DRAFT Standards & Indicators

These standards and indicators are intended to assist states to fully implement the requirements outlined in Title VII of the Rehab Act.

They are intended as a guide for states in administering programs and services in compliance with the Act and Independent Living values and principles.

Consumer Control- The term “consumer control” means, with respect to a SILC, that the SILC vests power and authority in individuals with disabilities regarding decision making, SPIL Development and approval, establishment of policies, direction, management and operations of the SILC.

Disability-The term “disability” means a person who has a physical, mental, cognitive, and/or sensory impairment, which substantially limits one or more of such person’s major life activities as a record of such impairment or is regarded as having such impairment.

Standard #1
The purpose of the SILC is to promote the philosophy of independent living, including a philosophy of consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and systems advocacy, in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities, and the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American society.

SILC membership shall always remain at or above 51% people with significant disabilities who represent a broad range of disabilities and are knowledgeable about CIL’s and Independent Living services

Indicators
1. The SILC will provide statewide representation, represent a broad range of individuals with disabilities from diverse backgrounds, and consist of individuals who are knowledgeable about CILs and Independent Living Services

2. The majority of voting SILC membership shall consist of individuals with disabilities who are not employed by any state agency or CIL

3. In a state in which one or more projects are carried out under section 121, at least one representative of the directors of the projects; additional members may include other representatives from centers for independent living, parents and guardians of individuals with disabilities, advocates of and for individuals with disabilities, representatives from private businesses, representatives from organizations that provide services for individuals with disabilities, and other appropriate individuals

The SILC will develop a method for recruiting applicants and receiving applications and, on at least an annual basis, forward a list of qualified, knowledgeable, and diverse candidates to be appointed by the Governor or designee.

The SILC will provide training to its members, CILs, other providers, and consumers on the Rehab Act and Independent Living
Minimum Standard: once a year
Acceptable Standard: twice a year
Optimal Standard: three times a year

The SILC shall provide each newly appointed member with training and orientation prior to voting

Every SILC shall complete and submit an assessment of the SILC training needs to RRCEP, RTC (ILRU) on an annual basis

Standard #2
SILC has an active and equal role in the development of the State Plan

Indicators
1. A majority vote of the SILC membership is required to approve the State Plan

2. Any revisions and changes made to the SPIL by the DSU Director, Staff, SILC Chair, SILC Committee or any other entity will be submitted and approved by the full SILC, prior to inclusion in the final approved SPIL

Standard #3
The SILC has the freedom to advocate for issues of its own choice as evidenced in the state plan and in a list of advocacy issues that will be developed annually

Indicators
1. The SILC will, on an annual basis, develop a list of advocacy issues

2. Minutes of SILC meetings, public forums, 704 Report, member activity reports will be collected and compiled at least annually to demonstrate evidence of advocacy action and accomplishments

SILC Relationship with CILs

Standard #1
In partnership with CILs, the SILC will maximize cooperation, coordination, and working relationships to strengthen independent living within the state.

Indicators
1. The SILC will have as a voting member at least one CIL director chosen by the directors of CILs that comply with Section 725 in that state.

2. The SILC will provide opportunities for CILs to acquire technical assistance and training.

3. The SILC will participate only as technical assistants in RSA site reviews at the request of CIL directors.

Standard #2

The SILC will collaborate with CILs in the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of the SPIL.

Indicators
1. The SILC will work with CILs to conduct public forums and other mechanisms to gather information from people with disabilities in the development of the state plan.

2. The SILC will utilize CIL 704 reports and other tools to identify the trends for development of the state plan.

3. The SILC will cooperate, collaborate, and coordinate with CILs in the development of the design of the statewide network of CILs.

4. The SILC and CILs will collaborate on the design and implementation of tools to assess consumer satisfaction with the state plan.

Autonomy
Standard # 1:
The SILC shall not be established as an entity within a state agency.

Develops its own vision and mission statement
Reviews and monitors its own progress
Controls the appointment process by recommending members
Has freedom to advocate about issues of its own choice
Develops statutory authority, procedures and other systematic methods for gaining, maintaining and protecting its autonomy
Accounts for its decisions and actions
The SPIL describes the status of the council and how that status demonstrates the autonomy of the council
Has a code of ethical behavior for council members
Has a conflict of interest policy for council members
Has a plan for training/mentoring of new members
Is responsible and accountable for the actions of the SILC

Standard # 2
The SILC shall prepare, in conjunction with the DSU, a plan for the provision of such resources as may be necessary and sufficient to carry out the functions of the council.

Standard # 3
Each SILC shall, consistent with state law, supervise and evaluate personnel necessary to carry out the functions of the council.

Indicator:
The SILC develops, implements and maintains sound personnel policies and procedures in accordance with its organizational structure

Standard # 4
The SILC shall jointly develop and sign (in conjunction with the DSU) the SPIL.

