National Council on Independent Living

National Council on Independent Living The National Council on Independent Living is the longest-running national cross-disability, grassroots organization run by and for people with disabilities.
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NCIL envisions a world in which people with disabilities are valued equally and participate fully.

06/12/2026

🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨

Today, we filed two new lawsuits in New York and Illinois challenging assisted su***de laws.

These laws create a dangerous double standard by treating su***de as a tragedy for some people and a solution for others. People with disabilities deserve equal protection under the law, not policies that put vulnerable patients at risk.

We're proud to stand alongside plaintiffs, disability advocates, and allies fighting for justice, equality, and genuine care.

https://endassistedsu***de.org/

On June 9, Director of Advocacy Jessica Podesva represented NCIL at a side event at COSP 19 – the annual United Nations ...
06/10/2026

On June 9, Director of Advocacy Jessica Podesva represented NCIL at a side event at COSP 19 – the annual United Nations (UN) conference on the UN Treaty for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The side event, titled “20 years, are we now closer to independent life?” was organized by GRIP - Kom op voor inclusie and the European Network on Independent Living - ENIL.

Jessica talked about the importance of the Independent Living movement in the United States and around the world. She engaged in conversations about expanding and implementing Independent Living infrastructure and philosophy internationally.

Image 1: Jessica Podesva speaks into a microphone at a conference table with a laptop, while others sit with devices in a meeting room equipped with interpretation booths.

Image 2: Rows of colorful national flags line a long concrete building under a bright blue sky.

06/09/2026

❓ Have a question you've been meaning to ask?

Join us for Ask Anything: Open Office Hour—a monthly opportunity for members of the Independent Living network to ask questions, share ideas, and learn from peers.

Whether you're frontline staff, leadership, a board member, or part of a SILC or DSE, this session provides a supportive space for discussion, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Participants are encouraged to submit questions during registration, helping us prepare resources and facilitate meaningful discussion during the session.

🗓 Thursday, June 11, 2026
⏰ 3:00–4:00 PM ET

Bring your questions and join the conversation!

🔗 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4wXi450TSmC9UvD4x-PpJQ

06/09/2026

📢 Join us Tuesday for:

Collaboration with State Assistive Technology Act (AT) Programs

State Assistive Technology (AT) programs offer valuable resources that can help address common Independent Living challenges, including communication access, device affordability, and technology training.

This webinar will explore practical strategies for partnering with State AT programs to strengthen Independent Living services and expand access to assistive technology and communication supports.

Topics include:
✔ Key services offered by State AT programs
✔ Reutilization programs that expand access to technology
✔ Communication supports and accessibility solutions
✔ Opportunities for collaboration that strengthen Independent Living service delivery

🗓 Tuesday, June 9, 2026
⏰ 3:00–4:30 PM ET

ASL interpretation, CART, and Spanish interpretation will be provided.

🔗 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/p4aVYJtrQqitpyzSUhxhJg

The agenda for NCIL’s 2026 Annual Conference on Independent Living has been updated with new details, and the full works...
06/09/2026

The agenda for NCIL’s 2026 Annual Conference on Independent Living has been updated with new details, and the full workshop schedule is now available on our website.

- Workshops: https://bit.ly/49LbS2F
- Agenda: https://bit.ly/4fuIZvn

Workshops are organized into tracks such as Advocacy in Action, Empowered to Lead, Building Resilient Organizations, and Strengthening Connections. Tracks help attendees find sessions that match their interests. Each listing includes a description, presenter bios, target audience, and experience level to support planning.

Sessions will cover timely topics like funding strategies for the disability rights movement, protecting independence in the age of surveillance technology, strengthening services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and so much more.

These interactive workshops emphasize practical strategies, collaboration, and real-world impact. Visit the conference website to explore the agenda.

We can’t wait to welcome you this July!

Image: National Council on Independent Living logo features a multi-colored fingerprint.

NCIL Mourns the Passing of Former President Kent CrenshawThe National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) is deeply sad...
06/05/2026

NCIL Mourns the Passing of Former President Kent Crenshaw

The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) is deeply saddened by the passing of former NCIL President Kent Crenshaw on June 2, 2026.

Kent was more than a leader. He was a champion for the Independent Living Movement, a tireless advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, and a friend and mentor to many across our nation.

As Executive Director of Independent Rights and Resources (IRR) in Montgomery, Alabama, Kent dedicated his life to helping people with disabilities live independently and fully participate in their communities. Under his leadership, IRR grew from serving just a handful of individuals to serving hundreds, creating opportunities for empowerment, self-determination, and equal access.

Kent served NCIL with distinction as Region 4 Representative before being elected President of the Governing Board by his peers. His leadership came during a time when NCIL was working to strengthen its role as the national voice of the Independent Living Movement. He brought vision, integrity, and an unwavering belief that people with disabilities should lead the decisions that affect their own lives.

