The New Jersey Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is a 17-member body appointed by the Governor which maximizes opportunities for people with disabilities through planning and advocacy.

The SILC is a separate entity, in, but not of, the New Jersey Department of Labor. The SILC membership represents the interests of New Jersey’s cross disability population. By law, a majority of the Council are people with disabilities.

Voting members include: advocates for people with disabilities, representatives from private businesses, disability-related organizations, and CIL directors.

Non-voting ex officio members include representatives from:

• New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS);
• New Jersey Department of Human Services;
• Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) as well as representatives from other state agencies which serve people with disabilities.

The SILC is charged with the responsibility to:

• Develop and submit, in conjunction with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the State Plan for Independent Living;
• Monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the State Plan;
• Coordinate activities with the State Rehabilitation Council;
• Submit periodic reports to the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration and keep all necessary records;
• Ensure that all regularly scheduled meetings are open to the public and that sufficient advance notice is provided.