SWCI has moved to 9 Burnett Court, Suite C, Durango, CO 81301!
PANDEMIC PROTOCOLS
Our Independent Living staff is working remotely, and will be happy to meet with you at our office or another place while you are comfortable. Please call 970-259-1672 to schedule with an IL, or see individual staff contact info on our Staff and Board page.
Southwest Center for Independence
People with disabilities providing support and training for people with disabilities and those who are aging to live well in southwest Colorado.
Calendar
Never miss a beat. Head over to SWCI’s Calendar and check our latest events!
Programs
SWCI has a team of specialists ready to support you. Check out our programs!
Donate
Invest with SWCI to create a world where people with disabilities are valued friends and neighbors who participate in their communities!
SWCI VISION
People with disabilities providing supports and training for the disability and aging communities to live well in southwest Colorado.
We envision a world where people with disabilities and elders are respected and included members of their communities, making their own decisions, directing the supports and services they need to live well in the community, and giving back to the community from their strengths.
SWCI Programs
Check out Southwest Center for Independence Programs
Independent Living
We have a team of Independent Living Specialist ready to support you to become more self-determined in daily life.
Transportation
Southwest Center for Independence is pleased to offer Southwest Rides, a fully ADA accessible transportation service.
Transitions
We partner with local Aging and Disability Resource Centers and Single Entry Points to provide Community Transition Services
Financial Security
Our Employment Specialists work closely with adults and transition age youth to assess your interests and skills, and then find/get/keep a job in your community.
The biggest barrier to people who have disabilities is people who don’t.
“Independent Living is not doing things by yourself. It is being in charge of how things are done.”
Judy Heumann
“Independent Living is not doing things by yourself. It is being in charge of how things are done.”
Judy Heumann
Our Featured Reviews
SWCI Testimonials
Check out our featured reviews
The staff know the struggles with living with a major illness. My ILS is always positive and willing to help me.
Francesca
Thank you for helping me stay in my own place in the community instead of going to a nursing home.
James
My Independent Living Specialist from SWCI has believed in me from the moment she and I started working together. She supports me in achieving my goals.
Janelle
Best services around with some of the kindest people I’ve met.
Anonymous
SWCI is a huge asset for me. I’m excited to have so much support adjusting to my disability and life in the community! Getting out and having the peer support has helped so much with my anxiety and depression.
Marlise
Southwest Rides staff treat us all with respect, drive good, and make sure we are OK. Because they have disabilities they are understanding.
Anonymous
Our family member’s newly acquired independence has had a noticeable positive effect on his entire life and that of our family. We are grateful.
Anonymous
The folks at Southwest Rides all and all are very enjoyable. I actually look forward to going to my doctors’ appointments because I get to get out of the house and enjoy visiting with the professional yet friendly drivers. You folks rock! Your company is awesome!
Anonymous
The way Southwest Rides treats people is exceptional. Truly thankful for meeting such down to earth people who understand people.
Anonymous
Your Cortez staff does a phenomenally awesome job!
Michael
Thank you for your words of encouragement. It came from your heart, so drew the fear from my mind and made me feel all right.
Vincent
I have found the Be Fit Be Able exercise class to be very effective. I am a wheelchair user, but I can do the exercises that he does in the class. I look forward to every Thursday! It is so much fun and a good workout!
Jeanine
SWCI has restored my CONFIDENCE!!! And that makes Living SO Much Easier!! SWCI gives me the tools I need, and reminds me of the tools I already have, to help me Live Life!!! Thank YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jenny
Thank you for the emails that bring great awareness on the needs of people who have disabilities. I feel as if I haven’t paid close enough attention to many of these issues and you have given me pause to read and re-read on how I might provide assistance.
Sheri
About swci
Our Core Values
Check out the core values embraced by Centers for Independent Living
1.
Cross disability
Meaning people with all disabilities and of all ages are included. While the daily details of our disabilities are different, we are all experiencing the same societal barriers and oppression.
3.
Equal Access to society
Meaning that as barriers are removed and legal rights are honored, society in its broadest sense appreciates and includes people with disabilities in education, employment, housing, recreation, transportation, and all other forms of public and private.
2.
Consumer Control
Meaning the individual with a disability must be able to make his or her own choices, and to be in charge of his or her own life. Consumer control also means that the organizations best suited to assist us are not run by parents, social workers, or medical people, but by us, people who have disabilities.
4.
Self-help and peer support
Meaning that people learn and grow by discussing their needs, concerns and issues with people who have had similar experiences.
SWCI Quick Links
Explore Southwest Center for Independence
Donate to Southwest Center for Independence
Invest with SWCI to create a world where people with disabilities are valued friends and neighbors who participate in their communities!