Montana Statewide Independent Living Council (MTSILC)
The Montana Statewide Independent Living Council (MTSILC or “the SILC”) is a governor appointed, consumer-controlled council mandated in Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act (as amended.) Council membership must be majority people with disabilities from across Montana.
Other key membership:
- Tribal Health representative
- Center for Independent Living Director
- Vocational Rehab and Blind Services Representative
- Youth (age 18-24) representative
- Parent of a child with a disability
- representatives from other state agencies that provide services for individuals with disabilities throughout all age ranges and disability types.
If you want to provide input for the development of the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), learn more about the council or to find out how to become a representative, please contact:
111 North Last Chance Gulch, Suite 4C
PO Box 4210
Helena, Montana, 59604-4210
1-877-296-1197 (Toll-free consumer line)
(406) 444-2590 (Voice/TTY)
(406) 444-3632 (Fax)
mtsilc@mt.gov
Members Needed
Contact us now to serve on MTSILC!
mtsilc@mt.gov
406-454-6066
406-202-8064
Independent Living means people with disabilities participating in community life and pursuing activities based entirely upon self-determined interests and preferences.
YOU can help make Independent Living a reality for ALL Montanans.
MTSILC requires people with all types of disabilities from every corner of montana to lead and empower their community.
Contact mtsilc@mt.gov or 406-454-6066 for more information or to apply.
Alternatively, you can fill out this MTSILC online application form.
Scott Williamson, Chair
swilliam4989@gmail.com
Ronan
Michael Manhardt, Vice Chair
mrmanhardt@uwalumni.com
Missoula
Jean Schroeder, Secretary
jschroeder@mtempowermentcenter.org
Vaughn
Tami Hoar, CIL Director
thoar@summitilc.org
Missoula
June Hermanson, Advocate
jguenzler@hotmail.com
Helena
Julie Williams, MonTECH
julie.williams@mso.umt.edu
Missoula
Allyson Talaska, VR Rep
Allyson.Talaska@mt.gov
Missoula
Tom Thompson
tomskilaw@gmail.com
Missoula
Savanah Smith, Parent
savvyrs07@gmail.com
Poplar
Hannah Thompson, Advocate
hthompsonsilc@gmail.com
Missoula
Melanie Beagle, Person with Disability not employed by State or CIL
mbeagle406@gmail.com
Butte
Heather Giese, Parent
heathergiese4@gmail.com
Bainville
Chris Johnsrud, Person with Disability not employed by State or CIL
cjohnsrud72@gmail.com
Great Falls
Nichole Lowrance, Advocate
nlowrance@jobconnection.org
Billings
Vacancies:
Tribal Representative
Member At-Large
Advocate
One role of the SILC is to help develop the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL,) which contains the policies and recommendations for the state independent living program.
Another important role of the SILC is to identify societal barriers to independent living and to collaborate with Centers for Independent Living, Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind services (VRBS) and other shareholders to remove those barriers and to increase the supports and services needed to create independent living opportunities. Other MTSILC activities include sponsoring public hearings, quarterly public meetings, and other educational and outreach efforts; providing information to public officials, state agencies and local organizations and individuals; and conducting studies, and research.
The SILC also partners with the State Rehabilitation Council and Centers for Independent Living to advocate, expand disability services, provide disability education, and assist in the development of future disability leaders through programs like the Montana Youth Leadership Forum (MYLF).
2.1 SILC Member Job Description
2.4 Reimbursement and Meeting Budget
2.6 Policies Not Covered Elsewhere
3.1 Explanation of SPIL and PPR
3.2 Montana State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL)
6.1 Commons Programs at Centers for IL
6.4 History of Independent Living
6.5 Important Dates for Independent Living
6.6 The Designated State Entity
6.7 Philosophy and History of VR
6.8 Montana Voc Rehabilitation Offices
Additional Information:
SILC responsibilities under Rehab Act
SILC Guidebook for Chairpersons and Members (2017)
If a different version is needed, please don't hesitate to contact the MT SILC office or email mtsilc@mt.gov mtsilc@mt.gov.
SILC Quarterly Meetings
| Meeting Date | Meeting Location | Agenda Link | Minutes Link |
| January 27, 2025 Legislative Day | Helena | ||
| March 19, 2025 Rally Day | Helena | ||
| November 20, 2024 | Helena | Agenda | |
| September 9th to 11th, 2024 IL Symposium |
Helena | Agenda | |
|
April 16 & 17, 2024 |
Missoula Hybrid | Agenda | Minutes |
| January 16 & 17, 2024 | Virtual | Agenda | Minutes |
| November 21, 2023 9am-3pm |
Virtual | Agenda | Minutes |
| August 23 & 24, 2023 | Billings | Minutes | |
| May 10, 2023 SRC Joint Meeting |
Helena | ||
| May 9, 2023 | Helena | Minutes | |
| January 25, 2023 | Montana State Capitol | Minutes | |
| December 12, 2022 | Virtual | Minutes | |
| November 14, 2022 | Virtual Only | ||
| August 18, 2022 | Great Falls, Hybrid | ||
| April 20, 2022 | Helena, Hybrid | ||
| April 21, 2022 | Helena, Hybrid, SRC Joint Meeting | ||
| January 18-19, 2022 | Helena, Hybrid |
Legislative Day: January 27, 2025, Montana State Capital, Helena