Statewide Independent Living Council

There is hereby established in the Government of the District of Columbia a Statewide Independent Living Council (hereinafter referred to as the "Council").

The Council shall collaborate with the Rehabilitation Services Administration of the District of Columbia Department of Human Services to assure participation of District citizens with disabilities in the planning and development of vocational rehabilitation and independent living services.

The Council shall:

1. Develop in conjunction with the Rehabilitation Services Administration the State Plan

2. Monitor, review and evaluate the implementation of the State Plan

3. Coordinate activities with the State Rehabilitation Advisory Council and other councils that address the needs of specific disability populations and issues under Federal Law

4. Submit to the Commissioner, Rehabilitation Services Administration, and U.S. Department of Education, such periodic reports as the Commissioner may reasonably request, and keep such records and afford such access to such

5. Ensure that all regularly scheduled meetings of the Council are open to the public and sufficient advance notice is provided

6. Evaluate and monitor the overall service delivery system of the D.C. Center for Independent Living, Inc.

7. Hold public hearings on the State Plan and other independent living issues

8. Perform other related duties consistent with the purpose of Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, as the Council deems appropriate

The Council shall be composed of at least 25 members. A majority of the Council members must be individuals with disabilities, not employed by any District Government agency or center for independent living, including the following:

1. Individuals with disabilities

2. At least one director and other representatives of centers for independent living

3. Parents and guardians of individuals with disabilities

4. Advocates of and for individuals with disabilities

5. Representatives from private businesses and organizations that provide services for individuals with disabilities

6. As ex officio, nonvoting members, a representative from the Rehabilitation Services Administration and representatives from other state agencies that provide services for individuals with disabilities

Members of the Council shall be appointed to three year terms, except that of the first members appointed under this Order, one third shall be appointed for three years from the date a majority of the first members are installed, one-third shall be appointed for two years from the date a majority of the first members are installed and one-third shall be appointed for one year from the date a majority of the first members are installed. A member who is appointed to fill a vacancy in an unexpired term, shall serve for the remainder of that term. The vacancy shall not affect the power of the remaining members to execute the duties of the Council. No member of the Council may serve more than two consecutive full terms.

 The Council shall select a chairperson from among the membership of the Council.