[ Officers/Regional Representatives ]
[ Steering Committee ]
[ Membership/Business Meeting ]
[ List of Resolutions ]

The officers were elected on January 5th and include:

Chairperson - Kimball Gray--kimball.msilc@gte.net
Vice Chairperson - Roxan Perez--TRAVELROXY@AOL.COM
Secretary - Ann Meadows--annwv@citynet.net or annm@mail.drs.state.wv.us

The Regional Representatives are:

Region 1
Rep - Dawn Lambert - Connecticut - DLAMBERT@MEGAHITS.COM
Alt - Ken Renaud - Rhode Island - KENREN@IDS.NET

Region 2
Rep - Pat McShane - New Jersey - PKMCS@AOL.COM
Alt - Lydia Kirschenbaum - New Jersey - no e-mail listed

Region 3
Rep - Ann Meadows - West Virginia - annwv@citynet.net or
annm@mail.drs.state.wv.us
Alt - Kimball Gray - Maryland - KIMBALL.GRAY@GTE.NET

Region 4
Rep - Maris Parmerter - South Carolina - SCILC@USIT.NET
Alt - Beth Schultz - Florida - FILC@POLARIS.NET

Region 5
Rep - Roxan Perez - Wisconsin - TRAVELROXY@AOL.COM
Alt - William Fielding - Illinois - silc@fgi.net

Region 6
Rep - Louis Prejean - Louisiana - LASILC@IDSMAIL.COM
Alt - Amanda Montgomery - New Mexico - no e-mail listed

Region 7
Rep - Tim Azinger - Missouri - MOSILC@YAHOO.COM
Alt - Kathy Hoell - Nebraska - KHOELL@HOME.COM

Region 8
Rep - Chris Kleinschmidt - Montana - JOEKRISK@MT.NET
Alt - Kristen Castor - Colorado - KCASTOR@RIS.NET

Region 9
Rep - Mike Collins - California - MCOLLINS@CALSILC.ORG
Alt - I don't have the name - contact Mike

Region 10
Rep - Patrick Reinhart - Alaska -
PATRICK_REINHART@LABOR.STATE.AK.US
Alt - Kelly Buckland - Idaho - KGBUCKLAND@SILC.STATE.US.ID

Steering Committee

Patrick Reinhart, Alaska Chair, patrick_reinhart@labor.state.ak.us
Shannon Jones, Kansas Vice-Chair, shanoz@aol.com
Ann Meadows, WV, Secretary, annwv@citynet.net
Kelly Buckland, Idaho, kbuckland@silc.state.id.us
Michael Collins, California, mcollins@calsilc.org
Patricia McShane, New Jersey, pkmcs@aol.com
Kimball Gray, Maryland, kimball.msilc@gte.net
Roxan Perez, Wisconsin, TravelRoxy@aol.com
John Eckert, Illinois, silc@fgi.net
Maris Parmeter, South Carolina, scilcdir@usit.net
Patricia Puckett, Georgia, silcga@mindspring.com
Andrea Schein, Massachusetts, aschein@d08.dimenet.com
Bob Michaels, Arizona, michaels@impulsedata.net
Tim Azinger, Missouri, mosilc@yahoo.com
Karen Flagg, Wyoming, theflaggs@aol.com
Corey Rowley, Utah, clrowley@uswest.net
Gil Vickery, New Hampshire, ncgsil@ncia.net
Kristy Langbehn, NCIL, kristy@ncil.org

