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About
MNSILC is a federally mandated council of community volunteers appointed by the governor. This council works collaboratively with the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and coordinates activities with other entities in the state that provide services similar or complementary to independent living services. If you know of people who do not have access to a computer and who could benefit from information on the MNSILC website, please contact Jo at 612-518-1497.
The duties of MNSILC under authorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA 2014) include:
- Jointly develop and sign the State Plan for Independent Living.
- Monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the State Plan.
- As appropriate, coordinate activities with other entities in the state that provide services similar to or complementary to independent living services, such as entities that facilitate the provision of or provide long-term community-based services and supports.
- Meet regularly and ensure that all Council meetings are open to the public and sufficient advance notice is provided.
- Submit to the administrator such periodic reports as the administrator may reasonably request, and keep such records and afford access to such records as the administrator finds necessary to verify the information in such reports.
- Hold hearings and forums the Council may determine to be necessary to carry out the duties of the Council.
MNSILC also has the following authorities:
- Work with CILs to coordinate services with public and private entities in order to improve services provided to individuals with disabilities.
- Conduct resource development activities to support the activities described in the plan or to support the provision of independent living services by CILs.
- Perform other functions, consistent with the purpose of this chapter and comparable to other functions described in this subsection, as the Council determines to be appropriate.
Vision Statement
The Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council has a vision that the independent living philosophy is fully integrated into communities and systems throughout Minnesota and that individuals with disabilities have every opportunity to be self-directed, to live a lifestyle of their choice, free from discrimination and to thrive as members of inclusive and diverse communities.
Mission Statement
MNSILC will influence positive, impactful change alongside Minnesotans with disabilities in coordination with the Independent Living Network.
The Minnesota Independent Living Network is intended to refer to the entire independent living community including individuals with disabilities, the Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council (MNSILC), the eight Minnesota Centers for Independent Living (CILs), the Minnesota Department of Employment and Development/Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DEED/VRS) and State Services for the Blind (SSB).
Bylaws
Read the MNSILC bylaws.
Follow Us
Follow us on Minnesota Independent Living Network facebook.
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Members
Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council Members
Brian Baker
Anoka County
Member #14
Term ends: 1/5/2025 |
Robyn Block
Blue Earth County
Member #4
Term Ends: 01-01-2024 |
Paulo Matheus Carvalho Chaves de Castro
Hennepin County
Member #10
Term Ends: 1/6/2025 |
Joseph Dailey
Scott County
Member #12
Term Ends: 1/2/2023 |
Rosalie Eisenreich
Ramsey County
Member #21
Other CIL Representative
Term Ends: 1/6/2025 |
Deborah Gleason
Hennepin County
Member #13
Term Ends: 1/6/2025 |
Karen Larson
Rice County
Member #17
Term Ends: 1/6/2025 |
Stephen Larson
Crow Wing County
Member #7
Term Ends: 1/6/2025 |
Larry Lura
Hennepin County
Member #2
Term Ends: 1/1/2024 |
Dr. Mohamed Mourssi-Alfash
Washington County
Member #8
Term Ends: 1/6/2025 |
Tom Reed
Hennepin County
Member #3
Term Ends: 1/6/2025 |
Judy Sanders
Hennepin County
Member #15
State Rehabilitation Council Blind (SRC-B)
Term Ends: 1/6/2025 |
Ex-Officio Members and Coordinator
Vacant Position
Member #18
Representative: Minnesota Council on Disability (MCOD) |
Ed Lecher
Member #19
Representative: State Services for the Blind (SSB)
Term Ends: 1/6/2025 |
Vacant Position
Member #20
Designate State Entity (DSE) Representative
Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)/Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS) |
Jo Erbes
MNSILC Coordinator
Phone: 612-518-1497 (c)
Email: mnsilc1215@gmail.com |
Member Responsibilities
- Have knowledge and understanding of IL Philosophy
- Be responsible for knowing current Council policies and procedures
- Have an understanding of current issues and Council positions regarding barriers to people with disabilities in Minnesota
- Attend and participate in all Council meetings
- Actively participate in at least one committee of the Council
- Recognize the diversity of Council and communicate respectfully
- View their membership as representative of their constituents
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Join
For more information, download our brochure or contact:
Jo Erbes, MNSILC Coordinator
612-518-1497
MNSILC Council Membership
MNSILC is seeking applications for council members. There are five vacancies on the council. We are seeking applications from parents or guardians, individuals with disabilities, representatives from businesses, educators, advocates, representatives from organization that provide services for individuals with disabilities, and individuals interested in promoting the independent living philosophy. We encourage applicants from all over the state.
