Statewide Independent Living Councils

Short Answer:

Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs) advise Centers for Independent Living on issues, identify the need for expanded independent living services, and create a State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), which sets priorities and achieves needed funding for Centers statewide.  SILCs take it as their mission to be a driving force in the development of Centers for Independent Living, providing assistance to new communities and advanced training and technical assistance to established CILs. 

Long Answer:

Advancing independent living within a state is the Statewide Independent Living Council’s primary function; and they serve principally as planning organizations.  The first Centers for Independent Living found that the individual and systems advocacy they were able to provide locally was thwarted by policies being created at the state and national level.  On top of this, many CILs had successful advocacy tactics they could share with one another, given a proper arena.  CILs felt a need for state-wide advocacy networks that would promote the disability agenda and call attention to the work Centers for Independent Living focus on, as well as foster the growth of new Centers in unserved or underserved areas.

SILCs occupy a unique place in the political landscape.  Members of the Council are appointed by the Governor (or another designated governmental entity).  Voting members must include one CIL Executive Director and may include other CIL representatives, individuals with disabilities, family members or others who advocate on behalf of people with disabilities, members of the business and service communities, and other appropriate individuals.  The majority of the Council must be comprised of people with disabilities who are not employed by a state agency or Center for Independent Living.  Representatives from the state agency that distributes CIL and SILC funding and other agencies that provide services to people with disabilities must be present at Council meetings as non-voting members.

The Council must be comprised of people with a diverse range of disabilities and provide statewide representation.  The Council can use the funds they receive in a variety of ways, including providing direct independent living services to people with significant disabilities, demonstrating ways to expand and improve IL services, supporting the operations and activities of Centers, and developing model policies and procedures or “best practices” for both Centers and policymakers, in order to enhance independent living options for people with disabilities.

Since Statewide Independent Living Councils can carry out their mission in such a wide variety of ways, many SILCs are able to implement innovative methods of advocacy for the disability community in their respective states.  Some SILCs support visits to their state capitol, sponsor individuals with disabilities in attending conferences and trainings regarding the Independent Living Movement, or hold forums in which people with disabilities can discuss ways to advance independent living with regard to housing, transportation, healthcare, or a wide variety of other issues of priority to the disability community.  All SILCs strive to facilitate working relationships between Centers for Independent Living and other entities with an interest in services for people with disabilities, including Vocational Rehabilitation, the Commission for the Blind, and other government agencies that implement policy created at the state and federal level.

SILCs also serve as a resource for the accumulation of information gathered by Centers for Independent Living.  Each CIL is required to provide information and referral regarding disability resources in their community, and SILCs often work to gather and coordinate this information and promote equal access to services for people with disabilities.

Photo by Sharon Farmer.

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