Welcome

To reach the TDD Program send mail to tddp@silcpa.org

To submit State Plan for Independent Living Public Comments send them via e-mail to mrlou@silcpa.org.

HISTORY OF THE SILC

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council was formed May 9, 1987, in compliance with the "Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986" (Public Law 99-506 - October 21, 1986) as a consumer-controlled advisory committee to the independent living services program within the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. When the Rehabilitation Act was amended in 1992, the SILC was given co-signatory authority on the federally mandated State Plan for Independent Living. The SILC is now a governor-appointed, consumer-controlled Council comprised of statewide and cross-disability representation. The SILC started its separation from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in 1994 and became a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in the fall of 1995.

The SILC holds public hearings annually to gather input for the development of the State Plan. In accordance with the Amendments of 1992 the Council is an autonomous entity which receives federal funds under Title VII.

In December of 1994, Governor Casey signed the State law, INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES ACT (ACT 139 of 1994) which establishes the Statewide Independent Living Council as the chief planning body for Independent Living programs in the State. This legislation mandates the same standards and assurances for State-funded CIL's as are required by the Federally-funded Centers, in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act as amended in 1992. Additionally, Act 139 recommends base funding for all CIL's in Pennsylvania at $200,000 per Center.

MISSION OF THE SILC

To use its collective power and legal mandate to develop and secure public policies that insure civil rights and expand options for all people with disabilities in all aspects of life.

FUNCTIONS OF THE SILC

In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992, Title VII, Section 705, the Statewide Independent Living Council shall be established which will 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 participation of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American society, within the general parameters of:

(1) Providing, expanding and improving the provision of IL services;

(2) Developing and supporting statewide networks of CIL's;

(3) Improving working relationships among the SILC, OVR, BBVS, CIL's, Supported Employment programs, Client Assistance Programs, programs funded under other titles of the Rehabilitation Act, programs funded under other federal programs, and programs funded through non-federal sources; and any other appropriate public and private organizations; and

(4) Jointly develop and submit, in conjunction with the state agency the state plan required in section 704; monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the state plan.