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NASILC 2026: 28th Annual SILC Congress
Workshop #1: SILC 101 – Roles, Responsibilities, and Foundations of Effective Councils
This training provides an overview of the foundational roles and responsibilities of Statewide Independent Living Councils and their partners. Participants will explore key regulations and indicators governing the IL Network, examine the distinct roles of CILs, SILCs, and DSEs, and develop a shared understanding of how these partners collaborate to advance Independent Living statewide.
Objectives
- The regulations and indicators regarding the duties, standards, and authorities of all the IL Network partners (CILs, SILC, and DSE).
- The differences between the roles of CILs, SILCs, and DSEs.
- The basics of what the SILC is, what it does, and how it interacts with the other partners.
Workshop #2: Needs Assessment Roundtable
This 90-minute roundtable provides a space to share experiences and learn from one another about conducting statewide needs assessments. Participants will discuss approaches to gathering meaningful consumer and community input, increasing participation, and navigating common challenges, including outreach, accessibility, and timelines. The session emphasizes peer exchange over presentation and is designed to surface practical strategies, lessons learned, and ideas participants can adapt to their own needs assessment processes.
Objectives
- Share experiences and lessons learned from conducting needs assessments.
- Identify strategies to increase participation and accessibility.
- Explore practical approaches that peers can adapt to their own processes.
Details
Workshop #3: SILC Autonomy
This training focuses on what SILC autonomy means in practice, why it matters, and how to navigate common challenges. Participants will explore how autonomy shows up in the roles and responsibilities of SILCs, CILs, and DSEs. Through examples and discussion, the training will clarify common areas of confusion and highlight strategies for maintaining autonomy while working collaboratively.
Objectives
- Understand the legal basis for SILC autonomy.
- Identify strategies for maintaining clear boundaries while working collaboratively.
- Recognize common compliance risks and apply course-correction strategies.
Exhibit Table Publications
- Independent Living Acronyms [PDF, 321 KB, opens in new tab] | Independent Living Acronyms [Word, 1.5 MB]
- Designated State Entity (DSE) Guidebook (Updated February 2026) [DocX] [PDF, 423 KB, opens in a new tab]
- SILC Indicators and Assurances & DSE Assurances 2018 (English) [PDF, 280 KB, opens in new tab]
- FAQ Sheet: SILC Resource Plans [DocX, 27 KB]