Throughout his career, Kent advocated at the local, state, and national levels to remove barriers, challenge discrimination, and advance civil and human rights. Whether serving on the Alabama Statewide Independent Living Council, the Alabama Medical Equipment Board, teaching future professionals at Alabama State University, or speaking at conferences across the country, Kent never stopped educating, organizing, and inspiring others.

What many will remember most, however, is not the positions he held, but the person he was. Kent led with humility. He listened before he spoke. He believed in building others up and creating opportunities for new leaders to emerge. He understood that the Independent Living Movement is strongest when people come together around a shared commitment to freedom, dignity, and community living.

His impact can be found in the countless lives he touched, the leaders he mentored, the policies he helped shape, and the stronger movement he leaves behind.

On behalf of NCIL’s Governing Board, staff, membership, and the broader Independent Living Network, we extend our deepest condolences to his wife Carmen, their daughters, grandchildren, colleagues at IRR, and all who knew and loved him.

“During his time as NCIL's President, Kent oversaw major changes and leadership transitions in the organization and our national network. His efforts helped lay the path that NCIL is on today.”

— Jason Beloungy, President, NCIL Governing Board

The Independent Living Movement has lost a respected leader, but Kent Crenshaw’s vision, values, and legacy will continue to guide us for generations to come.

May he rest in peace.

Image: Kent Crenshaw, his wife Carmen, and Tony Coelho pose for a group photo in a formal, warmly-lit room at the White House. Kent is seated in his power wheelchair at center. Everyone is smiling.

06/04/2026

A Message from Theo Braddy: Ordinary People!

Hello again. This is Theo W. Braddy, Executive Director of the National Council on Independent Living, bringing you another message. This one I called “Ordinary People”.

I have wanted to write something on this particular topic for a while now.

It is a point I have briefly talked about before, but I want to address it in more detail. It is about something society often does with movements.

We lift up a few well-known leaders and place them on the front pages of history. The Independent Living Movement is no different.

In my own writings, I often lift up the names some of these leaders. Names like Ed Roberts, Judy Heumann, Justin Dart Jr., Marca Bristo, and Wade Blank, to name just a few.

These well-known leaders helped shape and lead the IL movement. Their courage, leadership, and vision changed lives and opened doors for millions of people with disabilities.

Their stories deserve to be remembered. But they were not alone.

Behind every well-known leader were thousands of people doing the hard work every single day. People whose names may never appear in books or documentaries, but who helped build this movement from the ground up.

They were the advocates and organizers. They were peer counselors. They were staff of Independent Living Centers. They ran Statewide Independent Living Councils. Many were parents and community leaders. Many were just everyday, ordinary people who refused to give up.

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

Listen to the audio version of this message: https://bit.ly/3Qo3eAy

Video description: The words “Ordinary People” are typed in black across a white page.

NCIL mourns the passing of Susan Webb (1952-2026)NCIL mourns the passing of Susan Webb, former Ability360 Executive Dire...
06/03/2026

NCIL mourns the passing of Susan Webb (1952-2026)

NCIL mourns the passing of Susan Webb, former Ability360 Executive Director. Webb served more than 35 years as a local, state and national disability public policy advocate. She served multiple appointments in disability policy positions at the Presidential, Congressional, and State levels. In 1988, Webb was appointed by President Reagan to the U.S. Access Board, where she chaired the task force that developed the first Accessibility Guidelines that were mandated and incorporated into the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In 1991, Susan became the Executive Director of Ability360 (then called Arizona Bridge to Independent Living or ABIL) where she served until March of 2000. She later returned to Ability360 in 2001 to pursue her true passion, employment for people with disabilities that could lead to self-sufficiency and financial independence through work and earning income. Webb was Ability360’s Vice President of Employment Services where she served until her retirement in July of 2019. Susan recognized that even with the passage of the ADA in 1990, people with disabilities still remained unemployed or underemployed because of Social Security Disability Program work disincentives.

This unequal playing field drove her passion for providing economic empowerment opportunities for people with disabilities and the need for national policy change. As a Board Member of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), Susan advocated for the passage of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act (TWWIIA), which President Clinton signed into law in 1999. TWWIIA created opportunities and incentives to remove barriers to successful employment and reduce reliance upon government entitlement programs for the thirteen million Americans that were stuck in the Social Security disability benefits system. Webb was one of 12 citizens appointed by President Clinton and Congress to the TWWIIA Advisory Panel in 2000.

Susan also helped co-author Ability360’s grant proposal to become a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) grantee, which was part of TWWIIA. Susan understood it would take an unbiased, non-governmental advocate to educate consumers about work incentives and the opportunities to pull oneself out of poverty through working. She understood that advocacy and peer support was the only way to eliminate fear in returning to work after disability. Ability360 was awarded the WIPA grant in 2000 and continues to offer this valuable service today.

Webb earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Juris Doctorate from Concord Law School in Los Angeles, CA. She was also certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) by the Society of Human Resource Management.

While Susan is no longer with us, her contributions to the betterment of those with disabilities will continue to live on for decades to come and her love for the independent living movement and philosophy will not be forgotten. Our thoughts are with her friends and family during this time.

