Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council"Creating the future of Independent Living through guidance and direction from people with disabilities"
How can I get involved? It's Easy!
The Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) invites your application for membership.
What is the SILC?
The Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council is an independent entity of State government and is not part of or subordinate to any state agency. Administrative support is provided to the Council by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Council members are appointed by the Governor. The Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council is established exclusively to fulfill the applicable provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
When does the council meet?
The council meets the second Thursday of the month, usually in the Twin Cities metro area, eight times annually, from 9:00 am - 2:30 pm.
Is there a reimbursement for costs of attending meetings?
In addition to reimbursement for travel, lodging and meal expenses, there is a per diem of $55 for each meeting day.
Who can be appointed?
Any Minnesotan is eligible for membership. Appointments are made by the Governor based on considerations that include personal qualifications for service and the council's need for statewide representation. The council's membership must always include: representation of persons with a broad range of disabilities; at least one director of the section 121 project, and; at least one director of a Center for Independent Living. The council may also include: other representation from Centers for Independent Living; parents and legal guardians of individuals with disabilities; advocates of and for individuals with disabilities; representatives from private business; representatives from private organizations that provide services for individuals with disabilities, and; other appropriate individuals.
Duties of the Statewide Independent Living Council
- Jointly develop and sign (in conjunction with the DSU) the State Plan;
- Monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the State Plan;
- Statewide planning and policies necessary to provide Independent Living services;
- Coordinate activities with the Centers for Independent Living, State Rehabilitation Council established under Section 105 of the Rehabilitation Act and councils that address the needs of specific disability populations and issues under other federal law;
- Ensure that all regularly scheduled meetings of the SILC are open to the public and sufficient advance notice is provided; and
- Submit to the Secretary (United States Department of Education) all periodic reports as the Secretary may reasonably request and keep all records, and afford access to all records, as the Secretary finds necessary to verify the periodic reports.
For more information about the SILC, contact Brad Westerlund
Minnesota SILC
Vocational Rehabilitation Services Branch
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
First National Bank Building
332 Minnesota Street, Suite E200
Saint Paul, MN 55101
Voice: 651.259.7351
TTY: 651.296.3900
Fax: 651.297.5159
Email: brad.westerlund@state.mn.us
To join, choose one of the following:
- Fill out the application. We have it available in two formats:
- Call the center for independent living in your area.
- Call the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development in St. Paul in the metro area at 651.259.7351, in Greater Minnesota at (800) 328-9095 or TTY (651) 296-3900.
- Call the State Services for the Blind in the metro area at (651) 642-0500, in Greater Minnesota at (800) 652-9000.
- Ask for the Independent Living Manager.
Need help with PDF files? See more information on the topic.