List of Resolutions

[ # 1 - International Efforts - adopted as amended ]
[ # 2 - Communication to President-elect Bush - unanimously adopted as amended ]
[ # 3 - RSA Meetings with DSUs, SILCs, & SRCs - adopted as amended ]
[ # 4 - Assistive Technology - unanimously adopted ]
[ # 5 - Reaffirmation of 2000 SILC Congress Resolution on $75 Million Federal Appropriation - unanimously reaffirmed ]
[ # 6 - Environmental Sensitivities - unanimously adopted as amended ]
[ # 7 - Independent Living Funding Formula - adopted ]
[ # 8 - SILC Outreach Effort - adopted ]
[ # 9 - Voter Registration - unanimously adopted ]
[ # 10 - Ensuring Effective Communication and Follow-up - defeated ]
[ # 11 - Support APRIL Rural Transportation Initiative - unanimously adopted ]
[ # 12 - Accessible Housing - adopted ]
[ # 13 - Commitment to Advocacy - adopted as amended ]
[ # 14 - Outreach to American Indians - unanimously adopted ]
[ # 15 - SPIL Preprint - unanimously adopted ]
[ # 16 - Reaffirmation of 2000 SILC Congress Resolution on Advocacy - unanimously reaffirmed ]
[ # 17 - Reaffirmation of 2000 SILC Congress Resolution on SILC Peer Support and Technical Assistance - unanimously reaffirmed ]

Resolution #1: International Efforts

Whereas, the United States is recognized throughout the world as a leader in the establishment of disability rights and the laws that implement such rights; and

Whereas, many of our sisters and brothers with disabilities worldwide do not yet have access to the same levels of accessibility, respect, opportunity and rights as are found in the United States; and

Whereas, it is fitting and appropriate that the leaders of the United States step forward to support America's domestic policies on a worldwide basis, to improve the status of people with disabilities globally; and

Whereas, the ravages of war, hunger and disease continue to disable or kill countless people in this world each year; and

Whereas, the delegates to the Congress of Statewide Independent Living Councils convened in San Diego this 6th day of January, 2001, believe that it is important to support the efforts of people with disabilities in all countries to obtain and retain equality with their fellow citizens, and implore other disability-related organizations to do the same; now

Therefore, we hereby pledge to lead, and support, unified efforts by the United States disability community to take the following steps:

• First, we will urge Congress and the political leaders of the United States to support the international ban on the production and use of landmines which have disabled or killed millions of people worldwide-including our own soldiers; and

• Secondly, we will actively seek the establishment and funding of international internship programs for individuals with disabilities from other countries that will enable them to work and learn in Centers for Independent Living, government agencies, the private sector, and other disability-related organizations; and

• Third, we do hereby pledge the support of experts involved in the development of disability civil rights in this country to provide technical assistance and training to those who request it in other countries, and will seek funding for such efforts; and

• Fourth, we will support that accessibility standards in the United States become the standard for domestic US businesses and their international properties worldwide; and

• Lastly, we will support future efforts to pass the United Nations treaty on the rights of people with disabilities; and

Furthermore, we hereby resolve to share this resolution with other disability groups and leaders nationwide immediately upon its passage by this Congress in order that it may result in similar actions throughout our country.   

Respectfully submitted by:
SILC delegates to the Second International Summit Conference on  Independent Living, December 2000. 

Adopted, as amended, January 6, 2001

Resolution #2: Communication to President-elect Bush

Whereas, Governor George W. Bush of Texas will become the 43rd President of the United States of America on January 20, 2001, and his new administration will face many challenges in both international and domestic arenas; and 

Whereas, a major domestic challenge will be providing programs, services and opportunities to over 56,000,000 Americans with disabilities from diverse backgrounds who have many positive contributions to make to the growth, prosperity and international reputation of our great nation; and

Whereas, President-elect Bush has made many generous and thoughtful commitments to persons with disabilities during his Presidential campaign including pledges to spend over $300 million to enhance disability-related initiatives or programs; and 

Whereas, President-elect Bush has promised full implementation of the Olmstead Supreme Court decision; and

Whereas, the participants in this annual Congress of Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILC Congress 2001) wish to extend our sincere congratulations to President-elect George W. Bush and Vice President-elect Richard Cheney upon their election; so therefore

Be it resolved by this Fourth Annual Congress of Statewide Independent Living Councils, assembled here in San Diego, California on January 6, 2001, that the Honorable George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States of America is hereby extended our warmest congratulations and best wishes for the future of his new administration; and

