Report on 2007 Convention
The 29th Annual Convention of The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities
was held in Austin from April 9-11, 2007. One of the largest conventions
ever with over 200 in attendance, CTD’s co-host was the Brain Injury Association
of Texas.
The theme was “Think Tank”. Why Think Tank? Because we focused on learning about breaking public policy, discussing the issues, then applying that knowledge with visits to legislative offices in the state Capitol and followup contacts. This is the type of advocacy that works.
Here are some highlights:
- We opened with a media bang, a press conference featuring Mikail Davenport, welcoming his return from the incredible Legless Lizard Tour de Tejas, his 950 mile cycling journey from El Paso to Beaumont. The Legless Lizard drew national media to disability issues.
- Friends old and new gathered at the opening reception with an inspiring multimedia presentation by Argonaut Gene Rodgers. Rodgers, a person with quadriplegia, told his tales with amazing images of him skydiving, riding camels, ocean sailing, scuba diving, trekking the Mt. Everest trail and more.
- 6:45 AM Tuesday: John Curnutt and Dave Hopson from the panhandle met with House Appropriations Chair Warren Chisum, their state representative. The powerful legislator has not been accessible to advocates, but set aside time for John and Dave from his district for a discussion on key state budget items, including the waiting list for community services.
- Keynote speaker Representative Patrick Rose, chair of the House Human Services committee encouraged advocacy and expressed his appreciation for the views of people with disabilities.
- Representative John Davis, chair of the House Appropriations subcommittee on Human Services, joined the luncheon and was recognized for his key support of funding for traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.
- A workshop track for brain injury professionals with top presenters drew new participants to CTD.
- Excellent advocacy track workshops on Critical Bills, the Community Attendant Workforce Crisis, the new Medicaid Buy In, and Consumer Directed Services were presented by experts.
- Tuesday evening was spent enjoying downtown Austin. With the convention hotel located near Austin’s famous 6th Street, Congress Avenue and the warehouse district, attendees were within easy walking/rolling distance from Texas’ top entertainment area.
- “The best advocacy panel ever”. We heard that remark a lot after key legislative directors from the offices of Rep. Mark Strama, Rep. Rafael Anchia and Sen. Bob Deuell gave insider strategies on effective advocacy. A highly interactive presentation, the panelists answered numerous questions and gave their take on key legislation on accessible voting, ADA rights and advanced directives, among other important topics.
- Adjourn, but not adjourn! After the formal convention closed on Wednesday morning, a large group went directly to the State Capitol, just minutes away up Congress Avenue. Armed with position papers and legislative packets, advocates blanketed the Capitol for several hours.
If you attended, thank you for making this a great convention! If you did not attend, we hope to see you at our next convention in September 2008. Make a difference!
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CTD is committing to raising our voice and continues to work hard for Texans with disabilities.