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Services for people with disabilities living in Mexico just got better, with the opening of a new community-based organization called Services for Independent Living (SIL). An open house is being held today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A light lunch and refreshments will be served, with a ribbon cutting at noon.
SIL opened its Mexico branch office last month at 508 Muldrow, on the lower level. Serving seven counties – including Boone, Callaway, Cooper, Howard, Montgomery, Randolph and Audrain – SIL offers four core services: advocacy, independent living skills training, information and referral and peer support. Its services and projects are designed to improve consumers’ quality of life.
However, one of its most popular and highly-used services has been its accessible transportation, which is free for people with disabilities. Transportation is available Sunday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a 24-hour notice. Scheduling is done on a first-come, first-serve basis. Wheelchair securement available.
“Everything we do is based on the independent living philosophy. We want people to be as independent as possible in the community. To be productive citizens, to be our neighbors, to be our families, and to be as involved in the community as much as they want to,” said SIL Executive Director Aimee Wehmeier. “We would love to partner with other agencies in helping folks who are interested in disability and senior issues.”
There are 22 centers for independent living in the state of Missouri. Established geographically, the office in Columbia actually provided services to seven counties, including Audrain and Montgomery. A limited presence of services for the disabled and elder is what prompted the opening of the Mexico branch, Wehmeier said.
“What we found is that while there is the Columbia office, there is a greater need for SIL’s services in the rural areas, and that people don’t have as many programs and services available in those areas. So we wanted to equalize our services and be able to offer services that will support the rural community,” Wehmeier said.
SIL has been administering personal assistant services since 1984. Fifty-one percent or more of the agency’s staff and board of directors are individuals with disabilities who have personally experienced the “attitudinal and physical barriers” associated with having a disability. This is one of many aspects that separates SIL from other independent agencies, said Wehmeier, who was born with muscular dystrophy.
“This philosophy is called the peer support model,” Wehmeier explained. “We’re here to provide them with a dream or opportunity to think outside the box. Sometimes people don’t have high expectations of people with disabilities. When in essence, I and others with disabilities are contributing members of society, and that the focus should be about expectations, not exceptions.”
In addition to its services, Wehmeier said SIL also provides community outreach and education. The first and third Thursday of each month, a disability support group meets from 3-4:30 p.m. in the branch office. Every fourth Thursday, a discussion of current topics relevant to individuals with disabilities and other independent living skills is offered from 1-4 p.m. Topics include health and fitness, safety, diet and nutrition, community events and activities, and community resources. Transportation is available for both classes.
“SIL believes that personal choice is important for individuals with disabilities to maximize their independence and control their lives. There are three guiding principles – choice, control and change,” Wehmeier said.
For more information about SIL services, support groups, and classes call (573) 581-1949 or visit www.silcolumbia.org. To schedule transportation, call the Columbia office at (800) 766-1968. Services for Independent Living is supported by local, state and federal funding, as well as generous donations from individuals.
Services for people with disabilities living in Mexico just got better, with the opening of a new community-based organization called Services for Independent Living (SIL). An open house is being held today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A light lunch and refreshments will be served, with a ribbon cutting at noon.
SIL opened its Mexico branch office last month at 508 Muldrow, on the lower level. Serving seven counties – including Boone, Callaway, Cooper, Howard, Montgomery, Randolph and Audrain – SIL offers four core services: advocacy, independent living skills training, information and referral and peer support. Its services and projects are designed to improve consumers’ quality of life.
However, one of its most popular and highly-used services has been its accessible transportation, which is free for people with disabilities. Transportation is available Sunday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a 24-hour notice. Scheduling is done on a first-come, first-serve basis. Wheelchair securement available.
“Everything we do is based on the independent living philosophy. We want people to be as independent as possible in the community. To be productive citizens, to be our neighbors, to be our families, and to be as involved in the community as much as they want to,” said SIL Executive Director Aimee Wehmeier. “We would love to partner with other agencies in helping folks who are interested in disability and senior issues.”
There are 22 centers for independent living in the state of Missouri. Established geographically, the office in Columbia actually provided services to seven counties, including Audrain and Montgomery. A limited presence of services for the disabled and elder is what prompted the opening of the Mexico branch, Wehmeier said.
“What we found is that while there is the Columbia office, there is a greater need for SIL’s services in the rural areas, and that people don’t have as many programs and services available in those areas. So we wanted to equalize our services and be able to offer services that will support the rural community,” Wehmeier said.
SIL has been administering personal assistant services since 1984. Fifty-one percent or more of the agency’s staff and board of directors are individuals with disabilities who have personally experienced the “attitudinal and physical barriers” associated with having a disability. This is one of many aspects that separates SIL from other independent agencies, said Wehmeier, who was born with muscular dystrophy.
“This philosophy is called the peer support model,” Wehmeier explained. “We’re here to provide them with a dream or opportunity to think outside the box. Sometimes people don’t have high expectations of people with disabilities. When in essence, I and others with disabilities are contributing members of society, and that the focus should be about expectations, not exceptions.”
In addition to its services, Wehmeier said SIL also provides community outreach and education. The first and third Thursday of each month, a disability support group meets from 3-4:30 p.m. in the branch office. Every fourth Thursday, a discussion of current topics relevant to individuals with disabilities and other independent living skills is offered from 1-4 p.m. Topics include health and fitness, safety, diet and nutrition, community events and activities, and community resources. Transportation is available for both classes.
“SIL believes that personal choice is important for individuals with disabilities to maximize their independence and control their lives. There are three guiding principles – choice, control and change,” Wehmeier said.
For more information about SIL services, support groups, and classes call (573) 581-1949 or visit www.silcolumbia.org. To schedule transportation, call the Columbia office at (800) 766-1968. Services for Independent Living is supported by local, state and federal funding, as well as generous donations from individuals.
