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TWWIIA: LOOKING BACK IN PERSPECTIVE

In New York State, the passage of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 signaled more than just a historic policy shift in the employment of persons with disabilities. It served as a reminder that New Yorkers with disabilities…united…can be a formidable advocacy force. Along with endless other networks involved in this process, a vast army of disability rights advocates worked hard on the local level to educate and seek support from the New York State Congressional Delegation for TWWIIA. Out of the thirty-three members in New York State, two were sponsors and twenty-seven were cosponsors. In the end, all thirty-three members of the New York State Congressional Delegation voted in favor of the bill! There is reason to celebrate…for the Act, our efforts, and the support of the President and Congress.

Our job is far from over. We will now have to convince New York State to fully adopt the measures provided for in TWWIIA. It will undoubtedly be a major priority for us in the year 2000. NYSILC wants to commence this process by sponsoring a "Champion's Tour" throughout the state. NYSILC will work with the network of centers to recognize the members of the New York State Congressional Delegation for their support. It will also allow an opportunity to educate local communities about the Act.

SILC CONGRESS 2000

SAN DIEGO, CA - January 6, 2000.

SILC Congress 2000 was held at the Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel in San Diego, California from January 3-6, 2000. Forty-five states and the territory of Puerto Rico were represented at the congress.

On the first day, the start of the Plenary Session was divided into two related presentations: "The Olmstead Decision" and "Laying out a National Strategy for Deinstitutionalization." The day concluded with a reception. The Plenary Session on the second day involved a two-part presentation on "The Role of SILCs and ILRU Study." Curtis Richards, Deputy Assistant Secretary for OSERS, was the Keynote speaker at lunch. Four simultaneous breakout sessions took place in the afternoon. They included: "The Drive for $75 Million (VII-C)," "Media Impact: A Defining Role for SILCs," "Medicaid Buy-In and the Work Incentives Improvement Act," and "SILCs Role in New CIL Development." The day ended with regional meetings and the election of regional representatives.

Day three's Plenary Session involved a presentation on "SILCs Role in Lobbying and Advocacy" and the opportunity to identify "Emerging Issues of the Third SILC Congress." The breakout sessions for the afternoon involved four topics identified earlier in the day, including issues related to SILC funding. The intent was to generate resolutions for consideration on the final day. Day four saw the adoption of several resolutions. The formal positions will be developed into a paper backed by the SILC Congress.

Copyright © 2000.
New York State Independent Living Council, Inc. All rights reserved.