Rural
Independent Living Conference
by Lance
H. Hegland
Southwestern
Center for Independent Living (SWCIL) Executive Director, Mr. Steve
Thovson, was recently awarded the Earl Walden Award for Outstanding
Achievement in Rural Advocacy during October's annual conference
for the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL).
The award was created by APRIL and the Independent Living Research
Utilization (ILRU) organization to honor the memory of Earl Walden,
a great friend and supporter of APRIL who died suddenly in 1997.
Earl worked at ILRU in Houston, where he demonstrated "a
heart as big as Texas and a gift for [creative problem-solving, making
it look] as easy and smooth as his southern drawl". Therefore,
the annual award is presented to an APRIL-affiliated Center for Independent
Living employee who similarly demonstrates action-oriented rural
independent living advocacy, education, and creative problem-solving
in addition to the ability to be non-judgmental, gracious, and humble.
Steve is all these things
and more, according to the staff at the staff at (SWCIL), where
he has been the Executive Director for the past 14 years. Among
his many accomplishments, he was a driving force and original founding
member of the Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent
Living (MACIL), was a staunch advocate helping restore 70% of state
funding for statewide Centers for Independent Living slated for
elimination during the last legislative session, and is the sole
ramp program coordinator for SWCIL. During the presentation speech,
SWCIL staff Carol Flesner said, "Steve has no façade,
no hidden agendas. Whether he's meeting with a legislator, talking
with a consumer, providing information and referral, or building
a ramp, Steve is the same. His concern is always for the consumer.
His questions, time and again are, 'what does the consumer want and
what does the consumer need?'"
APRIL, often referred
to as "the voice of independent living
in rural America", is a national network of rural centers for
independent living (CILs) plus other organizations and individuals
concerned with the unique aspects of rural independent living. APRIL
was organized in 1987 to promote independence and full rights and
benefits for individuals with disabilities living in rural environments.
APRIL was "Celebrating a Decade of Excellence in Rural Independent
Living" during their 10th annual conference held here in the
Twin Cities last month. The event was jam-packed with informative
and inspirational speakers and resourceful seminars, beginning with
two "pre-conference" days followed the three-day regular
conference. The involvement of youth in the future of rural independent
living was this year's theme, kicked off by the first one-day pre-conference
entitled "The Next Decade: Engaging Rural Youth in the Independent
Living Movement". This first day was designed to bring rural
youth with disabilities together in order to discuss issues of importance
to them, review various resources and services available for them,
and think about ways they can be more involved with their local CILs
and communities. The second day was entitled "Funding Independent
Living in Rural America" and featured a fast-paced day-long
training session. Richard Male, one of the early organizers of the
ADA and disability community supporter since 1974, was on hand to
give participants a clear overview of the funding trends across the
country for supporting rural CILs. He was able to share his expertise
as an international trainer for thousands of grassroot nonprofits
and CILs by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each of
funding option, various tips, in addition to strategies that SUCCEED.
There were the regular legislative updates, gatherings to "brag
n steal” unique solutions, as well as seminars addressing independent
living topics such as advocacy, leadership, underserved populations,
nursing home transition, technical resources, housing, support services,
and transportation. And, of course, there were the delicious luncheons
and lucrative raffles.
But, the conference was not all business. After the awards ceremony,
the 2004 APRIL Fools and Follies bash began. The evening was a talent
show of sorts, featuring various skits, singers, and comedy routines.
I think I saw the next American Idol and Last Comic Standing winners!
Where was Ed McMahon?!?
