History & 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 right to live and work in the community. By working together, they formed the first Center of Independent living in Berkeley, California, re-entered society, and successfully managed their won lives.
Empowered by these new role models, “consumers”(as those served by the CIL's were called) began to compare what ”is” and what “Should be” if Americans with disabilities were to become equal members of American society. Thus developed an movement for social change and philosophy that guides it:
“People with disabilities have the inherent right to and must take responsibility of their own lives.”
True to the spirit of our heritage, The Southern Illinois Center for Independent living(SICIL) is the result of the efforts of a group of persons with disabilities and residents of Carbondale who founded the Center in 1985. We remain today a part of the Independent Living Movement and are dedicated to its philosophy.
What We Are and Whom We Serve
The Southern Illinois Center for Independent Living(SICIL) is a community-based. Non-Profit, non-residential facility.
We provide independent living services to Southern Illinoisans with disabilities, their families, and the communities in which they live. These services a exist to help consumers maximize self-reliance and participation in society by achieving self-set goals. Services which are aimed an increasing independent living options for persons with disabilities are also available to any civic/community organization.
Services at SICIL are peer provided. The majority of our staff and our governing body(Board of Directors) are persons with disabilities. This gives us unique insight into the various needs and issues of those whom we serve.
SICIL's primary service area covers Franklin, Jackson, Perry, and Williamson counties. However, we are able to extend certain of our services to an otherwise eligible consumer who is not served by another center.
Persons who are impaired in one or more major life functions by disability are eligible for individual services. Any person, civic-organization, or business is eligible for information and referral services without exception or restriction
SICIL provides services without discrimination regardless of age, gender, race, sexual preference, or type of disability. Services are provided of the most par without charge. Exceptions are listed in applicable sections of the brochure.