About Us

The Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council was established under the 1992 amendments of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Council members are appointed by the Governor and include representatives from the centers for independent living, the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and other state agencies that provide services for individuals with disabilities. The Council consists of a majority of voting members that are individuals with disabilities who are not employed by a center for independent living or a state agency. This means that the council is consumer controlled and directed, in keeping with the independent living philosophy.

The independent living philosophy is one of consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and systems advocacy in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities, and the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of society.

The Council meets on the third Friday of every month. Should you have an issue you would like the Council to address or if you would like to speak at a meeting, contact the SILC office two weeks prior to the scheduled Council meeting. The SILC values the input of individuals across the state and wants to know your needs and concerns.

For more information about the SILC, please contact:
Maryland SILC
8605 Cameron St., Suite 510
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-585-9771 (voice or TDD) and 1-877-543-3344 (toll free)
301-585-6619 (fax)
e-mail: mdsilc@verizon.net