State Plan for Independent Living

In order to receive Independent Living funds under Title VII, Chapter 1 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, each state must develop a State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). The current plan was submitted and approved in 2010.

• Wisconsin State Plan for Independent Living, 2010-2013 (669 KB pdf)

The Council and Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) in cooperation with other partners develop the SPIL every three years. The plan addresses use of funds for the federal “State Independent Living Services” (SILS) and Centers for Independent Living (CIL) programs. These programs are funded by various sources including funds authorized under Title VII of the Federal Rehabilitation Act and state funds provided through DVR and the Department of Health Services.

Plan Outline

• Part I of the SPIL restates assurances that DVR and recipients of funds under the plan must meet. The plan is signed to show that we have met and will meet these assurances.
• Part II is the narrative of the Plan.
  • Section 1 includes the goals, objectives and activities to be provided under the plan. The major objectives under the current plan address the following issues affecting people with disabilities:
    • People with disabilities will live in fully inclusive communities
      • People will improve their access to transportation
      • People will increase their access to housing
    • People will have reasonable economic stability
      • People will increase their access to competitive/integrated employment
      • People will have meaningful access to work incentives benefits consultation
    • People will have meaningful access to person-centered community living supports
      • Consumers will have meaningful access to individual supports that allow them to participate in all aspects of our communities – mental health & long-term care
    • People will maximize their ability to effect change, manage their lives and live with a sense of personal power
      • People will develop leadership skills
      • Consumers will advocate for needs through a grassroots network with a statewide presence
    • A statewide network of IL Centers will provide quality services as needed by people
      • Consumers will have access, as needed to IL services
      • Consumers will have access to quality IL services
    • Outreach to unserved and underserved groups
    • Use of funds under the plan
    • Cooperation, coordination and working relationships among DVR, IL Centers, ILCW and various government programs, including the Older Blind IL program
  • Section 2 addresses the scope, extent and arrangement of services
  • Section 3 addresses the design for the statewide network of Centers for Independent Living
  • Section 4 addresses administrative support by DVR for independent living services
  • Section 5 addresses how the Statewide Independent Living Council is organized and supported
  • Section 6 addresses other service program requirements including how compliance with assurances will be monitored
  • Section 7 addresses how we will evaluate implementation of the plan
  • Section 8 on state-imposed requirements.