The 2012 Texas Statewide Independent Living

Conference

April 22-24Dallas Marriott City

Center

Texas State Independent Living

Council (SILC)

Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative

Services (DARS)

Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

(TCDD)

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Meet the CouncilSaul Herrera, Chair Midland, TX

Richard Couder, Public MemberEl Paso, TX

Randell Resneder, Vice-ChairLubbock, TX

Beth Dennis, Ex-Officio Division for Blind Services (DARS-DBS)

Kristen Jones, SecretaryAustin, TX

Marc S. Gold, Ex-OfficioDepartment of Aging and Disability Services (DADS)

Peggy Cosner, TreasurerBelton, TX

Lance Hamilos, Ex-OfficioDivision for Rehabilitation Services (DARS-DRS)

Shannon Alexander, Public MemberBryan, TX

Donald Landry, Public MemberBeaumont, TX

Jim Batchelor, Public Member Cooper, TX

Karen Swearingen, Public Member Rowlett, TX

Crystal Choi, Public MemberFort Worth, TX

Meet the StaffRegina Blye, Executive Director

Lois Langtry, Executive AssistantKaethe Selkirk, Project SpecialistKimberly Bates, Project SpecialistEmily Wolinsky, Project Specialist

conference@txsilc.orgwww.txsilc.org/conference

Table of ContentsMeet the Staff

Regina Blye, Executive DirectorLois Langtry, Executive AssistantKaethe Selkirk, Project SpecialistKimberly Bates, Project SpecialistEmily Wolinsky, Project Specialist

Texas State Independent Living Council

5555 North Lamar Blvd., Suite J-103Austin, Texas 78751

conference@txsilc.org, www.txsilc.org/conference Phone: 512-371-7353

at www.facebook.com/txsilc @TexasSILC

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Page 4Welcome Letter

Page 5What is Independent Living?

Page 6Texas SILC Raffles and

Giveaways

Page 7Hotel Floor Plan and

Accommodations

Pages 8-12At-A-Glance Schedule

Pages 13-17Session Descriptions

Pages 18-30Speaker Bios & Partners

Thank you for making this a non-smoking and scent-free event!

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Welcome to the 2012 Texas Statewide Independent Living Conference, “Connected to Independent Living” located at the Dallas Marriott City Center. We are gathered here to support such efforts and to work together to identify ways to access housing, transportation, community supports, and Independent Living services needed for Texans with disabilities.

This year, I am very excited to announce that the Texas SILC has been awarded a very important grant from the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD). This grant, which is focused on leadership and advocacy development, will help connect more and more Texans with disabilities to their communities and to each other for the next three years.

Thanks to TCDD, the SILC was able to provide a stipend for 70 individuals with disabilities and/or family members of individuals with disabilities to attend the Statewide Independent Living Conference free of cost. We have brought in participation of diverse individuals from rural and urban counties who will grow as leaders and advocates and increase their knowledge on issues pertaining to Independent Living. The SILC has worked hard to ensure that what is learned over the next few days will not be forgotten and will translate to great social change back in our home communities.

As with all previous conferences, this year’s conference offers many informative sessions, exhibits, and social activities that are designed to facilitate your interaction with other attendees as well as the presenters and speakers. We believe this conference will be an enjoyable and educational experience for everyone. Conference materials are available in alternate formats and both sign language interpreters and CART services have been arranged. Several roving personal attendants and volunteers will be present during daily conference activities to assist attendees.

The 2012 Texas Statewide Independent Living Conference could not happen without the help of many dedicated people and donations from sponsors and community partners. Please take a moment to read the lists of volunteers, staff, and donors, and say thank you when you have a chance.

On behalf of the Conference Committee, thank you for joining us and we hope you see old friends and meet new ones!

With warmest regards,

Regina Blye

SILC Executive Director

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What is Independent Living?From the perspective of the Texas State Independent Living Council, the term "Independent Living” (IL) is a philosophy, way of life, and a movement of people with disabilities who work for self-determination, equal opportunities and self-respect. It also means the empowerment of people with disabilities to make their own decisions and life choices to the greatest extent possible, and the ability to live in the least restrictive environment with the same rights and privileges as other people. That meaning is reflected in the definitions and provisions of the Rehabilitation Act.With origins in the U.S. civil rights and consumer movements of the late 1960s, the Independent Living Movement grew out of the Disability Rights Movement, which began in the 1970s. Over the years, the IL Movement has spread from North America to all continents, adapting itself to and getting enriched by different cultures and economic conditions in the process. Supporting the movement and utilizing its work has become an important ingredient of many countries’ social policy.There are at least two entities responsible for upholding the Independent Living philosophy, Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs) and Centers for Independent Living (CILs). The Texas SILC is to develop, in cooperation with DARS and the Network of CILs, the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). This document is a detailed three-year plan that sets the parameters and establishes the goals for the provision of Independent Living services in Texas. The SILC is also charged with the responsibility of monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of the State Plan. Other roles of the SILC are systems advocacy, education of the public regarding disability-related topics, and provision of technical assistance concerning the Independent Living philosophy and approach.

