Eight BVCIL staff members attended the Texas Statewide Independent Living Conference in Austin, March 3-5. The conference theme was “Take a Seat to Make a Stand.” We collaborated with folks from other Centers for Independent Living, many representatives from state organizations like DADS and DARS, and lots of individual Texans who have disabilities to bring back to our community information and ideas on advocacy, employment, Medicaid, and many other important issues.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Austin, noted for its accessibility, served as the site for this year’s conference. Attendees also had opportunities to interact with several well-known service providers such as the Texas Talking Book Program at their exhibit booths.
Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell issued a special proclamation officially recognizing the dates of the conference as Independent Living Days in Austin.
Although not an actual part of the conference itself, the event culminated in a march of over 2500 Texans with disabilities and friends down Congress Avenue for a rally at the Capitol to stress the importance of state Medicaid benefits.