Be it further resolved that the delegates to this Congress are confident that under the Bush administration great strides will continue to be taken in resolving many issues critical to people with disabilities, equivalent to passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1975, the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and

Be it further resolved that, in the interests of more than 56,000,000 constituents with disabilities including more than 2,000,000 institutionalized people with disabilities, the assembled delegates to this Congress strongly urge President Bush to assure that his philosophy of "compassionate conservatism" will be applied to issues related to the American community of persons with disabilities; and 

Be it further resolved that the assembled delegates strongly urge President-elect Bush to immediately issue an executive order to fully implement the Olmstead decision; and

Be it further resolved that the assembled delegates also strongly urge President Bush to choose members of his administration at all levels from the vast wealth of resources and proven leadership found in organizations, private companies and foundations dedicated to supporting persons with disabilities, including Independent Living agencies--and particularly in choosing the leaders of the Rehabilitation Services Administration and other disability-related government agencies, boards and commissions. Many such candidates are already working in the federal government.

Respectfully submitted by:
Region IX SILCs: Arizona
   California
   Hawaii
   Nevada
   Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands

Unanimously Adopted, as amended, January 6, 2001

Resolution #3: RSA Meetings with DSUs, SILCs, & SRCs

Whereas, Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), State Rehabilitation Councils (SRCs) and Designated State Units (DSUs) are required to work together as equal partners under the amended Rehabilitation Act of 1973 for the betterment of the lives of people with disabilities; and 

Whereas, the SILCs and SRCs in many states have not yet been granted the support and funding needed to operate as independent entities as required by the Rehabilitation Act; and

Whereas, this lack of support denies members of SILCs and SRCs an equal opportunity to attend educational conferences and meetings where policy of importance to people with disabilities in all states is developed and acted upon, thus contributing to the perceived lack of independent status and control present in many of these organizations; and

Whereas, the Rehabilitation Services Administration has national responsibility for administration of independent living and vocational rehabilitation services promulgated and funded under the Rehabilitation Act; and 

Whereas, the Rehabilitation Services Administration, through its various regional offices, convenes periodic meetings to discuss important issues with the leadership of organizations funded under the Act from each state; and

Whereas, many of these regional meetings do not include representatives of SILCs or SRCs, thus contributing to the imbalance of power and funding which still exists between DSUs, SILCs and SRCs; and

Whereas, the delegates to this Congress are concerned that representatives from those SILCs and SRCs who need to travel great distances to attend national conferences and regional meetings are not granted the funding to do so; and

Whereas, in the interest of improving relationships between the DSUs and their partner SILCs and SRCs, there is a need for the Rehabilitation Services Administration to assume the leadership role in support and recognition of SILCs and SRCs in a timely manner so now, therefore

Be it resolved, by this Fourth Annual Congress of Statewide Independent Living Councils, assembled here in San Diego, California on January 6, 2001, that each Regional Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration shall convene at least one meeting each year that will include the director of the DSU from each state or territory within that region, as well as the Chair and executive director of the SILC and SRC from each such state or territory; and 

Be it further resolved, that the Rehabilitation Services Administration shall delegate and distribute dedicated funding of sufficient amount to enable travel and participation in such meetings by representatives of DSUs, SILCs, and SRCs, including the amount of any disability-related travel accommodations, and that this policy, and the annual distribution of necessary funding, is to become effective in the next federal budget year.

Respectfully submitted by:
 Region IX SILCs

Adopted, as amended, January 6, 2001

Resolution #4: Assistive Technology

Whereas, the SILC Congress supports the rights of consumers to fully participate in all aspects of society; and

Whereas, Assistive Technology is a vital component in allowing consumers full participation in society; and

Whereas, new and rapidly advancing Assistive Technologies are allowing consumers new opportunities; and

Whereas, SILC's are actively involved in advocacy; and

Whereas, there is declining funding for Assistive Technology;

Therefore be it resolved that the 2001 SILC congress will aggressively support Assistive Technology and calls upon each SILC to develop and support federal, state and local Assistive Technology initiatives that assist consumers in researching, finding, funding and acquiring Assistive Technology.

