Learning Online Calendar

Smooth as SILC: An Introduction to Statewide Independent Living Councils
Expanding Housing Options for Persons with Disabilities: Housing Advocacy for CILs
Getting on Board! (For IL Boards of Directors)
Implementing Olmstead: ABCs of Nursing Home Transition
Financial Management for Centers for Independent Living
Orientation for New CIL/SILC Personnel
Medicaid and New Community Options
Building an Effective Peer Support Program
Smooth as SILC: An Introduction to Statewide Independent Living Councils
Community Needs Assessment for SILCs

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Do you have questions? Here is important information about how our online classes work.

Please Note

Sending the registration form in is NOT a guarantee that you are in the class. Registrations are processed in the order received. Class slots are limited. Register early. Acceptance notices will be sent shortly AFTER the registration closing date. If more than one registration from the same organization is received, the additional registrations will be accepted only if slots are unfilled by other organizations.

Refund Policy

Withdrawals, requests for refunds or requests to apply tuition to a future course must be received in writing or by email BEFORE the first day of the course; otherwise no refund or credit can be made. Registrations are non-transferable after the beginning of the course. Only a limited number of participants can be accepted for each course. Withdrawals prevent others from participating.

Smooth as SILC: An Introduction to Statewide Independent Living Councils

Course Dates: October 19-November 6, 2009
Registration Deadline: September 30, 2009
Student Orientation: October 15, 2009

Purpose: This three-week distance learning course orients members of SILCs to the laws and regulations that guide their daily activities. In addition, it applies the principles and philosophy of independent living to situations commonly encountered by statewide independent living councils.

Target Audience: SILC executives, staff, and members. CIL staff and board may benefit as well. This is a beginning to intermediate level course.

Course Objectives: Upon completion, participants will be able to:

Describe how the SILC fits into independent living, the Rehabilitation Act (“Rehab Act”), and the Workforce Investment Act.
Identify the laws and regulations governing SILCs.
Explain the history and philosophy of Independent Living and how to integrate the principles into daily activities and practices.
Describe the composition and duties of the SILC.
Describe how SILC activities are funded.
Discuss creative and innovate approaches to address the SILC mission.
Describe how to use the State Plan to organize and plan for change.

The course utilizes a participant text and the Internet for participant interaction. The text is designed to provide sufficient background information to make it possible for all students to assume an active role in online discussions. The centerpiece of the text will be a series of scenarios and exercises, most of which will be assigned for discussion and debate. Additional readings and videotapes will be recommended, but not required, to enhance the participant's understanding of the topic.

Format: The course spans three weeks and uses a Web site to engage participants in discussion of the content and issues. The instructor is available to lead the forum on the Web site and for technical assistance throughout the course. Participants are asked to read the assignments, review scenarios that address course content, and engage in the online class message forums. Participants will devote an average of 3-5 hours per week to assignments and activities.

Instructor: Bob Michaels is a long-time consultant and trainer for the independent living field. Michaels provides considerable training and technical assistance to the field through the IL NET program.

Expanding Housing Options for Persons with Disabilities: Housing Advocacy for CILs

Course Dates: November 2-20, 2009
Registration Deadline: October 14, 2009
Student Orientation: October 29, 2009

Purpose: This course will assist participants in understanding, accessing, and expanding the funding sources, systems, planning processes, and programs involved in community-based housing for persons with disabilities.

Target Audeince: IL Center Staff, especially administrators, housing specialists, and advocates; it may also be of benefit to CIL board members, and staff and members of Statewide Independent Living Councils.

Obejctives: Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to: identify and match major sources of federal or state funding for housing to consumer needs; implement effective advocacy strategies to expand housing resources for people with disabilities; play a significant role in your community's housing planning processes; and forge alliances with key housing partners.

Format: Participants will read assignments in the online course manual, complete exercises assigned by the instructor, and interact daily with the instructor and other students in an online discussion forum.

