Services For Independent Living (SIL)

Services For Independent Living (SIL) SIL empowers people to maximize their independence. SIL Service Area: Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cooper, Howard, Montgomery and Randolph Missouri Counties

Our Mission: SIL empowers people to maximize their independence

Our Vision: SIL will be a leader in changing society's perception of disability. We envision an inclusive community that promotes equality, self-determination and the elimination of all barriers to independence.

Accessibility is not a luxury—it's a right for every senior and person with a disability.At Services for Independent Liv...
03/12/2026

Accessibility is not a luxury—it's a right for every senior and person with a disability.

At Services for Independent Living, we provide free durable medical equipment, advocacy, and support to help you or your loved ones live with dignity and independence.

Need help or want to make a difference? Call us today and join our community of empowerment. 573-874-1646

Ableism is thinking everybody can just lose an hour of sleep and still function like nothing happened.Set your clocks fo...
03/06/2026

Ableism is thinking everybody can just lose an hour of sleep and still function like nothing happened.

Set your clocks forward Saturday night and give yourself permission to plan a softer Monday.

If the time change throws off your routine, appointments, rides, meds, or energy, SIL can help you build a plan that works in real life.

Stroke recovery is hard enough without trying to solve everything alone.A family reached out after a stroke right before...
03/04/2026

Stroke recovery is hard enough without trying to solve everything alone.

A family reached out after a stroke right before the holidays. They were overwhelmed and unsure how to get the right equipment once rehab ended. SIL provided equipment and adaptive tools through our Assistive Technology Equipment Program, and they later donated $100 to help keep our equipment loan program going, a fraction of what they would have paid out of pocket for new equipment!.

If you are home from rehab and thinking “now what,” call us to schedule an appointment - 573-874-1646.

03/02/2026

“Eight days post op, I had no help.”

A recent assistive technology request reminded us how quickly people can be discharged after surgery with minimal support and minimal planning.

Within days of returning home, this individual reported feeling alone and without guidance. SIL responded by providing assistive equipment through our Assistive Technology Equipment Program, along with support and resource navigation.

This is not just a feel-good story. It is a systems story.

When recovery plans do not include real world mobility and daily living needs, community based organizations become the safety net, and that safety net deserves investment.

If you are a healthcare partner, funder, or community organization looking to improve discharge outcomes and reduce preventable complications, let’s talk. Call 573.874.1646.

Consumer Directed Services through Services for Independent Living (SIL) is accepting new consumers!If you need in-home ...
02/25/2026

Consumer Directed Services through Services for Independent Living (SIL) is accepting new consumers!

If you need in-home support through Medicaid, either brand-new to CDS or transferring from another agency, call us to see how we can work with you.

What sets SIL apart?
🗹 SIL is a local, community non-profit, not a corporate call center in another state
🗹 Services are person-centered, built around what independence looks like for each individual
🗹 Consumers work one-on-one with a case manager who stays in their corner, not a rotating help desk
🗹 Our office is right here Columbia, MO, with real people you can reach
🗹 As a Center for Independent Living, we follow state and federal regulations because we have to, and because it protects consumers and keeps services running smoothly

When someone enrolls in CDS with SIL, their case manager can also help connect them to other supports, including:

🗹 Transportation support
🗹 Assistive technology and device support
🗹 Peer support from people with lived experience
🗹 Independent living skills, including problem-solving and planning
🗹 Information and referral to community resources
🗹 Advocacy support, including help navigating systems and barriers
🗹 Transition support, including nursing home transition when needed

To get started:
If Medicaid-eligible, reach out to SIL to get started! (573) 874-1646

02/23/2026

Be part of the conversation about equity and access in our community.

On March 3, the Columbia Commission on Human Rights in collaboration with the Disability Commission invites you to a special community event focused on equity and access in our city.

Join us! Please help us welcome the Missouri Commission on Human Rights for an informative session on Public Accommodation. This event will cover your rights under the Missouri Human Rights Act regarding access to businesses, recreation, and public facilities, followed by an interactive Q&A session.

📅 March 3
🕠 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
📍 Columbia City Hall, Room 1A

This event is free and open to the public. We hope you’ll join us and add your voice to the conversation.