Respectfully submitted by:
Wisconsin SILC
Utah SILC

Unanimously Adopted January 6, 2001

Resolution #5: Reaffirmation of 2000 SILC Congress Resolution on  $75 Million Federal Appropriation

Whereas, SILCs are mandated to plan and promote the development of the Independent Living network; and

Whereas, the Centers for Independent Living are an integral part of that network; and

Whereas, there are currently many parts of the country unserved or underserved by a Center for Independent Living; and

Whereas, Centers for Independent Living are extremely innovative programs, locally controlled, governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities; and

Whereas, current Centers for Independent Living are underfunded; and

Whereas, to begin to address the current need of Centers for Independent Living services, the number of Centers for Independent Living in the nation needs to double to ensure the quality of life of all Americans with Disabilities in this country; and

Whereas, the SILCs are a force in the Independent Living Movement:

Therefore, be it Resolved That:  The 2000 Congress of the Statewide Independent Living Councils endorses a $75 million increase in the Title VII, Part C of the Rehabilitation Act funding and calls upon each Statewide Independent Living Council to actively initiate and participate in activities that will result in this appropriation.  

Presented for reaffirmation by:
New York SILC
Idaho SILC
Utah SILC

Unanimously Adopted/Reaffirmed January 6, 2001

Resolution #6: Environmental Sensitivities

Whereas, Independent Living Centers are funded by the federal government, through the Rehabilitation Services Administration, to provide services and advocacy to people with disabilities, who are guaranteed access to such facilities and programs as hospitals, schools, libraries, social services agencies, and many workplaces; and

Whereas, at this time, people with environmental, chemical and electrical hypersensitivities (a.k.a. Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Electrical Sensitivities, Environmental Illness, etc.), which can be disabling, are denied access to public and commercial facilities and programs because of 1) environmental barriers, 2) disregard for their rights, and 3) societal attitudes and lack of awareness; and

Whereas, the Americans with Disabilities Act Access Guidelines (ADAAG) fail to include accessibility standards for the access of people with environmental, chemical and electrical hypersensitivities; and

Whereas, it is reasonable to expect that Independent Living Centers will be accessible to all persons with disabilities; and

Whereas, Independent Living Centers are responsible for reporting their accessibility as part of their annual 704 reports; and

Whereas, it is commonly reported among people with environmental, chemical and electrical hypersensitivities that Independent Living Centers are far from being accessible to them; therefore

Be it resolved by the SILC Congress that the Rehabilitation Services Administration be urged to institute supplemental reporting requirements to determine, track and make public the accessibility and inaccessibility of the SILCs and Independent Living Centers for people with environmental, chemical and electrical hypersensitivities; and

Be it further resolved by the SILC Congress that the Rehabilitation Services Administration, the states' SILCs, and Independent Living Centers be urged to include people with such disabilities in all outreach programs, accessibilities studies, plans for new or renovated buildings, and public education in our communities and be urged to serve, advocate for, and employ with such disabilities as is done on behalf of other people with disabilities, making reasonable accommodation as necessary.

Respectfully submitted by:
 Arizona SILC

Unanimously Adopted, as amended, January 6, 2001

Resolution #7: Independent Living Funding Formula

Whereas, adequate funding for Center's for Independent Living is integral to the growth of the independent living network and the full integration of people with disabilities in our communities; and

Whereas, there are a significant number of states which have received no additional federal funding for centers for independent living in more than a decade; and

Whereas, it is in the best interest of every SILC to ensure that all states have equitable funding; and

Whereas, the current formula for distribution of federal funds prevents the growth of the independent living network in many states;

Therefore be it resolved that the SILCs are unified in supporting the adoption of a new federal funding formula to ensure equity.  Fifty percent of newly appropriated federal funds will be distributed equally among states and territories.  The remaining fifty percent of newly appropriated federal funds will be distributed according to population.

