Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living

06/23/2026

Partner Event: Reach Nevada & CSD Works NV Grand Opening

Join our community partners at Reach Nevada and CSD Works NV as they celebrate the grand opening of their new Reno office!

Stop by on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. to tour the new space, meet staff, learn about available programs and services, and pick up some swag. This is a great opportunity to connect with organizations that provide resources and opportunities for individuals with disabilities and others throughout Northern Nevada.

Congratulations to Reach Nevada and on this exciting expansion. We look forward to welcoming them to the community!

Date: June 25, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

06/22/2026

“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it.” –Brené Brown

Every person's journey is unique. Whether you're navigating a disability, advocating for your needs, or embracing who you are, your experiences matter, and your voice deserves to be heard.

At NNCIL, we believe that self-acceptance, self-advocacy, and connection can be powerful tools for building confidence and independence. Your story is part of what makes you strong.

06/21/2026

🚨 Disability Rights Are Under Threat 🚨

The National Council on Independent Living is sounding the alarm over a recent Department of Justice memo that attempts to weaken the integration mandate at the heart of disability civil rights protections.

For decades, the landmark Supreme Court case Olmstead v. L.C. has affirmed that unnecessary segregation of people with disabilities is discrimination. Along with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, it protects the right of people with disabilities to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities.

This new DOJ position contradicts decades of legal precedent and threatens the progress made toward community living and independence. As Centers for Independent Living, we know that people with disabilities belong in their communities, not in segregated settings.

📢 Take Action Today
Contact Northern Nevada's federal representatives and urge them to protect the civil rights of people with disabilities and defend the integration mandate established by Olmstead.

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto
Washington, DC: (202) 224-3542

Senator Jacky Rosen
Washington, DC: (202) 224-6244

Representative Mark Amodei
Washington, DC: (202) 225-6155

Learn more and read NCIL's full statement: https://bit.ly/4aH3kKw

NCIL Statement Condemning and Rejecting the Department of Justice's Memo Attempting to Undermine Disability Civil Rights

The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) strongly condemns the recent Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) memo that attempts to undermine the integration mandate at the heart of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the landmark Olmstead v. L.C. decision.

For decades, the Olmstead v. L.C. decision has affirmed a simple truth: segregation of people with disabilities is discrimination. The integration mandate is not optional — it is the foundation of disability civil rights, ensuring that people with disabilities can live, work, and participate fully in their communities.

The OLC memo claims that federal disability rights laws do not require services in the most integrated setting. This contradicts decades of legal precedent and the lived experiences of our community. This position threatens hard-won progress and risks re-legitimizing institutionalization and segregation. From the perspective of the Independent Living Movement, this is unacceptable.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4aH3kKw

Image: Statement Condemning and Rejecting DOJ Memo – Advocacy and Action graphic features two abstract letters A, reflected horizontally in purple and green. NCIL Logo: National Council on Independent Living. Graphic features a fingerprint.

06/20/2026

Happy First Day of Summer! ☀️

Whether you're planning a vacation, attending local events, spending time outdoors, or simply enjoying a slower pace, we hope your summer is filled with fun, connection, and opportunities to do the things you enjoy.

If you're heading outside, don't forget to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade during Nevada's hottest days.

06/19/2026

✈️ Ready for takeoff?

In the latest episode of "Inspirations and Experts with Sofia Sanchez," Sofia talks with NNCIL Executive Director Mark Tadder and traveler Stephen about how people with disabilities can explore the world with confidence.
https://youtu.be/X5XKx_YehvY?si=S2S7ODBteN12Ho4a

Mark, who is blind, shares practical travel tips, accessibility resources, and the mindset that has helped him experience everything from aircraft carriers to birdwatching adventures. Stephen adds his own advice from years of travel, including international trips, skiing excursions, and outdoor adventures.

Their message is simple: don't let assumptions limit what's possible. With a little planning, the right supports, and a willingness to try, travel can be accessible, rewarding, and fun.

Watch to learn:
✅ Travel planning tips
✅ Disability rights and accessibility protections
✅ Helpful technology and travel tools
✅ Real-world experiences from travelers with disabilities

Nevada TRIP helps students with disabilities, families, and educators navigate the journey to adulthood, independence, and success.

Learn more at: https://nevadatrip.nv.gov/

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421E230026.

Sofia meets up with NNCIL Executive Director Mark Tadder to talk ab...

06/18/2026

🔹 A New Chapter for NNCIL 🔹

After 15 years of dedicated leadership, Executive Director Lisa Bonie is retiring from NNCIL. During her tenure, Lisa expanded services across Northern Nevada, launched the Blind & Low Vision Program, helped create NNCIL's accessible teaching kitchen, and founded PumpkinPalooza.

We're excited to welcome Mark Tadder as NNCIL's new Executive Director. Mark has served as Associate Director for the past two years and previously led the Blind & Low Vision Program. He brings both lived experience and a strong commitment to helping people with disabilities live independently and participate fully in their communities.

Please join us in thanking Lisa for her incredible service and welcoming Mark to his new role!https://nncil.org/2026/06/15/goodbye-lisa-hello-mark/

06/17/2026

Thinking about college but not sure where to start?

Join this free webinar with Nevada PEP, "Considering College: What You Need to Know," on June 23 from 5:00–6:00 p.m. PDT. Whether you're a student with a disability or a parent helping plan for the future, this session will cover important topics including:

🎓 Choosing the right college or program
🎓 Understanding disability services and accommodations
🎓 Paying for college and financial aid options
🎓 Preparing for success both in and out of the classroom

Register today to get the information you need!
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2464568962615936344

06/16/2026

Are you blind or have low vision and looking to connect with others who understand your experiences?

Join NNCIL's Fallon Blind Peer Support Group & Independent Living Information meeting on Thursday, June 18 , from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.

Whether you're newly experiencing vision loss or have been navigating it for years, you're welcome to join the conversation.

Questions? [email protected]

Learn more:
https://nncil.org/mc-events/fallon-blind-peer-support-group-independent-living-information-6/?mc_id=1578

06/15/2026

“Silence is the last thing the world will ever hear from me.”
— Marlee Matlin

Every person deserves to have their voice heard, their experiences valued, and their rights respected.

At NNCIL, we're proud to support people with disabilities as they advocate for themselves, pursue their goals, and participate fully in their communities. Whether through independent living services, peer support, advocacy, or skills training, we're working toward a world where everyone has the opportunity to be seen, heard, and included.

What’s one way you've used your voice to make a difference?

06/12/2026

Need help getting more comfortable with your smartphone, computer, tablet, or assistive technology?

NNCIL offers one-on-one Blind & Low Vision Technology Training on Tuesday, June 16, from noon – 4:00 pm, to help people who are blind or have low vision learn the tools and skills they need to stay connected, access information, and live more independently. Training is personalized to your goals and experience level.

Sessions are available by appointment and can help you build confidence with technology in a supportive, one-on-one setting. All appointments must be scheduled by calling Mona at 775-353-3599.

Learn more:
https://nncil.org/mc-events/one-on-one-blind-low-vision-technology-training-5/?mc_id=1613

One-On-One Blind & Low Vision Technology Training 12:00 pm – 4:00 pmJune 16, 2026 The third Tuesday of each month, we'll be in Carson City, offering one-on-one blind and low-vision technology training in half-hour and hour-long sessions. All sessions must be booked by calling 775-353-3599 and spea...