July Speaker

July 21 - Rob Targos, member and Treasurer of the Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council

Who  Is SILC

The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is an independent planning body working with the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services to increase the impact of Independent Living (IL) services in Virginia. The SILC is composed of gubernatorial appointees who represent people with significant disabilities across the state, the interests of CILs, and Independent Living programs and services.

What does SILC Do

We are responsible for the development and implementation of the Statewide Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). The SPIL, which is required by Section 704 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, is updated on a triennial basis and delineates specific objectives and timelines for ensuring that the Commonwealth is providing the appropriate planning, financial support and coordination, and other assistance to appropriately address the needs of citizen with disabilities for independent living services.

Mission

The Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council will promote policies, programs and activities to maximize independence of people with disabilities by:

• developing, monitoring, reviewing and evaluating the State Plan for Independent Living,
• supporting and expanding the state network of Centers for Independent Living,
• creating a culture for full integration and independence,
• advocating systems change for full access and equality in community life,
• educating policy makers and stakeholders about the importance of independent living,
• developing a strategy for collaboration among stakeholders in the disability community,
• leading to full inclusion and independence in the Commonwealth.

Vision

Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council: The Commonwealth's catalyst for inclusion of people with disabilities.