Respectfully submitted by:
SILC of Idaho
SILC of Florida
SILC of Michigan
SILC of New Jersey
SILC of New York
SILC of Pennsylvania
SILC of Puerto Rico
SILC of Utah

Adopted January 6, 2001

Resolution #8: SILC Outreach Effort

Whereas, there is a clear and consistent lack of outreach effort in the United States and it's possessions to unserved and underserved populations; and

Whereas, there are fellow SILCs and CILs that are knowledgeable in these matters; and 

Whereas, it is part of the Federal regulations under Title VII, Parts B and C;

Therefore be it resolved that Each SILC shall take responsibility in working diligently toward finding those individuals who have not been found that are unserved and or underserved.

Respectfully submitted by:
Griff Campbell, Delaware SILC 

Adopted January 6, 2001

Resolution #9: Voter Registration

Whereas, there are over 56 million Americans that experience a disability; and

Whereas, Americans with disabilities could represent a powerful voting group in every local, state and national election; and

Whereas, current voter technology and methods are often not accessible to all persons with disabilities;

Therefore be it resolved that SILCs across the nation shall make voter registration of people with disabilities a priority over the next three years, and shall be prepared to offer voter registration at every meeting of the SILC for members of the public who attend SILC meetings. In addition, SILCs shall encourage all their partners in independent living, including CIL's, disability coalitions and other service providers to do the same at every opportunity. Finally, each SILC shall promote greater accessibility of the voting process in their state.

Respectfully submitted by:
Alaska Delegation - Patrick Reinhart, Author

Unanimously Adopted January 6, 2001

Resolution #10: Ensuring Effective Communication and Follow-up

Whereas, each SILC has been asked to designate a representative to facilitate communication with the SILC Congress, and the SILCs in each region have been asked to elect a SILC Congress representative and alternate to establish a national steering committee and provide a communication link throughout the year, and;

Whereas, the impact of the SILC Congress and its resolutions upon Centers for Independent Living and State Independent Living Program throughout the nation depend upon regular communication among all SILCs, along with regular monitoring and follow-up actions to promote the adopted resolutions, and;

Whereas, not all SILCs and regions have regularly participated in communications during the last year, and, as a result, follow-up on the 2000 resolutions has not been consistent across the nation.

Therefore be it resolved that the following steps will be taken to assure regular communication among all SILCs and effective follow-up on SILC Congress resolutions:

• First, each SILC will accept individual responsibility to participate regularly in communication with the regional representative and other SILCs in the region, and; 

• Second, each SILC will take responsibility to initiate communication with the regional representative or alternate if regular regional communications have not occurred for a period of 2 months (60 days), and;

• Third, the SILC Congress Secretary will take responsibility to notify all SILCs in a region of any instance in which their region is not represented at a Steering Committee meeting or scheduled communication, and;

• Fourth, upon such notification, the SILCs in a region will take individual and collective actions as needed to obtain the national update and follow-up information they have missed, and to assure regional participation in subsequent Steering Committee activities.

Respectfully submitted by:
Michigan SILC 

Defeated January 6, 2001

Resolution #11: Support APRIL Rural Transportation Initiative

Whereas, the need to insure that rural transportation is available, accessible and affordable for all people with disabilities; and

Whereas, the need to ensure that systems of transportation are integrated into the general public transportation services by advocating for lifts and other accommodations be made on all intercity and regional transports; and

Whereas, the need to ensure transportation systems that are safe, and that drivers and dispatchers are trained by working with groups such as Centers for Independent Living, Project Action, the Community Transportation Association of America, and other related groups; and

Whereas, the need to recognize and expand our view of transportation resources and participants to be creative, integrated, and inclusive; and

Whereas, the need to ensure that all disability-related legislation and regulations within  all transportation legislation and regulations are consistent and coordinated to create continuous and connecting service; and

