Welcome to the California State Independent Living Council Website
The SILC is an 18-member council, appointed by the Governor, to represent persons with disabilities throughout the state and charged with:
- Determining the allocation of federal funds for independent living;
- Advising the Governor and Legislature about issues impacting persons with disabilities in California;
- Creating projects and moving forward ideas that will enhance the ability of people with disabilities to live independently;
- Assuring compliance with applicable state and federal laws governing independent living.
All council members serve three year terms as volunteers. In July 1996, Governor Pete Wilson signed an executive order which established the SILC as an independent state agency.
Grant Applications for Remaining 2011 - 2013 SPIL Projects Announced
Updated: 5/21/2013
The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and the State Independent Living Council (SILC) announce the availability of federal funds under Title VII B of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, for award to eligible Independent Living Centers in California for a three month period, effective June 30 through September 30, 2013 to conduct accelerated projects of three distinct types:
- Benefits Planning Leading to Employment (Up to 8 awards of up to $15,000 for a maximum of $120,000)
- California Project Rental Assistance Collaboration (A maximum of $50,000 in awards to a maximum of 5 subgrantees)
- Leadership Development (1 award of up to $40,000)
Download Grant Applications for Remaining 2011 - 2013 SPIL Projects Announced in Microsoft Word (116 kilobytes) or Rich Text (280 kilobytes) Format
Advocating for Transportation System Change
Updated: 4/15/2013
Elevators on subways stop working, bus stops aren’t announced and pathways or sidewalks are inaccessible. Every day, these types of problems create major issues for people living with disabilities when simply trying to get from one place to another.
Un Seminario Importante
Updated: 3/31/2013
03 de abril 2013 a las 2:00 de la tarde
Únase a un seminario sobre el desarrollo del Plan Estatal para la Vida Independiente
Webinar for Opinions on Draft State Plan For Independent Living
Draft Goals, Objectives, IndicatorsUpdated: 3/18/2013
March 27, 2013 from 2 PM to 3:30 PM the SILC offers a webinar using Blackboard Collaborate (formerly Elluminate) allowing stakeholders from all across California to contribute.
Traumatic Brain Injury Signs are Often misinterpreted or Ignored
Updated: 3/18/2013
Given an estimated 225,000 Californians living with traumatic brain injury (TBI), it’s hard to understand how the signs of TBIs can be missed, misinterpreted or simply ignored. And yet, they are.
Draft State Plan for Independent Living
Many ways to give feedbackUpdated: 2/25/2013
This plan describes how federal money allocated for Independent Living programs will be spent. There are many ways to give feedback that could change the final plan.
Aging and Learning to Live with Loss of Vision
State Independent Living Council Stresses You Are Not AloneUpdated: 2/21/2013
While navigating the environment as one ages can be challenging, navigating it while losing one’s sight can be exponentially difficult.
Ed Roberts' Legacy Lives on in Youths Living with Disabilities
Updated: 1/22/2013
Youth with disabilities have proven to be a significant voice in addressing one of the biggest barriers facing people living with disabilities, that is, lack of awareness. Their ongoing commitment and leadership is a testament to Ed Roberts Day on January 23.
The California State Independent Living Council Announces Hiring of Kathleen Derby as Legislative Analyst
Updated: 12/14/2012
The California State Independent Living Council (SILC) is pleased to announce Ms. Kathleen Derby has been hired as SILC's Legislative Analyst..
California’s Seniors Place Increased Demand on Personal Assistant Services
SILC and Independent Living Centers Offer Solutions to Older Adults Needing AssistanceUpdated: 12/13/2012
California’s 65 years and older population has increased to approximately 11.4 percent, and with that increase comes greater demand for personal care services.
Independent Living Centers Work to Ensure Veterans Never Hear "That's Not Our Service"
Updated: 11/19/2012
California's 28 Independent Living Centers (ILCs) serve as disability experts to veterans and their families while working hard to ensure they never hear "that's not our service."
SILC Recognizes Independent Living Centers During National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Updated: 10/19/2012
For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the California State Independent Living Council (SILC) is paying tribute to the independent living centers (ILCs) in the state that offer ongoing training programs and services to increase employment opportunities for people living with disabilities.
SILC Member Honored by L.A. City Council
Updated: 10/8/2012
"Deaf Awareness Week" was commemorated in the City of Los Angeles last week by the Los Angeles City Council. Members of the Council had an opportunity to recognize individuals in their districts who are making a difference in advocating for individuals who are deaf.
Increasing Demand Calls for Increased Deaf and Hearing Services
Updated: 9/25/2012
The Office of Deaf Access estimates 3 million deaf and hard of hearing people reside in California. Now is the time to provide education and eliminate barriers that keep these individuals from actively participating in life.
