ATLANTA – Gov. Nathan Deal has tapped a Department of Human Services (DHS) staff member to serve on the board of Georgia’s Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC).

Cheryl Harris, an eight-year employee of DHS Division of Aging Services, is the manager of the Division’s Access to Services section, coordinating with the state’s 12 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to help older Georgians maintain independence and remain safely in their homes and communities. As a member of the SILC board, she will work to address societal barriers to independent living and to increase support and independent living opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

The governor-appointed SILC board is composed of individuals from across the state who represent a broad range of disabilities and backgrounds while also exhibiting knowledge about centers for independent living and independent living services.

“SILC is a great partner in our efforts to help those living with disabilities live in a setting of their choosing and avoid unnecessary placement in nursing homes,” DHS Division of Aging Services Director Abby Cox said. “I look forward to working with Cheryl as we seek to create more opportunities for those with disabilities to live independently and thrive in the communities.”

About Cheryl Harris
Harris earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Education from the University of Georgia. Prior to her serving as the Access to Services Section Manager with DHS Division of Aging Services, she was the state lead for Georgia’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection and the training coordinator for the Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Harris and her husband, Chris, reside in Lawrenceville. They have four children and five grandchildren.

About the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia
The Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, Inc. (SILC) is a private nonprofit corporation governed by people with all types of disabilities from all across the state. The role of the SILC is to identify societal barriers to independent living and to collaborate with Centers for Independent Living, Rehabilitation Services and other related entities to remove those barriers and to increase the supports and services needed to create independent living opportunities.