SEMCIL
Contact SEMCIL at: 507-285-1815
Visit us at: 2200 2nd St. SW Rochester, MN 55902
Founded in 1981, SEMCIL continues a decades-long commitment as a Center for Independent Living (CIL) to address the needs and barriers experienced by people with disabilities. The Disability Rights Movement and Independent Living Philosophy are woven into our culture, our story, and our mission. We recognize the importance and power of people with disabilities have in defining their identity and making their own choices. SEMCIL staff have personal experience and expertise in understanding the barriers people with disabilities may face. We partner with people to explore the tools and resources they need to challenge and overcome those barriers.
Mission: SEMCIL’s mission is to elevate the voices and champion the aspirations of people with disabilities by partnering with individuals to meet their goals, educate our communities, and influence impactful change.
Vision: Our vision is a world that respects disability as part of the human experience where dignity is the foundation of all systems. Communities are universally inclusive, and people of all abilities hold power and influence through equitable opportunity and choice.
Core Values: We are motivated by curiosity, knowing that impactful change requires taking risks and challenging ideas regularly. It is essential to continually question how we as individuals, an organization, and a community can grow, evolve, and adapt. We show up curious, are coachable, and embrace change.
Consumers Lead: We respect and value others’ lived experiences. Consumers set the direction and lead every action to accomplish their individual goals and to drive change for the whole community.
Cultivate Trust: Trust is the center of all positive relationships. It is our priority that we continually cultivate trust with consumers, community members, and each other as employees to encourage collaboration for impactful change.
Own It: We have the confidence and responsibility to speak up, act on our ideas, and lead by example. We are accountable to each other internally and externally.
Respect and Dignity for All: We express respect and dignity for all people in every situation and relationship. We value the expertise and contributions each person has in this organization and community. We are passionate about creating equitable communities where people with disabilities are fully valued.
We Give a Damn: We take pride in our work and are passionate about creating impactful change for people with disabilities as individuals and as a community. We inspire others to action.
Independent Living Services: Each person has their own definition of what independence means for them. Have you ever wanted to be more independent at home, school, or work and weren’t sure how? Our Independent Living services assist people with disabilities to live as independently as they choose. We can help people identify goals and work with them to create a unique plan to achieve those goals.
Many of our Independent Living (IL) services are supported through grants and available at no cost to individuals who do not have a funding source. For those that have resources to pay, we welcome various funding sources: Medical Assistance, including waivers, and Vocational Rehabilitation service authorization are examples. We invite you to contact us to discuss options.
We charge a small fee for classes and workshops to help cover the cost of supplies.
Home Assessments, AT Assessments, IL Assessments, and CDCS Support Planning are provided for a fee. Please contact us for more information.
Accessing Independent Living services does not require medical documentation. Individuals only need to self-identify as having a disability.
Community Access: SEMCIL offers accessible modification assistance, ramp installations, and accessibility assessments for homes and businesses.
Ramps: We offer ramps for rent or purchase. We build custom wood modular ramps and install ROLL-A-RAMP metal ramps.
Modifications: SEMCIL provides accessibility modifications and coordinates contractors for estimates and project completion. Examples of accessibility modifications include ramps, low-rise steps, grab bars, etc.
Accessibility Assessments: SEMCIL Community Access staff are Certified Accessibility and Aging in Place Specialists. We can provide complete evaluations of homes and businesses to provide detailed reports with accessibility recommendations. We can also gather estimates and coordinate contractors for project completion.
Systems Advocacy: SEMCIL is here to bring people together, share our skills, and help the disability community build power to make change happen. Systems advocacy is for everyone. Depending on who you are, there are two main roles: activist and ally.
Personal Care Provider: SEMCIL is a Personal Care Provider Organization and PCA Choice Provider registered with the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Our Traditional PCA, PCA Choice, Respite, and Homemaker services are available to individuals living in Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona counties.