TSA: NCIL Experience

In my previous TSA posts, I talked about travel accessibility and what to prepare for. What happens to me and my wheelchair when boarding a plane? And what do I need/seek when booking a hotel room? But I have yet to give my experience of the reason for my trip, National Council on Independent Living’s (NCIL) Annual Conference on Independent Living.

This year’s NCIL conference theme was “Generation ADA: Rise Up!” [– in addition to, of course, celebrating the monumental 25^th Anniversary since the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.] By “Generation ADA,” NCIL is referring to the youth and young adults (age 27 or younger) with disabilities who are active within their communities. Those who are fighting for full inclusion and the equal but not separate rights of the disability community.

To promote the power that, we, the young people of today hold, NCIL (as other national conference hosts are doing, e.g. APRIL) stands even taller with the phrase, “Nothing About Us, Without Us!” for us; allowing for funding and mentorship was accessible to the youth as they plan and pursue an age-appropriate disability rights/independent living conference of their own. This group of empowered, disabled youth that coordinated the conference and address community initiatives, are known as the NCIL Youth Caucus.

Having been my first year being a member of NCIL, let alone the Youth Caucus – and only to know of NCIL’s great work, by word of mouth – I didn’t really have too high of expectations. But, next year, I will! The atmosphere set by and for the young people amongst the seasoned advocates, was beyond inclusive, encouraging, and effective. Here’s why:

• ·         At least 80 youth attended;
• ·         About 60 were from Japan (Yes, JAPAN!); 
•  They’re starting establish Centers for Independent Living too;
• ·         Universal accessibility, intersectionality, and interdependence were all thoroughly addressed and taught appropriately
• No one was excluded;
• ·         Collective efforts advocated for a more youth inclusive position on the full council board, which was filled that week;
• ·         Youth lead/participation throughout the entire NCIL conference was strongly encouraged; 
•  We were at the front of the march to the Capitol;
• Provided our testimonies to board members;
• ·         And the more youth engaging activities were integrated into the general conference agenda, not only promoted separately; 
•  There were multiple paths that each workshop was provided to focus on. Youth/transition was a track, but not the only one! 

Knowledge, hands-on experience, and comradery. Need I say more? If you ever get the opportunity to become a NCIL member and can participate, go for it! For more details on the 2015 NCIL conference, click this wrap-up link. And keep an eye out for any changes on the P2P Roadmap to Success for more local resources and opportunities for young people!