California State Independent Living Council Awarded Grant to Improve Veterans' Access to Services
Updated: 9/20/2012
California veterans with disabilities and their families will no longer need to navigate through multiple agencies when seeking assistance.
Affordable, Accessible, Housing Increasingly Out of Reach for People with Disabilities
Updated: 8/13/2012
People living with disabilities face a significant problem - the lack of affordable, accessible housing. Approximately 54 million Americans have at least one disability, constituting the largest minority group in the nation.
Grant Funds Engage Californians with Disabilities to Participate in Policy Redesign
Updated: 8/3/2012
The Department of Rehabilitation published the grant announcement on August 3, 2012 for a Systems Change Network Hub. Applications are due August 31, 2012. For more information, please click on the link below:
SILC Members Push for Consistent Implementation and Adherence to the ADA
Updated: 7/19/2012
July marks 236 years of independence for America, and yet, not all Americans have the opportunity to live independently.
ILCs See Opportunity to Further Olmstead Decision in Coordinated Care Initiative
Updated: 6/26/2012
For most Californians, June marks the start of summer vacation, picnics, family trips and the end of homework assignments. But for Californians living with disabilities, this time of year represents much more.
Peers Underscored as an Effective Counseling Tool
Updated: 5/29/2012
State Independent Living Council Draws Eye Toward Peer-to-Peer Counseling During Mental Health Awareness Month.
Apply by June 11, 2012 for $4,000 up to $15,000 Capacity Building Grants
Updated: 5/29/2012
The DOR Independent Living and Assistive Technology Section is pleased to announce the availability of Capacity Building Grants. Applications are due Monday June 11, 2012 at 12 noon. For more information, please click on the link below:
Federal Government Announces Grant for East Los Angeles
Updated: 5/8/2012
The Federal Government published the grant announcement on May 7, 2012 for an ILC in East Los Angeles. Applications for the new award are due June 7, 2012. For more information, please click on the link below:
Community Forum to Shape the Future: April 17th at the San Gabriel Hilton
Updated: 4/7/2012
SAN GABRIEL, CA — The SILC is collecting input and comments on how to best serve the needs of people living with disabilities in East Los Angeles and several San Gabriel Valley Communities in preparation for amending the State Plan for Independent Living.
Frequency, Severity, and Cost of Brain Injuries Demand Increased Awareness
Updated: 3/6/2012
SACRAMENTO, CA — A brain injury can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere in the world. According to the Brain Injury Association of California, approximately 1.7 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury each year, and a brain injury occurs somewhere in the U.S. every 21 seconds.
State Independent Living Council Pays Tribute to Disability Rights Leaders
Updated: 1/4/2012
"SILC continues to promote its vision by recognizing disability rights leaders throughout the month of January making SILC's vision of "access to independence and equality" more of a reality."
Independence Continues to be a Costly Gift for Some Even During the Holidays
Updated: 11/30/2011
SAN DIEGO, CA - During this busy time of year, Access to Independence Executive Director Louis Frick is reminded daily of the value of personal assistance services for people with disabilities.
SILC Quarterly Meeting
Updated: 11/17/2011
The governor-appointed California State Independent Living Council (SILC) will meet in San Diego to identify and address areas for improvement and build on current strengths related to the SILC's mission: "Creating policy and system change for independent living."
Veterans with Disabilities
Updated: 11/14/2011
At the SILC we know you are working to increase independent living opportunities for Veterans with disabilities. Follow this link to help you in that effort.
SILC Chair Heightens Awareness of TBI
Updated: 10/18/2011
October 11, 2011, Monterey County, California - SILC Chairperson Elsa Quezada, a long time advocate integrating persons with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) into the Independent Living Network ensured her neighbors and community members understood the crisis facing people with TBI. "...our community with TBI is only growing," writes Quezada, "In California alone, nearly 28,000 veterans have returned home with a TBI, an increase of 60 percent since 2000."
SILC seeks Nevada County input on aging with a disability
Updated: 8/19/2011
August 19, 2011, Sacramento, California - The governor-appointed State Independent Living Council (SILC) will focus its quarterly meeting in Grass Valley next month on aging with a disability in California's rural communities, and is seeking input from stakeholders including the disability community.
Grant Funds Build a Force for Future Change
Updated: 6/06/2011
June 6, 2011, Sacramento, California - To build a powerful, effective, and ongoing force for future change, Independent Living Centers in Berkeley, Fresno/Central Valley, Orange County, San Diego, and Van Nuys/San Fernando Valley will receive $75,000 a year in Title VII B funds.
SILC Chooses Strategic Planner to Advance Community-Based Services
Updated: 05/26/2011
In line with Goal 1 from the 2011-2013, Advancing Olmstead: People with disabilities choose from a variety of options for community-based living; The SILC announces selection of a strategic planning facilitator.
