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About
We are who we serve.
Services for Independent Living (SIL) is a non-profit Center for Independent Living
that promotes independence for persons with disabilities, seniors, and veterans by following the Independent Living Philosophy. We are part of a network of 22 Centers in the state of Missouri.
SIL is Consumer-Controlled with at least fifty-one percent of staff and Board of Directors being individuals with disabilities; Community-Based programs, supports, and services designed to increase independence, quality of life, and economic self-sufficiency of people with disabilities, seniors, and veterans; Cross-Disability by serving people with all types of disabilities; Across the Life Span by serving individuals of all ages; and Non-Residential by not owning or operating any residential care facilities.
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Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The Disability Rights Movement, which created Centers for Independent Living, was born out of the Civil Rights Movement. As a Center for Independent Living, we have a vision of a barrier-free community. This means we must commit to actively addressing the most significant barriers in society – systemic racism, discrimination, and oppression. Over fifty-one percent of our board of directors, leadership, and staff are individuals with diverse backgrounds, including disability, race, and culture. Having a diverse organization promotes serving a diverse consumer population, which helps us reach marginalized groups in our community. Our Board of Directors and staff remain intolerant to any acts of racism or discrimination, and we are committed to addressing necessary change within our organization.
History
Established in 1980, Services for Independent Living (SIL) was founded with the purpose to promote equal opportunity and choice for persons with disabilities, seniors, and their families. As a Center for Independent Living (CIL), 51% or more of the staff and
Board of Director members are individuals with disabilities.

People painting porch

Consumer utilizing SIL's transportation services

Elderly man playing harmonica

People painting porch
Core services
Independent Living Centers provide five core services:
Advocacy
Independent Living Skills
Information and Referral
Peer Support
Transition
Service area
SIL serves individuals within our seven county service area of Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cooper, Howard, Montgomery, and Randolph counties. SIL offers programs and services for youth and adults with disabilities, seniors and the community.
