disability Resource Network is located in Huntsville, Alabama to provide services to residents of 13 North Alabama Counties - Colbert, Cullman, Dekalb, Franklin, Jackson, Limestone, Lawrence, Lauderdale, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston. Information and referral service is available to all callers, regardless of residence.
Disability Resource Network is a 501(c)(3) organization. They receive funding from the Alabama Department of Senior Services and donations. Donations are tax deductible.
Mission
Disability Resource Network’s mission is to promote independence to people with disabilities through advocacy, public education, and consumer controlled independent living services. We encourage people with disabilities to support one another in reaching their own independent living goals. We also promote equal access and disability rights through advocacy and public awareness activities.
Philosophy
Independent living is based upon peer relationships and principles of integration, consumer control, cross-disability and equal access. All Disability Resource Network services are community-based and non-residential in nature.
They believe advocacy is at the core of independent living, so they work to promote equal access within the Center and in the community.
A majority of staff and board members are people with disabilities. Consumers, not professionals, set their own independent living goals. Consumers are offered the option of developing an independent living plan, but they may elect to waive such a plan and just receive services.
A majority of our board and staff and staff members are people with disabilities.
Click Here to Learn More About Them and Visit Their Website
Ability Montana
A Center of Independent Living
Ability Montana (Ability Montana) is a nonprofit and one of four Centers of Independent Living (CIL) in the state of Montana. Ability Montana’s mission is to promote independence and advocate for people living with disabilities. To do this, they stand by three values: empowerment, advocacy, and community. They aim to break down the barriers to accessibility and to empower people to live independently, whatever that looks like to them. They advocate for people living with disabilities, and for their right to a self-directed life.
About Their Programs
As with other Centers for Independent Living (CILs), Ability Montana believe in the power of community and human connection and are proud of the peer-led aspect of CILs. To achieve that, they offer a variety of services and programs built around the five core pillars of independent living.
Each Center for Independent Living in the United States must provide programs and resources around these five core pillars of services.
Their Core Values
- Empowerment
- Advocacy
- Community
The Ability Montana Mission
Ability Montana’s mission is to promote independence and advocate for people living with disabilities. Ability Montana believes that people have the right to live and work as independently as they desire. Their programs are built around that belief and mission, and they work hard to provide the necessary services and support that people need to pursue a self-directed life. Ability Montana is a leader in their Montana communities. They are proud to empower people to live independently, to build a community focused on human connection, and to strip away the barriers to helpful resources that get in the way of living a self-directed life.
Center for Independent Living Defined
Ability Montana is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and one of four Centers of Independent Living (CIL) in the state of Montana. They are funded in part by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended in 1992 (Title VII – Independent Living Services) and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (Disability Services Division).The following is a definition of a CIL from Section 702 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended:
The term ‘center for independent living’ means a consumer‑controlled, community‑based, cross‑disability, nonresidential private nonprofit agency that is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and provides an array of independent living services.
Serving Montana Communities
Ability Montana helps consumers live and work as independently as they desire. This includes providing access to necessary services as well as recreational pursuits to promote quality of life within one’s own residence and community. Ability Montana serves as a leader in their communities, assuring disability rights for all Montanans by enthusiastically encouraging and effecting community inclusion, integration, and independence for people living with disabilities.
Click Here to Learn More About Them and Visit Their Website
Special thanks to individual Conference Sponsors: Brandon Brown and Christine Griffin