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MISSION
STATEMENT
It is the mission of the Texas State Independent Living
Council (SILC) to develop and monitor the implementation of a State Plan for
Independent Living (SPIL). It is also the mission of the SILC to promote,
educate, and facilitate growth of a network of centers for independent living
(CILs) and to increase resources for the independence of people with
disabilities in Texas.
VISION
STATEMENT
It is the vision of the Texas State Independent Living
Council to achieve a network of centers for independent living across our great
state in order to provide the opportunity for persons with disabilities in Texas
to fully participate in the mainstream of life and to experience equal rights in
the rich cultural fabric of our communities.
GOALS
To develop a comprehensive plan that will structure the provision and
expansion of independent living services in the state of Texas.
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To monitor the implementation of the State Plan for Independent Living. |
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To increase funding and resources for the provision of independent living services. |
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To improve public awareness and understanding regarding the independent living movement and issues related to disability. |
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To provide technical assistance and training for both public and private entities in order that they might better assist persons with disabilities in achieving their independent living goals. |
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To assist in the development of public policy that promotes systemic change toward the successful integration of people with disabilities into the mainstream of society. |
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To assist in the development of a network for the support and education of persons with disabilities who want to live independently. |
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HISTORY
The Texas State Independent Living Council was created by the 1992
Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act. Although it is mandated by Federal law and
uses Federal funds, it is not a governmental agency. It is, in fact, a private
not-for-profit 501(c) 3 organization. Funding for the Council originates with
the Rehabilitation Services Administration (a Federal agency). Those funds are
then granted to the Texas Rehabilitation Commission (a state agency) which, in
turn, grants them to the Texas State Independent Living Council. The Council is
also free to raise additional funds from other sources, both public and private,
to accomplish its mission.
STRUCTURE
The Council has 15 voting members, appointed by the
Governor, from all regions of the state. Unlike most organizations, the majority
of the members of the Council must by law be persons with disabilities. One
member of the Council must be a director of a center for independent living. In
addition, ex-officio members from the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, the Texas
Commission for the Blind, Advocacy, Inc., and the Department on Aging also serve
on the Council but do not vote. The primary mission of the Council is to develop, in
cooperation with the Texas Rehabilitation Commission and the Texas Commission
for the Blind, the State Plan for Independent Living. This document is a
detailed three-year plan that sets the parameters and establishes the goals for
the provision of independent living services in Texas. The Council is also
charged with the responsibility of monitoring the implementation and
effectiveness of the State Plan. Other roles of the Council are systems advocacy,
education of the public regarding independent living philosophy, and provision
of advice and council to the Texas Rehabilitation Commission and the Texas
Commission for the Blind regarding independent living issues. The term "independent living" means many different
things to different people. To some it means a residential program. To others it
means living without substantial assistance from other people. Still others view
it as having enough money to purchase the necessities of life without dependence
upon governmental assistance. From the perspective of the Texas State
Independent Living Council, the term "independent living" means empowerment of
persons with disabilities to make their own decisions and life choices to the
greatest extent possible. It also means the ability to live in the least
restrictive environment possible with the same rights and privileges as other
people. That meaning is reflected in the definitions and provisions of the
Rehabilitation Act. Independent living services, as defined in the
Rehabilitation Act, are provided primarily by centers for independent living,
and there are 17 such centers in Texas. The characteristics of these centers are
specifically enumerated in the Act. They include the following:
Nonresidential Cross-disability
(all disability groups are served) Community-based Consumer-controlled They are also required to provide, at a
minimum, the following services: Information and referral Advocacy Independent living skills training
Peer counseling
Most Centers in Texas also
provide other services as well. Examples are transportation coordination,
personal attendant service coordination, interpreter and reader coordination,
computer and other skills training, and employment services.
(a majority of the board and staff
must be persons with disabilities)
Send mail to SILC Administrator with questions or comments about
this web site.
Copyright © 2000
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