May 11, 2009
Press Release:  Colorado Statewide Independent Living Council presents demographics of people with disabilities in state at May 20th meeting in Greeley

SILC Contact: 
Mark Cloer, SILC Coordinator				719-271-9923

DVR Contact						
Judy Neal, IL Coordinator					303-866-4645
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

For its final meeting of the fiscal year, the Colorado Statewide Independent Living Council has invited Andrew Houtenville, PhD., and director of the national Disability Statistics Center to present a picture of the Colorado disability community by state and by catchment area of the 10 CILs.  Using data from a variety of sources including the Census and the American Community survey he will present a preliminary report on the numbers and types of disability, benefits status, gender, ethnicity, poverty and employment rate of Coloradoans with disabilities.  By July 1, a data base of this information by county, IL catchment area, state and national levels will be available at www.coloradosilc.org

The Council is beginning its planning process for the next three-year State Plan for Independent Living. By sharing this information, it is hoped that other disability organizations and public policy makers working in this field will find this data very useful.  The meeting is open to the public. Consumers and public policy makers are encouraged to attend.

The Colorado Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is an advisory body that is appointed by the Governor to orchestrate the vision of Independent Living services for all Coloradoans with disabilities.  Currently there are 10 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) around the state.  This Council works with the CIL directors and the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to develop and write a three year plan of goals for increasing access and independence for people with disabilities.  The Council is housed within the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. 

The May 20th meeting will be held in Greeley, Colorado at the Clarion Hotel which is located at 701 8th Street, Greeley, CO 80631 (970)353-8444 from 9 AM to 3 PM. The meeting starts at 9 AM and wraps up at 3 PM with a tour of Greeley’s Connections for Independent Living.  There will be a 15 to 30 minute public comment period at 1 PM if there are persons interested in addressing the SILC about issues affecting persons with disabilities living in Greeley and the surrounding area.  Sign Language interpreters will be available and the meeting is fully accessible. Mr. Houtenville will speak at approximately 1:15PM.  
                                                                 
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