SCIL History
The Southeast Center for Independent Living was founded in 1986,
by a group of concerned citizens, the majority of whom were persons with disabilities. Those founding activists had a vision of affecting change that would make the community accessible to any person with a disability who wished to pursue a more independent, self directed lifestyle.
Consumers elected a Board of Directors comprised of 51% being disabled persons. Interviews were conducted; the Executive Director and staff were hired; researched office space; arranged for; office equipment, supplies and furniture etc were purchased. Consumers learned to write by laws, policy and job descriptions.
Start Up Contract 1987
A start up contract was awarded by Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission in 1987 the agency started to advocate for consumer rights with regard to transport-ation, housing and health care issues. The IL center opened in February in 1987 established in Fall River, MA.
Two months later Massachusetts Commission for Deaf And Hard of Hearing awarded a larger contract to provide independent living services to deaf and hard of hearing. The following year MRC awarded a Federal contract for Title VII Part A which provides adaptive equipment and other independent living services needed to enhance the consumers' independence.