Questions?
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.
Getting on Board! (For IL Boards of Directors)
This class has been filled
Course Dates: January 30-February 17, 2012
Registration Deadline: January 11, 2012
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.
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.
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Smooth as SILC: An Introduction to Statewide Independent
Living Councils
Course Dates: February 27-March 16, 2012
Registration Deadline: February 8, 2012
Purpose: This three-week
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.
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.
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.
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Financial Management for Centers
for Independent Living
Course Dates: March 19-April 6, 2012
Registration
Deadline: February 29, 2012
Purpose: This three-week
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.
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Choose, Get, Keep Integrated Community Housing
Course Dates: April 9-27, 2012
Registration Deadline: March 21, 2012
Purpose: The focus of this course is
how to assist individuals who are transitioning out of nursing
facilities to access integrated, accessible, affordable housing
in the community. Participants will be guided through the entire
transition process of securing and relocating to housing, including
planning a move, locating housing, and keeping the housing
over the long term. The course will supply a number of checklists,
fact sheets, and charts as tools to assist in securing and
keeping housing.
Target Audience: IL Center Staff,
especially Housing Specialists, and Transition Facilitators who
assist with securing housing.
Course Objectives: Participants
will leave the class with
five new ideas about how to help people move. They will have
a comprehensive set of tools to use as they help consumers (or
themselves) make decisions about moving. Upon
completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- assess housing needs and preferences;
- create a personalized and realistic Housing
Transition Plan;
- support individuals as they locate and choose
housing that is appropriate to meet their needs and preferences;
- describe a variety of supports needed to
successfully maintain housing and
- execute the Housing Transition Plan for a
successful move
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 18 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 $30
million in funds for affordable housing and more than 500
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.
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Orientation for New CIL & SILC Personnel
Course Dates: April 30-May 25, 2012
Registration Deadline: April 11, 2012
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: This is a beginning level course.
Target Audience: New staff, as
well as board members.
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.
Building an Effective Peer Support Program
Course Dates: June 4-22, 2012
Registration Deadline: May 16 , 2012
Purpose: Learn how to create a comprehensive framework for
a new peer support program or how to improve your existing program.
Course Level: Beginner to Intermediate - some experience with
managing or delivering peer support services will be helpful
Target Audience: This three-week course is relevant for executive directors, program
managers, coordinators of peer support services or volunteer
services, independent living specialists, or other personnel
of CILs for whom a basic understanding of a successful peer
support program is pertinent.
Course Objectives: Upon completion of this
course, participants will be able to--
- Discuss
a framework design for a peer support program that includes
a level of commitment to peer support programming within
an existing Center structure.
- Describe
an administrative infrastructure that will provide the framework
for an effective peer support program that will ensure successful
service delivery, including peer recruitment, training, and
supervision; and program coordination and evaluation.
- Build
awareness, skills, and commitment of mentors to cultivate
effective developmental relationships to increase the ability
to support, coach and guide mentees.
- Describe
the far-reaching benefits of a successful program for the
CIL, the mentors and mentees, and the community.
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.
Instructors: Amina Donna Kruck is The Director of Advocacy
Programs at Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) in
Phoenix, Arizona. Kruck is a Professional Licensed Counselor
with a Master of Counseling from Arizona State University.
She has been the Project Director for the statewide AZ Freedom
to Work - Social Security Work Incentives Planning Assistance
Program since the Ticket legislation first rolled out in Arizona
in 2001. She successfully initiated the community effort to
establish Arizona’s Medicaid Buy-in. Kruck is the designated
lobbyist for ABIL and has oversight for ABIL’s volunteer
program which includes general volunteers; a 35-member peer
mentor volunteer team; the This Is My Life self-determination
program for persons with developmental disabilities; ABIL’s Bridge monthly
newsletter; and ABIL’s Advocacy Program, which addresses
individual issues, provides monthly advocacy workshops and
community/system’s change. Kruck has been an activist
in the IL movement with ABIL for 18 years and worked in the
disability field for 24 years. She has 24 years of peer counseling
experience and has worked in the correctional and mental health
field prior to joining the ABIL team. Kruck has taught a university
multi-disciplinary course “Perspectives on Disability,” and
facilitated Women Wellness Group and Attitudinal Barriers workshops
through ABIL. Kruck is the recipient of the 2008 AZ Capitol
Times Leadership Unsung Hero award, the 2004 National Council
on Independent Living Region IX Advocate of the Year award,
and the 2001 Paralyzed Veterans of America Arizona Chapter
Dick Sloviaczek Barrier Buster Award.
April Reed has been the Volunteer Coordinator
at Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) in Phoenix since
2006. She coordinates the ABIL Peer Mentor and General Administrative
Volunteer programs, which includes recruiting, training, and
matching mentors with consumers working on independent living
goals. Reed facilitates disability presentations to schools,
the monthly mentoring and discussion group for mentors, mentees,
and consumers and coordinates volunteer activities, including
a monthly volunteer group and staffing of community information
tables. Previously she was ABIL’s Information and Referral
Specialist. Reed is a Licensed Masters Social Worker, receiving
her Masters degree in Social Work from Arizona State University
in May 2005.
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Implementing Olmstead: ABCs of Nursing
Home Transition
Course Dates: August 6-24, 2012
Registration Deadline: July 18, 2012
Purpose: During this three-week 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.
Instructors:
Richard Petty is Program Director at Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston. Petty directs the ILRU New Community Opportunities Center, a national center that fosters community programs for transition from nursing facilities to the community for persons of all ages and youth transition from school to community. He directs the CIL-NET and SILC-NET, the two national projects that provide training and technical assistance on programming and management to centers for independent living and statewide independent living councils, organizations which foster community independence for people with disabilities. Petty directed the ILRU Community Living Partnership from 2000-2007 which provided training, publications, and implementation support to CMS Real Choice systems change grantees operating innovative home and community services programs.
Before coming to ILRU, Petty served as Executive Director of Mainstream, an advocacy-oriented center for independent living in Little Rock, Arkansas. There he headed major statewide advocacy efforts, notably home and community services initiatives, and served as a disability lobbyist. Petty holds an MBA degree from the C. T. Bauer School of Business at the University of Houston. He writes about and conducts training and workshops on application of evidence based practices in community programs, advocacy and lobbying, grassroots action for change, transition from nursing facilities to the community, rapid feedback assessment, and leading organizations in transformational change.
Jane Schiele has worked at Independent Living Centers since 2000. She was the Statewide Coordinator for the grant funded Nursing Facilities Transition Project in Colorado from 2002 to 2004. The project was so successful that it is now permanently in Colorado’s legislation and is named the Community Transition Services. Currently, Jane works as the Director of Satellite Offices at the Disability Center for Independent Living in Denver, Colorado. On the national level, Jane has taught at numerous conferences on Nursing Home Transition, co-taught a webinar on IL Skills of Nursing Home Transition and at NCIL’s 2006 annual conference she co-presented on Mental Health Advocacy at Centers for Independent Living. She was a director of the DVD, “You Have A Choice”. She also authored a Nursing Home Transition Project Handbook. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Denver in Colorado.
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Smooth as SILC: An Introduction to Statewide
Independent Living Councils
Course Dates: September 10-28, 2012
Registration Deadline: August 22, 2012
Purpose: This three-week 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.