Independent Living services, as defined in the Rehabilitation Act, are provided primarily by Centers for Independent Living, (CILs). Currently, twenty-seven such centers exist in Texas. CILs must be community-based, nonresidential, cross-disability (all disability groups are served), and consumer-controlled (a majority of the board and staff must be persons with disabilities). CILs are required to provide, at a minimum, the following services:

Individual and Systems AdvocacyCross-disability Peer SupportInformation and ReferralIndependent Living Skills Training

“As long as we regard our disabilities as tragedies, we will be pitied. As long as we feel ashamed of who we are, our lives will be regarded as useless.As long as we remain silent, we will be told by others what to do." -  Dr. Adolf Ratzka

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Texas SILC Raffles and GiveawaysGET CONNECTED TO THE PRIZES!

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Hotel Floor Plan and Accommodations

Dallas Marriott City CenterFloor Plan

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Blue: Men’s RestroomsRed: Women’s RestroomsYellow: Conference Rooms

At-A-Glance ScheduleThe Texas State Independent Living Council is pleased to offer Continuing Education credits to professionals attending the conference. Qualified sessions are marked throughout the program for your convenience.

Sunday, April 22 Room10 a.m. to 1 p.m. TACIL Quarterly Meeting

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. SILC Quarterly Meeting

Nice

Champagne

3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.SILC/CILs Joint Meeting Normandy

4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.PAC and Stipend Participant Meeting Somerset

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.Pre-Registration

Lobby Level in front of

Cambridge and

Somerset7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.“What Does Independent Living Mean to Me?”Social Mixer Giveaways

Cambridge

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“I am neither an optimist nor pessimist,

but a possibilist.”-Max Lerner

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At-A-Glance Schedule

Monday, April 23 Room8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Complimentary Breakfast

Foyer

8:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.Registration and Raffle Tickets

Foyer

8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.Opening Announcements and Introductions:

Saul Herrera, SILC Chair Randell Resneder, SILC Conference Committee Chair Peggy Cosner, TACIL Chair Jerry R Allen, Dallas City Council Member Regina Blye, SILC Executive Director Keynote Speaker: Geri Jewell

Plaza Ballroom

10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.Break and Visit Exhibitors

Foyer

10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.Group A Breakout Sessions

1. Texas Institutions: Neglected and Rejected CEU 2. TDHCA’s HOME and Housing Trust Fund Programs CEU3. Home Modifications and Assistive Technology in the

Home CEU4. Mobility Management Independent Living Coaches CEU

Plaza ABordeauxPlaza B, CNormandy

11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lunch On Your Own and Meet with ExhibitorsRandom Giveaways, as well as Snacks during the Lunch Break!

Foyer

1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.Group B Breakout Sessions

1. Abuse and Violence Against People with Disabilities CEU

2. Real Choice System Change Grant/Sec. 811 Accessible Housing CEU

Plaza ABordeauxPlaza B, CNormandy

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3. Financial and Legal Strategies to Facilitate Independent Living

4. How to Emphasize the ‘D’ in ADRC CEU

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At-A-Glance Schedule

Monday, April 23 Room2:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.Break and Visit Exhibitors

Foyer

2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.Group C Breakout Sessions

1. The Power of the Disability Vote CEU2. Community Integration and Personal Safety CEU3. CIL and DARS Independent Living Staff Plenary Session:

Building Relationships Region by Region CEU4. I’m Walking as Straight as I Can: Transcending Disability

in Hollywood and Beyond

Plaza ABordeauxPlaza B, C

Normandy

3:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Break and Visit Exhibitors

Foyer

4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.General Session: Your Medicaid, Your Responsibility – Speak up or Get Left Out! CEU

PlazaBallroom

5:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Dinner Break and Site-Seeing

7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Evening ReceptionRaffles and Giveaways

Plaza A, B

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until

it is faced.”-James Baldwin

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At-A-Glance ScheduleTuesday, April 24 Room

8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Complimentary Breakfast

Foyer

8:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.Registration and Raffle Tickets