Looking for ways to support your community's health needs?At Services for Independent Living, we believe no one should g...
02/23/2026

Looking for ways to support your community's health needs?

At Services for Independent Living, we believe no one should go without the medical equipment they need to live independently. That's why we distribute durable medical equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, and hospital beds — all at no cost — to anybody in our sevice area.

Interested in donating gently used medical equipment? Your contribution can change lives! We're opening Monday - Wednesday, 9am - 4pm for donating or picking up! Or call us to see if we have what you need - (573) 874-1646

Together, we empower independence. How will you get involved today?

Power wheelchairs by Golden Technologies support people with significant mobility limitations who need dependable mobili...
02/18/2026

Power wheelchairs by Golden Technologies support people with significant mobility limitations who need dependable mobility all day. The right setup is about comfort, function, and safety during long daily use.

Customization matters. Depending on the model and need, options can include seating and positioning adjustments, joystick placement, support components, and other features that improve day to day use. At SIL, we help people compare options based on transfers, home access, transportation, and routine, so the chair is fitted to real life, not just a spec sheet.

Call us today at (573) 874-1646 to schedule an appointment.

Accessing personalized support services in Mid-Missouri is easier than you think. Step by step, we guide veterans and in...
02/16/2026

Accessing personalized support services in Mid-Missouri is easier than you think. Step by step, we guide veterans and individuals with disabilities to the resources they need to live independently and confidently. Ready to find out how we can support you? Call us today at (573) 874-1646 and start moving toward greater independence.

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Many people on Medicaid don't realize there's a powerful program helping them live independently and avoid nursing homes...
02/13/2026

Many people on Medicaid don't realize there's a powerful program helping them live independently and avoid nursing homes. It's called Consumer Directed Services (CDS), and gives control back to individuals who need personal care.

CDS lets participants hire their own caregivers—friends, neighbors, or family members (except spouses or legal guardians)—so they receive care from someone they trust. This support helps with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, all at no cost to the participant.

By supporting independence through CDS, we're not only improving quality of life but also reducing the strain on nursing homes and institutional care. This means people stay in their communities longer, surrounded by familiar faces and comfort.

At Services for Independent Living, we're proud tobe a CDS provider, helping Medicaid recipients understand and access CDS. It's an important step toward living life on your own terms.

Want to learn more? Give us a call! (573) 874-1646

Why do so many people with Medicaid overlook Consumer Directed Services (CDS) as a critical resource?CDS is more than ju...
02/10/2026

Why do so many people with Medicaid overlook Consumer Directed Services (CDS) as a critical resource?

CDS is more than just a program—it's a lifeline that empowers individuals with disabilities and seniors to live independently. CDS allows participants to hire caregivers they know and trust, keeping them safely in their own homes rather than moving into nursing facilities.

Here's how CDS makes a difference:
• Participants choose their own caregivers—family, friends, or neighbors (just not spouses or legal guardians).
• Caregivers are paid through the program, so there's no cost to the participant.
• The program supports daily activities like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.

This personalized approach promotes dignity and control, which are crucial to quality of life. And it saves taxpayers money by reducing the need for costly institutional care.

At Services for Independent Living, we see firsthand how CDS transforms lives. If you or someone you know is on Medicaid and could benefit from more independence, CDS could be the key.

Want to learn more? Visit our website at silcolumbia.org

02/05/2026

Power mobility is not one size fits all, even when the chair is the same model.

The right feature set can make a huge difference in comfort, positioning, daily function, and confidence getting through the day.

Services for Independent Living helps people figure out the options and the next steps toward independence. Schedule a meeting today to order your custom power wheelchair. (573) 874-1646

Address

1905 W Ash Street
Columbia, MO
65203

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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Our Mission: SIL empowers people with disabilities, seniors, and veterans to maximize their independence in the community. Our Vision: We envision a barrier-free community for all people. Our Values: Teamwork-We work as a team by achieving shared goals, building trust, and communicating effectively. Excellence-We encourage excellence through attention to details, expertise, and embracing all perspectives. Empowerment-We empower people by supporting informed decision-making. Communication-We listen and respond with clear, accessible, and timely communication. Core Services: Advocacy, Independent Living Skills Training, Information and Referral, Peer Support and Transition. SIL Service Area: Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cooper, Howard, Montgomery and Randolph Missouri Counties