The Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council (PA SILC) is a statewide council established in 1987 to comply with the federal "Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986" (P.L.99-506). That law required each state to create a consumer-controlled advisory committee to the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation's Independent Living Program. In 1992, the federal Rehabilitation Act Amendments gave SILCs co-signing authority on the federally-mandated State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). In 1994, Pennsylvania enacted the Independent Living Services Act (ACT 139 of 1994) which establishes the PA SILC as the chief planning body for Independent Living programs in the Pennsylvania.
The council consists of 22 voting members who are appointed by the Governor. Other members include ex-officio representatives of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Aging, Developmental Disabilities Planning Council and Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. Additional council members are from Centers for Independent Living, advocacy, other consumer or independent living organizations and various state agencies that are impacted by Title VII of The Rehabilitation Act.
As a cross-disability council, a wide range of concerns and experience are represented and the PA SILC strives to focus on issues of importance to all Pennsylvanians with disabilities. The PA SILC holds public meetings quarterly and is supported by a fulltime staff of six employees.
Our Mission
To use our collective power and legal mandate to develop and secure public policies that ensure civil rights and expand options for all people with disabilities in all aspects of life.
