The Providence Marriott was the site for the 21st annual independent living conference, People First! Vendors who displayed at the conference ran the gamut from community services and respite care to displays of accessible sports equipment.
The guest speaker was Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts, who also received an award at the conference. The conference, which was sponsored in part by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, focused on Peer Support—for women, for men and in the workplace. Topics discussed were abuse, holistic counseling and spending money wisely.
Awards this year were given to Paul Choquette who received the Steven A. Hook Memorial Award, given annually to the individual whose professional contributions exemplify Steve Hook's dedication to individuals with disabilities; Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts who received the Legislator of the Year Award for her dedication in increasing independence for people with disabilities; Lynda Andrade who received the Volunteer of the Year Award, for volunteerism and dedication to Independent Living and the people it serves; and Jenny Goodrich who received the Independent Living Award, given annually to a consumer who has demonstrated the greatest gain in personal independence.
Independent living with peer support is the goal of this conference: learning how to live life to the fullest possible extent with a disability. Tactics can include home modifications, adaptive equipment and technology, and hiring a Personal Care Assistant (PCA). The entire community benefits from accessibility and persons with disabilities demonstrate that when given the opportunity they can and do succeed.
