Council provides statewide representation for persons living with disabilities

Auburn, AL — Accessible Alabama is thrilled to announce that its Executive Director Dr. Eric Peebles has recently been appointed to the State of Alabama Independent Living Council (SILC) by Gov. Kay Ivey.  The appointment is effective immediately and will last through July 22, 2022.

The SILC provides statewide representation for, “a broad range of individuals with disabilities from diverse backgrounds and/or family members of persons with disabilities, or service providers who are knowledgeable about centers for independent living and independent living services,” according to the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS). Jointly with the ADRS, SILC members develop, monitor and implement the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL).

“As one of my appointees, you will be making important decision that directly affect the citizens of Alabama,” Ivey states in her appointment letter. “I have made honesty and integrity a priority in my Administration, and I know that you will embody these two virtues while serving the people of Alabama.”

Dr. Peebles expressed his enthusiasm for his newly-appointed role.

“As administrators and advocates who ensure that our citizens with even the most complex disabilities can exercise the full rights of citizenship without coercion or exploitation, we have an obligation to develop and support policy recommendations that facilitate access to services that promote sustained community living for individuals with disabilities and their families.”

In addition to his role as Executive Director of Accessible Alabama, Dr. Peebles currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Disability Leadership Coalition of Alabama and was elected co-chair in October 2017. He’s also a member of the Board of Directors for Alabama Select Network, on which he chairs the Consumer Advisory Committee.

A PhD graduate of Auburn University’s rehabilitation program, Dr. Peebles served the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation and Counseling in a variety of research and direct instruction roles from August 2010 to 2018.

Accessible Alabama engages the public, private and non-profit sectors to help communities step up to meet current accessible housing needs and prepare for the accelerating demand as the aging population grows. It works to build bridges between housing development stakeholders and the needs of people with disabilities in an effort to increase awareness of community needs.

As a personal with a disability, Dr. Peebles integrates his professional skills with a first-person viewpoint on the needs of persons with disabilities.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Marianna Farmer at [email protected]. To learn more about Accessible Alabama, visit www.accessiblealabama.org.

****

Contact: Marianna Farmer
Phone: 888-678-2767 Extension 105
Email: [email protected]