Montana Statewide Independent Living Council (MTSILC)

MTSILC BOARD MEMBERS, January 21, 2026

Chris Johnsrud, Chairman of the SILC

Person with Disability
cjohnsrud72@gmail.com
Great Falls

 Jean Schroeder, Vice-Chairman of the SILC
jschroeder@mtempowermentcenter.org
Vaughn

Julie Williams, Secretary of the SILC
julie.williams@mso.umt.edu
Missoula

Tami Hoar, CIL Director
thoar@summitilc.org
Missoula

June Hermanson, Advocate
jguenzler@hotmail.com
Helena

Savanah Smith, Parent
savvyrs07@gmail.com
Poplar

Hannah Thompson, Advocate
hthompsonsilc@gmail.com
Missoula

Nichole Lowrance, Advocate
nlowrance@jobconnection.org
Billings

Gina Lytle, Person with Disability
gina.lytle14@gmail.com
Helena

Scott Williamson, Person with Disability
swilliam4989@gmail.com
Ronan

Layla Riggs, Youth
Laylariggs109@gmail.com
Missoula

Vacancies:
Indian Health Representative

Every state and U.S. territory are required to establish and maintain a Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC). The Council and the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) within the state work together jointly to advocate for individuals with disabilities.

The MT SILC is a Governor appointed autonomous Board comprised mainly of members with disabilities from across the state. The Board advocates for individuals to integrate into the community by providing individuals with the opportunity to live independently with appropriate support services.  Thus, individuals can live, work, and play in the communities of their choice.

Additionally, the SILC and the CILs work together to develop a State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). The SPIL is a document required by law that indicates how the Independent Living Network outlines the policies and recommendations that guide the state’s independent living program over a three-year time frame. It identifies the needs and priorities of consumers, providers, and other stakeholders and sets forth goals, objectives, and timelines for implementation.

Another critical function of the SILC is to identify barriers that limit independent living and to work collaboratively with Centers for Independent Living, Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services (VRBS), and other stakeholders to remove those barriers. Through these partnerships, the SILC seeks to strengthen the supports and services necessary to expand independent living opportunities for individuals with disabilities across the State. Additional MTSILC activities include sponsoring public hearings, holding quarterly public meetings, leading educational and outreach initiatives, providing information to public officials and community organizations, and conducting studies and research.

Letter from Administrator 

1.1 SILC Beliefs

1.3 SILC General Information

1.4 Funding Overview

1.5 Acronyms Used by IL

2.1 SILC Member Job Description

2.3 Leadership and Committees

2.4 Reimbursement and Meeting Budget

2.5 Travel Policy

2.6 Policies Not Covered Elsewhere

3.1 Explanation of SPIL and PPR

4.1 Annual Program Performance Report (PPR)

5.1 SILC Bylaws

5.2 SILC Policy and Procedures Manual

6.1 Commons Programs at Centers for IL

6.2 CIL Maps

6.3 CIL Contacts

6.4 History of Independent Living

6.5 Important Dates for Independent Living

6.6 The Designated State Entity

6.7 Philosophy and History of VR

6.8 Montana Voc Rehabilitation Offices

Additional Information:

SILC responsibilities under Rehab Act

If a different version is needed, please don't hesitate to contact the MT SILC office or email mtsilc@mt.gov mtsilc@mt.gov.

SILC Quarterly Meetings

The Montana Independent Living Council (MTSILC) is committed to providing access to our events. Please contact Julia.arnold@mt.gov to request disability accommodations. Captioning is provided for every meeting, other accommodations will need 7-day advance notice to arrange for accessibility needs.

Legislative Day:  January 27, 2025, Montana State Capital, Helena

Rally Day:  March 19, 2025, Montana State Capital, Helena

Governor's Reports downloads