access to independence

25th Annual NCIL Conference

The National Independent Living Council NCIL Conference took place in Washington DC the second week of July.

MARCH TO THE CAPITOL

This was the 25th anniversary of NCIL, and since Access to Independence is a member, and Louis Frick our Executive Director is on the NCIL Board, we sent staff members to represent our district and center.

More than 400 people, many of them with severe disabilities, marched to Capitol Hill to urge our Representatives to support disability rights issues. We marched to participate in our democratic system - the rights to assembly and representation, and to demonstrate how we can effect systems change. Marchers from all over the country prepared for months to address their concerns while meeting with staffers in the office of their representatives. Although there were numerous critical disability related issues to be addressed, we focused on Housing, Ratifying the ADA, Healthcare, and Ending the Institutional Bias.

Access to Independence was particularly fortunate; we were able to meet with Representatives: Issa, and Billbray, and a staffer from Susan Davis' office, Patricia Zavala, who was exceptionally well prepared, and responsive.

Each individual that attended came away with a new perspective on government, and systems change.

Rally near the Reflecting Pool

access to independence

of San Diego

Resources for people with disabilities

25th Annual NCIL Conference