In accordance with Federal Statute the Governor of Connecticut appoints each member of our twenty-three member statewide council. The Council is charged by the United States Congress to advance the principles and philosophy of Independent Living for all citizens with disabilities. Federal Statute requires that at least fifty-one percent of the Council’s membership be comprised of persons with a disability. The Council, which is funded by both state and federal resources, collaborates with five Centers for Independent Living, located in the communities of Hartford, Naugatuck, Norwich, Stratford, and West Haven.

Come to a meeting…it would be a great way to get involved! SILC meetings are open to the public. There is opportunity at the beginning of the meeting for public comment. Our next meeting will be held at Center for Disability Rights in West Haven, CT. Lunch is available to members at 12:00. Public meeting will begin at 1:00 and end at 3:00 a training session will take place from 3:00 – 4:00 for new members and anyone else who is interested in attending. Please contact Debbie Melaragno deb.ctsilc@gmail.com to confirm your attendance. Any special accommodations must be requested by July 15, 2009.

Young People ages 14 – 24 Save the date! October 3, 2009 10:00 – 6:00
University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT – Powerfest 2009: Future Generations.. click on document below for more information
click here.

Important Event: 10 year annniversary – Olmstead Decision
See pictures of the Olmstead Anniversary event that took place at the Capitol on June 18th click here.

The Olmstead Decision was announced on June 22, 1999, when the United States Supreme Court held in Olmstead v. L.C. that the unnecessary segregation of individuals with disabilities in institutions may constitute discrimination based on disability. The court ruled that the Americans with Disabilities Act may require states to provide community-based services rather than institutional placements for individuals with disabilities. This historic pronouncement makes attainable a goal long-sought by people with disabilities and advocates. To read more about this decision, click here.

A primary responsibility of the Council is to develop and administer a three year strategic plan known as the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). The “SPIL” details Council’s plans, advocating, and financially supporting independent living initiatives for individuals with disabilities.

What’s happening in Connecticut this month? Click here to view the calendar created by the CT Disability Advocacy Collaborative. Click here to review the news bulletin created by CDAC.

Thank you for visiting and for your interest in the CT-SILC