PREAMBLE

We believe that all human beings are born with intrinsic value and the inherent right to develop their potential to the full without any form of discrimination or impediment.

We therefore advocate the right of persons with disabilities to live fully and with dignity as equal members of the community by our co-operative endeavour through SILA.


1. Name And Description

Our group is known as "SILA", which is the acronym for "Sustainable Independent Living and Access".

SILA is a free association of organisations and individuals committed to the vision of sustainable independent living and access for the disabled in Penang. It is not a political, religious, ethnic or profit-making entity.


2. Aim And Objectives

The aim of SILA is the equalisation of opportunities for and the full participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of the community.

Its objectives are:

(A) Promotion of non-handicapping environments, in particular access to public facilities and services.

(B) Creation of public awareness of the needs and rights of the disabled.

(C) Fostering cross-disability solidarity for mutual interest.

(D) Such other specific objectives as may from time to time be set by SILA to achieve its aim.


3. Associates

We welcome all organisations and citizens who subscribe to the aim and objectives of SILA to join as associates. An associate organisation has only one voice irrespective of the number of its representatives. All associates are equal in SILA.

4. Meetings

SILA shall meet as often as deemed necessary by its associates. Any associate may call for a meeting of SILA. Decisions of SILA are by consensus. While working towards consensus on issues, divergent views are recognised and respected. The roles of facilitator and recorder may be rotated amongst the associates present.

5. Leadership

All associates share the responsibility for the leadership of SILA. However, a co-ordinator may be appointed by the associates to serve for a term of six months at a time. He shall
co-ordinate the work of sila, conduct its correspondence and act as spokesman for SILA in close consultation with fellow associates.


6. Representation

In all affairs of SILA, there should be a fair and signicant representation and participation of people with diverse disabilities.


7. Finance

All associates are expected to be responsible for their own expenses in participating in the activities of SILA. Any donations made for the purposes of SILA may be held in trust by a fellow associate appointed by SILA.


8. Interpretation and revision

 This is a non-binding statement providing an informal framework for co-operation among the associates. This statement may be revised by SILA from time to time by consent of the associates.


9. Duration

duration of SILA is unlimited but it may be dissolved by mutual consent of its fellow associates.


This is a non-binding statement providing an informal framework for co-operation among the associates. This statement may be revised by SILA from time to time by consent of the associates.

Last modified on Friday, February 28, 2003