Statewide Independent Living Council

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 (DOCX).

Follow Us

Follow us on Minnesota Independent Living Network Facebook.

Members

Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council Members

Ex-Officio Members and Coordinator

Member Responsibilities

• Have and develop knowledge and understanding of the independent living philosophy
• Be responsible for knowing current council policies and procedures
• Understand current issues and council positions regarding barriers to people with disabilities in Minnesota
• Attend and actively participate in council meetings
• Read and Review all materials in advance of meetings
• Serve actively on at least one committee

Updated July 24, 2025

Join

For more information, download our brochure (PDF) 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.
• Contact the MNSILC office at 612-518-1497.

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 otherwise 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.

Contact the MNSILC Coordinator for the Zoom link.

Upcoming Meetings

• Thursday, July 10, 2025
  • Access North, Hibbing, MN
• Thursday, September 11, 2025
  • SSB - 2200 University Ave West, St Paul, MN
• Thursday, November 13, 2025
  • SSB - 2200 University Ave West, St Paul, MN

Meetings are not scheduled in February, April, June, August, October, and December 2025.

Meetings are from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Minutes

2025

• May (DOCX)
• March (DOCX)
• January (DOCX)

2024

• November (DOCX)
• September (DOCX)
• July (DOCX)
• May (DOCX)
• March (DOCX)
• January (DOCX)

Reports

State Plans

2024-2027

• State Plan for Independent Living for Minnesota (DOCX)

Annual Reports

• 2024 (PDF)
• 2023 (PDF)
• 2022 (PDF)

Comprehensive Needs

• Assessment Results Executive Summary (DOCX)
• Assessment Survey Results (DOCX)

Program Performance Review

• 2020 Program Performance Review (DOCX)

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 (DOCX). 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.

Contact

Robin Block, Council Chair
mnsilc.chair@gmail.com
507-327-8804

Jo Erbes, Coordinator
mnsilc1215@gmail.com
612-518-1497

Funding

The VR program received 78.70% of federal fiscal year 2024 funding through grants from the U.S. Department of Education. The federal fiscal year 2024 grants totaled $52,850,455. The required state match for these funds is $14,299,999. The state of Minnesota appropriated $14.3 million to meet the match requirement.