Texas State Independent Living Council
The mission of the Texas State Independent Living Council is to promote the philosophy of independent living and to promote the expansion of quality consumer directed independent living service programs statewide.
The Texas State Independent Living Council (known as the Texas SILC) is:
- federally mandated and independent of all state agencies
- a governor appointed non-profit council comprised of a diversified membership, with the majority being individuals with disabilities
- charged as an equal partner with the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services in the development, approval and implementation of the State Plan for Independent Living The Texas SILC leads, promotes and advances independent living philosophy and advocates for the rights of individuals with disabilities.
Texas State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) 2011-2013
Meeting Schedule
The Texas State Independent Living Council (SILC) meets quarterly at various locations throughout the state, and members are expected to attend all Council meetings, and all meetings of those Committees to which they are assigned.
Contact the SILC for more information about meeting locations and agendas.
SILC News
Gov. Perry Reappoints Couder and Resneder to State Independent Living Council
Gov. Rick Perry has reappointed Richard Couder of El Paso and Randell Resneder of Lubbock to the State Independent Living Council for terms to expire Oct. 24, 2015. The council leads, promotes and advances an independent living philosophy and advocates for the rights of individuals with disabilities. | More about Governor's reappointment of SILC members.
Gov. Perry Appoints Hundley, Turner to State Independent Living Council
Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Anna Hundley of Dallas and Calvin Turner of Austin to the State Independent Living Council. The council leads, promotes and advances an independent living philosophy and advocates for the rights of individuals with disabilities. Hundley, the executive director of Autism Treatment Centers of Texas, is appointed for a term to expire Oct. 24, 2014. Turner, a certified rehabilitation counselor and president of Capitol City Rehabilitation Group, is appointed for a term to expire Oct. 24, 2013. Read more about the appointees to the State Independent Living Council on the appointments page of the Office of the Governor website.
Council Resources
- Background- The Texas SILC was created 1992 when amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 required that for states to receive Independent Living Services funds, they shall develop a Statewide Independent Living Council.
- Guiding Principles- 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. The following are regulations specific to the SILC:
- Title VII Section 705 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended
- Title 34 Part 364 of the Code of Federal Regulations
- Operating Procedures- 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.
- Roles and Responsibilities- The purpose of the Council is to develop, in cooperation with the DARS and the Network of Centers for Independent Living (CILs), 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.
Council Overview
The council currently consists of 10 voting members, and 3 Ex officio members. The SILC is comprised of 13 Governor appointed individuals, located in all regions of the state. Unlike most organizations, a majority of the members of the Council are individuals with disabilities.
Council Members
The members of the council are appointed by the Governor. The majority of the voting members shall be persons with disabilities and not be employed by any state agency or center for independent living.
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Contact the SILC
5555 N. Lamar Blvd # J 103,
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 371-7353