Foyer

8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.Opening Announcements and Introductions:

Saul Herrera, SILC Chair Randell Resneder, SILC Conference Committee Chair Regina Blye, SILC Executive Director Keynote Speaker: Jim Dickson, American Association of

People with Disabilities

PlazaBallroom

10:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.Break and Visit Exhibitors

Foyer

10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Group D Breakout Sessions

1. Strategies for Success During Service (AmeriCorps, VISTA, RSVP Programs) CEU

2. Adjusting to a Mobility Disability and its Sexual Impact CEU

3. Using the Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment in CILs as a Tool for Goal Setting and Prioritizing CEU

4. Rehab Council Solicitation of Public Input5. Benefits of Adaptive Recreational Sports CEU

Plaza A

Plaza B, CNormandy

BordeauxSomerset

11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Exhibit Visits and Stipend Recipient Meeting

Champagne

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At-A-Glance ScheduleTuesday, April 24 Room

12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.Awards Luncheon

Outstanding Achievement by a Service ProviderCivic/Community ServiceConsumer/Person of the YearWhat Independent Living Means to Me: Video Competition

The Big Reveal!

PlazaBallroom

1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Raffles and Giveaways Closing Remarks

PlazaBallroom

“Placing one foot in front of the other, I've climbed to higher lengths. Reaching beyond my own

limitations, to show my inner strength. No obstacle too hard, for this warrior to overcome. I'm just a

man on a mission, to prove my disability hasn't won.” - Robert M. Hensel

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Session DescriptionsMonday, April 23: Group A: 10:30-11:45

a.m.A-1. Texas Institutions: Neglected and Rejected(Plaza A with facilitator Richard Couder)Did you know Texas has a dual-funded residential service system? Unlike other states in the US, Texas funds 13 State Supported Living Centers (SSLC), as well as community-based and independent living for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Guess which entity gets the most funding? Guess which entity needs the most funding? The presentation will include:

Insight into the SSLC's; Detailed discussion about residential services in Texas; Steps you can take to advocate for change;

Speaker:Kimberly

McCaffrey, M. Ed.

CEU

A-2. TDHCA’s HOME and Housing Trust Fund Programs(Bordeaux with facilitator Crystal Choi)The HOME Program has set-aside annual funding for persons with disabilities which can be used for tenant-based rental assistance, home modification, and homebuyer assistance. The Housing Trust Fund provides the Amy Young Barrier Removal Program, which provides accessibility modifications for persons with disabilities.

TDHCA offers opportunities specifically for persons with disabilities to receive housing assistance;

TDHCA provides funding to local providers to administer its program activities. Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are potential providers and should apply for TDHCA funds when they may become available;

Speakers:Kate Moore,

Policy Specialist at

TDHCA&

Ashley Schweickart, Coordinator, Housing and

Health Services

Coordination Council for

TDHCACEU

A-3. Home Modifications & Assistive Technology in the Home(Plaza B & C with facilitator Saul Herrera)How accessible is your home? Would making your home accessible be too costly? What are some ways that a person with a disability can make their house more accessible without tearing down walls?In this session:

Ms. Hubert will explain to attendees how to better determine the accessibility needs of the homeowner/consumer. Attendees will also learn ways that assistive technology (AT) can make a home more usable by a person with a disability.

Ms. Verdone will focus on products and techniques that give

Speakers:Naomi Hubert,

M.Ed, Easter Seals Central

Texas&

Antoinette Verdone,

Rehabilitation Engineer,

New Life Medical

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people with disabilities access to their home without having to make structural changes. This presentation will discuss the benefits and limitations of a non-structural change approach to home modification.

Equipment

CEU

Session DescriptionsMonday, April 23: Group A: 10:30-11:45

a.m.A-4. Mobility Management Independent Living Coaches(Normandy with facilitator Peggy Cosner)Having access to transportation is one of the most fundamental elements of living independently. Without accessible transportation or the know-how to utilize accessible transportation individuals with disabilities find themselves going nowhere fast. The goal of the MMILC program is to bridge the gap between the disability community and mobility managers. This session will provide an overview of the program, discuss the coaches’ progress, explain ways that consumers and support organizations can support the project, and will enlist advice on how to further expand this project for the future.

