Independent Living Services

  • Access and Accessibility Services
    We help people with disabilities lead more independent lives by creating accessibility. Our Home Accessibility Program ensures that people with disabilities have the home modifications they need for safe access and increased independence in their homes. Common modifications include ramps, grab bars, roll-in showers, widened doorways and handrails. We are experts in evaluating and meeting the needs of people with all types of disabilities.

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  • Assistive Technology

    Assistive Technology (AT) is a device, tool, piece of equipment or service that assists a person with a disability in maintaining or increasing their independence in performing tasks of daily living. AT can be very simple, for example large font print or a rubber gripper. Or, AT can be very high tech, such as computer access software or environmental controls.

    SEMCIL offers information on AT products, services and adaptive equipment to educate consumers, family members and the community. SEMCIL staff help consumers locate AT and make informed choices about what works for them.

  • Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS)

    SEMCIL provides CDCS Support planner services to individuals using CDCS services. A support planner is a person who has been certified by DHS as someone who understands the consumer directed community supports service, person-centered planning and the process of developing a support plan. Recipients can receive assistance with developing and implementing the Community Support Plan (CSP) through SEMCIL support planner services.

    CDCS services are available through Medical Assistance Home and Community Based waivers. Support planner services are provided by an individual or entity chosen by the recipient and are in addition to the required case management activities for CDCS.

  • Independent Living / Vocational Rehabilitation Services

    Independent Living/Vocational Rehabilitation Services Collaboration:

    SEMCIL has a formal collaboration with Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS). This collaboration is designed to assist job seekers, who are consumers of VRS, in addressing independent living needs. SEMCIL Independent Living staff are co-located in local Workforce Centers and have close working relationships with VRS Counselors.

  • Pre-Employment Services

    Pre-Employment services are designed to provide individuals with the skills they need to achieve their employment goals.

    Our pre-employment services program focuses on the following topics:

    • Helping consumers identify the vocational skills they offer an employer
    • How to set long term and short term goals and determine if they are reasonable
    • How to handle questions concerning disability
    • The importance of job descriptions and agency policies
    • State and Federal work incentives
    • What is a Reasonable Accommodation and how do I ask for one?
    • How to fill out a job application
    • The importance of resume, cover and thank you letters
    • Prepare a resume
    • How to prepare for a job interview
    • Mock interviews
    • The importance of references and volunteering


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  • Transition Services

    Transition services for youth and young adults

    Transition services are designed to assist youth and young adults (ages 14 to 22) in transitioning from high school into adulthood. This usually includes moving to post-secondary education or employment and may include moving to more independent housing. Transition services assist in gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to live more independently. Training is provided at area high schools, SEMCIL offices, consumers’ homes or in the community.



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  • Peer Mentor

    A Peer Mentor is an individual with a disability that has been trained to help consumers locate community resources, identify individual goals and make adjustments to a newly acquired or progressive disability.

    Peer Mentors provide one-to-one peer support by sharing their own personal knowledge, expertise and experience with other people with disabilities. This support can increase independence and allow individuals to gain the information necessary to reach their goals.

    SEMCIL offers peer support individually through the Peer Mentor service and in group settings through support groups and workshops.



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  • Skills Training

    Independent Living Skills Training

    Independent Living Skills training is designed to teach people with disabilities independent living skills that will assist in accomplishing their goals. The program is individualized, goal oriented, and outcome based. Depending on a person’s goals, Independent Living Skills Training is provided in the consumer’s home, in the community or at the SEMCIL office. Training can be provided on an individual basis or in a group setting. The length of services is determined by the progress that is made in accomplishing specific goals.



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  • Individual and Systems Advocacy

    Individual Advocacy – SEMCIL Advocates assist people with disabilities in learning how to advocate for themselves and make informed choices. Advocates will assist people in obtaining necessary support services at work, at school, with county or state government, or in the community.

    Individualized Education Program (IEP) advocacy. IEP advocacy is provided by highly trained SEMCIL staff with specialized knowledge about disabilities and the educational process. Our role varies, depending upon the type of advocacy being requested. We can refer families to resources and information or provide more intense involvement such accompanying a family to an IEP meeting. SEMCIL works with the team (family members, teachers, special education staff, etc.) to ensure that each student receives an appropriate Evaluation and Individual Education Plan. Parents report that their meetings are more productive and they are treated with more respect when an advocate is present.

    Social Security (SSI/SSDI) Access and Recovery (SOAR) Advocacy and Support. SEMCIL staff are trained and certified by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to help people who have a mental illness and are homeless, at risk for homelessness or who live in housing designated for people leaving homelessness apply for SSI/SSDI benefits. SEMCIL also helps these individuals with the reconsideration process and to appeal decisions when their applications have been denied. These services are free (no cost) to eligible individuals.

    Systems Advocacy – SEMCIL staff, Board members and consumers engage in systems advocacy, which includes helping to develop and implement public policy, working with public officials and addressing issues that impact the lives of people with disabilities. Systems advocacy occurs at the local, state and federal levels and is intended to make changes in the community that improve the lives of people with disabilities.

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  • Veterans Services
    The services for veterans provided by SEMCIL are not in lieu of those benefits and services a veteran can receive from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, State Veteran Services or those offered by organizations affiliated with Federal or State Veteran programs. SEMCIL services are provided in collaboration with other veteran services providers in order to bridge service gaps and provide for unmet needs.

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  • Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA)
    New regulations of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) require SEMCIL to facilitate an informed choice conversation with individuals working under a special wage certification. SEMCIL staff will respect the individual’s informed choice.

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