The Southwest Center for Independent Living (SCIL) is a private, not-for-profit agency which was established in 1985 in Springfield, MO to provide services, advocacy, and resources for people with any disability in Southwest Missouri. SCIL is one of over 300 independent living centers around the country. People with disabilities serve on our board of directors and make up much of our staff.
The mission of SCIL is to promote a barrier-free environment for all disabilities through public education and advocacy for social change, and to provide a full range of independent living services which will assist each in meeting his or her goals for independence
WHAT IS INDEPENDENT LIVING?
"Consumer choice, autonomy and control define the Independent Living Movement. The independent living philosophy holds that individuals with disabilities have the right to live with dignity and with appropriate support in their own homes, fully participate in their communities, and to control and make decisions about their lives."
SCIL serves the counties of Christian, Dallas, Greene, Lawrence, Polk, Stone, Taney, and Webster.
SCIL serves all individuals in our eight county area with a disability or significant disability who have a physical, mental, cognitive or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including the ability to function independently in the family or community or to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment.