SICIL's Executive Director Al Tolbert cutting the ribbon when the new office at 651 X Street opened in March, 2004.

Southern Indiana Center for Independent Living

MISSION

The Southern Indiana Center for Independent Living (SICIL) is a
consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, non-residential
and not-for-profit organization that promotes and practices the philosophy
of independent living: consumer control, peer support, self-help,
self-determination, equal access, individual and community advocacy,
accessible and affordable, housing, transportation and recreation.
SICIL provides the following services in Crawford, Jackson, Lawrence,
Monroe, Orange and Washington Counties.

INFORMATION AND REFERRAL

Provide current information on local, state and federal disabilities issues
and resources; refer people with disabilities to other organizations for
further assistance.

INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRAINING

Promote training of personal care assistants, kitchen skills and good
nutrition, house hold management, self-care, interpersonal communication
skills, managing personal finances, mobility/travel skills, equipment
maintenance, personal growth, recreation, exercising consumer legal rights.

PEER COUNSELING

Provide counseling by individuals with experience, knowledge and skills who
have similar disabilities. Strive to maximize the leadership, empowerment,
independence, and productivity of individuals with similar disabilities.

ADVOCACY

Promote a policy for providing self-help and self-advocacy among
individuals with significant disabilities. To establish personal goals,
increase assertiveness, enable access to sources and services, and exercise
their rights to establish and maintain control over their own destiny. To
educate and advocate businesses and government representatives on the
abilities and needs of people with disabilities.

PROGRAMS

EDUCATION

Promote a variety of outreach activities to educate members of the community
on the needs and abilities of people who have a disability and to address
the school systems' educational needs for children with disabilities.

Department of Natural Resources worked to make recreation accessible for persons with disabilities. Pictured here is a loading dock in Grandview, Indiana on the Ohio River.

RECREATION

Promote accessible programs, activities, training and visits to Federal,
State and local parks. To promote accessibility in all sports programs for
persons with disabilities.

TRANSPORTATION

Promote a program for accessible transportation for all disabled persons in
the six county areas.

Habitat for Humanity built this house. Future Farmers of America built this ramp for a consumer in Washington County.

HOUSING

Promote a program for a greater number of accessible housing units for
disabled persons. Provide an awareness program for Realtors and contractors
that reflects the market for accessible housing.

Contact:

Southern Indiana Center for Independent Living
651 X Street Bedford, IN 47421
812-277-9626

800-845-6914