Innovative Events Support Leadership within Independent Living
Updated: 03/13/2011
Along with Departments of Rehabilitation (DOR), Aging (CDA), Health Care Services (DHCS), and in partnership with the California Health and Human Services Agency (HHS), the SILC is co-sponsoring several events this Spring designed to enhance Independent Living Leadership in California. March 25 focuses on leadership to keep people in their own homes, May 4th SILC members receive legislative training and visit the legislature, and May 5th and 6th builds unity to increase focus and funding. All the events will be in Sacramento.
Governor Schwarzenegger Makes Final Appointments As Term Ends Sunday Night
Updated: 01/05/2011
Continuing his support for the California Independent Living Network, the SILC received one new appointment and four reappointments late Sunday. There is no salary for these appointments to the council and none of the appointments require State Senate confirmation.
The newest SILC member is Michael Agyin. Mr. Agyin, 32, a registered Democrat, of Los Angeles worked as a job coach for The Marriott Foundation, Bridges Los Angeles since 2009 and as deaf festival consultant for Los Angeles Councilmember Tony Cardenas since 2008, where he previously served as a special project assistant from 2005 to 2006. Agyin worked in neighborhood and community services for the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa from 2008 to 2009, as program assistant for the Campaign for College Opportunity from 2006 to 2007 and as a public ally fellow for Public Allies from 2006 to 2007.
Youth Positive Images This Holiday Season
Updated: 12/26//2010
SILC wishes you joy and warmth during this holiday season, a time when Dicken’s Tiny Tim reminds us about the importance of independent living and disability rights philosophies.
Since Victorian times, Western society has idealized the sentimental image of disability as a pitiful child in desperate need of help. A more powerful image for young people with disabilities is promoted by Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC), in collaboration with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC), the Department of Rehabilitation, with funding allocated by the SILC.
SILC Observes Veteran's Day*
Updated: 11/11/2010
SILC is proud to observe this Veterans Day with a salute to all of our brave Veterans and a tribute to those who have given their lives so that America remains free.
Central Coast Center for Independent Living, in partnership with the California State Department of Rehabilitation and with funding allocated by the SILC, honors our Veterans every day. CCCIL was awarded ARRA funds to improve independent living services to persons living with traumatic brain injury, in particular, Veterans. Read More
Join us! Innovation and Design Based on Needs Assessment
Updated: 11/1/2010
SPIL COMMITTEE MEETS 3RD MONDAY EACH MONTH FROM 10 TO 11:30 AM
The 2011-2013 State Plan for Independent Living, approved September 2010 is a living document responding to the Needs Assessment (left) and data received from around the state. Join the committee in change, innovation, and strategic thinking! Read and share the Needs Assessment. Let's grow Independent Living.
State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) SRC Annual Reports Link:
http://www.rehab.cahwnet.gov/exec/src.htm
SILC awarded ADRC Grant
Updated: 9/30/2009
We are very proud to announce that the California SILC was awarded a United States Administration on Aging ADRC grant today! This grant is close to $800 thousand over a three year period. We are particularly grateful to Tony Sauer, Lynn Daucher, Lora Connolly, Paula Acosta, Joe Xavier, Karol Swartzlander, Betsi Howard, and Elizabeth Leef for their provision of technical assistance and support that made it possible for us to receive these funds. It was great to have Aging, Rehabilitation, and Health Care working together to secure these funds.
The grant has three features.
- To open a new ADRC collaborative in California where none currently exists. We will be looking for an Independent Living Center that wants to spearhead this effort and receive the bulk of funding.
- To support staff at all the ADRC’s to learn more about the Coleman Transition Model for transitioning from hospital to home.
- To create an advisory body that will engage in strategic planning for the future of ADRC’s in California.
Thanks to all of you who support the SILC in its work! We look forward to more community collaboration in the future.
State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) SRC Annual Reports Link:
http://www.rehab.cahwnet.gov/exec/src.htm
SILC position paper on Independent Living Services to Native Americans
Updated: 7/16/2009
Independent Living Services to Native Americans in Microsoft Word format (80 kb) or Rich Text Format (57 kb).
Energy efficiency and conservation information. Find incentives/rebates, technical assistance, retailers, product guides, case studies and more.
AMBER ALERT empowers law enforcement, the media and the public to combat abduction by sending out immediate information.
Information regarding Statement of Economic Interests, Form 700 and Travel Expense Claim Forms readily available to the public.
Save Our Water is a statewide public education program designed to educate Californians on the state's water challenges and encourage them to reduce the amount of water they use everyday.
This portal gives all Californians a breakdown, by issue area, of the funding California is estimated to receive from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Designed to help California's working families become more financially secure by connecting them to important programs and resources.