Statewide Independent Living Council public meetings in 2020
7 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Statewide Independent Living Council
The council is meeting to review a quarterly budget update and an interagency agreement. The session includes progress reports on State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) goals and updates from various state agencies and centers.
- Quarterly Budget Update presented by Steven N. and Jessica Lewis
- Director's Report and Interagency Agreement
- Updates from VA, LHC, OBH, LRS, and Elderly Affairs
- Transportation issues advocacy update from Jamie Ainsworth
- Updates from Southwest Louisiana Independence Center, New Horizons Independent Living Center, and Resources on Independent Living
The Council voted to separate from the Governor's Office and approved the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) for the next three years with corrections. Two committees were established to research a new fiscal agent and manage the executive director's hiring process. The Council also postponed a decision on attending the SILC Congress until February 2021.
- Approved separation from the Governor's Office (12-4)
- Approved SPIL for the next three years with discussed corrections
- Approved agenda
- Approved August 6-7, 2020 minutes with corrections
- Established committee to research fiscal agents (Chair: Steven Nguyen)
- Established committee for executive director evaluation and hiring
- Approved development of a work plan for goals and autonomy
- Tabled decision on SILC Congress attendance until February 2021
Statewide Independent Living Council
The Statewide Independent Living Council is meeting to discuss goals for increasing awareness of independent living philosophy, promoting economic stability for people with disabilities, and ensuring SILC autonomy. The agenda includes approval of prior minutes, a director's report, a quarterly budget update, and updates from partner agencies.
- Quarterly budget update from Sharron H. and Jessica Lewis
- Update from Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) by Melissa Bayham
- Update from Elderly Affairs by Michele Guillory
- Update from OCDD by Rosemary Morals
- Updates from Centers for Independent Living (SLIC, NHILC, RIL)
The council elected its leadership for the coming year and approved a revised Policy and Procedure manual. Members also voted to recommend Mr. Garofola for gubernatorial appointment and Mr. Donaldson as an alternate. Most other programs and meetings remain postponed due to COVID-19.
- Re-elected Danny Cottonham as Chairperson
- Elected Sharon Hennessy as Vice Chair
- Elected Daryn Broussard as Secretary
- Elected Steven N. as Treasurer
- Elected Erick T. as Member at Large
- Recommended Mr. Garofola for Governor appointment
- Appointed Mr. Donaldson as an alternate member
- Approved the Policy and Procedure manual
Statewide Independent Living Council
The Statewide Independent Living Council is convening an emergency meeting via Zoom. The session focuses on an appeal request and funding discussions related to Part B.
- Statement of the appeal request
- RIL Appeal letter presentation by Yavonka
- Part B video presentation
- Part B funding discussion
Statewide Independent Living Council
The Statewide Independent Living Council is seeking public comments, suggestions, and opinions for the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). This three-year plan is required by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
- Public commenting period from May 12 to June 12
- Physical copies of the SPIL available at locations in Shreveport, Baton Rouge, Kenner, and Lake Charles
- Written comments accepted via mail to 1051 N. Third Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70804, Suite 136 or email
The provided text is an instructional manual for completing and submitting the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), rather than meeting minutes. It outlines the requirements, definitions, and processes for developing, amending, and submitting the plan to the ACL/OILP.
Statewide Independent Living Council
The Statewide Independent Living Council is meeting to discuss the State Plan for Independent Living. The agenda is sparse and primarily procedural, with no specific votes, contracts, or detailed proposals listed.
- Discussion of the State Plan for Independent Living
The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) voted to approve an amended State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) with a specific funding recommendation. The council also approved updated Bylaws and the P&P Manual, and reappointed two members.
- Approved amended SPIL funding distribution: NH 45%, SLIC 45%, RIL-BR 5%, and RIL-NO 5% (7-2)
- Approved Bylaws with corrections
- Approved P&P Manual with corrections
- Reappointed Mitch Granger to the council
- Reappointed Dayran Broussard to the council
- Approved including 'Inclusion, the story of the American Disability Act' in orientation
- Approved drafting a letter on behalf of SILC regarding FHF funding
Statewide Independent Living Council
The Statewide Independent Living Council will meet in Baton Rouge to discuss the State Plan for Independent Living. The meeting is scheduled across two days.
- State Plan for Independent Living
The council approved a legislative agenda focusing on the SPAS program, Community Choice Waiver, accessible parking, and supported decision making. Members voted on recommendations for new council appointments and approved a motion to draft a letter regarding accessibility issues at the RIL building.
- Approved legislative agenda items: SPAS program, Community Choice Waiver, SB 252 Accessible Parking, and Supported Decision Making
- Approved motion to draft a letter to the RIL building owner regarding missing ramps and faded parking signs
- Recommended Welma Jackson, Charlene Gradney, and Denisa Joshua for appointment under new EO
- Recommended Stephen Whitlow and Jarrod Bottley for immediate appointment to current vacancies
- Recommended Esther Marshal Jett and Shaely Cheramie for appointment after April 10th
- Approved motion to move forward with planning events for the Emergency prep committee
- Approved motion to explore ideas for a Gala
- Approved agenda and November 2019 meeting minutes
Statewide Independent Living Council
The Statewide Independent Living Council is holding public hearings to gather comments, suggestions, and opinions for the development of the State Plan for Independent Living. This plan is required by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and covers a three-year period.
- Public hearings held at multiple locations including Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Alexandria, Monroe, Kenner, Lake Charles, Lafayette, and Leesville
- Opportunity for public comment on the three-year State Plan for Independent Living