The Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois
SILC’S Mission
OUR 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.
Our 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’S Activities include ~
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.
THE board of directors
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 5 non-voting members who represent state agencies that provide services to persons with disabilities.
SILC’S Commitments
We promise to persons with disabilities that we will provide leadership in the planning activities and advocacy vital to improving their ability to live independently and participate fully in society.
We promise to Centers for Independent Living that we will provide the training, research and comprehensive planning documents necessary to support the continued development of independent living services and Centers for Independent Living throughout Illinois.
We promise to decision-makers that we will provide authoritative, reliable information necessary to evaluate policy options and to guide the allocation of resources required to allow persons with disabilities to live independently.
We promise to the general public that we will pursue our mission in an open, honest and responsible manner and that we will provide the public education necessary to ensure adequate independent living services for citizens with disabilities in Illinois.