Vision
We see an Illinois where persons with disabilities are independent, in control of their lives, and free from barriers to full participation in society.
Mission
To provide leadership, research, planning, and education required to support independent living services in Illinois. We achieve our mission by:
- Identifying and reaching out to persons currently un-served and underserved by Centers for Independent Living.
- Increasing awareness of independent living services and the independent living philosophy.
- Helping existing CILs to better serve persons with disabilities; and
- Promoting the development of new CILs.
SILC Activities
- Sponsoring public hearings, public meetings, policy summits, and other educational and outreach efforts.
- Providing information to public officials, state agencies and local organizations, and individuals; and
- Conducting studies, training, and research.
FY 24 Highlights
- Hosted the Annual Transportation Meeting. Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP) Coordinators, representatives from Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Department of Human Services (DHS), Statewide Rehabilitation Council (SRC), Transportation providers, along with CIL staff were in attendance.
- Continued tracking transportation complaints that are reported to the CILs. If you are experiencing problems with transportation, you may file your transportation complaint here: Transportation Complaint Form
- Delivered 10 online trainings in partnership with Illinois Assistive Technology Program's (IATP) Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program.
- Hosted a Lunch and Learn Webinar "People with Disabilities: Bringing Diverse Skills to the Workforce". Our featured panelists were Robin Jones from Great Lakes ADA, Stephanie Lipe and Kerri Obrist from DRS Workforce Development Unit, and Chris Dillon from Walgreens.
- Presented trainings along with Advocates for Access to educate CILs on partnering with Emergency Management agencies before, during, and after emergencies.
- Completed and submitted the next three-year State Plan for Independent Living, which has been approved by the Administration for Community Living.
Vision for 2025
- SILC will continue our work on transportation issues across the state and host another annual transportation meeting to foster productive relationships between CIL staff and transportation providers.
- SILC will continue to Partner with Great Lakes ADA and DRS Workforce Development Unit to present the Webinar "People with Disabilities: Bringing Diverse Skills to the Workforce", to potential employers. We will also be adding CEUs for those who wish to receive them.
- SILC will present trainings on various subjects surrounding employment readiness and will continue to partner with IATP for WIPA trainings.
- SILC will continue collaborative relationships with other groups and organizations to help bring positive change across both our state and the nation.
Membership
SILC's board is made up of 18 volunteers appointed by the Governor. A majority of voting members must be persons with disabilities who do not work for state agencies or Centers for Independent Living. Members are from all regions of the state, represent a broad range of disabilities, and are knowledgeable about the Centers for Independent Living and independent living services.
- Voting members include
- persons with disabilities,
- parents,
- advocates, and
- representatives from private businesses,
- organizations serving persons with disabilities, and
- CILs.
SILC has five (5) non-voting members who represent state agencies providing services to persons with disabilities.
Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois | Since 1993 (silcofillinois.org)