Instructors: Ann Denton is a recognized expert on homelessness, mental illness, system change and housing issues for people with mental and other disabilities. She provides technical assistance to states and communities in many areas, including the development of Continuum of Care plans, strategic planning, project development and monitoring, prioritization, service coordination and operation of housing and service systems. Ms. Denton’s areas of expertise include permanent supportive housing, discharge planning, prevention strategies, and access to mainstream services. At AHP, Ms. Denton directs projects and activities related to housing, homelessness, mental health, system change, and substance abuse services. Training and technical assistance is provided to states, communities, advocates, and providers in the areas of homelessness (including Continuum of Care planning and operation), housing, supports and services, advocacy, program implementation and operation, planning, resource development, and strategic partnerships through contracts managed by Ms. Denton. She also provides consultation to states and communities regarding homelessness, particularly chronic homelessness. At the state level, Ms. Denton currently serves as a member of the Texas Interagency Council on Homelessness and as a member of the State of Texas Policy Academy team focused on Access to Mainstream Services for People who are Chronically Homeless. Ms. Denton also serves on the State Promoting Independence Advisory Committee (Olmstead). As chair of the Housing Committee, she helped secure a $2 million per year commitment of housing assistance funds. She served as the Director of Housing and Residential Services for the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation for 10 years, developing a statewide supported housing/housing first program.

Sarah André has 13 years experience in the affordable housing and community development field. She has worked for AHP, Diana McIver & Associates and The Enterprise Foundation and has held various positions in which she provided training and technical assistance to nonprofits on a variety of topics including Fair Housing, Universal Design, “Development 101,” funding for housing projects and the role of non profit boards. Ms. André has significant experience with affordable housing finance and project management, including the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, SHP, HOME, CDBG, PATH and CHAB programs. Recent projects include a 209-unit mixed-use, mixed income high rise featuring Low Income Housing Tax Credits and public housing vouchers to serve 50 homeless tenants and the Juniper-Olive Historic District, an 18-unit affordable housing development which included new construction, green building, and historic rehabilitation. As a result of her work, nonprofit organizations have received more than $13 million in funds for affordable housing and more than 300 units have been created. Ms. André is also the author of numerous studies related to affordable housing, topics for these studies include impediments to Fair Housing, housing resources for persons with disabilities, project feasibility, and affordable housing in transit oriented design districts.

Getting on Board! (For IL Boards of Directors)

Course Dates: January 11-29, 2010
Registration Deadline: December 18, 2009
Student Orientation: January 7, 2010

Purpose: Participants in this three-week course will take a close look at boards of directors of non-profit centers for independent living (CILs) and statewide independent living councils (SILCs). In addition to examining non-profit boards' traditional responsibilities, participants will study challenges that are unique to consumer-controlled organizations that adhere to independent living principles. Topics include setting the organization's course, building its infrastructure, and monitoring progress.

Course Level: Introductory to Intermediate

Target Audience: This course will be particularly relevant to members of boards of directors and administrative staff of all CILs and SILCs which have established non-profit status.

Course Objectives: Participants will be able to discuss the roles and responsibilities of boards of directors, recognize and address conflicts which may arise between IL philosophy and services and analyze the impact of funding sources on day-to-day activities.

Format: Activities assigned on each of the 15 days may include reading assignments, online group discussions, scenario analysis and dialogue about actual day-to-day problems encountered in overseeing services and assistance in a center. Participants will work with an online manual and will interact via the Internet. Additional readings will be recommended, but not required, to enhance participants' understanding of the topic.

Implementing Olmstead: ABCs of Nursing Home Transition

Course Dates: February 8-26, 2010
Registration Deadline: January 20, 2010
Student Orientation: February 4, 2010

Purpose: During this three-week distance course, participants will learn about how the ADA formed the basis for the Olmstead Decision and the use of the Olmstead Decision to facilitate transition from nursing homes to community-based living. Participants will learn to identify the essential steps in the transition process, barriers to successful transition, and strategies to address the barriers.

Course Level: Introductory to Intermediate

Target Audience: IL Center Staff, especially Transition Facilitators who assist individuals in moving to community-based living.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

Describe how the ADA formed the basis for the Olmstead Decision and the use of the Olmstead Decision to facilitate transition for nursing homes.
Identify the essential steps in the transition process and their interrelatedness.
Explain how the principles of consumer direction, self-determination and consumer control, critical for a person moving into the community from institutional care, may be considered when an individual has a history of psychiatric disabilities or substance abuse.
Identify barriers to successful transition and effective strategies to address these barriers including accessing community supports in formal and informal systems.

