2005 Annual Convention
The 27th Annual Convention of The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities was held in Austin from March 6 - 8, 2005. This year’s convention was in cooperation with the State Independent Living Council’s Sixth Annual Independent Living Conference. This combination brought together one of the largest groups of disability advocates in memory and allowed CTD and SILC to draw prominent speakers and workshop presenters. If you attended, you were part of an excellent convention.
With a theme of “Celebrating 25 Years of Independent Living”, events reflected where we’ve been and where we are going. We began with old and new friends gathering for an opening movie night and reception. Here are some highlights:
- Dual Keynote Speakers! DARS Commissioner Terry Murphy on the past and future of independent living and American Association of People with Disabilities President Andy Imparato on national issues. It was more than speeches…advocates cornered Murphy with their concerns and peppered Imparato in a lively question and answer period.
- New State Policy and Practices: the upcoming integrated eligibility system, Star Plus Medicaid managed care expansion and the art and science of relocation, all presented by the top experts.
- A workshop track directed to centers for independent living on IL philosophy and practice, the new Service Responsibility Option pilot, and Benefits Planning/Ticket to Work.
- An insightful look at the current Texas Legislative Session from Representative Elliott Naishtat, winner of the SILC’s Legislator of the Year Award.
- “Jeremiah was a bullfrog!” sang recording artist Tony Melendez as he played the guitar—with his feet! Tony, a person without arms, weaved in stories of disability throughout his highly entertaining performance.
- “The Unstoppable Spirit”: motivational story of one woman’s survival and the rights of crime victims with disabilities from Florida’s Sharon D’Eusanio.
- Rally on the Capitol Steps! Just a few blocks from the conference hotel, advocates gathered in brilliant sunshine at the Capitol. CTD’s Mikail Davenport arrived in his handcycle, completing an inspiring 350 mile, 7 day road trip without the use of his legs. Accompanied by youth with disabilities in racing wheelchairs on the last ride up Congress Avenue, Davenport drew attention to disability issues throughout south Texas. There was a striking visual as speakers, flanked on each side of the podium by multiple wheelchairs, focused on three core issues: ADA rights in danger, long waiting lists for community services and funding for centers for independent living. Advocates then visited legislative offices in the Capitol.
25 years of independent living in Texas…a milestone, not an endpoint. Since the end of the convention, we have directed our efforts to tracking legislation, advocating to legislators, writing bill language and pushing that people with disabilities may live, learn, work, play and participate fully in the community of their choice. CTD continues to work hard for Texans with disabilities.