Mission Statement: The Washington State Independent Living Council promotes a statewide network supporting the Independent Living Philosophy for people with disabilities through advocacy, education, planning, and collaboration.
Vision Statement: WASILC’S vision is a world where people with disabilities exercise equal rights and participate fully in all aspects of society.
Core Values: Choice, Self-Sufficiency, Independence, Voice, Equal Opportunity, Self-Determination, Equal Access, Consumer Control, Self-Direction, Cross-Disability, Self-Advocacy, Respect, Honesty.
Independent Living philosophy emphasizes consumer control, the idea that people with disabilities are the best experts on their own needs, having crucial and valuable perspective to contribute and deserving of equal opportunity to decide how to live, work, and take part in their communities, particularly in reference to services that powerfully affect their day-to-day lives and access to independence.
The Independent Living Movement is founded in the belief that people with disabilities, regardless of the form, have a common history and a shared struggle, that we are a community and a culture that will advance further banded together politically.
WASILC advocates to influence decision makers on statewide systems change. These changes positively impact the disability community and increase the opportunities to live and work in their communities of choice and exercise their civil rights.
WASILC partner’s with state agencies, nonprofits, and people with disabilities. We advocate for resources that are community-based, consumer-controlled, and promote the Independent Living Philosophy.
WASILC and the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) develop the 3-year State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). The SPIL provides federal funding for services and expands the Independent Living Network under the Independent Living Philosophy. WASILC oversees and monitors the SPIL.
WASILC and CILs are designed as equal partners and collaborators for the Independent Living Movement. Their roles include; providing services, advocacy and education, and planning. This is accomplished through the Independent Living Philosophy lens. The goal is for Washingtonians with disabilities to live and work in the community of their choice and exercise their civil rights over the choices they make.
