Hello, My name is Denise Thompson!

I’m your self advocacy specialist. I’m blind and use a dog guide, Penny, as a mobility assistant. I’ve been involved in disability advocacy for more than 25 years. I worked at Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) for 12 ½ years. While there I held many positions including Independent Living Skills Trainer, Information & Referral Specialist, instructor for the Personal Assistant Training class and as the Manager of the Community Integration Unit.

After passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, I was chosen to receive training in all aspects of the ADA by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In 1998, I became the appointed Executive Director of the Arizona Office for Americans with Disabilities. In October 2005, I left state employment and founded a nonprofit organization called Creating Community Inclusion, Inc., CCI at www.cc-inclusion.org. As the Executive Director of CCI, I continue my work as a disability advocate, trainer and educator helping people with disabilities understand their rights and those without disabilities understand their obligations to create a more accessible community.

On the personal side, I enjoy animals. My household includes: four dogs, two miniature horses and a canary. I’m also an avid sports fan. I especially enjoy listening to baseball, basketball and football. Someday, I’d like to visit Australia.

I’m pleased to be working with Cyber CIL and you. Please send your questions or contact me at deniset@cybercilofarizona.org.

This area will be your source for on-line individual advocacy and systems change.
As we grow and develop, CyberCIL will give you the tools you need to address your
own needs, as well as those of all Arizonans with disabilities. If you have
resources or tools which we can use on this site, share them with us. We will
acknowledge your contribution.