​The New Jersey Statewide Independent Living Council (NJ SILC) is a federally mandated council whose members are appointed by the governor.  The NJ SILC membership is made up of people with disabilities, organizations working with people with disabilities, and other advocates.  The NJ SILC writes and monitors the federally-mandated Statewide Independent Living Plan, and provides a forum for issues faced by all persons with disabilities in achieving independent living throughout their lifetimes. 
 
The NJ SILC is also authorized by federal law to conduct Systems Advocacy to promote increased independence of people with disabilities.  It is through this authority that we take the following positions or offer the following policy analysis: