The Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois (CCDI) is pleased to extend a warm invitation for you to attend the 2010 CCDI Annual Meeting that will take place Monday, May 24 beginning at 10 a.m. at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Springfield. The Deluxe Continental breakfast service will begin at 9 a.m. Lunch will be provided.
CCDI welcomes Jack Sanders, 2002 Gold Medal Sled Hockey Paralympian, seven-time national and six-time world and arm wrestling champion as guest speaker at CCDI's Annual Meeting. It is difficult to imagine the commitment that it takes to become the best in a particular sport and to become a world champion. Jack Sanders knows about commitment and central to his message is his focus on ability, not disability.
Following Jack's address, members will have an opportunity to ratify the advocacy goals for 2010-2011, conduct other business as appropriate and receive a report of the elections and declared results during the CCDI Annual Meeting. It is also a wonderful opportunity to meet and network with CCDI members from across the state.
Following the CCDI Annual Meeting, please join us as we honor those advocates among us who have displayed perseverance and leadership in the struggle for equal rights. Help us to celebrate this year's Justin Dart Distinguished Citizen, Senator Penny Severns Memorial/Legislator of the Year, Barbara Pritchard, Doctor Judy Smithson Advocacy, Mary Linden, and Bang Long Jr. Markeeta Award winners.
If overnight accommodations are necessary, contact the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel & Conference Center at (217) 544-8800/(866) 788-1860 (toll free); or The Hilton Springfield at (217) 789-1530/(800) 445-8667 for reservations. For accessible transportation services through Access Springfield call (217) 522-8594.
Remember to "Think Ability" and we look forward to seeing you at the 2010 CCDI Annual Meeting Monday, May 24.
For the registration form click here
Download Annual Meeting Registration form
Every year, the Coalition honors those among us who have displayed perseverance and leadership in the struggle for equal rights.
Volunteer of the Year Award-Dr. Judy Smithson
This award is presented to a member of the Coalition who has dedicated themselves to principles of volunteerism. This recipient is someone who commits a significant amount of time and energy to their volunteer activities. Many recipients of this award have been Coalition state office volunteers, but it is not a requirement.
Barbara Pritchard Award-Kathleen Corrigan
This award is reserved for members of the Coalition who support advocacy work from behind the scenes. This recipient is someone who rarely seeks the spotlight for themselves, and focuses their time and energy on helping others achieve their leadership and advocacy goals.
Bang Long Jr.Markeeta Award-Christopher Meskimen
This award is presented to an individual for their advancement and progress as a youth in pursuit of social justice.
Mary Linden Award-Marilyn Smith
This award honors a member of the Coalition who has demonstrated conviction, dedication and strong personal growth. This is a person who volunteers their time, energy and talents in pursuit of the mission and goals of the Coalition.
Doctor Judy Smithson Advocacy Award-John Miller
This award recognizes an individual for advocacy activities supporting the human and constitutional rights of citizens with disabilities. This award recipient should be someone who has advocated on more than one issue of concern. The individual should be a positive role model for others to follow.
Senator Penny Severns Memorial Award-State Representative Esther Golar
Formerly known as the Legislator of the Year Award, this award was renamed in 1998 in honor of Senator Penny Severns outstanding dedication to the rights of people with disabilities. Each year the Coalition chooses to honor at least one legislator who has done the most to advance the rights of people with disabilities in Illinois.
Justin Dart Distinguished Citizen Award-Cyndy Benton
First presented in 1989, the Distinguished Citizen Award is one of the Coalition's most prestigious honors. Recipients are persons who have shown an outstanding commitment to the rights of people with disabilities.
