Welcome to the Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council

The Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council (INSILC) is a nonprofit led by people with disabilities that advocates for the rights, independence, and inclusion of Hoosiers with disabilities.

Working in partnership with Centers for Independent Living across Indiana, INSILC was created to support the Independent Living Philosophy—believing that people with disabilities bring valuable perspectives to society and deserve the same opportunities, choices, and freedoms as everyone else.

The Indiana SILC embraces the belief that people with disabilities should have the same civil rights, choices, options, and control over their lives as do their peers without disabilities.

A visually impaired man wearing headphones sits in front of a computer screen, his hands positioned on the keyboard. His fingers lightly touch the keys as he navigates the computer interface with a sense of concentration and determination. Braille labels are visible on the keyboard, indicating accessibility adaptations. Assistive technology devices are placed nearby, suggesting he is utilizing specialized tools to interact with the digital content. The scene illustrates empowerment and independence through technology for individuals with visual impairments.

What is Independent Living (IL)?

IL refers to the philosophy that people with disabilities should be able to make decisions that affect their own lives. IL also refers to a civil rights movement that advocates for equal participation in community life, and a service system made up of centers for independent living.

In practice, independent living focuses on social attitudes and physical barriers rather than a person’s limitations. Instead of emphasizing a person’s disability, IL stresses an individual’s right to certain types of help and assistance to succeed. This assistance can include supports such as adaptations to the living space, personal assistance or changing policies to promote the ability to live independently.

What are Centers for Independent Living (CILs)?

INSILC and the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) work together to create the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), a federally required three-year plan to improve services for people with disabilities.

Centers for Independent Living are community-based, cross-disability, non-profit organizations that are designed and operated by people with disabilities.

Centers for Independent Living Provide:
§ Peer Support
§ Information and Referral
§ Individual and Systems Advocacy
§ Independent Living Skills Training
§ Transition

What is the Statewide Plan for Independent Living (SPIL)?

The Council and the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) develop a State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). The SPIL is a document required by law that indicates how the IL Network is going to improve independent living services for individuals with disabilities over the next three years. It identifies the needs and priorities of consumers, providers, and other stakeholders and sets forth goals and objectives to respond to them.

Every quarter there is a public meeting for the INSILC council members to report the status of the plan and organization, as well as hear comments from the public.

Announcements

Our goal is for all people with disabilities to have the same resources and can be part of everything in society. Keep updated with events, interesting stories, and articles that will keep you updated with news and resources.

Four people sitting at a table, having a discussion the main point of a view is a man with glasses and blurred out in the distant background is 1 man and 2 women listneing.

INSILC Lafayette Town Hall – March 31, 2025

Mar 6, 2025

Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council Seeking New Members!

Sep 10, 2024

Woman typing on a laptop keyboard with red sleeves

New Committees and Committee Chairs Announced

Aug 30, 2024

See All Announcementes

Get Involved in the SPIL Committee

Click the button below to find out more about the activities of the 2025-27 SPIL Committee. If you need help to take part in INSILC public meetings, please let our INSILC chair, Abagail Fleenor, know at chair@indianasilc.org. We want to make sure everyone can join in! Your voice matters to us, and we’re here to help make things easier for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or needs you have.

Learn More

INSILC Calendar of Events

Check out the INSILC Calendar of Events to stay updated on all our upcoming meetings, activities, and gatherings! Join us as we work towards a more inclusive and accessible future for all individuals with disabilities.