The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is an independent nonprofit governed by people with disabilities. Our goal is to advance advocacy and independence for Tennesseans with disabilities by collaborating with all interested parties. We believe that people with disabilities are the best experts on their needs.
The mission of the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) of Tennessee is to promote and support the independent living philosophy through the implementation of the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). The Council is composed of members who provide statewide representation, the majority of whom are individuals with disabilities. The Governor appoints SILC members.
The S.I.L.C. is an independent, not-for-profit organization that represents cross-disability, consumer control, choice, and empowerment. The Council is a governor-appointed body comprised of Tennesseans with diverse disabilities from throughout the state. The SILC promotes the Independent Living (IL) philosophy in Tennessee by developing the State Plan for Independent Living in collaboration with the Tennessee Division of Rehabilitation Services; promotes and supports Centers for Independent Living that are community-based, consumer-controlled non-residential centers; conducts advocacy; provides information and referral; directs IL skills training; and supports peer counseling. The SILC is federally mandated and funded under the Rehabilitation Act, 1992 Amendment, Title VII.