Programs and Services

Suncoast Center for Independent Living (SCIL) provides a variety of programs and services to help individuals with disabilities to achieve their greatest possible level of independence.  These services include:

Advocacy

The role of the consumer advocate is to teach people with significant disabilities how to advocate for themselves by providing them with the etiquette, knowledge and local resources. At SCIL, we provide referrals to agencies and businesses that provide home health care, affordable housing, legal services, senior centers, assisted living facilities, and disability related organizations. WE DO NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

Independent Living Skills Training

The Transition Center offers workshops for persons with disabilities seeking skills for every day life such as: cooking, independent living, art, confidence building, literacy, money management, and employment and communication skills. The Transition Center also offers peer mentoring and features a variety of guest speakers to increase awareness of community agencies, programs, and resources available in Sarasota and Manatee County. For additional information, please visit our ILS Training page.   Please see the Schedules and Events section of this website for a current ILS Transition Center schedule.

 

Information & Referral

SCIL staff coordinate Information and Referral Services and have a wealth of information on Federal, State, and local resources.  People with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and interested parties can contact staff for a wide range of information, including equipment and other assistive technology, housing, regulations, community resources, and services available in the area.  A staff member can also provide information about implications of specific disabilities.

We have put together a list of some of the most frequently requested numbers.

Equipment Loan and Repair

Many people with disabilities cannot afford to purchase or rent the equipment they need to mitigate the impact of their disabilities.  Others do not know what type of equipment is available to help.  SCIL procures a variety of medical equpiment and assistive devices, both new and "gently used," from a variety of sources (including donations.)  SCIL then lends this equipment, free of charge, for as long as the consumer needs it.  SCIL can also help consumers to repair equipment as it wears or breaks down.

Home Modification

 Few houses or apartments are accessible in their native state.  Many people with disabilities, need help modifying a home or apartment so that it is accessible to them.  SCIL can help consumers make their homes functional for them.  SCIL can help build a ramp, install grab bars, and suggest other modifications to help an individual live independently in his/her own residence.

Peer Counseling

The Independent Living Skills movement advocates help for people with disabilities by people with disabilities.  Peer counseling is an important part of this.  Adjusting to a new or progressing disability can be very difficult.  Support from others who "have been there" can be very helpful in assisting  consumers to adjust and accept their own issues.

Computer Equipment Loan and Repair

Computers and the internet can help individuals with disabilities in many ways.  But many people with disabilities can neither afford a computer itself nor the adaptive hardware and software they need to best use one.  SCIL actively solicits computer hardware and software donations.  SCIL then repairs the equipment, outfits it according to an individual's need, and lends it to the consumer for an indefinite period of time.  SCIL can also help a consumer repair computer devices when a component fails. SCIL has its own in-house computer center, outfitted with a variety of assistive hardware and software.  Individuals can learn how to use a computer, as well as try out a variety of hardware and software that may make a computer easier to use.