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Let’s Get to Work!

Lauren Young, Dave Drezner, Janice Jackson, Lorna-Mae Silcott, and Cynthia Brown seated at a dining table at the NCIL Conference.

The Next Maryland SILC Quarterly Full Council Meeting is on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 11:00 am

The Maryland SILC is seeking individuals with disabilities to apply to be a member of the Council.

Click here to learn more about applying for membership.

Mission

The mission of Maryland SILC is to promote, support and enhance opportunities for Marylanders with disabilities to maximize choices to independently live, work and play.

Vision

The vision for Independent Living in Maryland is for people with disabilities to have information, choices and control over the services and supports in their lives so they can participate fully in all aspects of society.

Goals

Maryland SILC promotes the independent living philosophy which includes consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access and individual and systems advocacy. These factors are essential to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities, as well as to ensure the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of society.

Announcements

Funding Freeze Lifted:

Good News! The freeze has been rescinded.
As of 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the Trump administration reversed the freeze on federal grants announced on January 27, 2025. This is a significant victory for our community, meaning the immediate threat to agencies receiving federal Independent Living funds has been lifted.
However, we must remain vigilant.
The administration’s initial decision demonstrates the vulnerability of federal funding for essential services. Future cuts or funding disruptions are still possible.
What We Are Doing:
* Staying Informed: We are closely monitoring the situation and working with the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) to gather the latest information and advocate for continued funding for CILs and people with disabilities.
* Advocating for Our Community: We are actively communicating with policymakers and officials, emphasizing the vital importance of the Independent Living Philosophy and the services we provide.
How You Can Help:
Stay Connected:
* Continue to engage with the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council and utilize the information we provide.
* Make Your Voice Heard: Contact your elected officials and urge them to support strong, consistent funding for independent living services. You can easily send a message through NCIL’s advocacy campaign: https://ncil.org/advocacy-action/
Stay Informed:
* We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.
* We are committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to the resources and support they need to live independent lives. Thank you for your continued support and advocacy.
Sincerely,
Lorna-Mae Silcott
Executive Director, Maryland SILC

Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (Maryland SILC)

Executive Committee MEETING AGENDA

                                            February 11, 2025

Meeting Called to Order:

(Lorna-Mae Silcott)

 Welcome and Introductions:

  • Brief intro/description of each member

Voting on the Agenda /Minutes:

Now On to Business! 

Out of State Training:

  • Jeremy Morris has sent us their training guide which we will be implementing. 

IL Day:

  • We have we will be traveling to Annapolis, Thursday, February 20, 2025.

Trainings: 

CIL staff training 

Maryland SILC Retreat: 

  • We have secured the Hyatt at the National Harbor. 
  • 13 rooms in total: 5 accessible rooms are needed.
  • Three presenters have been secured for that week. (Paula McElwee, Jeremy Morris and Janice Jackson)
  • We have sent out a notification requesting meal preferences.

Conferences:

  • SILC Congress- Orlando, Florida, March 10-13. 
  • Chandra Smith 
  • Cynthia Brown
  • Bong Delrosario
  • Lorna-Mae Silcott

Funds/Budget:

Federal Freeze 

Old Business:

New Business:

Public Comments:

Adjourn:

Next Meeting        March 11, 2025, 12:30 pm

Read the current draft of the Statewide Plan for Independent Living (SPIL)

Visit our Calendar Page

Maryland Independent Living Day

May 5 is officially Maryland’s Statewide Independent Living Day!

Council Members Jade Gingrich and Lorna Mae Silcott are holding a Proclamation
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