Leadership & Governance

Who We Are

The Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is a governor-appointed advisory council established under Section 705 of the federal Rehabilitation Act to champion independent living, self-determination, and disability rights across Maryland.

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Our Foundational Mission

Promoting Choices to Independently Live, Work & Play

The mission of the Maryland SILC is to promote, support, and enhance opportunities for Marylanders with disabilities to maximize their choices to live independently, secure competitive employment, and participate fully in all aspects of community life.

The SILC is composed of a consumer-controlled majority—meaning more than 51% of members are individuals with disabilities who are not employed by state agencies or CILs. We represent diverse geographic regions, cultural backgrounds, and disability populations across Maryland.

Governor Appointed

Appointed by the Governor of Maryland to serve three-year terms.

Section 705 Mandate

Authorizes joint development and statewide monitoring of the SPIL.

What We Do: Statutory Duties

Develop & Monitor the SPIL: Jointly craft the 3-year State Plan for Independent Living with Maryland Centers for Independent Living.
Coordinate Statewide Policy: Collaborate with the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC), MDOD, and disability advisory groups.
Public Forums & Listening Sessions: Host regular statewide public hearings to collect testimony on community barriers.
Resource Development: Advance policies and funding streams that empower individuals to transition from nursing facilities.

Council & Leadership

Meet the Maryland SILC Team

Click on any council or staff member to read their complete biographical profile, advocacy background, and contact details.

Staff

Lorna-Mae Silcott

Executive Director

Lorna-Mae Silcott, Director of the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC), is a passionate advocate for the rights and independence of individuals with disabilities. Drawing on her over 20 years working in Special education and having her own lived experience as an individual who is visually impaired, Lorna-Mae brings a unique perspective and deep understanding to her role. Throughout her career, Lorna-Mae has been committed to creating inclusive environments where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed. She has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at improving accessibility in schools, workplaces, and community spaces, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the support and resources they need to thrive. Under her leadership, the SILC continues to expand its reach and impact, advocating for policies and programs that promote self-determination, community integration, and full participation for all Marylanders with disabilities.

Council

Melissa Blubaugh

Council Chair

Melissa Blubaugh has been a dedicated member of the disability community for over 32 years, since her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis in 1993. Her personal experience navigating mobility challenges ignited a powerful commitment to advocacy, leading her to join the Board of Directors of Resources for Independence (RFI), Western Maryland's Center for Independent Living, in 2011. Since 2017, she has also proudly served on the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC), where she continues to champion disability rights and inclusion. With a background as an author and over 15 years as a self-employed business owner, Melissa brings a unique blend of creativity, entrepreneurship, and leadership to her advocacy work.

Council

English Harper

Council Vice Chair

English Harper has been a part of the disability community since 2013, when he was in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a cervical spinal cord injury. He has humble beginnings, starting as a Peer Mentor with University of Maryland Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, where he has been able to connect with new patients and talk about his personal experiences navigating through life with a disability. He is dedicated to expanding outreach and mentoring opportunities across Maryland.

Council

Janice Jackson

Executive Committee Secretary

Janice Jackson serves as the Executive Committee Secretary for the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council. She is deeply committed to ensuring transparency, diligent governance, and active community outreach across the council’s meetings, communications, and public engagements.

Council

Cynthia Brown

Executive Committee Treasurer

Cynthia Brown serves as the Executive Committee Treasurer for the Maryland SILC. With deep expertise in financial oversight, resource stewardship, and fiscal administration, she helps ensure the Council's programs and SPIL objectives are fully funded and properly audited.

Ex-Officio

Bong Delrosario

Ex Officio Member

Bong Delrosario currently serves as Director of Transportation Policy and Programs for the Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD). With an exceptional background dealing with statewide transportation issues concerning the disabled and older age communities, Bong is an experienced leader and strong advocate for accessible transit and multi-modal travel across Maryland.

Council

Josh Basile, Esq.

Council Member

In 2004, at the age of 18, Josh Basile’s life took an unexpected turn when a catastrophic wave during a family beach trip left him paralyzed below the shoulders. Instead of allowing this life-altering spinal cord injury to define him, Josh transformed his experience into a powerful force for change. As a quadriplegic, power wheelchair user, trial attorney, and passionate disability rights advocate, Josh fights tirelessly for accessibility, employment inclusion, and technological equity.

Council

Christopher Jones

Council Member

Christopher Jones is a passionate Council Member dedicated to expanding vocational opportunities, independent living skills training, and accessible community infrastructure across Maryland.

Council

Chandra Smith

Council Member

Chandra Smith is an active disability advocate and Maryland SILC Council Member, focused on community living options, peer support, and assistive technology adoption for individuals across the state.

Council

Costello Wilson

Council Member

Costello Wilson brings rich community organizing experience and deep commitment to civil rights advocacy, ensuring that underserved disability populations have a decisive voice in state policy.

Council

Teara Winmond

Council Member & CIL Representative

Teara Winmond is the Executive Director of The IMAGE Center of Maryland and serves on the Maryland SILC, bridging the statewide council with grassroots CIL operations serving Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Harford County.

Staff

Jacklyn Carter

Executive Director Assistant

Jacklyn Carter is a passionate advocate for people and their potential, with 7+ years of experience in mental health, addiction recovery, case management, and human resources. Her career has been built on a deep commitment to helping individuals overcome barriers, access resources, and build sustainable paths forward—whether that means securing critical care services, navigating social safety nets, or finding meaningful community support.

Operational Structure

Council Working Committees

Our committees drive continuous improvement, public transparency, and strategic plan delivery. All meetings are open to the public.

Executive Committee

Provides executive leadership, oversees council administration, sets agendas, and coordinates with state and federal liaisons.

Frequency: MonthlyView Agendas →

Public Engagement Committee

Leads statewide community outreach, public testimony sessions, communications, and partnerships with local grassroots organizations.

Frequency: MonthlyView Agendas →

Infrastructure Committee

Focuses on governance, bylaws maintenance, policy reviews, fiscal compliance, and council recruitment pipelines.

Frequency: MonthlyView Agendas →

Outcomes Committee

Monitors the measurable objectives, benchmarks, and deliverables outlined in the 3-year State Plan for Independent Living.

Frequency: QuarterlyView Agendas →

IL Network Partnership

Fosters collaboration between Maryland SILC and the Executive Directors of Maryland’s 7 Centers for Independent Living.

Frequency: QuarterlyView Agendas →

Full Council Session

The complete governing body meeting to review committee reports, vote on formal resolutions, and adopt SPIL amendments.

Frequency: QuarterlyView Agendas →

Interested in Serving on the Maryland SILC?

Council members are appointed by the Governor. We encourage individuals with disabilities, family members, and service providers across Maryland to submit an application.

Submit Online Application