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Member Spotlight: Southeast Kansas Independent Living (SKIL)NCIL would like to congratulate Southeast Kansas Independent Living for once again serving as a shining example of what the independent living movement can accomplish, for its dedicated work during the past 12 years forging the movement locally, and for its direct leadership nationally through service for the National Council on Independent Living. Learn more about SKIL at www.skilonline.com! There was a large crowd in attendance for SKIL’s annual meeting on December 7th, 2007, in Parsons, Kansas. Following dinner, Executive Director Shari Coatney presented each board member with a caricature created by local artist Skip Smith, who also created a portrait of the keynote speaker Andrew Imparato, president and chief executive officer of the American Association of People with Disabilities, based in Washington, D.C. In his address, Imparato spoke of political power and the need to work together, especially during this election cycle. Imparato said that everyone can help by getting involved with increasing voter registration and turnout and paying attention to events even in off-election years. AAPD, the largest cross-disability membership organization in the United States, was founded on the fifth anniversary of the ADA by former Kansas senator Bob Dole and some of those instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Imparato said that as people age, more attention will be paid to accessibility issues. A number of people were recognized at the SKIL meeting. The John Spillman Spirit of Independence Award went to Linda Roberts, a woman who successfully transitioned herself out of a nursing facility and is a very effective advocate living independently in her community. The Proving by Doing Award went to Ron Waun who, after having sustained a brain injury, decided to handle his rehab his way. Ron lives independently in the community and continues to do so his way! The President’s Youth Award went to Jessica Schwartz who, at the age of 16, is already recognized for leadership and extensive knowledge of disability advocacy issues. The Bobby Carter Planned Giving Award went to the Jock’s Nitch, a local sporting goods store recognized for its $10,000 contribution to SKIL! The Gary Cantrell Radio Excellence Award went to Lynn Meredith, manager of SKIL’s high-quality profit-making radio stations, who turned four once-troubled up-for-sale stations into the sources of advocacy and funding they are today. Finally, the Marty Wooten Advocacy Award went to Larissa Cervantes, a young mother who became an advocate when her son’s disability caused the local school system to react with typical exclusionary and discriminatory attitudes. She succeeded in securing a free and appropriate education and the home- and community-based supports she knew they deserved. Together, she and her son have become active ADAPT members and continue to enjoy their new lives as advocates. *******************************Compiled by the staff of NCIL |
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