BOARD/COMMISSION:  Statewide Independent Living Council

Appointments:

Members of the Council shall be appointed by the Governor or, in the case of a State that, under State law, vests authority for the administration of the activities carried out under this Act in an entity other than the Governor (such as one or more houses of the State legislature or an independent board), the chief officer of that entity. The appointing authority shall select members after soliciting recommendations from representatives of organizations representing a broad range of individuals with disabilities and organizations interested in individuals with disabilities.

Membership Qualifications:
Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council (MNSILC ) members shall provide statewide representation; represent a broad range of individuals with disabilities from diverse backgrounds; be knowledgeable about centers for independent living and independent livings services and a majority of whom are persons with a disability. A person with a disability is defined as a person who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of a person's major life activities; has a record of such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment. The majority must not be people with disabilities employed by any State agency or center for independent living.

Membership Composition:
The Council shall include—
(A) among its voting members, at least 1 director of a center for independent living chosen by the directors of centers for independent living within the State;

(B) among its voting members, for a State in which 1 or more centers for independent living are run by, or in conjunction with, the governing bodies of American Indian tribes located on Federal or State reservations, at least 1 representative of the directors of such centers; and

(C) as ex officio, nonvoting members, a representative of the designated State entity, and representatives from State agencies that provide services for individuals with disabilities.

Optional Additional Members:
(A) other representatives from centers for independent living;

(B) individuals with disabilities;

(C) parents and guardians of individuals with disabilities;

(D) advocates of and for individuals with disabilities;

(E) representatives from private businesses;

(F) representatives from organizations that provide services for individuals with disabilities; and 

G) other appropriate individuals

Council members may only serve for two consecutive, three-year terms.

People with disabilities and people from throughout the state are highly encouraged to apply.

Jointly with the centers for independent living, MNSILC develops and signs the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL).  MNSILC is required to monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the SPIL. As appropriate, coordinate activities with other entities in the state that provide services similar to or complementary to independent living services.  Entities can include organization that facilitate the provision of or provide long-term community-based services and supports. The council meets regularly and ensures that all meetings of the Council are open to the public and sufficient advance notice is provided; and submits to the administrator such periodic reports as the administrator may reasonably request.  Records are kept to meet the needs of the administrator and the administrator has access to such records as the administrator finds necessary to verify the information in such reports.

The Council is authorized to hold such hearings and forums as the Council may determine necessary to carry out the duties of the Council; to work with centers for independent living to coordinate services with public and private entities in order to improve services provided to individuals with disabilities; to conduct resource development activities to support the activities described in the SPIL or to support the provision of independent living services by centers for independent living; to perform such other functions, consistent with the purpose of section 705 (c) of the Rehabilitation Act as amended, as the Council determines to be appropriate.

The Council shall not provide independent living services directly to individuals with significant disabilities or manage such services.