The latest State Plan for Independent Living was submitted on October 1, 2024, and covers the period 2025-2027.
Here are the
highlights.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Maine State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) is a document that guides goals over the next three years. The purpose is to promote the independent living philosophy, which is based on consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access and individual and systems advocacy; in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence and productivity of individuals with significant disabilities; to promote the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American society.
Maine's Independent LIving Network consists of the Maine Statewide Independent Living Council (Maine SILC) which works in partnership with Maine's only Center for Independent Living (CIL), Alpha One, and our Designated State Entity, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).
Maine SILC did extensive research looking at past Maine SPIL survey questions, surveys from other states, various avenues of collecting data, and tailoring all our SPIL documents in a manner that was user friendly to all.
Maine SILC created a Needs Assessment Survey through Microsoft 365, utilizing Microsoft Forms, that was used during the SPIL development. The Survey was active from January 1 through February 5, 2024.The Survey link was sent to other disability organizations, such as Disability Rights Maine, the Developmental Disabilities Council and the Office on Aging and Disability Services, throughout the state where many posted the link on their website. Council members shared the survey link with their agencies, organizations, and contacts.
Maine's IL Network held five Listening Sessions across the state. Hybrid Listening Sessions were held at the following three physical locations - Bangor, Augusta, and South Portland. Maine SILC carefully chose locations that were on public bus routes to provide individuals with disabilities more opportunities to attend. Maine SILC scheduled ASL and CART availability for all Sessions. Due to the rural nature of the state, we scheduled two virtual-only ZOOM Listening Sessions. A notetaker was also present at all Sessions. Maine SILC received 61 responses to the Survey from fifteen out of sixteen counties across the state.
Following the Listening Sessions, the SPIL Development Committee reviewed all information and made recommendations regarding the SPIL. The draft SPIL was presented to Maine SILC members, Alpha One (CIL) and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DSE). After the public comment period, updates were made and the SPIL for 2025-2027 was signed and submitted.
Section 1: Mission, Goals, Objectives, and Activities
1.1 - MISSION
Mission of the Independent Living Network and the SPIL
Maine's Independent Living Network will work together to improve consumer access to IL Services, improve awareness of the IL philosophy and establish community partnerships that will strengthen the Independent Living Network.
1.2 - GOALS
Goals of the Statewide Plan for Independent Living
Goal #1: Promote Awareness of Independent Living Services for those with disabilities throughout the State.
Goal #2: Provide Resources about Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery to People with Disabilities.
Goal #3: Connect people with disabilities to transportation resources.
1.3 - OBJECTIVES
Objectives for the three-year period of the plan – including geographic scope, desired outcomes, target dates, and indicators. Including compatibility with the purpose of Title VII, Chapter 1.
Goal #1: Promote Awareness of Independent Living Services for those with disabilities throughout the State.
Objective #1.1: Determine consumer awareness of needs and services available for people with disabilities.
Measurable Indicators:
Indicator #1.1.1: The IL Network will survey consumers statewide annually to access knowledge of IL services. Target dates: September 30, 2025 - 2027.
Other Objective info and/or Activities (optional):
Geographic Scope: Statewide
Objective #1.2: Inform educators and policymakers of the needs of people with disabilities in Maine and advocate for legislation to address those needs.
Measurable Indicators:
Indicator #1.2.1: Maine SILC will keep monitoring state policy rules and legislative proposals in order to advocate for any issues that impact the independent living landscape.
Other Objective info and/or Activities (optional):
Geographic Scope: Statewide
Objective #1.3: Maine SILC will develop education and advocacy materials to be dispersed to communities throughout Maine.
Measurable Indicators:
Indicator #1.3.1: foCommunity outreach will be completed on a quarterly basis.
Other Objective info and/or Activities (optional):
Geographic Scope: Statewide
Goal #2: Provide Resources about Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery to People with Disabilities.
Objective #2.1: Provide people with disabilities resources about emergency preparedness, response, and recovery activities.
Measurable Indicators:
Indicator #2.1.1: Identify and implement online materials for use by Alpha One and other disability service providers to educate their clients about being prepared in case of an emergency.This will include information for consumers on how to make an emergency plan kit.This information will be included in outreach and education activities.
Other Objective info and/or Activities (optional):
Geographic Scope:
Objective #2.2: Work with partner agencies (i.e. CIL) and others to share information about disability-specific planning and emergency preparedness resources.
Measurable Indicators:
Indicator #2.2.1: On an annual basis, SILC will coordinate educational sessions with Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to ensure current information and resources are shared with the disability community.
Other Objective info and/or Activities (optional):
Geographic Scope:
Goal #3: Connect people with disabilities to transportation resources.
Objective #3.1: Identify key contacts within the transportation network to discuss ways to improve availability/access of transportation throughout the State for people with disabilities.
Measurable Indicators:
Indicator #3.1.1: Participate a minimum of four times per year in meetings with agencies that provide transportation to help identify gaps for people and advocate for the needs of people with disabilities.