NCIL annual march and rally Washington DC on Monday, June 8

From the AAPD Justice for All blog:

As a part of its Annual Conference, the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) will again be marching for the rights of people with disabilities through the streets of Washington, on its way to an energetic rally on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

Speakers, including Senator Tom Harkin, will energize conference participants and other advocates as they prepare for their visits on Capitol Hill. NCIL would like to extend an invitation to join its march and rally to fellow CCD members and others in their organizations. If you are interested in participating in the march, here are the details:

WHEN? Monday, June 8

WHERE? Meet outside of the Grand Hyatt Washington, at the corner of 11th and G Streets NW. March participants will be organized into regions, so find the state you wish to join!

TIME? Begin lining up at from 9:30-10 a.m. The march will last until about 11 a.m. at the Capitol.

If you would like to skip the march and join us at the Capitol, here are the details:

WHEN? Monday, June 8

WHERE? West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol

TIME? 11:30a.m. – 12:30 p.m.


Later in the day, a Congressional briefing on long-term-care and supports will occur:


WASHINGTON, DC -- Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Chairman Edward M. Kennedy is committed to health reform that ensures vulnerable populations have access to coverage that meets their needs, including long-term services and support. On Monday, June 8, 2009 the Committee will host an open press Congressional briefing to provide an update on current HELP efforts to include long-term services and support in health reform.

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), a HELP Committee member and long-time advocate for individuals with disabilities, will be joined by senior Congressional staffers Connie Garner and Lee Perselay and Dr. Barbara Manard, from the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA). Also participating: Mike Oxford of the Topeka Independent Living Resource Center and two-time Purple Heart Recipient and disabled Vietnam Veteran John Henry Douglas from Lake City, Florida.

WHO:


* Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA)
* Connie Garner, Disability and Special Needs Population Policy Director for Senator Kennedy
* Lee Perselay, Disability Counsel for Senator Harkin
* Barbara Manard, Ph.D., Vice-President of Long-Term Care/Health Strategies for the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA)
* Mike Oxford, Executive Director of the Topeka Independent Living Resource Center
* John Henry Douglas, Disabled Vietnam Veteran and recipient of two Purple Hearts, Lake City, FL

WHAT: Congressional briefing on long-term services and support


WHEN: 2 p.m. Monday, June 8, 2009

WHERE: Russell Caucus Room (SR 325)