Speaker:Chamane Barrow,

Associate Director of CBFL/BCCIL

CEU

Monday, April 23: Group B: 1:00-2:15 p.m.B-1. Abuse and Violence Against People with Disabilities (Plaza A with facilitator Richard Couder) This session will bring to light the dangerous phenomenon of abuse and violence against people with disabilities. Ms. Barrutia will focus on recognizing signs of abuse, responding, and forming collaborations to prevent these instances. Attendees will be able to:

Gain further understanding of what is known about abuse towards this population;

Examine what can be done on the part of support systems and organizations to prevent further instances of abuse and violence;

Discuss how collaborations can be formed in the community to better protect individuals with disabilities;

Speaker:Robbi

Barrutia, Executive Director of Idaho SILC

CEU

B-2. Real Choice System Change Grant/Sec. 811 Accessible Housing (Bordeaux with facilitator Crystal Choi)The waiting list for a Section 8 voucher is a mile long for many Texans, but the distance between a safe and affordable place to live isn’t as far for many individuals with disabilities. This session will focus on two independent living opportunities: (1) The Project Access Program and (2) CMS Real Choice Systems Change Grant. Ms. Moore and Mr. Ashman will discuss the existing and future opportunities for persons with disabilities to receive housing assistance that is connected to

Speakers:Kate Moore,

Policy Specialist at

TDHCA &Steve

Ashman, MFP Demonstrati

on Project Director,

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assistance from other services. DADSCEU

Session Descriptions

Monday, April 23: Group B: 1:00-2:15 p.m.B-3. Financial and Legal Strategies to Facilitate Independent Living (Plaza B & C with facilitator Saul Herrera)The purpose of this presentation is to educate families about:

What a Special Needs Trust (SNT) is, who needs it, and why it’s needed;

How to set-up, fund, and administer the SNT; How an SNT can enhance the quality of life of a person living

independently; How to coordinate parents’ wills and other documents with the

SNT; A basic understanding of how Medicaid and SSI eligibility is

affected by gifts, life insurance or inheritance; Other legal steps families can take to ensure or enhance a

person’s independent living, including powers of attorney and the use of limited guardianships, if desired;

Speaker:Tresi Weeks, Attorney and owner of The Weeks Law Firm, PLLC

B-4. How to Emphasize the ‘D’ in ADRC (Normandy with facilitator Michelle Crain)The great majority of Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) are administered by Area Agencies on Aging. The Center for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) has recommended a greater emphasis on the ‘D’ in ADRC because of a perceived imbalance of that emphasis. The Far West Texas ADTRC is an example of a balanced program that interacts and collaborates with disability service organizations, particularly VOLAR Center for Independent Living. This session will focus on best practices to improve collaboration and support efforts between ARDCs and Centers for Independent Living using VOLAR as a model.

Speakers:Luis Chew, Executive Director of

VOLAR, Andrea

Ramirez, Director of ADRC, &

Marc Gold, DADS

CEU

Monday, April 23: Group C: 2:30-3:45 p.m.C-1. The Power of the Disability Vote: A General Overview of Voter ID (Plaza A with facilitator Richard Couder)The purpose of this presentation is to ensure that Texans with disabilities are fully informed about their voting rights under the law and are fully prepared to cast ballots in the 2012 elections. Ms. Gomez

Speakers:Jessica Gomez,

Voting Rights Specialist, &

Ginger

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and Ms. Mayeaux will: Share a hotline number that voters can call with questions or

concerns about their rights; Share stories of challenges that people with disabilities have

encountered by the voting process and how Disability Rights Texas has helped people overcome these challenges and become engaged voters;

Discuss “what ifs” pertaining to voter ID law and its status for being cleared by the federal government;

Mayeaux, Training and Tech Support Specialist at

Disability Rights Texas

CEU

Monday, April 23: Group C: 2:30-3:45 p.m.C-2. Community Integration and Personal Safety(Bordeaux with facilitator Crystal Choi)Safeplace recently began a three-year pilot project designed to create opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to establish relationships in the community through shared activities and interests. This session will reveal findings that support community integration and groups which focus on personal safety/healthy relationships for people who have developmental disabilities. Attendees will have the opportunity to become more familiar with this project and learn about the impact of community integration techniques, as well as barriers to progress, and discuss strategies to help individuals with disabilities develop their social networks.

Speakers:Heather

Kamper, LMSW-IPR, Disability

Services Training

Specialist/Educator at SafePlace

& Nancy Crowther,

Volunteer and Consultant

CEUC-3. CILs and DARS Independent Living Staff Plenary Session: Building Relationships Region by Region (Plaza B & C with facilitator Saul Herrera) The quality and impact of your work depends upon healthy relationships with consumers, co-workers, and stakeholders. Partnering and certain collaborations offer opportunities for growth, but they also pose new challenges. This session will help you revitalize existing relationships, and look at ways to create clear paths of communication to achieve results.

