Paralysis Resource Center State Pilot Program – Year One: 

        Texas State Independent Living Council

Program Overview

The Texas State Independent Living Council (SILC) aims to increase supports and services through the use of virtual 

independent living services to help Texans living with paralysis become more independent and integrated in their 

communities. The Virtual Independent Living platform brings a variety of Independent Living Services to unserved and 

underserved populations through access from a smartphone, tablet, computer, or telephone. This technology increases 

access to independent living services for individuals with paralysis who have difficulty leaving home, reside in areas lacking 

adequate accessible transportation, or otherwise have limited access to services. The virtual platform offers assistance on 

developing an individual plan and services, and the opportunity to engage in small group discussions, such as peer support, 

training, and advocacy opportunities.

The project aims to provide greater access to Texans with paralysis in the environment they choose; decrease isolation and 

help them better connect with peers; increase coalitions between community-based organizations providing services and 

supports to Texans; and enhance employment opportunities for Texans with disabilities and provide strategies for them to 

thrive in their communities.

The partnerships created through this project between the SILC and community-based organizations provides a bridge to 

services for individuals in need. In Year One, Texas SILC awarded grants to three subawardees: Heart of Texas Center for 

Independent Living; NMD United; and United Spinal Houston. Subawardees will provide trainings, opportunities for 

discussion groups and mentoring, and disability-related education.

Administrative Structure 

The Virtual Independent Living Services project relies on key 

staff from the Texas SILC to oversee the project: 

· Executive Director, who manages overall project

operations

· Project Manager, who provides day-to-day management 

of the project

· Financial Officer, who manages all financial and budget 

aspects of the award 

· General Council, acts as the general council and runs 

specific project activities as they relate to the 

Independent Living network and the State Plan for 

Independent Living

· Project Coordinator, who ensures all Texas SILC project 

activities are fully accessible, works with subawardees on 

technical assistance, and maintains the project website

Texas SILC also works with the Project Advisory Committee, 

which provides leadership of the project and continuous 

monitoring for project improvement. Additionally, Texas 

SILC uses consultants to conduct third-party review of 

subaward recipient process, assist in data collection and 

analysis efforts, and provide technical assistance on the use 

of technology.

Technical Assistance Offered

· Texas SILC developed a toolkit that details how to 

effectively use and leverage the technology. The 

toolkit includes outreach materials, instructional 

videos, and troubleshooting support. 

· A Project and Data Sharing webpage that houses

project outreach information, project outcomes and 

highlights, and serves as a model for other 

organizations to provide virtual Independent Living 

Services for individuals living with paralysis.

Outcomes

In Year One, the Texas SILC received four applications and 

awarded three grants. In early surveys, program 

participants, families and their support networks 

expressed satisfaction with the subawardee programming 

and reported greater access to independent living services 

and decreased isolation. 

The SILC noted challenges in building trust with 

participants and engaging them over a virtual platform, as 

well as technology-related challenges such as operating 

the virtual platform and overall lack of access to 

computers and internet in rural areas.