State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL)

The primary purpose of the NC Statewide Independent Living Council (NC SILC) is to develop, monitor, review and evaluate the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL).

The 2025 – 2027 Goals of the NC State Independent Living Program (SPIL) were determined based on the top 5 concerns identified by individuals with disabilities, family members, caregivers, other disability organizations, and stakeholders. The SPIL development committee utilized various data collection methods to identify these concerns, this included a needs assessment survey, public forums, and public comment periods.  A brief summary of each goal is listed below. Please refer to the full SPIL in the blue box below for details for each goal.

1. Individuals with disabilities in NC have access to the support and services they need to live independently and participate fully in the community of their choice. Throughout the SPIL Development process, North Carolinians with disabilities shared their concerns about the critical shortage of affordable and accessible housing and numerous issues finding and accessing transportation, especially in rural communities. During the next three years, the NC SILC and CILS will continue to advocate at local, state, and national levels for increased access to affordable and accessible housing and more transportation options. By the end of our 3-year plan, an Inclusive Housing Toolkit will be available to help individuals with disabilities self-advocate and find resources to access affordable and accessible housing.  Under this goal, we will also identify the top 3 transportation problems impacting people with disabilities across the state. Using the information we collect from individuals with disabilities, we will host meetings with legislators and transportation authorities to educate them and provide recommendations to address these transportation issues.
2. North Carolinians with disabilities have access to the services and support they need to secure competitive, integrated employment with a living wage.  During the next three years, NC SILC and the NC CILs will strategically provide outreach and education to encourage businesses to hire people with disabilities.  Additionally, the NC SILC and CILS will partner with other organizations to promote and provide information for paid internship opportunities.
3. People with disabilities have equal access to community resources during a disaster, this includes a natural disaster (hurricane, flood, fire, tornado, pandemic) a human-made disaster (terrorism, civil unrest, or a mass shooting) or a technological disaster (chemical releases, power outages or mass cybersecurity breach). Emergencies can occur anywhere and anytime. It is essential that individuals with disabilities are prepared and have access to appropriate and accessible options before, during, and after a disaster or emergency. NC SILC will be developing an emergency/disaster resource page specifically for people with disabilities on our website.  Please remember that the NC CILs also provide information, resources, and assistance within their service areas to help you create an emergency plan and connect you to critical resources during and after a disaster or emergency.
4.  The NC IL Network operates efficiently, has adequate funding, and effectively serves individuals with disabilities.  The NC CILs are severely underfunded and experience many challenges to meet the growing demand for services and the cost of living.  Sadly, over half of the counties in NC don't have access to a Center for Independent Living. During the next three years, NC SILC and NC CILS will jointly identify and develop a plan for capacity building and more equitable funding. It is critical that NC CILs can hire and retain qualified staff to provide quality services to people with disabilities in NC.
5.  Youth with disabilities in NC understand their disability rights and model the IL Philosophy. Young people like Ed Roberts and Judy Heumann were at the forefront of the Independent Living and Disability Rights movement.  Bringing youth into the IL movement is critical to keep us moving forward. The NC SILC and NC CILS are committed to providing opportunities for youth to learn about disability rights, disability justice, and the IL philosophy. The NC SILC encourages young adults with disabilities to join our Council. The NC CILs offer youth transition services to empower young adults with disabilities to make their own decisions, have relationships and access the same benefits as non-disabled people and participate in their youth-led programs and/or events.  We are excited to announce that each year during the next three years, we will send one NC young adult to the annual Youth Conference hosted by the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living. This is an amazing opportunity for a young adult to attend a professional conference that is planned by and for youth with disabilities. Youth attendees participate in workshops to learn about disability rights, how to self-advocate, share resources, and mingle with other youth nationwide.