Whereas, the need to identify the connections between other disability-related legislation that effects people with disabilities living in rural areas (i.e. the ADA, Rehab Act, Social Security Act and Sections 5310 and 5311 of the Transportation Act) are coordinated and consistent; and

Whereas, the need to promote the unique rural solutions that are compatible with resources, needs, and values of rural communities by understanding, utilizing and/or amending legislation such as the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) of 1998;

Therefore be it resolved that the SILC Congress of 2001 supports the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living's (APRIL's) efforts and activities with Congress and the Department of Transportation to increase funding, achieve parity and equity of access throughout urban and rural populations related to the Rural Transportation Initiative; and

Be it further resolved that the regional representatives of the SILC Congress of 2001 will communicate this position to the membership and to all appropriate policymaking bodies.

Respectfully submitted by:
Woody Osburn, Ohio SILC
Region V SILCs

Unanimously Adopted January 6, 2001

Resolution #12: Accessible Housing

Whereas, Housing has become a national barrier to individuals with disabilities living independently in communities of their choice; and

Whereas, Housing is a key to the deinstitutionalization, and quality of life supports for people with disabilities; and

Whereas, Housing is a capacity building component to implementing primary aspects of the Olmstead decision; and

Whereas, a SILC is the state leader to understanding state issues, implementing objectives, coordinating and collaborating independent living services, including priorities such as Title II of the ADA in relation to Olmstead, and the provision of full inclusion for all people with disabilities; and

Whereas, Housing is a significant issue that each SILC must address in their respective state(s);

Therefore be it resolved that each SILC should play an active role in increasing the housing opportunities and significantly changing housing policy towards people with disabilities in their respective state(s).

Respectfully submitted by:
Scott Durren, Wisconsin SILC
Region V SILCs

Adopted January 6, 2001

Resolution #13: Commitment to Advocacy

Whereas, Advocacy is a core service to be provided by all Centers for Independent Living as mandated by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended; and

Whereas, SILCs are mandated to monitor the implementation of the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL); and

Whereas, the SILC Congress 2000 unanimously resolved that each SILC would ensure that advocacy, systems change, and building a statewide grassroots network are to have an integral place in their State Plan;

Therefore be it resolved that the SPIL shall describe, in a concise manner, advocacy and systems change goal(s) to be achieved in keeping with the purpose of Chapter 1, Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and

Be it also resolved that each SILC will ensure that its SPIL equally respects and supports all formal and informal forms of advocacy conducted by its network of CILS; and

Be it further resolved that no SILC will take punitive measures, monetary or otherwise, against any CIL(s) practicing forms of advocacy with which they do not agree.

Respectfully submitted by:
Woody Osburn, Ohio SILC
Lou Diehl, Pennsylvania SILC
Sandi Weber, Pennsylvania SILC

Adopted, as amended, January 6, 2001

Resolution #14: Outreach to American Indians

Whereas, the United States of America is a nation rich with cultural and minority diversity; and

Whereas, there are more than two million American Indians representing 558 tribes and who speak more than 250 languages; and

Whereas, America has a long-standing tradition of overlooking minority groups; and

Whereas, 1 in 4 American Indians have a disability; and

Whereas, American Indians are tremendously underrepresented in the Independent Living movement and specifically on the SILCs;

Therefore be it resolved that SILCs begin outreach activities to establish relationships with Tribal Councils and to work in collaboration with the American Indian Disability Technical Assistance Center (AIDTAC) to develop strategies to ensure American Indian representation.

Respectfully submitted by:
Region VI SILCs (Oklahoma not present)

Author:  Sue Killam, Vice-Chair, Louisiana SILC
* Region VI would like to acknowledge the contribution of LaDonna Fowler and Robert Shuckahosee in the enhancement of this resolution.