Speakers:Lance Hamilos, DARS Program

Specialist&

Regina Blye Texas SILC

Executive DirectorCEU

C-4. I’m Walking as Straight as I Can: Transcending Disability in Hollywood and Beyond (Normandy with facilitator Marshall Mitchell) Geri Jewell is the first person with a disability to have a regular role on a prime time series, “The Facts of Life” in the 1980s. After her ground breaking role on “Facts” she has appeared on such shows as “Young and the Restless”, “Strong Medicine”, the HBO hit series, “Deadwood”, and most recently, the television series, “Alcatrez.” When Geri is not working in television as an actress, producer, and writer, she is a highly sought-after motivational speaker in the areas of disability and diversity. Geri is famous for her ability to captivate the hearts of her audiences by using humor to facilitate attitudinal change. Ms. Jewell will discuss her book, sign copies, and be available to answer questions from attendees.

Speaker:Geri Jewell,

Actress, Author, & Comedian

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*General Session: 4:00 – 5:15 pm*83rd Texas Legislative Session: Your Medicaid, Your Responsibility; Speak Up or Get Left Out! (Plaza Ballroom)In this session, attendees will:

Gain knowledge of Medicaid and its impact to Texas citizens and communities;

Learn ways Texas can increase revenues; Understand how to participate in both campaigns;

Speaker:Dennis Borel,

Executive Director of CTD

&Kymberlie

Quong Charles, LMSW,

Coordinator for Texas Forward

CEU

Session Descriptions

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Session DescriptionsTuesday, April 24: Group D: 10:15-11:35

a.m.D-1. Strategies for Success During Service (AmeriCorps and RVSP) (Plaza A with facilitator, Richard Couder)This presentation will include an overview of the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), VISTA, and AmeriCorps programs and their missions. All the programs utilize the talents, skills, and available time of persons from diverse backgrounds and age groups to address critical needs in local communities. Prior to the overview, Mr. Herrera will discuss how his disability has motivated not only volunteers and staff, but community leaders to volunteer and seek out potential future volunteers.

Speakers:Saul Herrera,

Retired Senior

Volunteer Program and

Suzanne Potts,

OneStar Foundation

CEUD-2. Adjusting to a Mobility Disability and its Sexual Impact(Plaza B, C with facilitator Emily Wolinsky)With this discussion, Ms. Szumski will cover key elements about disability and sexuality, specifically safety in dating, how relationships change when a partner acquires a disability, and the negative attitudes towards individuals who are disabled and considered sexual. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of:

Adjusting to a disability as a couple; Exploring how sexuality stays the same and is different in the

presence of a disability;

Speaker:Michelle Szumski,

M.Ed.

CEU

D-3. Using the Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment in CILs as a Tool for Goal Setting and Prioritizing(Normandy with facilitator Shannon Alexander)Centers for Independent Living (CILs) staff will be introduced to the Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment (ACLSA) and how it can be applied to the work typically performed in CILs. The session will focus on:

How to choose and how to use the ACLSA; Using the score report for a conversation about goal planning; Where to find resources for additional support;

Speakers:Jackie Pacha,

M.A., CRC, Executive Director of the Brazos Valley CIL

CEUD-4. Rehab Council Solicitation of Public Input(Bordeaux with facilitator Crystal Choi) This session will give a brief overview of the Rehabilitation Council of Texas (RCT) and why it is mandated. Ms. Gentry will also discuss the Council’s role and partnership with DARS vocational rehabilitation programs and why stakeholder input is vital to the success of both entities. Participants will leave the session understanding the purpose of the RCT and who to call if they want to give input in the future.

Speaker:Elizabeth Gentry,

Rehabilitation Council of

Texas member

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D-5. Benefits of Adaptive Recreational Sports(Somerset with facilitator Jim Batchelor)Mr. Gray will have a variety of adaptive recreational sports equipment on display and a flat screen television that will run a video of the different sports programs RISE puts on for people with disabilities. The benefits of therapeutic recreation will be discussed. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions.

Speakers:Paul Gray,

CEO of RISE Adventures

CEU

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Speaker Bios Regina BlyeRegina Blye is the Executive Director of the Texas State Independent Living Council (SILC), and current Chair of SILC Congress, a national group dedicated to improving the effectiveness of SILCs. Blye is also a board member of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, a grassroots advocacy organization, and a Presidential appointee to the U.S. Access Board, an independent federal agency that provides leadership in accessible design under the ADA and other laws.

