Independent living is living like everyone else, having opportunities to make decisions that affect one's life, being able to pursue activities of one's own choosing - limited only in the same way people without disabilities are. Independent living has to do with self-determination. It is having the right and the opportunity to pursue a course of action. And, it is having the freedom to fail and to learn from one's failures just as people without disabilities do. Living on one's own, being employed in a job fitting one's capabilities and interests, and having an active social life are not independent living, but rather aspects of independent living. 

Services for Independent Living (SIL) is a not-for-profit center for independent living (CIL).  As a CIL, 51 percent or more of the agency's Board of Directors and staff are persons with disabilities who have personally experienced the attitudinal and physical barriers associated with having a disability. 

Our Mission:

To empower people with disabilities to live as independently as possible, to control their own lives, and to increase opportunities and choices through direct services and community advocacy.

SIL serves a seven county area:

Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cooper, Howard, Montgomery and Randolph.

SIL is:

Consumer-Controlled - vests power and authority in individuals with disabilities;

Community-Based - designed by and for the local community;

Cross-Disability - serves persons with all types of disabilities;

Non-Residential - does not operate any type of residential facility.

SIL's Three Guiding Principles:

Choice.  SIL educates people with disabilities about the many opportunities available in their community, enabling them to make more informed choices.

Control.  People with disabilities have control over their lives through informed choices.  SIL empowers people with disabilities, encouraging them to become informed and thereby control their lives.

Change.  Change occurs on an individual and systems level through information, education, and advocacy.

Our Partners: