Arkansas Independent Living Council (AILC)
Sha’ Stephens, Executive Director
Julie Finley, Office Manager
11324 Arcade Drive Suite 7 • Little Rock, AR 72212
501-372-0607 • www.AR-SILC.org
The Arkansas Independent Living Council is a nonprofit organization promoting independent living among all individuals with disabilities. The mission of the AILC is to promote independence including freedom of choice and full inclusion into the mainstream of society for all Arkansans with disabilities. The AILC is an education, advocacy and referral agency that works to inform the public throughout Arkansas about the Independent Living philosophy, civil rights, technology and services. There are four Centers for Independent Living Services, serving 25 Arkansas counties. Each Center is governed by its own board and with its own executive directors. Each of these centers offers four core services at this time: information and referral, peer support, independent living skills and training and advocacy.
How We Are Funded
The AILC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a governor-appointed board of directors comprised of 51 percent individuals with a disability. Arkansas Rehab Services and Division of Services for the Blind, who are the fiduciaries, provide funding through a written grant agreement. ARS provides 88 percent and DSB 12 percent of the federal funds.
Biggest Fundraiser
The AILC does not normally do fundraisers, but collaborates with the other Independent Living Center directors and staff when they have a need for a fundraiser. However, donations are welcome from consumers. For more information or to contact one of the four centers, click here.
Wish List
- To collaborate with other disability providers, government agencies and organizations on expanding the knowledge and awareness of the Independent Living philosophy within Arkansas as listed within the state plan.
- To educate and train more businesses on accessibility for people with disabilities.
- To see more public and private organizations and civic groups get involved in the programs available through the centers for independent living.
- To be able to provide more education tools within the disability community on “self advocacy.”
- To be able to expand services to the underserved and unserved in rural areas of the state that do not have access to an abundance of services.