Description:
The New Jersey Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is a 17-member body appointed by the Governor which maximizes opportunities for people with disabilities through planning and advocacy. The SILC is a separate entity, in, but not of, the New Jersey Department of Labor.
The SILC membership represents the interests of New Jersey’s cross disability population. By law, a majority of the Council are people with disabilities. Voting members include: advocates for people with disabilities, representatives from private businesses, disability-related organizations, and CIL directors. Non-voting ex officio members include representatives from Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS).
Representatives from other state agencies serving people with disabilities are usually in attendance at meetings, including Division of Disability Services, Division on Aging, and NJ Protection & Advocacy.
The SILC is charged with the responsibility to: Develop and submit, in conjunction with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the State Plan for Independent Living; Monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the State Plan; Coordinate activities with the State Rehabilitation Council; Submit periodic reports to the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration and keep all necessary records; Ensure that all regularly scheduled meetings are open to the public and that sufficient advance notice is provided.