IL-NET Presents an IL Conversation

1. IL-NET Presents an IL Conversation • Join today’s conversation: • If you move your cursor (or your mouse) then the following items will pop up at the bottom or top of your screen • Corner of your screen has a microphone to mute/unmute your audio • By pressing the chat bubble you can type a question in for us from your computer or speak with other participants • If you are on the phone you can unmute and mute from home with *6 • Captions will be provided in the webinar platform. You must click the caption option on your toolbar to view it. If you would prefer you can visit: https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=APRIL  for full screen captions. • If you are having any trouble participating please email mary.olson@mso.umt.edu for immediate assistance

2. The IL-NET is a national training and technical assistance project for centers for independent living and statewide independent living councils. The IL-NET is operated by Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) in partnership with the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL), and Utah State University Center for Persons with Disabilities.  • The IL-NET is supported by grant numbers 90ILTA0001 and 90ISTA0001 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy. 

3. IL Philosophy and Your Organization: Learn it, Live it, and Pass it on Kimberly Tissot, ED, Able SC and Larry Wanger, VP Employment Services, Ability 360

4. Today’s Discussion Will Cover: • What are the main IL Philosophy Principles IL organizations infuse in their work? • How do you incorporate IL Philosophy in your CIL and in your daily work? • How is it incorporated in staff training, both in onboarding and ongoing? • In what ways are you infusing IL philosophy into the community at large? • How do you celebrate and honor IL Philosophy and disability rights history?

5. Guiding Discussion Questions to Consider for Today’s Conversation: • What did you learn about disability history or Independent Living Philosophy when you started at your CIL that made the biggest impression on you? • How is IL Philosophy passed on to your staff and volunteers? • How does the work you do with consumers reflect and honor IL Philosophy?

6. Non-negotiable principles that we will not compromise that guide our decisions. • Empowerment – We don’t reach goals for individuals; we teach the skills that allow them to do for themselves. • Inclusion– We advocate for individuals with disabilities to be included in integrated environments in the classroom, employment, housing, leadership roles, and in discussions that impact their lives and the disability community. • Independence– Individuals with disabilities have the right to control their own lives and make decisions about what’s best for them. We believe every individual can be independent.

7. Continued. • Equality – We advocate for equal rights and access, not special treatment. • Disability Pride – “Disability” is not a negative word. It means we are more adaptable. We are proud of who we are, and the barriers we have overcome have only made us stronger.

8. IL Principles • T​he Independent Living Movement is founded in the belief that people with disabilities, regardless of the form, have a common history and a shared struggle, and that we are a community and a culture that will advance further banded together politically. • Equal opportunities and rights are for ALL. There should be no segregation by disability or stereotypes. • People with disabilities are the best experts on their own needs and should decide what is best for them. • No person should live in institutions on the basis of a disability. • Having a disability does not mean a person is sick and requires a certified medical professional for daily living. • People learn and grow from discussing their needs, concerns, and issues with people who have had similar experiences.

9. IL Principles continued.. • Systemic cross-disability advocacy efforts are needed to ensure that people with disabilities benefit from all that society has to offer. • There should be no barriers to independence, including architectural, communication, and attitudinal barriers. • The organizations best suited to support and assist individuals with disabilities ARE governed and operated by individuals with disabilities. • Leadership for independent living and disability rights is vested in individuals with disabilities (not parents, service providers, or other representatives).

10. Initial Staff Training • Staff Checklist (available on APRIL website under IL Conversations) • Meet with various staff to learn roles, responsibilities, and services at CIL • Observation Opportunities • Self-Guided study of policies, procedures, history and culture

11. Passing It On… to Board, Staff, and Volunteers Learning and sharing IL philosophy does not stop when on-boarding is complete. It is ongoing. • Can improve quality/effectiveness of services • Can help to keep everyone focused on mission and purpose • Can help to keep the organization consumer centered and connected to the community

12. Examples of structured trainings and discussion around issues related to IL Philosophy: • The process of establishing goals that reflect the wishes and desires of the consumer. • How to write IL plans that reflect consumer control and direction. • Approaches and techniques for insuring consumer control at your CIL • Provide training opportunities that reflect experiences from different perspectives, (racial, ethnic, and others), designed and taught by leaders from these communities. • Training, education, and recognition of important events in disability history

13. Training: Where and How? • Staff meetings • Informal office conversations • Ask staff to share successes and challenges • Create scenarios for your staff to work

14. Engaging Volunteers • Often are current or former consumers. • May be community members who are invested in your work • Important that you engage them in your on-boarding and ongoing educational component.

15. Engaging Board Members • It starts at the top • Include IL philosophy training component in training for new board members • Engage and invite existing board members to participate in training opportunities as appropriate • Invite consumers and staff to share at board meetings • Highlight successes and challenges in program reports

16. Honoring IL Philosophy in our work with Consumers • Services provided are determined and directed by the consumer • Past and present consumers volunteering in various roles with the organization • Your ILC is a hub or community place for the disability community in your area • Leadership of your organization reflect the diversity of your community, • Your organization looks like the community • Includes board, management, staff

17. The Journey Continues to the Community • Celebrate our history • Engaging in the Community • Engaging other Civil Rights Groups

18. Thank You! • Evaluation for Today’s Discussion: • https://usu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9zTKYwRaw8OtGJf • Materials and contact from todays call: https://www.april-rural.org/index.php/il-conversations Thank you to our speakers and audience help