Conference Highlights

Keynote Speakers

Robert “Bobby” Silverstein
A behind-the-scenes architect of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Robert“Bobby” Silverstein has devoted a lifetime to disability rights. Bobby served for ten years as principal advisor to Senator Tom Harkin, chief sponsor of the ADA, and today he directs the Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy. Bobby will set the tone for the three-day conference by sharing strategies from his latest book: A Congressional Insider’s View: How to Be an Effective Disability Policy Change Agent.

James J. Weisman
For the past 27 years, Jim Weisman has been General Counsel for the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, now called United Spinal Association. He was a key negotiator with members of Congress in drafting and supporting the passage of the ADA and was integral to the development of the transportation provisions of the ADA through litigation in New York City and Philadelphia. Jim was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of People with Disabilities and in 2003 was elected Chairman of the Board. Jim is widely recognized for his many contributions to the disability rights movement.

Candidates Reception

Just one week following the conference, New Yorkers will go to the polls. NYAIL and the League of Women Voters of New York State are co-sponsoring a Candidates Reception in conjunction with the conference, on October 31 from 7:30-9:00 pm. This is your opportunity to hear from candidates for statewide office, including U.S. Senate, Governor, and Attorney General. Each candidate will be asked to provide written answers to a questionnaire regarding policy issues that impact people with disabilities in advance of the Candidates Reception. Candidates qualified to stand for the statewide offices listed above who have been selected by their parties will be invited to participate.

Disability Caucus

The statewide Disability Caucus will take place in conjunction with the NYAIL conference. The Disability Caucus, organized in collaboration with the New York State Independent Living Council, provides an opportunity for a wide variety of stakeholders to identify and prioritize issues important to people with disabilities. The caucus will include information and debate sessions facilitated by policy experts in the areas of housing, health care, employment, transportation, election reform, and inclusive education. Caucus sessions on each of these issues will meet on days one and two of the conference. On day three, all participants will meet to finalize a comprehensive, unified statewide disability action agenda for 2007. This is your opportunity to shape disability policy advocacy for the future so plan to attend!