Develops, implements and monitors its SPIL
Chairperson shall sign the SPIL upon a majority vote of the council
Has a process for reviewing and determining if the SPIL has been implemented

Standard #1:
The Council shall direct and develop the resources (including but not limited to funds, staff, volunteers, council members, and partners) necessary to implement advocacy for systems change.

Indicators:
1. The Council will identify in the SPIL the resources to carry out advocacy efforts towards systems change.

2. The Council will identify in the SPIL a contingency process to address unexpected emerging issues.

3. The Council will identify in the SPIL the process of expanding resources to carry out advocacy efforts which are addressed by the SPIL but are unfunded due to limited SILC resources.

4. The Council will report the percentage of their resources being used to implement advocacy efforts for systemic change.

Standard #2:
The Council will develop and implement advocacy efforts that promote the IL philosophy and results in meaningful and measurable systemic change.

1. The Council will identify priority systems change issues through statewide consumer input.

2. The Council will develop a specific action plan for implementation of advocacy efforts towards their priority systems change issues.

3. The Council will establish a method for annual evaluation of the effectiveness of their action plan.

Standard #3:
The Council will develop and strengthen the network of CILs, including supporting their advocacy efforts.

Indicators:
1. The Council will work with the CILs to create statewide advocacy efforts towards systemic change.
2. The Council will share with CILs statewide consumer input, including input from consumers in unserved and underserved areas and populations, regarding systems change issues that need to be addressed by the network of CILs.

3. The Council will jointly plan with the CILs and DSU to determine systems change issues.

Standard #4:
The Council shall set forth the steps that will be taken to maximize the cooperation, coordination, and working relationships with other advocates working towards systemic change.

Indicators;
1.The Council will work with the CILs to establish statewide advocacy networks that partnership with coalitions and others who are addressing common systemic change issues.

2. The Council will identify the partners in the SPIL that they are working with in advocacy efforts to address systemic change issues.

3. The Council will outreach to additional organizations and partners in order to effectively address system change issues.

