Do you have a disability or a passion for accessibility? Apply to join WASILC as a council member.
Strong candidates have experience with the disability community. We encourage people of all ages, backgrounds and disabilities to apply.
Click on the "Apply to Serve" button below to be directed to the Governor's website to complete your application. In the drop-down menu on the application, WASILC is listed as "Independent Living Council, State."
The application will ask for your contact information, work history and experience, personal references from friends, family or previous employers, and a statement about why you want to join the council. We recommend writing out your answers in a separate document first.
Please communicate directly with WASILC staff rather than the Governor's office, if you need any support with the application process. Please contact us at 1-800-624-4105.
The WASILC has 11 council member seats, which are appointed by the governor.
Who decides who serve on the council?
WASILC reviews applications and makes recommendations to the governor for appointment to the Council. The governor appoints each council member.
Members may serve two terms. Each term is three years. Second terms are not guaranteed. If a member is appointed to serve out the remainder of another person's term, they are still eligible to apply for two terms in their own right.
Serving on the WASILC does involve a time commitment. Members meet in person for at least four quarterly meetings in January, April, July and October each year. Meetings are held in various geographical locations throughout the state of Washington or virtually over Zoom. Between council meetings, members are expected to take part in at least one WASILC committee. Members are expected to participate in monthly virtual committee meetings.
No, but council members can be reimbursed for accommodations that pertain to council functions.
The Council is obligated to follow all the laws, policies and procedures established by the State of Washington regarding travel. The WASILC arranges and pays for airfare and lodging for travel related to council business. Council members pay for fuel and food while in travel status, but are reimbursed for mileage and per diem based on state travel guidelines.
WASILC council shall be composed of members who provide statewide representation, have a broad range of individuals with disabilities from diverse backgrounds and who are knowledgeable about centers for independent living and independent living services. WASILC strives for a broad range of individuals with geographic, disability, ethnic, gender and advocacy diversity.
WASILC must have at least one director of an Independent Living Center chosen by the directors of Independent Living Centers within the state and tribal representation from federal or state reservations.
Other council members could include individuals with disabilities, another a representative from an independent living center, parent and or guardians for individuals with disabilities, advocates for people with disabilities, private business, service providers for individuals with disabilities, youth, and other appropriate individuals. Ex-officio members are representative from state units of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Department of Services for the Blind and other agencies providing services for individuals with disabilities.
