Mission
The The Southeastern Indiana Independent Living Center (SIILC)
believes it is the right of individuals with disabilities to live as independently as possible. SIILC
is a consumer-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
- Equal Access
- Individual and Community Advocacy
Vision
SIILC is a consumer-based, cross-disability, non-residential, and nonprofit organization that promotes and practices the philosophy of independent living and educates individuals with significant disabilities on how they can better help themselves.
Our organization aims to be a trusted provider of programs and services for individuals with significant disabilities. We also seek to be a reliable resource necessary for their community as well as provide them with access to various available social opportunities.
Established in 2007, Southeastern Indiana Independent Living Center, SIILC, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by the bylaws adopted by the Board of Directors that oversees the operation and is managed by the Chief Executive Officer. All programs, services, and activities are designed to facilitate maximum independence for individuals with disabilities through efforts that promote empowerment and improvement of the overall quality of life of those individuals and their families.
Independent living is defined as the right of people with disabilities to control and direct their own lives, including choosing lifestyle options with minimal dependence on others and participating in everyday activities with only the limits people without disabilities have.
SIILC was established to empower people with all types of disabilities to live more independently and have more control over their lives. SIILC exists to promote the independent living philosophy and provide individuals with the resources necessary to maximize their ability to live independently.
The Independent Living philosophy is grounded in the unwavering belief that all people with disabilities must have the right to make decisions about their own lives. Not only is this an important civil rights issue, but assisting consumers to maintain control of their lives is also one of the main goals of the independent living program and philosophy.
SIILC supports less restrictive alternatives to guardianship, such as supported decision-making (SDM) and power of attorney (POA). SDM formalizes the support all people rely on in decision-making by asking trusted advisors for guidance. It allows the individual to remain in control and direct the decisions about their life. It allows disabled adults who need assistance in decision-making to choose trusted friends, family members, and/or professionals to help them understand the situations with choices so they can make an informed decision. POA permits the individual to designate others to make decisions on their behalf, but also to revoke that authority when they feel prepared to resume the decision-making role. Through SDM and, when needed, POA, the person, along with their trusted support system, creates agreements – formal, informal, or both – and is therefore empowered to direct their own life without losing the basic rights we all take for granted. Maintaining the legal right to self-govern, a person is free to lead their own life.
CONTACT US
For more information about our organization, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on our contact form.
