The Maine Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is a federally mandated council under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Maine SILC advances independent living by engaging in or supporting research, publication, employment, community organizing, advocacy, and systems reform. The by-laws for Maine SILC have been updated in June, 2022, and can be seen here – Maine SILC By-Laws.
Federal statute requires that a Statewide independent Living Council be established and not within a State agency. The statute declares that a Council shall:
- Work with the Director of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (as referred to in federal legislation), the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and other councils if required to develop and sign the State Plan for Independent Living for the delivery of independent living services to people with disabilities;
- Monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the State Plan
- Communicate with the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) about activities that address the common needs of specific disability populations and issues under federal law.
Revised: 6/30/2022