810 First Street, NE #10024 Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 442-8748 Fax: (202) 442-8743 TDD: (202) 216-0555 email: dcsilc@msn.com

FAQs How can I contribute to DCSILC? What is Independent Living? What is Act 139 of 1994 (Independent Living Services Act)? What is the Rehabilitation Act of 1973? What is Section 508? What is Bobby compliance? What are Centers for Independent Living (CILs)? What is the D.C. Center for Independent Living (DCCIL)? What is the difference between the DCCIL and the DCSILC? How can I contribute to DCSILC? We are currently in the process of developing a contibutions page. Currently, all contributions can be sent to: D.C. SILC, 810 First Street, NE #10024, Washington, DC 20002. Phone Number: 202-442-8748. Thank you for your support, and "For us…all things are possible.” What is Independent Living? Consumer choice, autonomy and control define the Independent Living Movement. The Independent Living philosophy holds that individuals with disabilities have the right to live with dignity and with appropriate support in their own homes, fully participate in their communities, and to control and make decisions about their lives. What is Act 139 of 1994 (Independent Living Services Act)? Signed into State law in 1994, the INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES ACT (ACT 139 of 1994) establishes the Statewide Independent Living Council as the chief planning body for Independent Living programs in the State. This legislation mandates the same standards and assurances for State-funded CIL's as are required by the Federally-funded Centers, in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act as amended in 1992. What is the Rehabilitation Act of 1973? The Rehabilitation Act is the Federal legislation that authorizes the formula grant programs of vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, independent living, and client assistance. It also authorizes a variety of training and service discretionary grants administered by the Rehabilitation Services Administration . The Act authorizes research activities that are administered by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and the work of the National Council on Disability. The Act also includes a variety of provisions focused on rights, advocacy and protections for individuals with disabilities. Learn more about the Rehabilitation Act by going to [link opens in new window] http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/RSA/Policy/Legislation/rehabact.doc. What is Section 508? In 1998, Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act to require Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. Section 508 was enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology, to make available new opportunities for people with disabilities, and to encourage development of technologies that will help achieve these goals. The law applies to all Federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology. Under Section 508 (29 U.S.C. ‘794d), agencies must give disabled employees and members of the public access to information that is comparable to the access available to others. To learn more, please visit the official Section 508 website. What is Bobby compliance? Bobby WorldWide is a tool for Web page authors. It helps them identify changes to their pages so users with disabilities can more easily use their Web pages. The suggestions made by Bobby help authors to add information to a Web page which will help special browsers work more effectively. Bobby compliance informs viewers that your site meets Section 508, WAI Priority 1, WAI Priority 2, and WAI Priority 3 guidelines for Web accessibility. To learn more about making your website accessible, visit [link opens in new window] http://www.cast.org/Bobby/. What are Centers for Independent Living (CIL)? Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are nonprofit community-based nonresidential organizations that are run by people with disabilities. CILs are required by the 1992 Amendments of the Rehabilitation Act to have a majority of individuals with disabilities on their Governing Boards and on their staff, including those in decision-making positions. What is the DCCIL? The D.C. Center for Independent Living, Inc., (DCCIL) is a consumer-controlled, community based, private non profit organization that promotes independent lifestyles for persons with significant disabilities in the District of Columbia. What is the difference between the CIL and the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)? The DCCIL is a citywide membership association of CILs, who work in an independent non-regulatory/non-statutory manner to accomplish the mission of it's 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is a state-wide appointed, consumer-controlled Council comprised of statewide and cross-disability representation operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.