The Annual Disability Rights/Independent Living Conference in partnership with the Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities and the Illinois Network of Centers for Independnet Living took place April 27-29, 2009 in downtown Springfield at the Prairie Capital Convention Center and the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center.

This celebration of disability brought approximately 300 individuals from across the state together to learn about advocacy and independence through large group sessions and workshops.

Over 20 workshops were offered in the areas of advocacy, independent living and personal development. Attendees also had the opportunity to attend opening and legislative plenary sessions. The opening session was conducted by Jan Czarnik, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of Illinois and Jan Dorner, League of Women Voters of Illinois. The legislative plenary session was presented by Brendt Ramsey, Executive Director, CCDI, Ann Ford, Executive Director, INCIL, and Susy Woods.

Thanks to all of our workshop presenters who included: Julio Barrenzuela, Robin Benson, Peter Berg, Shirley Black, Ann Caldwell, Sarah Castle, Rhonda Clancy, Lori Clark, Cathy Contarino, Carla Cox, Emily Dobson, Jill Doran, James Duffet, Ann Ford, Marsie Frawley, Michel Gaines, Jamie Gates, Nicole George, Alan Goldstein, Lynn Hatfield, Catherine Holland, Nancy Hulfachor, Hershel Jackson, Donna Joerger, Jennifer Knapp, Phillip Koppelman, Sue McCoy, Patrick McGarry, Janice Miller, Bob Palmer, Kathy Peterson, Brendt Ramsey, Shelly Richardson, Katie Reeves, Jennifer Scanlan, Kelly Stubbard, John Taylor, Natasha Telger, Devon Whitemore, Susy Woods and Jeri Wooters.

CCDI's and INCIL's Board and staff would like to thank all of the workshop presenters for volunteering their time and talents to help make this conference our best yet! A special thanks goes out to RSVP volunteers who also assisted as workshop monitors this year. Advocates took this knowledge with them when the marched to the Capitol on Wednesday and visited with legislators. During the legislative plenary session, members learned more about SB 68 Insurance Code Hearing Aid Coverage and HB 655 Employment and Economic Opportunities Task Force for People with Disabilities. Members then took to the streets in force on their way to talk with their legislators at the Capitol.

The Independent Living Expo 09 also took place on the main floor of the Convention Center and it rocked! Over 100 booths were represented at the EXPO showcasing assistive technology, services and resources for people with disabilities to further their independence. Activites included Salsa dancing, rock wall climbing, wheelchair basketball, adaptive cycling, pottery and product demonstrations and a legislative reception.

In addition, advocates had the opportunity to network and socialize. Robert Sampson rocked the house at the annual dance and a screening of Darius Goes West, a multi-award-winning documentary film, was available for folks to view as well. What a time!

During the Annual awards luncheon, the following folks were recognized as award winners:

Justin Dart Distinguished Citizen of the Year - Michael "Spud" Egbert
Edward V. Roberts Excellence in Independent Living - Cathy Contarino
Senator Penny Severns Memorial (Legislator of the Year) - State Representataive Elaine Nekritz
Barbara Prtichard - Sheila Romano
Volunteer of the Year Award - Beverly Beard

Sponsors and Advertisers

The board and staff of CCDI and INCIL would like to thank our 2009 conference sponsors. Without your support we simply couldn't do it! Thanks for helping make CCDI's 21st Annual Disability Rights Conference a success.

Department of Human Services-Division of Rehabilitation Services
Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois
Illinois Assistive Technology Program
Personal Mobility/United Access
Springfield Disability Commission
Inclusion Solutions, LLC

These companies and organizations helped support the 21st Annual Disability Rights Conference and the mission of CCDI through their advertisements. Let's thank them through our patronage!

IL Department of Human Service Divisoin of Rehabilitation Service
Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois
Illinois Assistive Technology Program
Springfield Disabilities Commission
Personal Mobility/United Access
Equip for Equality
Texthelp Systems Inc.
IL-Iowa Center for Independent Living
State Representative Lisa Dugan
IL Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission
Springfield Center for Independent Living
DBTAC - Great Lakes ADA Center
IL Association of Community Action Agencies
Access & Mobility
Southern Bus and Mobility
LIHEAP
IL Association of the Deaf
Cheery Hill Books
Superior Van & Mobility
State Senator A.J. Wilhelmi
US Bank
Guardian
Housing Action IL
DHS Client Assistance Program
Inclusion Solutions
IMPACT Center for Independent Living
Drake-Scruggs Equipment Inc.
Lake County Center for Independent Living
Law Offices of Phil Milsk
The Cardologist
Estes Bridgewater & Ogden
Progress Center for Independent Living
Access Living Center for Independent Living
IL Council on Developmental Disabilities
Premiere AV
Philip D. McFadden Associates
Stone-Hayes Center for Independent Living
IL Valley Center for Independent Living
Community Shares of IL
Spinal Cord Injury Association of IL
Office of Disability Services at the University of IL
Production Press, Inc.
Salsa 29 Productions
Northwestern IL Center for Independent Living
Nicoud Insurance
Fashion Afrique
Lincoln Douglas Cafe and Catering
Food Mart
Will Grundy Center for Independent Living
Senator Linda Holmes