Welcome to the Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council
The Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council (INSILC) is a nonprofit led by people with disabilities that advocates for the rights, independence, and inclusion of Hoosiers with disabilities.
Working in partnership with Centers for Independent Living across Indiana, INSILC was created to support the Independent Living Philosophy—believing that people with disabilities bring valuable perspectives to society and deserve the same opportunities, choices, and freedoms as everyone else.
The Indiana SILC embraces the belief that people with disabilities should have the same civil rights, choices, options, and control over their lives as do their peers without disabilities.
What is Independent Living (IL)?
IL refers to the philosophy that people with disabilities should be able to make decisions that affect their own lives. IL also refers to a civil rights movement that advocates for equal participation in community life, and a service system made up of centers for independent living.
In practice, independent living focuses on social attitudes and physical barriers rather than a person’s limitations. Instead of emphasizing a person’s disability, IL stresses an individual’s right to certain types of help and assistance to succeed. This assistance can include supports such as adaptations to the living space, personal assistance or changing policies to promote the ability to live independently.
What are Centers for Independent Living (CILs)?
INSILC and the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) work together to create the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), a federally required three-year plan to improve services for people with disabilities.
Centers for Independent Living are community-based, cross-disability, non-profit organizations that are designed and operated by people with disabilities.
Centers for Independent Living Provide:
§ Peer Support
§ Information and Referral
§ Individual and Systems Advocacy
§ Independent Living Skills Training
§ Transition
What is the Statewide Plan for Independent Living (SPIL)?
Every quarter there is a public meeting for the INSILC council members to report the status of the plan and organization, as well as hear comments from the public.
INSILC Disability Town Hall Series
INSILC hosts quarterly town hall events around the state of Indiana. These events are designed to connect community members, particularly Hoosiers with disabilities, to their local policymakers. Attendees can ask questions, share their experiences, and make their voices heard.
Announcements
Our goal is for all people with disabilities to have the same resources and can be part of everything in society. Keep updated with events, interesting stories, and articles that will keep you updated with news and resources.
Get Involved in the SPIL Committee
Click the button below to find out more about the activities of the 2025-27 SPIL Committee. If you need help to take part in INSILC public meetings, please let our INSILC chair, Kacie Weldy, know at chair@indianasilc.org. We want to make sure everyone can join in! Your voice matters to us, and we’re here to help make things easier for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or needs you have.