A Hays woman is now the new president of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).

Lou Ann Kibbee manages the SKIL Independent Living office in Hays.

In Washington D-C last week for the annual NCIL conference and rally, Kibbee was elected president of the disability rights organization.  She had been serving as vice-president.

As the new president, Kibbee presented the National Advocacy Award to Kansas State Coordinator Shannon Jones.

The Americans with Disabilities Act was 23 years old Friday, July 26.

The law is aimed at eliminating discrimination against people with disabilities and ensuring equal opportunity for them “in employment … government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities and transportation,” as described on the website of the Department of Justice.