In the State Plan for Independent Living section of the Act – 704 (i) — clearly requires the SPIL to include in the SPIL a plan for the cooperation between the SILC and CILs as well as others:
Sec. 704. State Plan.
(i) Cooperation, Coordination, and Working Relationships Among Various Entities. – The plan shall set forth the steps that will be taken to maximize the cooperation, coordination, and working relationships among –
(1) the Statewide Independent Living Council
(2) centers for independent living
(3) the designated State entity; and
(4) other State agencies or entities represented on the Council, other councils that address the needs and issues of specific disability populations, and other public and private entities determined to be appropriate by the Council.
Another pertinent reference from the law and regulations is implied every time the word “network” (which is not defined) is used; and since more than 50% of the CIL directors must sign the SPIL, is also necessary there. The SILC’s work with the CILs is found in authorities (which are optional and must be listed in the SPIL)
(a) The SILC may conduct the following discretionary activities, as authorized and described in the approved State Plan:
(1) Work with Centers for Independent Living to coordinate services with public and private entities to improve services provided to individuals with disabilities;
(2) Conduct resource development activities to support the activities described in the approved SPIL and/or to support the provision of independent living services by Centers for Independent Living;
“The purpose of this chapter is to promote a philosophy of independent living, including a philosophy of consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and system advocacy, in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities, and the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American society…”
Section 701 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended