About Services for Independent Living (SIL)
Founded in 1980, Services for Independent Living (SIL) is a non-profit, non-residential Center for Independent Living in Northeast Ohio. SIL provides an array of individual and community services designed to help and empower individuals of all ages and all disabilities lead healthy, productive lives and participate in community life as they choose. Individual services focus on providing individuals with disabilities access to information and skills needed to facilitate and enhance their independence and to remain in the community of choice.ommunity services are designed to address barriers to community living and promote the concept of independent living and choice. The majority of SIL Staff and a majority of SIL Board of Directors are individuals with disabilities. All SIL services are guided by the independent living philosophy and SIL’s mission which in turn supports the agency’s vision of a society that is accessible to all people.
Our Approach
SIL embraces the Independent Living Philosophy that promotes the rights of individuals with disabilities to control and direct their own lives; to make decisions and take responsibility for their actions; to have opportunities to participate in all aspects of community life; to exercise the greatest degree of choice about where you live, with whom you live and how you live; and to take risks, being allowed to fail and to learn and grow from those efforts.
We recognize that each person’s disability and life circumstances may pose unique challenges. SIL services are designed to provide supports and skills to individuals remain in the community of their choice. Staff work with consumers to develop a plan to address their individual needs. Our experienced, dedicated and passionate team are often regarded as being able to think outside the box and pride themselves on excellent customer service.
Ohio is home to 12 Centers for Independent Living (CILs). A CIL is a non-residential, community-based organization run by and for individuals with disabilities.
When individuals work with a CIL, it is through a model that empowers individuals to take control of their lives and decide what independence means to them. CILs mentor and guide individuals through the process of achieving their self-identified goals. Every center provides these services:
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL – Connecting individuals to the services and supports needed in their community;
PEER SUPPORT – Mentoring and supporting individuals with shared experiences create empowerment and independence;
SKILLS TRAINING – Teaching individuals the skills needed to be more independent and have greater control over their lives;
SYSTEMS AND INDIVIDUAL ADVOCACY – Preparing individuals to stand up for themselves and access the supports they need. This includes the elimination of barriers and the improvement of systems for individuals with disabilities;
INSTITUTIONAL TRANSITION – Assisting individuals in an institutional setting, such as a nursing facility, to transition to community-based living;
YOUTH TRANSITION – Assisting youth with disabilities to prepare for adult life. This can consist of education, employment, or community participation;
DIVERSION SERVICES – Critical services aimed at keeping individuals with disabilities from having to enter an institution and remain in the community.
Visit Ohio’s Statewide Independent Living Council’s website, or download Ohio’s Independent Living Brochure.