Instructor: Helen Roth has been involved in the field of disability ever since she had quadriplegic polio at the age of 12 but it wasn't until she attended a DREDF training in 1979 on the implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act that her consciousness and work became focused on independent living philosophy and disability rights. At that time, she organized a group of people with disabilities to advocate concerning disability issues and to raise public awareness of disability rights in her home town. Six years later she led this group of volunteers to become OPTIONS for Independence, the Northern Utah Center for Independent Living (CIL) where she served as Director for 15 years. She then joined with other CIL Directors in Utah to form the Association for Independent Living of Utah to advocate on a state level. A natural progression carried her to leadership on a national level as Vice President, Secretary, Regional Representative, and Chair of the Personal Assistance Services Committee for the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) as well as the Board Chair for the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).

As a consequence of these extraordinary opportunities, Helen has learned a great deal about advocacy, administration, legislation, customized programming, consumer empowerment, and the whole field of disability. She has presented many workshops and other learning sessions as well as taught online courses and served as a mentor for many consumers. She has always been highly rated as a teacher and mentor by those participating in whatever type of learning session she is undertaking.

Financial Management for Centers for Independent Living

Course Dates: March 1-19, 2010
Registration Deadline: February 10, 2010
Student Orientation: February 25, 2010

Purpose: This three-week distance learning course is designed to help CIL and SILC leaders manage organization finances more effectively.

Course Level: Introductory to Intermediate

Target Audience: Center and SILC executives, financial managers, and other managers, as well as board members. This is an intermediate level course.

Course Objectives: Upon completion, participants will be able to identify the key components of sound fiscal management, develop effective fiscal reports, prepare and deliver agency and program budgets, identify fiscal risk management controls, and define appropriate roles for board and staff financial oversight.

Format: Participants will read assignments in the online course manual, complete exercises assigned by the instructor, and interact daily with the instructor and other students in an online discussion forum. Students will have an opportunity to learn about and share best practices. Students can ask and receive responses to their questions about sound financial management from the instructor and their peers.

Instructor: Melissa Hall Glisson is the former executive director of ARISE, Inc., a center for independent living in Syracuse, New York. During her seven years at ARISE, Glisson directed the creation and growth of the CIL's supported employment, universal design, and integrated recreation programs while growing the agency's annual budget to more than $5 million. Glisson is currently president of Media, Marketing and Money--a consulting agency for nonprofit agencies around the country.

Orientation for New CIL/SILC Personnel

Course Dates: April 5-30, 2010
Registration Deadline: March 17, 2010
Student Orientation: April 1, 2010

Purpose: This four-week course is designed to give new employees and board members a solid understanding of the principles and philosophy of independent living. Topics include the history of independent living, consumer control, cross-disability issues, equal access, peer relationships, and self advocacy. Students also discuss the implication of the federal standards and indicators (the Rehab Act and regulations) on the philosophy.

Course Level: Introductory

Target Audience: New staff, as well as board members. This is a beginning level course.

Course Objectives: Upon completion, participants will be able to define and understand the elements of the IL philosophy, describe the impact of the federal requirements on day-to-day activities in the center, and apply IL principles and philosophy to real life situations.

Format: Activities assigned on each of the 20 days may include reading assignments, online group discussions, analyses of scenarios, and addressing actual day-to-day problems encountered when applying the philosophy in a center. Participants will devote an average of 3-5 hours per week to assignments and activities.

Instructor: Bob Michaels is a long-time consultant and trainer for the independent living field. Michaels provides considerable training and technical assistance to the field through the IL NET program.

Medicaid and New Community Options

Course Dates: May 3-21, 2010
Registration Deadline: April 14, 2010
Student Orientation: April 29, 2010

Purpose: Participants will be able to discuss the basic structure of the Medicaid program including eligibility, state plan services, and waivers. Participants will be able to describe new options made available to states by the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2006. At the conclusion of the Medicaid portion of the course, participants will use the knowledge gained from all three courses in the series, to advocate more effectively for community services.

Course Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Target Audience: Center and SILC staff, managers, and executives, as well as board members. This is an intermediate to advanced level course.

Course Objectives: Upon completion, participants will be able to discuss and provide examples of Medicaid State Plan services, eligibility groups, and home and community-based waiver services in their own state. They will be able to describe new options available through the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA). They will also demonstrate the concepts acquired for the earlier courses by developing an advocacy action plan.

Format: Assignments will be given for each of the 15 days. Participants will receive a manual (via the Internet) and will interact via the Internet. Discussion questions and exercises will be posted on the Web site. Participants will devote an average of 3-5 hours per week to assignments and activities.