Unanimously Adopted January 6, 2001

Resolution #15: SPIL Preprint

Whereas, the Rehabilitation Services Administration recognizes the need to re-work the State Plan for Independent Living (the SPIL) pre-print; and

Whereas, the SPIL needs to be a meaningful, easily understood, living, and dynamic document; and

Whereas, the SPIL is a crucial opportunity for coordination among the IL partners - the DSUs, the CILs, and the SILCs; and

Whereas, the participants of SILC Congress, representing 47 states, four territories, and the District of Columbia, believe the SPIL to be the ideal opportunity to identify significant systems' barriers to independence and self-direction; and

Whereas, the participants of SILC Congress have identified the following concerns in the current draft of the pre-print:  (1) the document is confusing, (2) too narrow in its scope, and (3) redundant;

Be it therefore resolved that the SPIL pre-print should include ONLY the components listed below as required by the Act:

1. Assurances
2. The Work Plan
   a. The state of the state.  A description of current disability policy in the state.
   b. Advocacy issues and strategies to remove barriers to independence
   c. Scope and arrangement of IL Services
   d. Cooperation, Coordination, and Working Relationships
   e. Outreach
   f. Plan for the Network of CILs
   g. The Resource Plan (budget)
   h. Evaluation Methods
   i. 723 Grant Award Policies

Therefore be it further resolved that this resolution be transmitted immediately to the Rehabilitation Services Administration as official comment from the 2001 SILC Congress.

Respectfully submitted by:
 Georgia SILC
 Utah SILC
 West Virginia SILC
 Pennsylvania SILC
 Kansas SILC
 Idaho SILC

Unanimously Adopted January 6, 2001

Resolution #16: Reaffirmation of 2000 SILC Congress Resolution on Advocacy

Whereas, the Independent Living Movement has grown out of the Civil Rights Movement; and

Whereas, Statewide Independent Living Councils are mandated by the Rehabilitation Act to engage in systems change advocacy; and

Whereas, people with disabilities are systemically discriminated against in areas regulated by public policy; and

Whereas, SILCs are comprised by a majority of people with disabilities who are advocates for the independent living philosophy; and

Whereas, the independent living philosophy must be the basis for all disability related policy; and

Whereas, SILCs are comprised of representatives from throughout each state; 

Therefore, be it resolved that the 2000 SILC Congress calls upon each SILC to ensure that advocacy and systems change and building a statewide grassroots network is an integral part of their state plan.

Presented for reaffirmation by:
New York SILC
Utah SILC
Kansas SILC

Unanimously Adopted/Reaffirmed January 6, 2001

Resolution #17: Reaffirmation of 2000 SILC Congress Resolution on SILC Peer Support and Technical Assistance

Whereas, there is a recognized need for the promotion of Independent Living philosophy, SILC autonomy, and a complete understanding of the total amount and allocation of Title VII, Part B and C funds in each state; and

Whereas, there are fellow SILCs and CILs that are knowledgeable in these matters; and

Whereas, there is an existing structure of ten federal regions with designated Regional SILC Representatives;

Therefore, be it resolved that that each region shall take the responsibility to support their SILC network by offering peer support and technical assistance as requested.

Presented for reaffirmation by:
Idaho SILC
Utah SILC
New York SILC

Unanimously Adopted/Reaffirmed January 6, 2001

Membership/Business Meeting
Saturday, January 6, 2001
San Diego, California

Patrick Reinhart, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.

Election of officers was held at the Regional Reps meeting yesterday.  Terms for new officers will begin at the conclusion of this meeting.

