NCIL’s Annual Conference on Independent Living is our nation’s largest gathering of disability rights advocates, and is a crucial opportunity for people with disabilities to connect, meet with our legislators, and propel the movement forward. Last year, we set a record with over 1,500 participants including over 100 youth from across the country. Please take a moment to watch the videos below that describe our success with youth involvement.
The theme for the 2016 NCIL Conference is Solidarity: Everybody In. Due to a variety of barriers, most especially cost, youth with disabilities have been unable to fully participate in the national disability community. In order for the Independent Living Movement to be more inclusive of young people we need the support of Centers for Independent Living and State Independent Living Councils. We are asking your CIL or SILC to pledge to support youth in one of the three ways:
- Pledge to financially sponsor 2 young people in your local area to attend the NCIL Conference.
- Pledge to financially sponsor 2 young professionals on your staff to attend the NCIL Conference.
- Contribute towards the Youth Scholarship Fund that will bring young people from across the country to the NCIL Conference. Your donation will support plane tickets, hotel accommodations, personal assistance services, and registration costs for attendees.
With your help, we can bring youth with disabilities to the 2016 NCIL Conference and ensure that youth leadership will grow and flourish in the Disability Rights Movement. Together we can ensure that young people with disabilities are empowered, engaged, and ready to lead.
Thank you so much for your support!
In Solidarity,
Keri Gray, Youth Transitions Fellow
Maddy Ruvolo, NCIL Youth Caucus Chair