Instructor: Suzanne Crisp, Director of Program Design and Implementation for the National Resource Center for Participant-Directed Services, manages and oversees aspects of design and implementation for programs promoting participant-directed home and community-based services. She assesses existing programs to determine compliance and efficiency, develops products to enhance understanding of the implementation of participant direction, performs diagnostic program reviews, and attends national conferences, meetings, and panels representing Boston College. Also, serving as the lead coordinator between Boston College and the Administration on Aging’s Nursing Home Diversion grants, she provides technical assistance to the Veteran’s Administration Home and Community Based Services initiative. In the areas specific to participant direction, she coordinates with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to examine Federal authorities to create Medicaid programs, manages efforts under the Money Follows the Person initiative and assists program staff to develop quality management strategies. Formerly, a Senior Research Leader with Thomson Reuters, she provided extensive technical assistance to state Medicaid programs on all program design facets at the direction of CMS. She also served as a State Liaison Mentor for the Cash and Counseling National Program Office and assisted the Administration on Aging with information and research to develop quality self direction strategies for the Federally funded National Community Living Incentive. She joined Thomson Reuters in 2003 following a detail to CMS’ Central office where she served in the capacity of Director of Integrated Services. During her detail to CMS she participated in the development of the Federal Independence Plus initiative. She also served as the Assistant Director to the Arkansas Division of Aging and Adult Services where she implemented and managed the first Cash and Counseling National Demonstration and Evaluation Project, managed three home and community waiver programs, and oversaw the Older Americans Act, Ombudsman and Adult Protective Services Programs. As a result, Ms. Crisp has unique expertise in participant direction given her wealth of experience in this area both at the state and Federal levels. She has a degree in Social Work from Arkansas State University.

Building an Effective Peer Support Program

Course Dates: June 7-25, 201 0
Registration Deadline: May 12, 2010
Student Orientation: May 27, 2010

Purpose: Learn how to create a comprehensive framework for expanding or improving your existing peer support program.

Course Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: Center and SILC staff, managers, and executives, as well as board members.

Course Objectives: Description will be provided soon.

Instructors: April Reed and Amina Kruck This information will be posted soon.

Smooth as SILC: An Introduction to Statewide Independent Living Councils

Course Dates: August 2-20, 2010
Registration Deadline: July 14, 2010
Student Orientation: July 29, 2010

Course Level: Introductory

Target Audience: SILC executives, staff, and members. CIL staff and board may benefit as well. This is a beginning to intermediate level course.

Course Objectives: Upon completion, participants will be able to:

Describe how the SILC fits into independent living, the Rehabilitation Act (“Rehab Act”), and the Workforce Investment Act.
Identify the laws and regulations governing SILCs.
Explain the history and philosophy of Independent Living and how to integrate the principles into daily activities and practices.
Describe the composition and duties of the SILC.
Describe how SILC activities are funded.
Discuss creative and innovate approaches to address the SILC mission.
Describe how to use the State Plan to organize and plan for change.

Community Needs Assessment for SILCs

Course Dates: September 20-October 1, 2010
Registration Deadline: September 1, 2010
Student Orientation: September 16, 2010

Purpose: Description will be provided soon.

Course Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Target Audience: SILC executives, staff, and members. CIL staff and board may benefit as well.

Course Objectives: Description will be provided soon.

Instructors: Richard Petty is Program Director at ILRU‑‑Independent Living Research Utilization. He directs the IL NET, a national project providing training and technical assistance to Centers for Independent Living and Statewide Iindependent Living Councils. ILRU has produced several important publications on emergency preparedness and conducts training for CILs on preparing for and surviving disasters. Petty is conducting research on the experiences of those with disabilities affected by Hurricane Katrina. Petty holds an MBA degree from the C. T. Bauer School of Business at the University of Houston.

Dr. Judith Holt was appointed as the director of the Interdisciplinary Training Division at the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University in March 2000. A native Utahan, Dr. Holt has spent her professional career primarily in the Southern States of Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana. During her last four years in Utah, Judith has been involved in numerous local, state and national systems change projects including the Utah Work Incentive Initiative (Workability), the Utah Traumatic Brain Injury Planning and Implementation grants, and the Utah Leadership Education in Neuro-developmental Disabilities Regional Program. With over 25 years experience in the disability community, Judith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to all of her training activities.

Catherine Chambless, PhD, is currently the director of the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant in Utah. She has been actively involved in developing work incentive programs for people receiving SSI and SSDI. She was also instrumental in developing supported employment in Utah and has also served as the executive director of the Utah Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities.