San Juan Center for Independence

SJCI is a community based non-profit agency that was established by people with disabilities for people with disabilities. The agency serves as a consumer driven community action program that provides services which help maximize independent living choices for all people regardless of the individuals disability.

First and foremost are the people we serve at SJCI. In keeping with the independent living philosophy and movement, we refer to people as consumers rather than clients, and consider them as people first and disability second. It is important that consumers feel welcome and comfortable at the center because the center, in all actuality, belongs to them. We also see consumers as folks who understand themselves, their needs, and their disabilities better than any other person; therefore, we all do our level best to not emulate medical model agencies and do not see ourselves as a traditional provider.

We believe that all people with disabilities have a right to control their own destiny, to accept responsibility for their actions, to succeed or fail, to full community access, to be fully integrated into society, and to be free to pursue their life dreams.