Who We Are
What is the Statewide Independent Living Council?
The Colorado Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is a body that is appointed by the Governor to orchestrate the vision of Independent Living services for all Coloradoans with disabilities.
Currently there are 10 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) around the state. This Council works with the directors and the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to develop and write a three year plan of goals for increasing access and independence for people with disabilities. This plan gets submitted to the Rehabilitation Services Administration (federal government) and it states how funds will be distributed and services will be provided through CILs in Colorado.
What is a Center for Independent Living?
Centers for Independent living (CILs) are non-profit organizations mandated by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (the Act) to provide people with disabilities the tools they need to be fully integrated into community life. CILs are cross-disability, consumer-oriented and consumerdirected. More than 50% of the board of directors and staff of a center must be people with disabilities.
Every CIL must provide the four core services of: advocacy, peer support, independent living skill training, and information and referral. In addition, each CIL responds to the unique needs of their communities.
The independent living philosophy and perspective are different from both the social service model and medical model of disability. People with disabilities know best about their own needs, and they are the best judges of the supports and services necessary for their independence.
What does the SILC do?
The Council is mandated by Title VII of the Act to develop the State Plan for Independent Living Services in partnership with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Centers for Independent Living and other stakeholders. It oversees the development of the independent living network of services and is constantly assessing the needs of people with disabilities to determine the most appropriate resources and service delivery. This information is gathered by review of CIL reports, public testimony, and needs assessment tools.
The SILC is also an advocate at the state level among public policy makers who are creating programs and policies that impact people with disabilities. By learning about the issues and inviting state agency directors and managers to come and dialogue about the issues, we can help shape Colorado’s response to the needs of people with disabilities.
Looking for new members?
The SILC is always looking for new members as existing members’ terms expire. The SILC also aspires to stay in compliance with federal law and SILC by-laws by ensuring that the membership reflects: a wide range of disabilities; a broad geographical representation; ethnic, racial, and socio-economic diversity; and stakeholders from the business community and disability-related state agencies.
What is required?
Generally, there are six full SILC meetings a year that are held in various locations around the state. These meetings usually last a full day. In between meetings, there are committee meetings, usually held by conference call. This is where the work of the SILC gets done. Travel and hotel costs, if necessary, are paid for by the SILC with arrangements made by staff. Mileage and per diem are paid by reimbursement. In addition to travel around the state and participation in meetings, both in person and on the telephone (captioning provided), members need to be able to access email frequently as documents and information are shared electronically. The SILC needs your creativity, good ideas and thoughtful consideration in order to increase access and civil rights for Coloradoans with disabilities.
Why should I be interested?
The SILC has set some exciting goals for the period of the new State Plan for Independent Living. As a SILC member, you have an opportunity to educate policymakers in areas such as affordable, accessible housing, accessible public transportation, home and community based services, and employment for people with disabilities. You can get in on the ground floor of a statewide community organizing network that will mobilize disability advocates and activists to respond to matters that impact their lives. With your ideas, actions, and participation, you can help create a Colorado that prides itself on equal access for all.
How do I apply?
You may download an application by going to http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/gov nr_dir/bc/index.htm and clicking on Application PDF, or phone the office of Boards and Commissions at (303) 866-6328. Please fill it out and send to: Judy Neal, SILC Liaison, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, 1575 Sherman, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203, long with a resume, if you have one.
The SILC Membership committee will review your application and decide whether to interview you before making a recommendation to the full SILC. The interview may first take place by phone. A face to face interview may be needed; if so, the SILC will pay your reasonable travel costs to the interview. The SILC takes on new members in the Spring and Fall.