IL Philosophy and Practice Summit: Reclaiming Our Movement (6 Hours)
About the training
The Independent Living Network is at a critical moment in its history. With the recent 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and new updates in key state and federal regulations affecting the lives of people with disabilities, we have an opportunity to refresh our understanding and application of the principles of the Independent Living Movement.
This two-day learning intensive addressed the Independent Living Philosophy now and beyond as we work to ensure inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment for all. Presenters discussed the need to recognize and address systemic barriers in our movement and communities, including ableism and racism.
Topics covered included:
- Reconnect with the tenets of IL philosophy
- Leveraging affirmative action to sustain our movement and ensure consumer power
- Intentionally applying IL principles through organization structure, policies, and culture
- Maintaining IL philosophy in new partnerships and the growth of our network
Target Audience
- Center for Independent Living staff, board members, executive directors, assistant directors, program managers, and individuals with disabilities
- Members and staff of Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), leaders of state independent living services (ILS) programs, and designated state entities (DSEs)
Recorded Sessions/Training Materials/Resources
Below are the links to the recorded sessions, the PowerPoint presentations, transcripts, and link to Recommended Resources - Continued Learning Links.
Note: For the Playback View with ASL in the session, click the box with three circles to the right of the CC box in the bottom right-hand side of the recording screen then choose Gallery view. For Spanish language click the circle with the lines through it in the bottom right-hand side of the recording screen.
Session Moderator is Mary-Kate Wells, Director of Programs, National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).
Session One: Review of and Reconnection to the Independent Living (IL) Philosophy and its Tenets/Principles
Presented by Rosalie Eisenreich, MPH, Strategic Initiatives Director, Southeastern Minnesota Center for Independent Living, Inc. (SEMCIL)
Paula McElwee, Director for Technical Assistance for the IL-NET National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Independent Living at ILRU
Amber Smock, Vice President of Advocacy, Access Living
- View the session recording (01:31:06)
- View the PowerPoint (pdf)
- View the transcript (pdf)
Session Two: Leveraging the Affirmative Action Requirement in Title VII (7) of the Rehabilitation Act to Sustain the IL Movement and Ensure Consumer Power/Control
Presented by Ebony DeLoach, Disability Health Equity Coordinator, Able SC
Crush Rush, Board Member, Able SC
Kimberly Tissot, President & CEO, Able SC
- View the session recording (01:28:05)
- View the PowerPoint (pdf)
- View the transcript (pdf)
Session Three: Meaningful Application and Implementation of the IL Philosophy Throughout CIL and SILC Organizational Structure, Policies, and Culture
Presented by Latricia 'Trish' Seye, Vice President of Independent Living Services, Access Living
Amber Smock, Vice President of Advocacy, Access Living
- View the session recording (01:32:20)
- View the PowerPoint (pdf)
- View the transcript (pdf)
Session Four: Maintaining the IL Philosophy in New and Existing Partnerships/Collaborations and How These Can Support the Authentic Growth of our Network and Collective Power
Presented by Christina Mills, Independent Living Advocate and Consultant
Emily Munson Esq., National Disability Rights Leaders
Brittany Zazueta, Executive Director, Dayle McIntosh Center for the Disabled
- View the session recording (01:39:05)
- View the PowerPoint (pdf)
- View the transcript (pdf)