Key Facts About the SILC

How was the SILC created? What helps sustain SILC activities?

Authorization for the establishment and operation of The Texas State Independent Living Council, (SILC), is found in the 1992 Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act. Although the council is mandated by Federal law and uses Federal funds, the SILC is not a governmental agency, but rather a non-profit 501(c) 3, tax exempt, organization. The primary funding for operation of the SILC originates with the Rehabilitation Services Administration, which grants Title VII, Part B funds to the state Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, (DARS), which, in turn, allocates a portion of these funds to the council. The State Independent Living Council also pursues funding from other sources, both public and private, to accomplish its mission.

What is the SILC's structure? How does someone become a member?

The SILC is comprised of no more than fifteen voting members, and no less than three ex officio members, who are appointed by the Governor, and who come 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 Texas.

So what exactly does the SILC do? What is it's purpose?

The purpose of the Council is to develop, in cooperation with the DARS' Divisions of Rehabilitation Services and Blind Services, 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 SILC are systems advocacy, education of the public regarding disability-related topics, and provision of technical assistance concerning the independent living philosophy and approach.

"Independent living" What is that?

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 with the same rights and privileges as other people. That meaning is reflected in the definitions and provisions of the Rehabilitation Act.

Now I see what "independent living" means. Where can I get services based on that way of thinking?

Independent living services, as defined in the Rehabilitation Act, are provided primarily by centers for independent living, (CILs). Currently, twenty-one such centers exist in Texas. CILs must be community-based, nonresidential, cross-disability (all disability groups are served), and consumer-controlled (a majority of the board and staff must be persons with disabilities). CILs are required to provide, at a minimum, the following services:

Do CILs offer any other services?

Yes. Most centers in Texas also provide services such as relocation assistance for persons leaving nursing facilities, equipment loans, and assistive technology assistance. Find out what each CIL in Texas offers and have a look at their respective statistics for the year.