Welcome to the Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council
The Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council (INSILC), is established by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The INSILC is a 501c3 non-profit and governor-appointed council yet is independent and autonomous from the state and is federally-required to be led by a majority of individuals with disabilities who represent the different regions of Indiana and diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The Council is tasked with confirming to the indicators as defined by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, including promoting the philosophy of Independent Living and creating the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) with it’s Centers for Independent Living and Designated State Entity. 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.
What is Independent Living?
A Program, A Movement, A Culture
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. (Sources: https://ncil.org/about/aboutil/ & https://rtcil.org/)
Find Resources
Find resources about fostering an inclusive environment where every person, regardless of their abilities, can thrive. It involves advocating for accessible education, employment, healthcare, transportation, and social opportunities.
Looking for Centers?
Centers for Independent Living are community-based, cross-disability, non-profit organizations that are designed and operated by people with disabilities. CILs are unique in that they operate according to a strict philosophy of consumer control, wherein people with all types of disabilities directly govern and staff the organization. Centers for Independent Living Provide:
§ Peer Support
§ Information and Referral
§ Individual and Systems Advocacy
§ Independent Living Skills Training
§ Transition
Find your local CIL or SILC. (http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/index.html) (Source: https://ncil.org/about/aboutil/)
Our 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.
INSILC SPIL Committee Information
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.
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.