Who We Are

The Southern Illinois Center for Independent Living (SICIL) is a community-based, non-profit, and non-residential facility. We offer a variety of services to persons with disabilities (consumers) and their families in order to help consumers remain independent in their own homes and participate in their communities. Services which are aimed at increasing independent living options are also available to any civic/community organization.

The majority of our staff and Board of Directors are people with disabilities. This gives us better insight into the various needs of those we serve.

SICIL’s primary service area covers Franklin, Gallatin, Hardin, Jackson, Perry, Saline, and Williamson counties. We are, however, able to extend several services beyond that area when an eligible consumer is not served by anotherCenter for Independent Living. Examples include services to elderly blind, community reintegration, vocational services, and more.

Those who are impaired in one or more major life functions (and their families) are eligible for individual services. Any person, civic organization, or business is eligible for information and referral services.

SICIL provides services regardless of age, gender, race, sexual preference, or disability. Independent Living services are provided without charge.

History and Mission

During the 1960’s, a group of people who were placed in nursing homes and institutions – simply because they had disabilities – refused to give up their rights. By working together, they formed the Berkeley Center for Independent Living in California, re-entered their communities, and successfully managed their own lives. This was the first cohesive step in starting today’s Independent Living Movement. There are now 22 Centers in Illinois and hundreds across the nation.

As part of the Illinois and the National Independent Living Movements, the Southern Illinois Center for Independent Living is dedicated to the belief that persons with disabilities have the right and responsibility to make choices, to control the direction of their lives, and to participate fully and equally in their communities.