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APRIL Conference 2026

  • October 23-26, 2026
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Workshop #1: First Look – The New Resource for SPIL Development

This training will introduce the IL T&TA Center’s State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) Guide. Participants will learn how to use the guide to plan and write the SPIL. The training will show how the guide can support public input and group decision-making. It will also explain how to use the review worksheets and drafting tips to find missing information and improve SPIL language. Participants will leave with practical tools to develop a complete SPIL that reflects federal requirements and the Independent Living philosophy.

Objectives

  • Describe the purpose and key sections of the SPIL Guide.
  • Use the guide to plan and write the SPIL.
  • Use the guide’s worksheets and drafting tips to review a SPIL and identify needed improvements.

Details

  • Date: Saturday, October 25th, 2026
  • Time: 1:30-2:30 PM EST
  • Format: Live Presentation
  • Facilitators: Sandra Breitengross Bitter and Jeremy Morris

Materials

Workshop #2: Insights from the Tribal Expert Peer Cohort: Advancing Indigenous Independent Living Services

This panel highlights the work of the Tribal Expert Peer Cohort (TEPC), sharing Indigenous perspectives on disability and Independent Living (IL) services. Participants will learn about the TEPC’s Indigenous Interdependent Living Philosophy, culturally grounded approaches to disability, explore key IL service needs and national data for Tribal Members, and examine gaps in access. Panelists will discuss where services once existed, the impact of lost or limited services, and strategies to better reach unserved Indigenous populations through community-centered, culturally responsive solutions. There will also be a portion for attendees to ask questions and engage in discussion with panelists.

Objectives

  • Participants will learn about the work of the TEPC.
  • Participants will learn Indigenous approaches and perspectives to disability services.
  • Participants will learn specific IL service needs and national numbers of Tribal Members served.
  • Participants will learn where services used to exist for indigenous people and how to address those unserved populations.

Details

  • Date: Sunday, October 26th, 2026
  • Time: 3:30-4:30 PM EST
  • Format: Panel
  • Facilitators: TEPC Members

Materials

  • Presentation Slides (English) [Word] – Coming soon!
  • Presentation Slides (English) [Word] – Coming soon!

Exhibit Table Publications

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