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Independent Living News & Policy from the National Council on Independent Living

Send Your Senators A Message Online: Reauthorize the Rehabilitation Act Now!

Take Action!

Reauthorizing the Rehabilitation Act is NCIL’s top priority. The Rehabilitation Act mandates how Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs) operate.

What's the fix? Senate Bill 1356 - Independent Living belongs to the people. ncil.org/rehabactThe Rehabilitation Act is contained within the Workforce Investment Act of 2013 (WIA), Senate Bill 1356. WIA has not been reauthorized since 1998, even though Congress requires it to be reauthorized every five years.

Disability and Independent Living advocates have worked tirelessly with legislators to strengthen the language within the Rehabilitation Act. S.1356 contains significant changes to the Independent Living program, including the creation of an Independent Living Administration (ILA), which will be located within the Administration for Community Living.

On July 31, 2013, S. 1356 was passed out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee.

Tell your Senator it is time to move S. 1356 to the Senate Floor and pass it!

S. 1356 is your chance to join the efforts of countless people who created change in the past and continue to ensure that the laws of this land are equal and accessible for all. Please take this opportunity to let your Senators know that they should support WIA and how it would affect you!

Additional information on S. 1356 can be found at www.ncil.org/rehabact.

Comments

  1. Arizona has one of the best ILCs in the country & continued funding will keep it that way.

  2. Unemployment in the population of disabilities has continued to remain unacceptably high. The Rehabilitation Act takes common-sense steps to address this national problem. People with disabilities want to work, are asking to work. Disability is a nonpartisan area of concern. There should be no reason to support the Rehabilitation Act from both sides of the aisle. This is an opportunity to have a positive impact on up to 20% of your constituents.