4. The Council will provide evidence in their role of the partnerships in the resource plan and evaluation process.

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



	ILRU / NCIL / APRIL: National Training & Technical Assistance Project Expanding the Power of the Independent Living Movement
The following are the DRAFT Standards and Indicators developed at SILC Congress 2004. January 11-15, 2004 Phoenix, Arizona SILC Standards and indicators Preamble Definitions SILC Philosophy SILC Relationship with CILs Autonomy SILC as System Advocates Preamble These standards and indicators are intended to assist states to fully implement the requirements outlined in Title VII of the Rehab Act. They are intended as a guide for states in administering programs and services in compliance with the Act and Independent Living values and principles. Definitions Consumer Control- The term “consumer control” means, with respect to a SILC, that the SILC vests power and authority in individuals with disabilities regarding decision making, SPIL Development and approval, establishment of policies, direction, management and operations of the SILC. Disability-The term “disability” means a person who has a physical, mental, cognitive, and/or sensory impairment, which substantially limits one or more of such person’s major life activities as a record of such impairment or is regarded as having such impairment. SILC Philosophy Standard #1 The purpose of the SILC is to promote the philosophy of independent living, including a philosophy of consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and systems advocacy, in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities, and the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American society. SILC membership shall always remain at or above 51% people with significant disabilities who represent a broad range of disabilities and are knowledgeable about CIL’s and Independent Living services Indicators 1. The SILC will provide statewide representation, represent a broad range of individuals with disabilities from diverse backgrounds, and consist of individuals who are knowledgeable about CILs and Independent Living Services 2. The majority of voting SILC membership shall consist of individuals with disabilities who are not employed by any state agency or CIL 3. In a state in which one or more projects are carried out under section 121, at least one representative of the directors of the projects; additional members may include other representatives from centers for independent living, parents and guardians of individuals with disabilities, advocates of and for individuals with disabilities, representatives from private businesses, representatives from organizations that provide services for individuals with disabilities, and other appropriate individuals The SILC will develop a method for recruiting applicants and receiving applications and, on at least an annual basis, forward a list of qualified, knowledgeable, and diverse candidates to be appointed by the Governor or designee. The SILC will provide training to its members, CILs, other providers, and consumers on the Rehab Act and Independent Living Minimum Standard: once a year Acceptable Standard: twice a year Optimal Standard: three times a year The SILC shall provide each newly appointed member with training and orientation prior to voting Every SILC shall complete and submit an assessment of the SILC training needs to RRCEP, RTC (ILRU) on an annual basis Standard #2 SILC has an active and equal role in the development of the State Plan Indicators 1. A majority vote of the SILC membership is required to approve the State Plan 2. Any revisions and changes made to the SPIL by the DSU Director, Staff, SILC Chair, SILC Committee or any other entity will be submitted and approved by the full SILC, prior to inclusion in the final approved SPIL Standard #3 The SILC has the freedom to advocate for issues of its own choice as evidenced in the state plan and in a list of advocacy issues that will be developed annually Indicators 1. The SILC will, on an annual basis, develop a list of advocacy issues 2. Minutes of SILC meetings, public forums, 704 Report, member activity reports will be collected and compiled at least annually to demonstrate evidence of advocacy action and accomplishments SILC Relationship with CILs Standard #1 In partnership with CILs, the SILC will maximize cooperation, coordination, and working relationships to strengthen independent living within the state. Indicators 1. The SILC will have as a voting member at least one CIL director chosen by the directors of CILs that comply with Section 725 in that state. 2. The SILC will provide opportunities for CILs to acquire technical assistance and training. 3. The SILC will participate only as technical assistants in RSA site reviews at the request of CIL directors. Standard #2 The SILC will collaborate with CILs in the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of the SPIL. Indicators 1. The SILC will work with CILs to conduct public forums and other mechanisms to gather information from people with disabilities in the development of the state plan. 2. The SILC will utilize CIL 704 reports and other tools to identify the trends for development of the state plan. 3. The SILC will cooperate, collaborate, and coordinate with CILs in the development of the design of the statewide network of CILs. 4. The SILC and CILs will collaborate on the design and implementation of tools to assess consumer satisfaction with the state plan. Autonomy Standard # 1: The SILC shall not be established as an entity within a state agency. Indicator: The SILC Develops its own vision and mission statement Reviews and monitors its own progress Controls the appointment process by recommending members Has freedom to advocate about issues of its own choice Develops statutory authority, procedures and other systematic methods for gaining, maintaining and protecting its autonomy Accounts for its decisions and actions The SPIL describes the status of the council and how that status demonstrates the autonomy of the council Has a code of ethical behavior for council members Has a conflict of interest policy for council members Has a plan for training/mentoring of new members Is responsible and accountable for the actions of the SILC Standard # 2 The SILC shall prepare, in conjunction with the DSU, a plan for the provision of such resources as may be necessary and sufficient to carry out the functions of the council. Indicator: The SILC Develops, adopts and controls its own budget Develops, implements and maintains sound fiscal policies and procedures Standard # 3 Each SILC shall, consistent with state law, supervise and evaluate personnel necessary to carry out the functions of the council. Indicator: The SILC develops, implements and maintains sound personnel policies and procedures in accordance with its organizational structure Standard # 4 The SILC shall jointly develop and sign (in conjunction with the DSU) the SPIL. Indicators: The SILC: Develops, implements and monitors its SPIL Chairperson shall sign the SPIL upon a majority vote of the council Has a process for reviewing and determining if the SPIL has been implemented SILCs as System Advocates Standard #1: The Council shall direct and develop the resources (including but not limited to funds, staff, volunteers, council members, and partners) necessary to implement advocacy for systems change. Indicators: 1. The Council will identify in the SPIL the resources to carry out advocacy efforts towards systems change. 2. The Council will identify in the SPIL a contingency process to address unexpected emerging issues. 3. The Council will identify in the SPIL the process of expanding resources to carry out advocacy efforts which are addressed by the SPIL but are unfunded due to limited SILC resources. 4. The Council will report the percentage of their resources being used to implement advocacy efforts for systemic change. Standard #2: The Council will develop and implement advocacy efforts that promote the IL philosophy and results in meaningful and measurable systemic change. Indicators: 1. The Council will identify priority systems change issues through statewide consumer input. 2. The Council will develop a specific action plan for implementation of advocacy efforts towards their priority systems change issues. 3. The Council will establish a method for annual evaluation of the effectiveness of their action plan. Standard #3: The Council will develop and strengthen the network of CILs, including supporting their advocacy efforts. Indicators: 1. The Council will work with the CILs to create statewide advocacy efforts towards systemic change. 2. The Council will share with CILs statewide consumer input, including input from consumers in unserved and underserved areas and populations, regarding systems change issues that need to be addressed by the network of CILs. 3. The Council will jointly plan with the CILs and DSU to determine systems change issues. Standard #4: The Council shall set forth the steps that will be taken to maximize the cooperation, coordination, and working relationships with other advocates working towards systemic change. Indicators; 1.The Council will work with the CILs to establish statewide advocacy networks that partnership with coalitions and others who are addressing common systemic change issues. 2. The Council will identify the partners in the SPIL that they are working with in advocacy efforts to address systemic change issues. 3. The Council will outreach to additional organizations and partners in order to effectively address system change issues. 4. The Council will provide evidence in their role of the partnerships in the resource plan and evaluation process.
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.
	ILRU is a program of TIRR (The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research), a nationally recognized medical rehabilitation facility for persons with disabilities.	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: 04-06-05

ILRU / NCIL / APRIL: National Training & Technical Assistance Project Expanding the Power of the Independent Living Movement

ILRU / NCIL / APRIL: National Training & Technical Assistance Project
Expanding the Power of the Independent Living Movement