Dennis BorelDennis Borel has nearly 30 years of experience as a senior manager of nonprofit organizations during which time his programs have received numerous state recognitions and national awards. He is frequently called upon for research, policy analysis, and recommendations to the Texas legislature and state agencies on issues surrounding disabilities, and he has been a soldier in the fight for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in community life. He is Executive Director of Coalition of Texans with Disabilities.

Kymberlie Quong Charles, LMSW Kymberlie Quong Charles joined the Center for Public Policy Priorities in 2009. She is the coordinator for Texas Forward, a project of the Center for Public Policy Priorities that advocates for public investments that improve people's lives. Charles completed a master’s degree in Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin and received her undergraduate degree in Peace and Global Studies from Earlham College. Before returning to graduate school, Charles coordinated Membership and Outreach for Education for a Just Peace in the Middle East in Washington, D.C.

Jim Dickson *Keynote*As Vice President of Organizing and Civic Engagement with the American Association of People with Disabilities, Jim Dickson leads AAPD's nonpartisan Disability Vote Project, a broad coalition of 36 national disability-related organizations whose mission is to close the political participation gap for people with disabilities. The project focuses on voter registration and education, get-out-the-vote drives, election reform and polling place access. Dickson is a graduate of Brown University and he resides in Washington, D.C. with his wife and daughter.

Geri Jewell *Keynote*Born with cerebral palsy, Geri Jewell inspired a generation of young people when she became the first person with a disability to appear in a recurring role on prime-time television, with her ground-breaking character “Cousin Geri” on the NBC sitcom “The Facts of Life.” After her role on “Facts,” she appeared on such shows as “Sesame Street,” “The Young and the Restless,” and the HBO hit series “Deadwood.” She has been the recipient of many awards, including the 1992 Founders Award and the 2005 Independent Living Legacy Award.

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Jerry AllenDallas City Councilman Jerry Allen has served District 10 since 2007. He is currently the Chairman of the Budget, Finance, and Audit Committee, and has served on the DART Board of Directors. Allen is former President and Treasurer of the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands and has been actively involved with local schools, receiving the Lake Highlands High School PTA Wildcat Award. Allen is attending the Statewide Independent Living Conference because, “he has a passion for the independent living mission and philosophy.”

Steve AshmanSteve Ashman works in the Promoting Independence Office of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) as the Project Director for the Money Follows the Person Demonstration. Ashman is also the housing liaison to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and is the Housing Coordinator for the health and human services system. Before DADS, Ashman was the Director of the Division of Senior and Disabilities Services at the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.

Chamane BarrowChamane Barrow is the Associate Director of the Brazoria County Center for Independent Living in Angleton, Texas. She has worked at the BCCIL since it opened in 1998, and has more than 25 years of direct involvement in the disability rights and equal opportunity field for people with disabilities. Barrow is one of 20 Mobility Management Independent Living Coaches working nationwide to educate state mobility managers about transportation issues from an independent living and disability perspective.

Robbi BarrutiaRobbi Barrutia is Executive Director of the Idaho SILC and member of the National Council on Independent Living Task Force Against Violence and Abuse. She was Project Director for the 2006 Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women grant. Through collaboration and coalition building, Barrutia has provided cross training, resource development, policies and procedures guidance, and educational opportunities to domestic violence programs and CILs. Barrutia served in the Idaho House of Representatives from 1992-1996 and the Idaho State Senate from 1996-2002.

Luis Enrique ChewLuis Chew is the Executive Director of Volar Center for Independent Living, where he started as a consumer, peer counselor, and board member, and was later hired as an Employment Consultant. He has worked in the field of Independent Living services for 23 years. Chew has served on several state boards, and, in 2003, he received the Minority Business Advocate of the year award from the El Paso Hispanic and the Greater El Paso chambers of commerce presented by Congressman Silvestre Reyes.

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Peggy CosnerPeggy Cosner is the Executive Director of the Heart of Central Texas Independent Living Center (HOCTIL) and Chair of the Texas Association of Centers for Independent Living (TACIL). HOCTIL serves the central Texas counties of Bell, Coryell, McLennan, and Hill. Cosner has been working for people with disabilities for more than 30 years, where she began her career at an Arc in Michigan. She is a key partner of the Central Texas Aging Disability Resource Center and is a Texas SILC board member.

Nancy CrowtherFor 26 years, Nancy Crowther has developed programs for access to all facets of the Austin community. Her engagement into community organizing and independent living began with ARCIL and ended at Capital Metro. She volunteers with numerous agencies and does consulting work for SafePlace. In 2007, for her contributions to accessibility, Crowther received the Governor’s Trophy, the Governor’s Committee’s highest honor awarded to the person who has achieved the highest success in

enhancing the empowerment and employment of Texans with disabilities.

