Mission
To strengthen the voices of Iowans with disabilities by growing a statewide network of independent living centers and advancing independence, productivity, and full inclusion through strong partnerships.
What is the Iowa Statewide Independent Living Council (IASILC)?
The Iowa Statewide Independent Living Council (IASILC) is a federally-mandated, not-for-profit, Governor appointed council. A majority of council members must be people with a disability.
Does the SILC perform direct services or referrals?
No. Federal law prohibits the SILC from providing direct services to individuals or referrals. The exception is that the SILC may refer individuals to a Center for Independent Living.
What is the purpose of the IASILC?
By federal law, the SILC must:
- Develop and maintain a Statewide Independent Living Council,
- Develop and support a statewide independent living network with the Centers for Independent Living (CILs),
- Develop a State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) with the CILs, which includes a resource plan for the SILC,
- Monitor, review, and evaluate the SPIL.
What are the federal requirements for the SILC board composition?
The SILC has fifteen positions. At least 51% of the SILC Council must be persons with disabilities who do not work for a State agency or a Center for Independent Living.
Of the three ex-officio positions:
One position is for a staff member from the Designated State Entity (DSE), which is the State Agency that receives the federal Part B funds and the State funds for Independent Living for the SILC and the CILs, and who administers those funds to the SILC and CILs.
Two positions are ex-officio, non-voting for staff from a state agency that works with disability issues.
The twelve voting members:
Must represent a broad range of individuals with different types of disabilities across the state.
Include one Director of an Iowa CIL, selected by the other CILs to sit on the Council as their representative.
Annually elect a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary from among the Voting Members of the Council.
Review applications and provide recommendations on membership the Governor of Iowa makes all appointments.
Independent Living
The Independent Living (IL) Movement is part of the disability rights movement, significantly impacting current language, thought, and public policy regarding disability.
Iowa Independent Living Network
The Independent Living (IL) Movement is part of the disability rights movement, significantly impacting current language, thought, and public policy regarding disability.
The Council
Our council members’ talent, vision, and experiences fuel their commitment to spreading independent living values and services across Iowa.
2028 – 2030 Iowa's State Plan for Independent Living Development Schedule
| Date | Time | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| June 10, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Kickoff – SPIL Committee |
| July 8, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Section 1: Mission, Goals, and Objectives |
| August 12, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Activities, Indicators, and Evaluation |
| September 9, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Financial Plan |
| October 6, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Section 2: Scope, Extent, and Arrangement |
| November 6, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Section 3: Network and Expansion Plan |
| January 5, 2027 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Section 4: Grant Processes and Distribution of Funds |
| February 2, 2027 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Section 5: SILC; Review Assessment Data |
| March 2, 2027 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Emergency Preparedness and Revisions |
| April 6, 2027 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Review Revisions and Public Comment |
| May 4, 2027 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Revisions Based on Public Comment and Assessment Data |
| June 1, 2027 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Final Drafting Revisions |
Each meeting will be offered online and accessible for public comment in the last 15 minutes of the meeting. Public comments can also be submitted via the Assessment Survey on our main page.
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