SCSILC Bylaws

Authorities of the SILC

A. The SILC may conduct the following discretionary activities, as authorized and described in the approved State Plan:

1. Work with Centers for Independent Living to coordinate services with public and private entities to improve services provided to individuals with disabilities;

2. Conduct resource development activities to support the activities described in the approved SPIL and/or to support the provision of independent living services by Centers for Independent Living; and

3. Perform such other functions, consistent with the purpose of this part and comparable to other functions described in section 705(c) of the Act, as the Council determines to be appropriate and authorized in the approved SPIL.

B. In undertaking the foregoing duties and authorities, the SILC shall:

1. Coordinate with the CILs in order to avoid conflicting or overlapping activities within the CILs’ established service areas;

2. Not engage in activities that constitute the direct provision of IL services to individuals, including the IL core services; and

3. Comply with Federal prohibitions against lobbying.

Duties of the SILC

A. The duties of the SILC are those set forth in section 705(c), (d), and (e) of the Act.

1. The SILC shall develop the SPIL in accordance with guidelines developed by the Administrator;

2. The SILC shall monitor, review and evaluate the implementation of the SPIL on a regular basis as determined by the SILC and set forth in the SPIL;

3. The SILC shall meet regularly, and ensure that such meetings are open to the public and sufficient advance notice of such meetings is provided;

4. The SILC shall submit to the Administrator such periodic reports as the Administrator may reasonably request, and keep such records, and afford such access to such records, as the Administrator finds necessary to verify the information in such reports; and

5. The SILC shall, as appropriate, coordinate activities with other entities in the State that provide services similar to or complementary to independent living services, such as entities that facilitate the provision of or provide long-term community-based services and supports.

B. In carrying out the duties under this section, the SILC may provide contact information for the nearest appropriate CIL. Sharing of such information shall not constitute the direct provision of independent living services as defined in section 705(c)(3) of the Act.

C. The SILC, in conjunction with the DSE, shall prepare a plan for the provision of resources, including staff and personnel that are necessary and sufficient to carry out the functions of the SILC.

1. The resource plan amount shall be commensurate, to the extent possible, with the estimated costs related to SILC fulfilment of its duties and authorities consistent with the approved State Plan.

2. Available resources include: Innovation and Expansion (I&E) funds authorized by 29 U.S.C. 721(a)(18); Independent Living Part B funds; State matching funds; other public funds (such as Social Security reimbursement funds); and private sources.

3. In accordance with § 1329.10(a)(1), no more than 30 percent of the State’s allocation of Part B and Part B State matching funds may be used to fund the resource plan, unless the approved SPIL provides that more than 30 percent is needed and justifies the greater percentage.

4. No conditions or requirements may be included in the SILC’s resource plan that may compromise the independence of the SILC.

5. The SILC is responsible for the proper expenditure of funds and use of resources that it receives under the resource plan.

6. A description of the SILC’s resource plan must be included in the State plan. The plan should include:

i. Staff/personnel;

ii. Operating expenses;

iii. Council compensation and expenses;

iv. Meeting expenses, including public hearing expenses, such as meeting space, alternate formats, interpreters, and other accommodations;

v. Resources to attend and/or secure training for staff and Council members; and

vi. Other costs as appropriate.

D. The SILC shall carry out the activities in paragraph (a), to better serve individuals with significant disabilities and help achieve the purpose of section 701 of the Act.

E. The SILC shall, consistent with State law, supervise and evaluate its staff and other personnel as may be necessary to carry out its functions under this section. To complete the applications necessary, please click here.