Elizabeth Gentry, MA, LMFTElizabeth Gentry has served Texans for more than 25 years. She completed her master’s degree in counseling at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and has held a license in Marriage and Family Therapy since 1992. She is currently serving her second term on the Rehabilitation Council of Texas. Her most important role is that of parent to a daughter with special needs, for whom she continues to be a voice.

Jessica GomezJessica Gomez is a Voting Rights Policy Specialist at Disability Rights Texas, the federally designated state protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities. Gomez began her work at Disability Rights Texas as the Voting Rights Training and Technical Support Specialist, and traveled throughout the state to train people with all types of disabilities on their voting rights, conducted accessibility surveys of polling places, and trained poll workers on how to best serve voters with disabilities. Gomez has a master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University.

Paul GrayPaul Gray is the creator, CEO, and full-time volunteer of RISE Adventures. A year after retiring in 2006, Gray’s vast business experience, and dedication to the disability community led him to form RISE Adventures, whose mission is to help people with physical challenges gain independence and become productive citizens through therapeutic learning experiences. He has witnessed the vast transformation of wheelchair sports and equipment available in the past into the sophisticated adaptive devices available today.

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Lance HamilosLance Hamilos has worked as a professional in the field of rehabilitation for more than 32 years. As a vocational evaluator, he assisted consumers with various physical and mental disabilities and their vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselors to identify employment matches and necessary supports. For the past 12 years, he has served as Central Office Program Specialist for Division of Rehabilitative Services, assisting field staff in the provision of VR and independent living services. He is currently the Program Specialist for Independent Living Services.

Saul Herrera MORE about his qualificationsSILC Chair Saul Herrera is employed at Community & Senior Services of Midland, Inc. where he serves as the Project Director for the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program. He serves on numerous boards and councils, including the 211 Texas Advisory Council, Midland-Odessa Urban Transit District Board, Knights of Columbus, and Midland Chamber of Commerce Special Events. Herrera attended the Cerebral Palsy Center where he received a regular education, plus physical and occupational therapy, and was later mainstreamed into the public school system.

Naomi Hubert, M.Ed.Naomi Hubert has most recently served as the Housing Programs Director for Easter Seals Central Texas. She has more than 15 years of experience with organizations providing services to people with disabilities, and 14 years of experience in housing services, including serving as Housing Coordinator and Modification Specialist with the Central Texas Accessible Design Alliance project of United Cerebral Palsy Association of the Capitol Area.

Heather Kamper, LMSW-IPRHeather Kamper is the Disability Services Training Specialist/Educator of SafePlace in Austin. At SafePlace, Kamper works to create safer communities by conducting presentations to people with disabilities and professionals. Training and educational topics focus on increasing personal safety, healthy relationships and sexuality education with people who have disabilities, maximizing accessibility of services, identifying and responding to violence and abuse and examining the unique dynamics of violence perpetrated against people with disabilities.

Ginger MayeauxAs a Voting Rights Training and Technical Support Specialist for Disability Rights Texas, Ginger Mayeaux also teaches multiple audiences (including: people with disabilities, providers and support staff, election officials, and parents) about the importance of voting and their voting rights. She began her career in disability rights, working as the Advocacy Coordinator and Community Organizer for The Arc of Texas, where she conducted trainings on legislative advocacy, and supported advocates locally and at the state capitol.

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Kim McCaffrey, M. Ed.Kimberly McCaffrey is a recent graduate from The University of Texas at Austin. She obtained a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counselor Education. Currently, Kimberly is working as an Employability Specialist at Goodwill Industries of Central Texas in Austin serving at-risk youth. She has a passion for working with people who have barriers to education and work, especially people with disabilities.

Kate MooreKate Moore has more than 10 years of experience in affordable housing policy and is the Policy Advisor in the Housing Resource Center of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.  At TDHCA, Moore coordinates the Disability Advisory Workgroup and the Rural Housing Workgroup.  She has recently worked on the Real Choice System Grant from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services to increase opportunities for affordable housing for persons with disabilities in Texas through the HUD 811 program.

Jackie Pacha, M.A., CRCJackie Pacha is the Executive Director of the Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living, a research associate with the Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University, and a current Ph.D. candidate. Her background includes education, training, and personal experience within a wide range of topics related to Independent Living, including sign language interpreting, teaching and principal certifications, teaching Adaptive and Assistive Technology at Texas A&M, and experience working as an IL and vocational rehabilitation counselor with DARS.

