Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council

Vision:  The Commonwealth's catalyst for inclusion of people with disabilities.

Definitions

Independent Living (IL): A philosophy which includes consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and systems advocacy. These qualities maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities. The optimal goal is the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American society.

Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC): An independent planning body working with the Department of Rehabilitative Services, the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired and the Centers for Independent Living (CIL's) to increase the impact of independent living services in Virginia. The SILC is composed of gubernatorial appointees who represent people with significant disabilities from across the state, as well as, the interests of other independent living programs and services. The state qualifies for federal IL funds because of the existence of the SILC and the SILC's federal mandate to develop a three year State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) which outlines IL priorities and identifies IL needs for the Commonwealth's citizens.

Silc Mission Statement: The Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council's mission is to promote effective policies, programs, and activities that maximize independence for virginian's 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.

Centers For Independent Living (CIL's): A non-residential place of action and coalition, where persons with disabilities learn empowerment and develop the skills necessary to make lifestyle choices. Centers provide services and advocacy to promote the leadership, independence and productivity of people with disabilities. Centers work with individuals, local communities, government agencies and the SILC to remove barriers to independence and to ensure equality of persons with disabilities.