Texas Statewide IL Conference
The 2014 Texas Statewide Independent Living Conference is being held at the four-diamond Omni Corpus Christi Bayfront hotel on March 30-April 1, 2014. The theme of this year's Conference is BEACH: Building and Expanding Abilities, Capacities, and Horizons. Corpus Christi BEACH 2014 participants can make waves in Independent Living by learning how to build their personal or organizational capacity. When people reach the full potential of their abilities, they can achieve goals on the horizon. Teams of people operating at a higher potential can expand ideas, programs and organizations, making enough waves to create an ocean of opportunity in Texas.
Omni Corpus Christi Bayfront Tower
900 N Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78401
(361) 887-1600
To make reservations go to http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/CorpusChristiBayfront.aspx or see our updates at our Conference website.
For those who are budgeting to attend the Conference, the Texas SILC has negotiated room rates with the Omni. Single rooms are at the state rate for Corpus Christi. This is subject to change if government room rates change. All rooms have a balcony with opening sliding glass doors to enjoy the fresh air of the “Real Windy City.” The Omni has a fixed pool lift.
- Single room rate (double bed): $88.00
- Double room rate (two double beds): $118.00
- Triple room rate: $128.00
- Quad room rate: $138.00
- Parking: $5.00/day (a discounted rate)
Hotel guests can sign up for the free Omni Hotels Select Guest program, which offers complimentary Wi-Fi, morning beverage delivery, and pressing service.
Texas SPIL 2011-2013
The purpose of the Council is to develop, in cooperation with the DARS and the Network of CILs, the State Plan for Independent Living.
This document is a detailed three-year plan that sets the parameters and establishes the goals for the provision of independent living services in Texas. The Council is also charged with the responsibility of monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of the State Plan. Other roles of the SILC are systems advocacy, education of the public regarding disability-related topics, and provision of technical assistance concerning the independent living philosophy and approach.
Marlana VanHoose
Sings the Star Spangled Banner
Marlana VanHoose is a 16 year-old that was blessed with a God-given voice. You've got to hear her sing one of the most beautiful performances of the star spangled banner that I've ever heard!
SOURCE: YouTube.com
Sue Austin
Deep Sea Diving. . .
in a wheelchair (TED.com)
Sue Austin had hugely ambitious plans for her underwater wheelchair. She applied to be part of the Cultural Olympiad, the art extravaganza surrounding the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The plan: to take the underwater wheelchair to the ocean.
The incredible work above, which Austin called “Creating the Spectacle,” not only required months of intense physical training — it also necessitated a creative and technical team. Trish Wheatley, co-producer, shares in a blog post that the crew headed to Egypt to film Austin exploring the Red Sea in her wheelchair. The location gave the tropical backdrop and marine life that make this video so magical. And, because the water was warmer, Austin could dress in everyday clothing. The video took six days of filming, Austin going under for multiple 20-minute dives.
TODAY SHOW’s Meredith Vieira takes a look at Aspire, a charity that is making a positive impact by making a difference in the lives of children with developmental disabilities.
