Coming in 2023
The 1st annual car show featuring vehicles with adaptive modifications! Subscribe now to be informed of the latest details!
are committed to promoting the Independent Living Philosophy
Welcome to the WV Statewide Independent Living Council
The West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council was established under the 1992 amendments of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which has since been amended by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in 2014. Council members are appointed by the Governor and include representatives from the West Virginian Independence Network (WIN), the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS), and other state agencies that provide services for individuals with disabilities.
The Council consists of twenty-four voting members and seven ex-officio non-voting members. A majority of the members are individuals with disabilities who are not employed by a center for independent living or by 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 first Wednesday of February, April, June, August, October, and December. All meetings are open to the public. If 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 about your needs and concerns.
Mission, Vision, Values
Mission - To ensure persons who have disabilities have access to community-based resources that promote personal choice and facilitate the achievement of their independent living goals.
Vision - To be a consumer-controlled council that is effective in leading a statewide independent living movement that empowers persons who have disabilities.
Values - The West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council is committed to the following values: freedom of choice; diversity; respect for others; quality of life; equality; excellence; fiscal responsibility; self-reliance and self-sufficiency; and inclusion.
WV Independence Network (WIN)
Our WIN partners empower West Virginians living with disabilities through advocacy, skills training, I&R, transition services and peer support. WIN centers provide resources that allow disabled West Virginians to make choices for their lives and advocate for their needs.
Disability History Essay Contest
The Disability History Essay Contest is a partnership with the WV State Rehabilitation Council and the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services that coincides with WV Disability History Week and is open to all WV high school seniors.
This annual contest is designed to provide WV high school seniors with an opportunity to showcase their writing skills, share what they have learned about disability issues in their community, use their ability to form and express opinions, and perhaps to earn some money!
Ron Yost Personal Assistance Services (RYPAS)
In 1999, the West Virginia legislature passed the Ron Yost Personal Assistance Services (RYPAS) Act, creating a consumer-controlled program to enable people with severe disabilities to live in their own homes and communities. The RYPAS program provides resources for individuals with severe disabilities to hire a personal assistant to help them perform essential daily living tasks.
Our Partners
Coming in 2023!
The 1st Annual car show featuring vehicles with adaptive modifications! Subscribe now to be informed of the latest details!