The Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is an independent planning body working with the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and DARS to increase the impact of Independent Living (IL) services in Virginia.
The SILC is composed of gubernatorial appointees who represent people with significant disabilities across the state, the interests of CILs, and Independent Living programs and services.
Our Mission
The Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council will promote policies, programs and activities to maximize independence of people with disabilities by:
- Developing, monitoring, reviewing and evaluating the State Plan for Independent Living
- Supporting and expanding the state network of Centers for Independent Living
- Creating a culture for full integration and independence
- Advocating systems change for full access and equality in community life
- Educating policy makers and stakeholders about the importance of independent living
- Developing a strategy for collaboration among stakeholders in the disability community
- Leading to full inclusion and independence in the Commonwealth
What We Do
We are responsible for the development and implementation of the Statewide Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). The SPIL, which is required by Section 704 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, is updated on a triennial basis and delineates specific objectives and timelines for ensuring that the Commonwealth is providing the appropriate planning, financial support and coordination, and other assistance to appropriately address the needs of citizens with disabilities for independent living services.
Authority
Pursuant to § 51.5-164, the Statewide Independent Living Council is created to develop and sign the Statewide Plan for Independent Living in accordance with Title VII of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 796 et seq.) and to perform other activities as provided in the Act. Membership and duties are constructed according to federal provisions. The Department provides staff support for the Council.
- View past events above for recent prior meetings along with accompanying agendas and minutes. You can also find agendas and minutes from older meetings on our SharePoint website.
Membership
Appointed by the Governor, SILC members represent people with disabilities, CILs, and Independent Living services across Virginia.
- Gayl Brunk, Chairperson
- Daniel Aranda, Vice Chairperson
- Harry Henderson, Treasurer
- Chris Grandle, Secretary
- Ida Barksdale
- Garrett Brumfield
- Lauren Bryant
- Nichole Davis
- Sarah Liddle
- David Minor
- Gary Talley
- Michelle Whittingham
- Marcia Dubois, DARS ex officio
- Eric Raff, VDDHH ex officio
- Interested in serving on the Council or making a nomination? Contact us.
State Plan
SILC develops and oversees Virginia’s State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), a federally required plan that guides how the state supports independence, access, and inclusion for people with disabilities. The plan is updated every three years.
Subcommittees
This subcommittee oversees the development and submission of the triennial State Plan for Independent Living and meets as necessary. View past events above for recent prior meetings along with accompanying agendas and minutes. To obtain agendas or minutes from older meetings, please contact Lauren Roche at lauren.roche@dars.virginia.gov, or by phone at: 804-663-7817.
- Nominating Committee
This committee meets once a year in July to draft a slate of Officers for one-year terms beginning 10/1. View past events above for recent prior meetings along with accompanying agendas and minutes. To obtain agendas or minutes from older meetings, please contact Lauren Roche at lauren.roche@dars.virginia.gov, or by phone at: 804-663-7817.
Resources
- Virginia Association of Personal Care Providers
- Virginia Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority (ATLFA)
- Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS)
- Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD)
- Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI)
- Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH)
- Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)
- Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services (DBHDS)
- Virginia Disability Services Agencies (DSA)
- Virginia Employment Commission (VEC)
- disAbility Law Center of Virginia
- Virginia Partnership for People with Disabilities (Virginia’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education)
- Virginia Rehabilitation Association
- Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC)
- Virginia Wounded Warrior Program
- Department of Labor (formerly disability.gov)
- Grants.gov
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Center, Inc.
- Independent Living Research Utilization
- National Council on Independent Living
- National Organization on Disability
- National Rehabilitation Association
- Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Workplace Supports
- The FREE Foundation (provider of donated durable medical equipment)
- United States Senate
Contact
Questions? Contact us via phone or the email form below.