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May 16, 2024
"BCIL 50 Years In: Triumphs, Lessons and What's Next for Independent Living,"
Boston Center for Independent Living
Thursday, May 16, 2024, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Virtual Session
2024 marks a major milestone for BCIL: They are celebrating our 50th Anniversary. As one of the first Independent Living Centers in the country, BCIL plays a transformative role in creating and advocating for equal access to health care, affordable housing, accessible transportation, job and educational opportunities, and ADA compliance for residents of Greater Boston and beyond. As they look ahead, this work remains as critical as ever and demands that they imbue every effort with a commitment to disability rights as a social justice issue.
To amplify this momentous year with reflection, celebration, and action, they are hosting a virtual event, "BCIL 50 Years In: Triumphs, Lessons and What's Next for Independent Living," on May 16, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm ET.
Speakers will reflect on the independent living movement nationwide and here in Boston exploring the future we are creating together. This event will include:
- Keynote Speaker Maria Town (see below), President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
- Facilitator Dr. Lisa Iezzoni, disability rights advocate, Harvard Medical School professor, and BCIL Board Member, Boston.
- Keynote speaker Maria Town, CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities, Washington, DC.
- Panelist Karen Tamley, President and CEO of Access Living, Chicago
- Panelist Alex Green, Advocate/Scholar, Harvard Kennedy School, Boston.
- Panelist Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt, Director of the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research, Washington, DC
Additionally, they will have a conversation with several disability activists, ages 24-35, on where they believe IL must go.
CART and ASL will be available.
Register for the BCIL Anniversary
Maria Town
Maria is a leading force for the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. From her beginnings as an advocate on the municipal level to her role in the Obama administration as Senior Associate Director in the White House Office of Public Engagement, Maria has helped move mountains when it comes to removing barriers to education, employment, housing, transportation, and health care.
In her current role at AAPD, Maria advocates for public policy and systems change. She also understands that this work cannot be done and loan, and requires strong local and national partnerships to advance inclusion.
Maria has particular expertise in areas of youth development and leadership and promoting college and career readiness for all youth. In her spare time, Town manages the popular CP Shoes blog she creates and writes about fashion, design, and disability.
