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.

03/31/2026

Independence isn't just a goal—it's a right.

Personalized advocacy services open doors that many thought were closed, helping you navigate challenges and claim your freedom.

Ready to take the next step toward living life on your own terms? We're here to help you every step of the way.

We’re excited to be at the 10th Annual Senior Expo at the Mexico Area Family YMCA today.If you’re attending, stop by the...
03/26/2026

We’re excited to be at the 10th Annual Senior Expo at the Mexico Area Family YMCA today.

If you’re attending, stop by the Services for Independent Living table to say hello, ask questions, and learn more about the programs and support we offer. We’re proud to be part of this event and connect with the community.

Everyone deserves the support they need to live confidently and independently. SIL has you covered.
03/24/2026

Everyone deserves the support they need to live confidently and independently. SIL has you covered.

What does independence mean to you?Affordable and accessible transportation in Columbia opens doors to new opportunities...
03/23/2026

What does independence mean to you?

Affordable and accessible transportation in Columbia opens doors to new opportunities. It helps veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities connect to jobs, healthcare, and community life without barriers.

Need transportation? We're here to help you move forward. Call us to get set up. 573-874-1646

Empowering independence starts with the right support tailored just for you. At Services for Independent Living, we prov...
03/20/2026

Empowering independence starts with the right support tailored just for you. At Services for Independent Living, we provide personalized services that change lives and help Mid-Missouri residents live fully and confidently. Whether it's through accessible transportation, durable medical equipment, or advocacy, we're here to lift you up and promote your freedom.

Ready to take the next step toward independence? Call us at 573-874-1646 or visit silcolumbia.org to learn how we can help you or your loved ones thrive.

Universal design helps everyone.When spaces, tools, and systems are designed to be accessible from the start, more peopl...
03/18/2026

Universal design helps everyone.

When spaces, tools, and systems are designed to be accessible from the start, more people can use them without needing extra fixes later. That includes things like curb cuts, automatic doors, captions, clear signage, and websites that are built to be ADA accessible.

Universal design is not just about disability. It makes everyday life better for parents with strollers, older adults, people recovering from injuries, and anyone who benefits from a world that is easier to move through.

Accessibility should not be an afterthought. Good design includes people from the beginning, whether that is a building, a sidewalk, or a website.

This week, take a look around. What spaces, tools, or websites were clearly built with everyone in mind, and what still leaves people out? Inclusion starts with design.

Independent Living did not begin as a program. It began as a civil rights fight.The Independent Living movement grew alo...
03/17/2026

Independent Living did not begin as a program. It began as a civil rights fight.

The Independent Living movement grew alongside the broader Civil Rights movement, as disabled activists demanded the same thing other movements were demanding: the right to live freely, be fully included, and make their own choices.

For generations, people with disabilities were treated like they did not belong in public life. Disabled activists challenged that by fighting for access to housing, education, employment, and community life.

That work helped build the Independent Living movement and the network of Centers for Independent Living that exists today. In Missouri, 21 Centers for Independent Living serve communities across the state.

SIL is part of that legacy. Disability rights are civil rights, and the work is not finished. We're still advocating for people every day and showing up in Jefferson City to make sure people can continue to live independently in their homes.

Learn more at: https://silcolumbia.org/blog/2025/06/05/what-is-independent-living/

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

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 Story

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