About Us
The Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council was established in 1992 by amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and contains fifteen Governor-elected representatives from Michigan's disabilities community. The Michigan SILC is an independent agency created by the Governor's Executive Order in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act that requires each state to establish a SILC to be eligible for federal funding under the Act.
SILC's Vision
"To create inclusive communities throughout the state for all Michigan citizens."
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide leadership, research, planning and education required to support independent living services in Michigan. SILC achieves its mission by:
- Identifying and reaching out to persons currently unserved and underserved by CILs.
- Increasing awareness of independent living services and the independent living philosophy.
- Helping existing CILs to better serve persons with disabilities.
- Promoting the development of new CILs
SILC 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.
- Conducting studies, training and research.
The Michigan SILC:
- Promotes the independent living philosophy.
- Works to expand independent living services into unserved and underserved areas.
- Determines if available services meet the independent living needs of Michigan individuals with disabilities.
- Writes a comprehensive State Plan every three years that outlines steps to improve the lives of Michigan residents with disabilities Monitors the State Plan. Coordinating services is an important component of the plan to avoid duplication among state and private entities. The Michigan SILC works in partnership with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB), Disability Network/Michigan, Michigan's statewide network of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and other partner organizations to accomplish its State Plan.
Upcoming events
- Sept 10 SILC Council Meeting(2 days)
- SILC Council Meeting(65 days)
- 2011 SILC Congress(123 days)
Independent Living is the right of all people to make informed choices, to have personal control over their own lives, and to participate to the fullest extent possible in the everyday activities of work, school, home, family and community.