Our Mission
The Philosophy of Independent Living maintains that individuals with disabilities have the right to choose services and make decisions for themselves. Ultimately individuals with disabilities have the right to live the life they choose.
Southeast Center for Independent Living (SCIL) firmly holds this belief at its foundation and it is the guiding principle in all of SCILs policies and operations.
SCIL offers various programs, information, and support to help individuals with disabilities achieve their goals, experience personal growth, and be able to participate fully in community life.
Historically, there has been minimal funding directed to research for rare diseases.
Melissa Robillard, a volunteer at SCIL for more than sixteen years, was born with a rare genetic disease called Leukodystrophy, specifically Vanishing White Matter Disease (VWM). This progressive neurological disease effects the white matter of the brain. In spite of the decline, Melissa has experienced over time, she actively engages in her life. A great achievement occurred in May 2016. Melissa published her children’s book, “Snowball’s Great Adventure.”
She and her family have chosen to devote to raising awareness about VWM. They are also donating a percentage of proceeds from the sale of the book to research. Melissa, her family, and her PCA, Janine Ouellette Sullivan are planning fundraisers for 2017. The money they raise will go directly to research. Melissa believes that it is important to raise awareness about Leukodystrophy as well as funds for research.
To learn more please visit:
www.snowballsgreatadventure.wordpress.com
Help Find A Cure for VWM- Research
Make donations to AFTAU:
Mail:
American Friends of Tel Aviv University
39 Broadway, Suite 1510
New York, NY 10006
Attention: Joe Heiber/Orna VWM Research
OR Online:
www.aftau.org/vwm or
www.crowdrise.com/FindaCureforVWM
Download the flyer with information on this fundraising effort:
(pdf) vwm-flyer.pdf or (docx) vwm-flyer.docx

Massachusetts. Rev Up is a national program to help more people with disabilities
get out there and vote by providing education and ease of registration. For more
information see www.revupma.org

Upcoming Events
SCIL holds monthly housing workshops and computer classes for people with disabilities.
Please visit the EVENTS page for more details or contact SCIL at (508)679-9210 Voice/TTD.
Contact
For complete office information click here.- Fall River Call: 508-679-9210 or Email: scil@secil.org
Serving consumers in Acushnet, Attleboro, Berkley, Dartmouth, Dighton, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown, Lakeville, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, North Attleboro, Rehoboth, Rochester, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, Wareham and Westport
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