Our goal is to work with the North Dakota’s Centers for Independent Living by educating and advocating for people to live the way they want to live.
What is Independent Living?
Every person whether you have a disability or not, has the right to make decisions about their own life. It is believed that all people should be able to take risks, design their own destinies, be allowed to succeed, or fail, but most of all have the right to choose.
Independent living's main principal is “empowerment.” It is about choice and respecting what independence means to each person. This means being able to choose where you live, whom you live with, how you live, where you work, and how you use your time. It means participation in community life and doing activities you choose.
What does the SILC do?
- Develop, monitor and review the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL),
- Strengthen, promote and expand independent living services in the state, and
- Work to build strong partnerships and educate on disability related issues.
The Council
The council is made up of 16 members that are selected by the governor. Majority of the members must have a disability and live in various communities in the state. For a list of members, visit the North Dakota Boards and Commissions website.
Resources
Future Meeting Dates
Feb. 6-7, 2025 - Bismarck - Agenda
May 1-2, 2025 - Grand Forks - Agenda
Aug. 7-8, 2025 - Minot - Agenda
Nov. 6-7, 2025 - Fargo - Nov. Agenda
Individuals who need accommodations to participate in the meetings or who would like more information can contact Aimee Volk at North Dakota Health and Human Services - Vocational Rehabilitation, 1000 E. Divide Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501, 701-328-8954, toll-free 800-755-2745, 711 (TTY) or alvolk@nd.gov.
Publications
Statewide Independent Living Council
What is the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)?
Mission of the SILC
To lead the North Dakota Centers for Independent Living (CILs) by developing resources and advocating for full community participation of North Dakotans with disabilities.
What is the Independent Living Philosophy?
CILs believe that every person, whether they have a disability or not, has the right to make decisions about their own life. They should be able to take risks, design their destinies, be allowed to succeed or fail, and have the right to choose how they want to live.
The SILC Council
The SILC has 16 positions. Voting members and non-voting members are appointed by the Governor's Office.
- 12 voting members
- 2 non-voting members
- 2 CIL Directors
Purpose of the SILC
Spread the Word - provide input on independent living (IL) needs of people with disabilities in ND
Collaboration - work with agencies and community partners to address the needs of specific disability populations and issues.
Development - guide the development of the IL Network in ND, through active engagement of people with disabilities.
Building Inclusive Communities - foster inclusivity, diversity, and equity through the use of needs assessments, training, advocacy, research, etc.
Independent Living Services
Information and Referral - provide information about disability-related issues and community resources.
Independent Living Skills Training - assist with skills that help people live more independently.
Peer Mentoring - provide on-on-one or group discussions between people in similar situations.
Advocacy - support advocacy services to ensure people have equal access to education, jobs, housing, healthcare, and public facilities.
Transition - help youth and others build successful lives beyond school and institutionalized care.
Contact Information for the Center for Independent Living
Independence, Inc.
315 3rd Ave. SW
Minot, ND 58701
Phone: 800-377-5114
Text: 701-509-2335
Options Interstate Resource Center for Independent Living
318 3rd St. NW
East Grand Forks, ND 56721
Phone: 800-726-3692
Text: 701-864-0296
Freedom Resource Center
2701 9th Ave. S., Suite H
Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: 800-450-0459 or 701-478-0459
Dakota Center for Independent Living
3111 E. Broadway Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: 800-489-5013 or 701-222-3636
Developed with support from North Dakota Health and Human Services' Vocational Rehabilitation.
Download the Statewide Independent Living Council flyer.
See Health and Human Services public meeting notices.
Contact Us
1000 E. Divide Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 328-8950
Toll Free: (800) 755-2745
711 (TTY)
Fax: (701) 328-1884
Email: dhsvr@nd.gov