Visit the Secretary of State website to complete an application. Share your resume and cover letter. Someone from MNSILC will contact you to schedule an interview. MNSILC members make recommendations to the Governor, who appoints council members for a one, two or three year term.
We look forward to an application from you!
Who Can be Appointed
Any Minnesotan is eligible for membership. Appointments are made by the governor. MNSILC is required by law to ensure that its membership includes statewide representation, a broad range of individual with disabilities from diverse backgrounds, individuals who are knowledgeable about Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and independent living services, and a majority of people who are people with disabilities not employed by a state agency or CIL. Appointments are also based on considerations that include personal qualifications for service.
The Council's membership must always include:
- A director of a CIL chosen by the directors of CILs living within the state.
- Among its voting members, for a state in which one or more CILs are run by, or in conjunction with, the governing bodies of American Indian tribes located on federal or state reservations, at least one representative of the directors of such centers.
- A representative from the Designated State Entity.
The Council’s membership may also include:
- Other representatives from CILs.
- Parents and guardians of individuals with disabilities.
- Individuals with disabilities.
- Advocates of and for individual with disabilities.
- Representatives from private businesses.
- Representatives from organizations that provide services for individuals with disabilities.
- Other appropriate individuals.
How to Join
For information about applying for the council, visit the Secretary of State website or complete the application form and follow the instructions at the bottom of the form.
For assistance in completing the form:
- Call the CIL in your area.
- Call DEED. In the metro area: 651-259-7351. In Greater Minnesota: 800-328-9095.
- Call State Services for the Blind and ask for the Independent Living manager. In the metro area: 651-539-2324. In Greater Minnesota: 800-652-9000.
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Meetings
Meeting Information
MNSILC meetings are open to the public. There is an opportunity for public comments around 11:00 a.m. during a meeting.
MNSILC meetings will be held in person and using Zoom. In person meetings will be at State Services for the Blind, 2200 University Ave West, Suite 240, St Paul, MN 55114, unless noted. All meetings will be captioned. If you would like to attend a MNSILC meeting and need other accommodations, contact the MNSILC Coordinator at least two weeks prior to the meeting date. Include your name, contact information and your specific accommodation request.
Upcoming Meeting
June 8
State Services for the Blind
2200 University Avenue West #240
St. Paul, MN 55114
A Zoom link is available upon request for anyone interested in participating in the meeting virtually. Contact mnsilc1215@gmail.com for information.
August 10
Independent Lifestyles, Inc.
Independent Living Center
215 North Benton Drive
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
A Zoom link is available upon request for anyone interested in participating in the meeting virtually. Contact mnsilc1215@gmail.com for information.
Future Meetings
- October 12, 2023
- December 14, 2023
Times are 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
No meetings are scheduled in July, September, or November.
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Minutes
2023
2022
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Reports
State Plans
2021-2023
Annual Reports
Comprehensive Needs
Program Performance Review
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Home Accessibility
These materials give basic information related to home accessibility. For more detailed information contact the Center for Independent Living nearest your address. Contact information is at the bottom of the page.
Hiring a Contractor
This site provides information on hiring a contractor: what to pay attention to, what questions to ask, and how to file a complaint if things don’t work well. The article is from the Department of Labor. Accessible versions are available from the DOL upon request.
Ramp Information
The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living has created a booklet on building a ramp. You can access this booklet by contacting the Center at 651-646-8342.
Grab Bars
This article provides basic information on installing grab bars. The article was written by Diane Sprague from Lifetime Home Project. It covers the basics of installing grab bars in a home.
Additional Resources
Centers for Independent Living are a great resource for information about home accessibility. They can help you assess your needs, set goals and recommend additional resources to help you, if there is a need. See the list of Centers to find the one nearest you.
The Disability Linkage Line operates in the State of Minnesota. It is run by the Department of Human Services. Staff are trained to help consumers, family members and community members find information related to disability. They can help by answering questions and recommending resources. Their phone number is 1-866-333-2466.
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Contact
Robyn Block, Council Chair
Jo Erbes, Coordinator
612-518-1497
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Funding
The VR program receives 81.7 percent of its funding through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. For federal fiscal year 2022, the total amount of grant funds is $53,031,304, which included $8,158,000 in reallotment funds. The required state match for these funds is $14,299,905 (18.3 percent). The state of Minnesota has appropriated $14.3 million to meet the matching requirement.