Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, Inc.

Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, Inc. The Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, Inc. (or, “The SILC”) is a private nonprofit What Is Independent Living?

It is important to understand that Independent Living is not a place; it is a philosophy, or viewpoint that barriers to independence have more to do with the world around us than with diagnosis, label or condition. Independent Living is about changing policies and practices that under-estimate, segregate or oppress people with disabilities. Independent Living promotes the idea that people with dis

abilities have the same rights and responsibilities, the same control over life choices as those without disabilities. We therefore, work to change societal attitudes by moving away from segregation, paternalism and pity and toward empowerment, independence and fully contributing and valuable citizens. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was an important piece of legislation for disability rights in the U.S. It prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities in federal employment or in any federally funded programs. Amendments to the Act later mandated that the states establish Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs) to provide guidance for the development and expansion of independent living programs.

08/13/2026

"Yes, I have a disability. But am I my disability?"
Ester has an answer.

Ester DuRante shares the story behind her advocacy: a childhood head injury that changed how she spoke, read, and proces...
08/10/2026

Ester DuRante shares the story behind her advocacy: a childhood head injury that changed how she spoke, read, and processed the world, and the years she spent without the support she needed. She talks about what it feels like when everyone else makes your decisions for you, how a colleague's encouragement helped her speak up again, and why she now leads by seeing people's potential instead of their limitations. You'll come away with a working definition of advocacy as freedom of choice, giving people the tools and the room to decide for themselves. Watch the full conversation:

Ester DuRante, Associate Director of the Statewide Independent Livi...

08/06/2026

Every three years, Statewide Independent Living Council creates the State Plan for Independent Living. Right now, we're taking public comment, and we need to hear from you.

https://www.silcga.org/spil-needs-assessment-survey/

Nobody can describe your needs and your daily life better than you. Your responses directly shape the priorities of the Georgia IL network for the next three years, from housing to mobility to the services your community counts on.

Nothing about us without us. The choices are yours, and the ball is in your court. Share your public comment today and help make Georgia's independent living network the best in the nation.

Are you ready for an emergency? In a new episode of SILCGA's Accessibility Now podcast, emergency preparedness specialis...
08/02/2026

Are you ready for an emergency? In a new episode of SILCGA's Accessibility Now podcast, emergency preparedness specialist Tiffany Yearwood shares how people with disabilities can build a plan that works for them. Watch it on our YouTube channel.

07/30/2026

"The really big deal is the cuts to home and community-based services and the threat of institutionalization because that's coming for everybody if we don't protect that."
-Mel Leviton, Director of Idaho SILC

07/30/2026

"The really big deal is the cuts to home and community-based services and the threat of institutionalization because that's coming for everybody if we don't protect that."
-Mel Leviton, Director of Idaho SILC

What do Centers for Independent Living do? Five core services anchor the work: advocacy, peer mentoring, transition supp...
07/28/2026

What do Centers for Independent Living do? Five core services anchor the work: advocacy, peer mentoring, transition support, information and referral, and independent living skills. Together they help Georgians with disabilities live and thrive in their own communities.

New podcast episode on transportation for people with disabilities and a new app that helps with that. Featuring SILCGA'...
07/22/2026

New podcast episode on transportation for people with disabilities and a new app that helps with that. Featuring SILCGA's Jordan Hall and Loammi Aviles of Gwinnett County.

Jordan Hall, mobility coordinator for the Statewide Independent Liv...

Address

315 W Ponce De Leon Avenue, Ste 600
Decatur, GA
30030

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 3pm
Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+17702706860

Website

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