Promoting Choice, Self-Determination & Equal Access
The Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is a consumer-controlled advisory body dedicated to advancing independent living policies and expanding community integration for all Marylanders with disabilities.
Advancing community inclusion, independent living, and self-determination statewide
The Maryland SILC partners with Centers for Independent Living, state agencies, and community advocates to ensure equal opportunities for all.
Serving all 24 Maryland jurisdictions with 5 core services
Majority individuals with disabilities steering statewide policy
FY 2025–2027 strategic priorities actively advancing across MD
Championing self-determination and disability civil rights
Established under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, Maryland SILC carries out key duties to safeguard and promote independent living.
Jointly develop, monitor, and evaluate the 3-year State Plan in partnership with Maryland Centers for Independent Living and federal funding partners.
Coordinate statewide initiatives with the Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD), State Rehabilitation Council, and local advocacy coalitions.
Host regular public engagement sessions, town halls, and listening forums to identify emergent barriers and advocate for legislative solutions.
Promote policies that expand housing accessibility, accessible transit, employment opportunities, and home-and-community-based support systems.
Public council sessions, committee meetings, and community resource fairs are open to all Marylanders with full accessibility support.
MARYLAND SILC Public Engagement Agenda for Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM (EDT) via Zoom. Led by Executive Director Lorna-Mae Silcott. Business & Updates: Fall Festival, New Website Launch (marylandsilc.org), Needs Assessment & Listening Session follow-up, HILA Training follow-up, Council Training Tracker, SPIL Writing Group, and SILC Congress (March 15–18 in San Diego).
Maryland SILC Executive Committee Meeting Agenda for Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 12:30 PM (EST). Led by Executive Director Lorna-Mae Silcott. Business items: 2026 Disability Community Needs Assessment Survey & Listening Sessions follow-up, SPIL writing group, Voting - Executive Council (Banking Information, Council Seat, Vote for Chair & Treasurer, Committee chairs discussion), Non-Profit follow-up, and HILA survey follow-up.
Maryland SILC Outcomes Committee regular monthly meeting scheduled for Monday, November 16, 2026 – Time: 10:00 a.m. (EST).
Maryland SILC Infrastructure Committee regular monthly meeting. The committee will convene on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 12:30 PM (EST).
Updates on council initiatives, CIL spotlights, disability policy breakthroughs, and career opportunities.
Join Independence Now for an I AM webinar on Monday, November 16, 2026 from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM (EST) featuring Individual & Community Liaison Samantha McGinley presenting the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) program, eligibility criteria, application process, and employment support services.
Maryland SILC Public Engagement Committee Meeting Agenda for Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM (EDT) via Zoom. Business items include the Mayor's Commission on Disabilities Fall Festival, new marylandsilc.org website launch, Needs Assessment & Listening Sessions follow-up, HILA Training follow-up, Council Training Tracker, SPIL Writing Group, and SILC Congress (March 15–18 in San Diego).
Maryland SILC Executive Committee Meeting Agenda for Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 12:30 PM (EST). Led by Executive Director Lorna-Mae Silcott. Business items include Needs Assessment Survey & Listening Sessions follow-up, SPIL writing group, Executive Council voting, Banking Information, Council Seat, Full Council Chair & Treasurer vote, Committee chairs discussion, Non-Profit follow-up, and HILA survey follow-up.
Receive timely announcements about upcoming public council meetings, SPIL updates, policy initiatives, and statewide disability advocacy alerts.
