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)
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.
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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Medicaid and New Community Options
Course Dates: May 3-21, 2010
Registration Deadline: April 14, 2010
Student Orientation: April 29, 2010
Purpose: A “hands on” course, Medicaid
and New Community Options covers long-term services
in the community and takes an in-depth look at various funding
opportunities. It includes information on qualifying for
services furnished under Medicare, the Older Americans Act,
and the Veterans Administration.
Due to its broad-based support of community services, a major
focus will be the fundamentals of the complex state and federal
partnership of the Medicaid program. While you will be given
a basic overview of this program, a more meaningful exercise
will be for you to understand Medicaid in your state, particularly
how the various funding opportunities have been (or in some
cases have not been) employed. The course also looks at the
Money Follows the Person initiative and its impact on balancing
expenditures between the home and institutions.
Legislation under the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 will be
reviewed for the impact its new programs are having in the
community. Different
service models are also discussed including managed care and
self direction.
Course Level: Intermediate
to Advanced.
Target Audience: This three-week distance
learning course is targeted to staff at Centers for Independent
Living working as independent living specialists, nursing facility
transition facilitators, or other personnel for whom a basic
understanding of Medicaid, Medicare, and other long-term funding
systems is pertinent. It may also be beneficial for Statewide
Independent Living Council staff and members.
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.
- Describe
new options available through the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA),
with emphasis on self-direction, consumer participation,
and elimination of barriers to receiving community services
in the participant’s setting of choice.
- Describe
innovative strategies in the areas of housing, transition,
and transportation, leveraging key partnerships with aging
and human service agencies in their state.
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.
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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
creating a new or improving your existing organized peer support
program.
Course Level: Beginner to Intermediate - some experience with
managing or delivering peer support services will be helpful
Target Audience: This three-week distance
learning 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. She is a member of the planning committee for
the Arizona Disability Expo, and Vice-Chair of the Arizona
State Rehabilitation Council (SRC).
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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
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.
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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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.
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: 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.
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Offered Earlier This Year
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.
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