The Colorado Statewide Independent Living Council
Colorado SILC (SILC, CSILC, CO SILC) works to include people with disabilities in community life. We make this happen by helping Centers for Independent Living grow stronger, working with government officials to make changes, and teaching people about independent living.
Our primary function is to advance independent living through the development and implementation of a three-year State Plan for Independent Living, commonly referred to as the “SPIL.” SILCs were established under Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and in Colorado, SILC members are appointed by the governor.
What We Do
SILC is not a direct service provider but works in advocacy, policy, and systems change.
- We partner with nine Centers for Independent Living across Colorado. These centers help people with disabilities get what they need to live on their own.
- We work to fix problems that make independent living hard.
- We research and share information with leaders and the public.
- We help both people with disabilities and their communities find solutions.
- We team up with public and private groups to make Colorado’s State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL).
Independent living means you live in your own home and community while making your own choices. When you live independently, you control your life’s direction. You take responsibility for your actions, take chances when you want to, and learn from what works and what doesn’t.
Get Involved with SILC
“Independent Living” means deciding one’s own pattern of life—schedules, entertainment, food, vices, virtues, leisure, and friends. It is the freedom to take risks and the freedom to make mistakes.
The Atlantis Community, Denver
Our Core Beliefs
Our Mission
We open doors for people with disabilities to fully join in community life. We also support Colorado’s Centers for Independent Living in their work.
Our Vision
We want to create a Colorado where people with disabilities can fully take part in work and community life, just like everyone else.
Our Values
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We believe people with disabilities should choose what support they need to live in and add to their communities. Every person deserves respect, freedom, and to be included.
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We welcome all types of disabilities and different cultures. We believe people with disabilities should control their own choices and services.
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When we put these beliefs into action and provide the right support, all people in Colorado can reach their full potential.
Our Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
To join Colorado SILC, you must be approved by the Governor. We nominate potential members based on where they live in Colorado and whether they have a disability. More than half of our members must have disabilities.
We work for fairness and full inclusion of all people with disabilities. Since anyone can have a disability, we look for members from many backgrounds, including different:
- Races and cultures
- Ages and religions
- Countries of origin
- Sexual orientations
- Military service backgrounds
- Income levels
We know what it’s like when others leave us out because of our disabilities. That’s why it’s important to hear from others who face different challenges too. We believe different viewpoints make our Council stronger.
When people feel respected and included, they’re more likely to help create better ways for all people with disabilities to take part in community life.
Independent Living Philosophy
Our goals are built on a key idea: Instead of thinking “people with disabilities need to be taken care of,” we believe “people with disabilities can decide what help they need to live in and contribute to their community.”
Here’s what we believe:
- People with disabilities know their own needs best
- They have important views to share
- They deserve the same chances as others to choose how they:
- Live
- Work
- Join in community life
This is especially important when it comes to services that affect their daily lives and independence.
Learn more at ncil.org
Meetings
Quarterly Meetings
SILC meetings are held on the third Wednesday of February, May, August, and November.
Visit our Meetings page for complete information and to register.
Committee Meetings
Visit the Committees of the SILC page for complete information and to register.
Meeting Accommodations
Colorado SILC wants everyone to be able to take part in our meetings. Here’s how we can help:
If You Need Reasonable Accommodations
- Email the SILC Coordinator at least two weeks before the meeting.
- Specify how we can provide reasonable disability-related accommodations, for example, ASL interpretation, CART services, meeting materials in large print or electronic text.
- Tell us if you need language assistance, such as a translator or interpreter.
- While we work hard to meet everyone’s needs, we may not be able to provide every accommodation requested.