Chairperson - Kimball Gray - Region 3 Alternate - Maryland SILC
Vice-Chairperson - Roxan Perez - Region 5 Rep - Wisconsin SILC
Secretary - Ann Meadows - Region 3 Rep - West Virginia SILC

Roll Call

Present:
Alabama   Nebraska
Alaska   Nevada
Arizona   New Hampshire
Arkansas   New Jersey
California   New Mexico
Colorado   New York
Connecticut   North Carolina
Delaware   North Dakota
District of Columbia  Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Florida   Ohio
Georgia   Oregon
Hawaii   Pennsylvania
Idaho    Puerto Rico
Illinois    Rhode Island
Indiana   South Carolina
Iowa    Tennessee
Kansas   Texas
Kentucky   Utah
Louisiana   Vermont
Maryland   Virginia
Massachusetts  Washington
Michigan   West Virginia
Minnesota   Wisconsin
Missouri   Wyoming
Montana

Absent:
American Samoa 
Guam
Maine
Mississippi
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Virgin Islands

Rules for the meeting and voting process were presented by the chairperson as follows:

1. Only persons recognized by the chair will have the floor to speak.
2. Resolutions require a simple majority (51%) in order to pass.
3. Each state or territory will have one vote.
4. Proxies will not be allowed.
5. Abstentions will be accepted.
6. Motions requiring a major majority (2/3) (such as motions to change or suspend the rules) will be held by roll call vote.  All others will be held by voice vote.
7. The chair will make a final ruling on the outcome of the vote.
8. Motions for reconsideration must be placed and acted on prior to adjournment.

Oregon made a motion, and Maryland seconded, to approve the rules as presented.  A roll call vote was held and the rules were approved unanimously.

Seventeen resolutions were presented for adoption or reaffirmation.  The following reflects the action taken on each and the final resolutions are attached:

# 1 - International Efforts - adopted as amended
# 2 - Communication to President-elect Bush - unanimously adopted as amended
# 3 - RSA Meetings with DSUs, SILCs, & SRCs - adopted as amended
# 4 - Assistive Technology - unanimously adopted
# 5 - Reaffirmation of 2000 SILC Congress Resolution on $75 Million Federal Appropriation - unanimously reaffirmed
# 6 - Environmental Sensitivities - unanimously adopted as amended
# 7 - Independent Living Funding Formula - adopted
# 8 - SILC Outreach Effort - adopted
# 9 - Voter Registration - unanimously adopted
# 10 - Ensuring Effective Communication and Follow-up - defeated
# 11 - Support APRIL Rural Transportation Initiative - unanimously adopted
# 12 - Accessible Housing - adopted
# 13 - Commitment to Advocacy - adopted as amended
# 14 - Outreach to American Indians - unanimously adopted
# 15 - SPIL Preprint - unanimously adopted
# 16 - Reaffirmation of 2000 SILC Congress Resolution on Advocacy - unanimously reaffirmed
# 17 - Reaffirmation of 2000 SILC Congress Resolution on SILC Peer Support and Technical Assistance - unanimously reaffirmed

Following the vote on the final resolution a few announcements were made.
* The Texas nine are in jail and we need to support their efforts.
* Thank you to the planning committee from Patrick.
* A big thank you to Patrick from the steering committee and the membership.

Kimball Gray (MD) made the motion to adjourn and the meeting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m.

The mission of the IL NET is to provide training and technical assistance on a variety of issues central to independent living today--understanding the Rehab Act, what the statewide independent living council is and how it can operate most effectively, management issues for centers for independent living, systems advocacy, computer networking, and others. Training activities are conducted conference-style, via long-distance communication, webcasts, through widely disseminated print and audio materials, and through the promotion of a strong national network of centers and individuals in the independent living field.

Substantial support for development of this publication was provided by the Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education. The content is the responsibility of ILRU and no official endorsement of the Department of Education should be inferred.

This site is hosted as a courtesy of Baylor College of Medicine
Privacy Notices

[About the IL NET] [IL Coach] [Regional Coordinators] [ILRU Directory of CILs/SILCs] [IL Information You Asked For ]
[SILC Information] [Webcast] [Publications] [IL Video Lending Library] [ADA] [Contacting IL NET] [Join our mail lists]

| Home | Projects | Publications | Training | What's New |

©2005 ILRU Program, All rights reserved
Contact Us: IL NET or ILRU
713.520.0232 (V/TTY)
713.520.5785 (Fax)

Last Modified: 03-23-05