For those with a disability looking for support towards leading an independent life, SAIL is there to help.  The organization’s name stands for Soyland Access to Independent Living, and they serve Macon, Moultrie, Shelby, Coles, Clark, and Cumberland counties.  Their goal is to help those with disabilities participate in society and daily routines to the fullest extent possible.  They also look to educate the community on how best to serve and interact with those who have disabilities. 

Betty Watkins is the Rural Outreach Coordinator with SAIL.  She says a big part of her organization’s work is advocacy.  In most cases, this means helping clients work with public agencies to ensure they get what they need.

Assistants at SAIL also work with clients on skill development.  This is often necessary for people coming out of nursing homes, as they must now provide more for themselves.

As for how someone can being receiving assistance from SAIL, a variety of parties can make a referral.  After that, SAIL gets in contact with them for more information about the prospective client. 

The end goal, from SAIL’s perspective, is for people with disabilities to be treated like anyone else.  As such, they also host courses for the general public to learn how to do their part.

SAIL’s Shelby County Outreach Office is located at 1604 W. Main Street, Suite 100 in Shelbyville.  More information on SAIL – as well as their other office locations – is available at www.decatursail.com.

Betty Watkins appeared as a guest on the WTIM Shelbyville Morning Show.