Suzanne Potts, MSW, MPH Suzanne Potts is a Senior Program Manager at OneStar Foundation who serves as the State Disability Coordinator for AmeriCorps*Texas. She has worked as a medical social worker for over 15 years and has experience bringing supports and resources to underserved populations. She convenes a statewide Inclusion Team for Texas to oversee and advise OneStar Foundation on Disability Inclusion funding from the Corporation on National and Community Service. This team provides training, technical assistance, outreach and resources to the portfolio of

AmeriCorps*Texas grantees and disability organizations across Texas.

Andrea Ramirez, LPCAndrea Ramirez is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Professional Dependency Counselor. She is currently the Director of the Aging and Disability Transportation Resource Center of El Paso and Far West Texas. She is currently in private practice at the Counseling Center of Expressive Arts and specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with adults, children, families, and couples. She uses various interventions such as art, sand, and play therapy.

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Randell ResnederRandell Resneder is SILC Vice Chair, founder and Executive Director of Disability Awareness Programs of Texas, and a past member of the Texas Council for Exceptional Children Nominating Committee. Resneder received a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in instructional technology from Texas Tech University. He is passionate in his participation in the Independent Living Movement and has a strong voice for programs such as Disability Awareness.

Ashley SchweickartAshley Schweickart coordinates the Housing and Health Services Coordination Council for the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. The Council’s mission is to increase service-enriched housing for persons with disabilities and the elderly. In addition, Schweickart works in the Housing Resource Center on affordable housing and community development policies, state and federal reporting, and legislative priorities. Prior to joining TDHCA, Schweickart worked for Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and City Councilmember Richard Alarcon.

Michelle Szumski, M.Ed.Michelle Szumski is currently working for the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services with clients and/or their counselors to find assistive technology solutions, medical treatments, or psychosocial adjustments through counseling and to adjust to the fact that their life has changed. She has a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from The University of Texas at Austin, and she will be receiving her LPC and CRC licensure soon. Four years ago, Szumski acquired a disability called Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.

Antoinette Verdone, MSBME, ATPAntoinette Verdone has 12 years of experience in the assistive technology industry. Before moving to Austin in 2012, Verdone worked for a state agency and a nonprofit providing assistive technology service delivery. Verdone has a background in engineering and is now working for New Life Medical Equipment, providing assistive technology sales and service in the areas of seating and mobility, home accommodations, computer access, and jobsite accommodation.

Tresi WeeksTresi Moore Weeks is an attorney and founder of The Weeks Law Firm, PLLC in Richardson, Texas. In addition to personalized estate planning, the firm helps families with children with special needs plan and provide for the care of their child, with special needs trusts or other appropriate estate planning tools. As a mother of a child with special needs, Weeks became involved in issues faced by similar families. She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Advisory Council for Disability Rights Texas.

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Special Thanks and Acknowledgments

To our Partners:-New Life Medical Equipment -Amerigroup-National Federation of the Blind of Texas

-Austin Mobility Solutions of Texas

-In-Home Attendant Services, LTD

-BEK Medical, Inc.

-HealthSpring -Texas Association of Centers for Independent Living

-Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

-Pate Rehabilitation

To our Exhibitors:

-Santos Mobility & More, LLC -Advanced Mobility Systems of Texas

-Southwest Center for Higher Independence

-American Foundation for the Blind

-Relay Texas -Talking Book Program-Giggles Therapy Autism Treatment Center

-Alamo Consumer Direct

-Lift Aids, Inc. -DARS Office for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services

-DRS Rehabilitation Technology Resource Center

-Texas A & M University, Bridge to Career in Human Services

-Superior HealthPlan -D & S Community Services-CIL Management Suite -UnitedHealthcare-The University of Texas at Austin

-VSA Texas

-United Rehab Specialists, Inc.

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To our Volunteers and In-Kind Donors:

We again want to thank everyone for your support.

Without your kindness and generosity, we would not be able to have this ground-breaking conference,

offer these important sessions, and provide giveaways and Texas hospitality!

Champions for Persons with Acquired Brain Injuries

Outpatient Treatment Center & Corporate Offices2655 Villa Creek Drive, Suite 140Dallas, Texas 75234Telephone: 972-241-9334 or 800-992-1149

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El Paso, TX 915-599-1129Why Buy From Us?

Expert Advice Local Price Match Guarantee Fast Local Delivery Open Since 1995 Family Owned & Operated Helping You Find Freedom at any

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