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
Brent Morris, Secretary
bam.montana@outlook.com
Billings
Tami Hoar, CIL Director (pending)
thoar@summitilc.org
Missoula
June Hermanson, Chair
jguenzler@hotmail.com
Helena
Joel Peden
jpeden@mtcil.org
Helena
Molly Kimmel, MonTECH
molly.kimmel@mso.umt.edu
Missoula
Michael Manhardt, Rep to SRC
mrmanhardt@uwalumni.com
Missoula
Allyson Talaska, VR Rep
Allyson.Talaska@mt.gov
Missoula
Tom Thompson
tomskilaw@gmail.com
Missoula
Scott Williamson, Vice Chair
swilliam4989@gmail.com
Ronan
Emma Hixson, Youth
ehixson04@yahoo.com
Missoula
Savanah Smith, Parent (pending)
Poplar
Vacancies:
Tribal Representative
Member At-Large
Contact us now to serve on MTSILC!
mtsilc@mt.gov
406-444-4175
OR
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).
SILC Quarterly Meetings
| Meeting Date | Meeting Location | Agenda link | Minutes link |
| November 2023 | TBD | ||
| August 2023 | TBD | ||
| April 20, 2023 | TBD, SRC Joint Meeting | ||
| April 19, 2023 | TBD | ||
| January 25, 2023 | Montana State Capital | ||
| November 14, 2022 | Virtual Only | ||
| August 18, 2022 | Great Falls, Hybrid | ||
| April 20, 2022 | Helena, Hybrid | April 20 2022 Agenda | |
| April 21, 2022 | Helena, Hybrid, SRC Joint Meeting | ||
| January 18-19, 2022 | Helena, Hybrid | Minutes Jan 18-19 2022 |
<will add links to agendas and minutes>
Legislative Day: January 26, 2023, Montana State Capital, Helena
Members Needed!
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)444-4175 for more information or to apply.