Take ActionReauthorizing the Rehabilitation Act is NCIL’s top priority. For those who are unfamiliar with this legislation, the Rehabilitation Act mandates how Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs) operate.
The 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.
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.
