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Community and Internet Resources


Independent Living: State Independent Living Councils


State Listings

Alaska

Alaska State Independent Living Council has a mission to "promote consumer control, peer support, self-determination, equal access, and individual and system advocacy in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities." The Council oversees the state Centers for Independent Living (CIL). Their website offers links to and contact information for all of Alaska's CILs, as well as links to many other independent living resources.

Arkansas

New Sign Arkansas Independent Living Council, located in Little Rock, is a non-profit organization that promotes independent living — freedom of choice and full inclusion — for people with disabilities through education, advocacy and referral. They provide information to consumers, families, and the public throughout the state about the Independent Living philosophy, civil rights, technology, and services. For more information, call (800) 772-0607.

Arizona

New Sign Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) works to facilitate systemic change that promotes independence, inclusion, non-discrimination, and dignity for all people with disabilities in Arizona. For more information or to get involved in their efforts, call (602) 262-2900.

California

New Sign California State Independent Living Council prepares a State Plan for Independent Living, which sets the policy and funding levels for the state's network of Independent Living Centers (ILCs) and services. To help guide this policy, the SILC solicits continual public feedback on the effectiveness of independent living services and the changing needs of the community. For more information, call (866) 866 7452 (Voice), (866) 745-2889 (TTY).

Colorado

New Sign Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC), located in Denver, works to promote the philosophy of independent living (IL) and empowerment of persons with significant disabilities residing in Colorado. They oversee the 9 Centers for Independent Living in Colorado.

Florida

Florida Independent Living Council is a statewide council whose mission is to promote independent living opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This service is controlled by consumers and is designed around the specific needs of the disabled community. Their website offers a list of all independent living centers throughout Florida. All of the centers offer a variety of individualized services including; peer support, advocacy, independent living skills training, and information and referral. The website also offers various news items and events of interest to those with disabilities. For more information, write to 1018 Thomasville Road, Suite 100A, Tallahassee, Florida 32303, or call (850) 488-5624.

Hawaii

Statewide Independent Living Council of Hawaii is a not for profit, non Governmental, consumer controlled organization which monitors the federally funded Independent Living Centers in the state of Hawaii, promotes the independent living philosophy statewide, and provides support and technical assistance to the entire network of the 5 Independent Living Center(s) (ILC) in Hawaii. Their website features numerous helpful resource links, the latest disability-related headlines, as well as a very informative transition planning guide for high school students with disabilities. For more information, visit their website, call (808) 236-3045 (Voice), (808) 236-3045 (TTY) or e-mail silc@hisilc.org.

Idaho

Idaho State Independent Living Council (SILC) is a non-profit organization whose mission it is to empower individuals living with disabilities. The website offers a calendar of (SILC) meeting dates, all of which are open to the public. The site also features Federal and Idaho state legislative news, Idaho state plans and reports, National and Idaho state disability resource links, as well as a complete listing of and links to Independent Living Centers throughout Idaho. For more information on what the Idaho state SILC offers, visit their website or call (208) 334-3800 (Voice/TDD).

Maryland

Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (MSILC) has a home page in which all Centers for Independent Living within Maryland are listed. The four centers serve a wide range of cities and counties with advocacy, peer support, information and referral and independent living skills training. For more information or to find the center that services your area, visit the MSILC home page.

Minnesota

Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council is made up of consumers and professionals providing statewide planning and policies for the delivery of Independent Living Services. To learn more visit their website.

Montana

Montana Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) has a mission to "develop and implement a State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) that will: Make independent living a reality for Montanans with disabilities by promoting and practicing a philosophy of consumer control, development of peer relationships and peer role models, self-determination, self-help, equal access, and advocacy in order to maximize independence, integration and full inclusion of persons with disabilities into mainstream Montana." Their website offers a complete list of Centers for Independent Living throughout Montana. For more information on the activities of the Montana SILC, call (406) 444-2590 (Voice/TDD).

New Jersey

New Jersey Statewide Independent Living Council establishes Statewide Independent Living Policies and provides a forum for issues concerning all persons with disabilities. Their website features a comprehensive list of the independent living centers throughout New Jersey. Each center offers information and referral, advocacy, peer support, and independent living skills training services.

New York

New York City Consortium for Independent Living is a non-profit organization that supports the six Independent Living Centers throughout the New York City area. The website offers a listing of the Centers as well as links to their websites. The site also features news, event postings, action alert, as well as a photo gallery, works of art, and poetry pieces created by individuals with disabilities. In addition to these offerings, there is also a comprehensive listing of helpful, disability-related resource links.

West Virginia

Coordinating Council for Independent Living is a non-profit social services agency dedicated to providing services to assist individuals achieve an independent lifestyle. Services provided include: Case Management, daily living and personal care assistance, social and emotional support, and communication assistance, among others. There is also an opportunity on the website to submit an on-line referral to the Case Management Services program. Offices are located throughout West Virginia. For more information or to locate an office near you, visit their website or email ccil@angelfire.com.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin State Independent Living Council promotes a philosophy of independent living, including a philosophy of consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and system advocacy, in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities. Their website features legislative information as well as links to other helpful resources.

For more on the topic of Independent Living:

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