Ohio SILC Seeks State Statute

The Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council Unanimously passed the 
following resolution at their meeting held on March 13th.  I am 
exceedingly proud that the Members of the Ohio SILC have asked the state 
for what was required in the law, and are not willing to settle for less.


Resolution of the Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council

The Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council hereby requests the
Ohio legislature to pass and the Governor to sign into law
legislation that implements the provisions of the Rehabilitation
Act, Public Law 102-569 as amended creating;

The Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council; and,

Establishing it as an entity separate and independent from any
state agency; and, 

Designating the Governor as the appointing authority to select
members of the Council including replacement members and that the
Governor shall select members only after soliciting recommendations
from representatives of organizations representing a broad range of
individuals with disabilities and organizations interested in
individuals with disabilities; and,

Outlining the following composition of the Council;

The Council shall include,

       (1) at least one director of a center for independent living
chosen by the directors of centers for independent living within
the State; and

       (2) as ex officio, nonvoting members -
          (a) a representative from the Rehabilitation Services
          Commission; and
          (b) representatives from other State agencies that
          provide services for individuals with disabilities.

       (3) Additional Members.- The Council may include -
          (a) other representatives from centers for independent
          living;
          (b) parents and guardians of individuals with
          disabilities;
          (c) advocates of and for individuals with disabilities;
          (d) representatives from private businesses;
          (e) representatives from organizations that provide
          services for individuals with disabilities; and
          (f) other appropriate individuals; and,

Outlining the following Qualifications for Council Members,

     (1) In General.- The Council shall be composed of members-
          (a) who provide statewide representation;
          (b) who represent a broad range of individuals with
          disabilities;
          (c) who are knowledgeable about centers for independent
          living and independent living services; and
     (2) a majority of whom are persons who are,
          (a) individuals with severe disabilities; and, 
          (b) not employed by any State agency or center for
          independent living; and,

Requiring that the voting members of the Council shall be composed
of;

     (1) Voting Members. A majority of the voting members of the
     Council shall be,
          (a)individuals with severe disabilities; and,
          (b) not employed by any State agency or center for
          independent living; and,

That the Council be empowered to select the Chairperson of the
Council; and,

That the Council have the authority to receive disburse and account
for funds; and,

Provide for the Council to hire, supervise, evaluate and dismiss
such staff as it deems necessary to conduct Council business; and,

Provide that the Council shall have the authority to convene
Hearings and Forums to examine all programs and functions within
the state regardless of funding source with respect to their
effectiveness in promoting independent living philosophies; and,

That the Charge of the Council shall be to promote a philosophy of
independent living, including a philosophy of consumer control,
peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and
individual and system advocacy, in order to maximize the
leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of
individuals with disabilities, and the integration and full
inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of
American society.


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Roland W. Sykes                INTERNET rsykes@gimp.tnet.com
6256 Ramblewood Drive
Riverside, OH 45424            (513) 237-8360 Voice