Please forward this article link to your lists and networks.

And, Live forums to be held,
from 1 PM to 3 PM on three different dates around the state:

Northern Maine April 18
At the Presque Isle Career Center

Central Maine April 21
At Alpha One Bangor

Southern Maine April 26
At Alpha One S. Portland

The Maine Statewide Independent Living Council (Maine SILC) is an organization formed to serve all people with disabilities in our state. We are a true cross disability organization!

Our survey and these Spring SILC Summits will be held for the public to offer information for the State Plan for Independent Living, a three year plan setting goals for independent living services in Maine. The "Maine SILC" is working to produce a plan that fits the needs of all who live independently or want to be living independently in our state. It will be used to effect services with Maine's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and to set priorities for Maine SILC's advocacy work. This plan is also to be filed with the Federal Rehabilitation Services Administration.

The Council seeks input from persons with disabilities and their friends and families to drive meaningful and creative independent living services and advocacy for all people with disabilities in Maine. If you, or someone you know has a message about living independently, please attend!

We are encouraging agency personnel and families who receive this information to assist people with disabilities with the survey, when necessary, and make transportation available to our forums for members of the community who are persons with disabilities. It is the lives of people with disabilities that we, as Council members, are working to improve. This is a chance for people with disabilities to have input toward services and advocacy. It is also a chance for all to learn how the Maine SILC can have advocacy efforts and projects that directly connect with people with disabilities.

These forums will gather all input toward the goal setting process. The Statewide Independent Living Council encourages all people with disabilities to come; participate and express yourself at these meetings, all held at fully accessible sites with ASL interpretters available.

Meetings will be held from 1 PM to 3 PM as follows:

Northern Maine April 18
At the Presque Isle Career Center
66 Spruce St.

Central Maine April 21
At Alpha One Bangor
1048 Union St.

Southern Maine April 26
At Alpha One S. Portland
127 Main St.

For information call 1.800.698-4440 Maine Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, or respond by Email to Steve Hoad at mainefun40@hotmail.com including "SILC" in the subject line.

Thank you!
Steve Hoad, Chair
Maine Statewide Independent Living Council