SILC Congress 2016 - The Path Forward to Greater Independence

Date/Time: Saturday, January 16 - Tuesday, January 19

Location: Sheraton Downtown Phoenix Hotel, Phoenix, Arizona

Description: Welcome to SILC Congress 2016, hosted by the Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council. SILC Congress brings together executive directors, staff, council members and others from state independent living councils and the IL movement. The conference offers opportunities for learning about issues impacting SILCs, the sharing of ideas and information and provides ample opportunities for you to network with your colleagues.

The theme for SILC Congress 2016 is The Path Forward to Greater Independence. This theme reflects the opportunities for SILCs and the Independent Living community as a result of the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act. SILCs will also be heavily involved in the development of their new State Plans for Independent Living as the conference convenes. General Sessions and highly focused workshops will provide attendees with the information and tools they will need to successfully guide their organizations forward.

This year, SILC Congress will begin on Saturday, January 16 and conclude on Tuesday, January 19. Our host hotel will be the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix, located in the heart of the city. Restaurants, entertainment, shopping and sports are just steps from this beautiful facility.

SILC Congress Agenda

• Download the 2016 SILC Congress agenda in PDF format

• Download the 2016 SILC Congress agenda in accessible text format

Registration

Registration is now open for the 2016 SILC Congress. Please take a few moments to review the following information prior to completing the registration process.

• Registration Rates are as follows

  • ​Early Registration – prior to December 14, 2015 - $345

  • Late registration, December 15 to January 14, 2015 - $400

  • Registration at the door - $440

  • PCA registration rate (covers all meals offered by the conference - $150

• Registration and Payment

  • ​After reviewing all instructions, please click the Register Now link at the bottom of this page to begin the registration process.

  • Please only register one person per registration form.

  • You will be asked to complete an online registration form. Please hit the submit button after filling out the form to submit your registration electronically.

  • You will then be taken to a page that allows you to begin the payment process.

  • Click the PayPal button to pay for your registration. Once submitted, you will be taken to a page thanking you for registering.

  • If you are registering but must pay with a check, please fill out the online registration form but do not proceed to the payment screen. Instead, you should contact the Oklahoma SILC at 405-951-3581.

  • If you experience difficulties during the registration process, please contact the Arizona SILC at 602-262-2900.

  • Making hotel reservations is your responsibility. SILC Congress will not take responsibility for lodging attendees.

• Transfer of Registration, Cancelation and Refunds

  • ​If you register for SILC Congress and later determine that you cannot attend, you can transfer your registration to another individual at any time. However, the request must be made in writing and must be made prior to the conference. Send requests to Larry Wanger.

  • If you have registered for SILC Congress and wish to request a refund, you should immediately contact the Arizona SILC by calling 602-262-2900. If your request is made prior to December 1, 2015, you will receive a refund minus a $25.00 administrative fee.

  • Cancelations after December 1, 2015 are not eligible for a refund as we will be finalizing arrangements with the hotel and producing materials for the conference. Thank you for your understanding.

• Accommodations - While completing the registration form, you will be asked about any accommodations you may need in order to fully participate in SILC Congress. These include accommodations related to conference materials, communication and dietary needs. Registering in advance, prior to December 15, will help us to insure that we can meet your needs. Late registration, especially at the door, may result in an inability to provide accommodations in the format of your choice. Please be sure to register early to assist us in this process.

• To register please click here

​Hotel Information

SILC Congress 2016 will be held at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel. You can now make room reservations by contacting Central Reservations at the number below or by using the online reservations form. Please note, it is extremely important that you identify yourself as being part of SILC Congress so that you receive the discounted room rate. Further, SILC Congress is financially committed to using a certain number of room nights during our stay. Identifying yourself as being with SILC Congress also insures your room is counted toward this total. Room rate should be $141 per night.

The days of staying at another hotel property while attending SILC Congress in order to get a wheelchair accessible room are over! The Sheraton offers enough rooms to accommodate everyone. However, you are encouraged to make your reservations early.

Please note, making hotel reservations and requesting accommodations is your responsibility. SILC Congress and the Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council cannot take responsibility for this. Be assured that local hotel representatives understand that accommodations may be needed and they are eager to do whatever is needed to insure your stay is comfortable. Thank you for your cooperation.

Please make room reservations no later than Monday, December 14, 2015. Reservations made after that date cannot be guaranteed and it may not be possible to secure the group rate.

To make reservations click here

Bring A Basket

What's great about your state? Show your state pride and support SILC Congress.

Here’s your chance to show off what is great about your state and help SILC Congress in the process. You’re mission is to assemble your state’s finest and create the ultimate basket. Are you from Georgia? Wow us with the many ways your state prepares peaches. If you are from Wisconsin, cheese may be the way to go. Think Vermont and think maple syrup. Apples from Washington or mud pie from Mississippi. You get the picture. And, while including food in your basket will score you extra points, you can include anything that makes the place you hang your hat special.

Once you’ve created your masterpiece, bring it with you to SILC Congress and present it when you arrive at the registration table. Baskets will be raffled during the conference.

The SILC Congress planning committee thanks you for your contribution and support.

Please be mindful of TSA regulations regarding transporting liquids on aircraft when preparing your basket.