PURPOSE

The SILC will represent leadership and be the bona fide voice for Independent Living in the State of Indiana under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and will work jointly with state agencies and Centers for Independent Living to promote and maintain the Independent Living philosophy.

 

MISSION

To effectively lead a statewide Independent Living Movement
that empowers people with disabilities.

 

INDEPENDENT LIVING PHILOSOPHY

The Independent Living Philosophy states that individuals with disabilities should have the same civil rights, choices, options, and control over choices in their own lives as do individuals without disabilities.

 

DUTIES

The council shall:

1. Jointly develop and sign (in conjunction with the designated state unit) the State plan required in Section 704.
2. Monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the State Plan.
3. Coordinate activities with the state Rehabilitation Council established under section 105, if the state has such a Council, or the commission described in section 101(a)(21)(A), if the state has such a commission, and councils that address the needs of specific disability populations and issues under other Federal law;
4. Ensure that all regularly scheduled meetings of the statewide Independent Living Council are open to the public and sufficient advance notice is provided; and
5. Submit to the Commissioner such periodic reports as the Commissioner may reasonably request, and keep such records, and afford such access to such records, as the Commissioner finds necessary to verify such reports.

MEMBERSHIP

Members of the Council shall be appointed by the Governor. The Governor shall select members after soliciting recommendations from the council and representatives of organizations representing a broad range of individuals with disabilities and organizations interested in individuals with disabilities.

 

There is no limit on the number of ICOIL members. Of the members, at least fifty-one (51%) are individuals with disabilities who are not employed by any state agency or Center for Independent Living. Other members may include parents and/or guardians with disabilities; advocates; people representing providers of services including CILs; representatives from private businesses & community organizations; and representatives from state agencies.

 

The ICOIL information sheet & initial application form are available from FSSA, all VR field offices, the FSSA website, the ICOIL website and Centers for Independent Living. For additional information visit our website at www.fssa.in.gov or contact:

Nancy Young
IL Program Director
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
402 W. Washington Street, Rm. W453, P.O. Box 7083
Indianapolis, IN  46207-7083
Phone: 1-800-545-7763 Ext. 2-1303
Email: Nancy.Young@fssa.in.gov