Image: Susan Webb is wearing glasses and a dark blazer. She is seated in a power wheelchair and clapping her hands.

Image: Susan Webb is seated in a power wheelchair with legs crossed. She is wearing a red sticker with white text and others are standing behind her.

06/03/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LIBERTY RESOURCES INC. ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION

Philadelphia, PA — The Board of Directors of Liberty Resources, Inc. announces that Thomas H. "Tom" Earle has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer due to personal health reasons, effective immediately.

For more than 23 years as Chief Executive Officer and more than 34 years as a leader within the Independent Living movement, Tom has dedicated his career to advancing independence, choice, and equal opportunity for people with disabilities. Under his leadership, Liberty Resources expanded its reach and impact across the region, strengthened advocacy efforts, developed
accessible housing opportunities, and helped thousands of individuals achieve greater independence within their communities.

"Tom's commitment to the Independent Living movement has helped shape Liberty Resources into the organization it is today. For more than three decades, he has championed the belief that people with disabilities should have the choice and control to direct their own lives, access the support they need, and fully participate in their communities. His leadership has strengthened our organization, advanced the broader movement for disability rights and inclusion, and laid a foundation that will continue to guide Liberty's work for years to come," said Sarita Kimble, Chair of the Liberty Resources Board of Directors.

Lauren Alden, Director of Independent Living Services, reflected on Tom's contributions to the Independent Living movement and its continued impact on the lives of people with disabilities. "Everyday, we see people with disabilities building lives in their communities, exercising choice, and achieving goals that matter to them. Those outcomes are possible because of decades of
advocacy, leadership, and commitment from people with disabilities and their allies throughout the Independent Living movement. Tom has dedicated his career to advancing that work and helping ensure that the voices, choices, and leadership of people with disabilities remain at the center of the movement," said Alden.

As part of Liberty Resources' succession plan, the Board of Directors has appointed Dan Hart, Chief Operating Officer, and Glenn Seagraves, Chief Financial Officer, to provide interim leadership and operational oversight while the Board, in partnership with Human Resources, conducts a search for Liberty's next Executive Director.

Daily operations, programs, and services will continue without interruption. Liberty remains committed to maintaining operational stability, advancing its mission, and serving consumers throughout the region.

"Leadership transitions naturally bring questions, particularly during times of organizational change," said Kimble. "The Board of Directors and leadership team remain focused on ensuring continuity, supporting our staff, strengthening our organization, and continuing the important work of advancing independence for people with disabilities."

Although stepping away from his role as CEO, Tom will always remain a valued member of the Liberty family. His influence can be seen in the lives changed, the barriers removed, the communities strengthened, and the generations of advocates he helped inspire.

"Serving Liberty Resources has been one of the greatest privileges of my life," said Tom. "I am deeply grateful to the board of directors, staff, consumers, advocates, partners, and supporters who have made this work possible. While my role is changing, my commitment to the Independent Living movement remains as strong as ever. Liberty's mission is bigger than any one person, and I have every confidence that Liberty’s best work is still ahead."

The Board of Directors, leadership team, staff, consumers, and community partners extend their gratitude to Tom for his decades of service and wish him continued health and happiness in the years ahead.Additional information regarding the leadership transition process will be shared as appropriate.

ABOUT LIBERTY RESOURCES INC.:

Liberty Resources is Philadelphia's Center for Independent Living and a leading advocate for people with disabilities. Through advocacy, peer support, independent living skills training, information and referral, housing initiatives, and community-based services, Liberty works to ensure that independence belongs to everyone.

Media Contact:
Steven T. Mack
Director of Communications & Development
Liberty Resources, Inc.
[email protected]

05/28/2026

📣 Tomorrow!

Join the IL T&TA Center for:

iLab: Communications Create Connection: Authentic Storytelling

Stories are powerful tools for connection, advocacy, and change - especially when they reflect Independent Living values and lived experience.

This combined training brings together foundational learning and hands-on practice to help participants develop authentic, impactful stories. Participants will explore the key elements of effective storytelling and learn practical tools for communicating impact through lived experience and narratives. Through guided practice and peer feedback, participants will refine their messages and leave with stories they can immediately use in their work.

What’s an iLab?
An Independent Living lab, or ILab, is an interactive learning session designed to help employees build confidence and skill through hands-on practice in a safe, guided environment.

Participants will:
• Practice sharing stories in a supportive peer setting and incorporate feedback to strengthen everyday communications
• Identify key elements of authentic, impactful storytelling that reflect Independent Living values and lived experience

Designed for:
✔ CIL staff and leadership
✔ SILC members and staff
✔ Independent Living program staff and partners

🗓 Friday, May 29, 2026
🕒 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM ET
💻 90 minutes via Zoom

🔗 Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/YTCU-p4OT1aNz_koERJSxg #/registration

🌐 Learn more:
https://ilttacenter.org/ilab-storytelling/

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PO Box 31260
Washington D.C., DC
20030

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