Self-Initiated Living Options, Inc. - SILO

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Self-Initiated Living Options, Inc. - SILO Nonprofit organization that provides programs/services to people with disabilities throughout LI, NY

*We service both Suffolk and Nassau County*

SILO has been a staple of the disability community since 1985. An Advocacy and Information and Referral agency, it has worked with individuals, businesses, and agencies to promote equal access for people with all disabilities. SILO is not a "case management" agency; rather, our focus is on empowerment, mentorship, knowledge, and advocacy. Most of our service staff are people with disabilities themselves, and this peer model facilitates a better relationship between the Independent Living Skills Specialist and the individual being served. Two questions we ask all consumers before getting involved with us: "How badly do you want to achieve your goals?" and "Are you willing to work hard to accomplish them?" SILO's services are person-centered so individuals determine their individual goals, not other people. SILO helps the individual acquire the tools needed to accomplish those goals.

On Tuesday, October 6th, SILO hosted our 8th Self-Advocacy Conference. The conference opened with keynote speaker Jim Hu...
10/19/2026

On Tuesday, October 6th, SILO hosted our 8th Self-Advocacy Conference.

The conference opened with keynote speaker Jim Hughes, speaking on his personal experience on becoming a high school teacher, despite having visual impairments. Later on, we heard from Paul and Hava, a couple with disabilities who fought for their rights to live together after marriage. We ended the day with a fantastic performance by comedian, Tugboat Manny, who highlighted that you can still laugh while dealing with mental health struggles.

Throughout the day, attendees had the option to participate in several workshops that covered fair housing laws, voting rights, ADA basics, employment tips, and traveling with disabilities. We would like to thank Kelsey Kalafut, Marilyn Tucci, Ian Wilder, Michael Ring, and Tino Ioannidis for taking the time to share their expertise with us!

SILO is looking forward to our next Self-Advocacy Conference, and we hope to see you there!

Please visit our website for more information and photos!

October 18-24, 2026, is Invisible Disabilities Week, founded by the Invisible Disabilities Association in 2014. This yea...
10/19/2026

October 18-24, 2026, is Invisible Disabilities Week, founded by the Invisible Disabilities Association in 2014. This year's theme is "I Am Invisible No More."

An invisible disability is a physical, mental, neurological, or chronic health condition that that may not be immediately apparent to others. A person may appear healthy while navigating challenges that others may not recognize. Examples include Type 1 Diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), certain mental health conditions, chronic pain, brain injuries, and hearing loss.

This week, put your assumptions behind and listen without judgement. You can't always see a disability, but you can always choose kindness.

The 90's called...inclusion never goes out of style!📼🩷SAVE THE DATE! Join SILO in celebrating 37 years of the Americans ...
10/16/2026

The 90's called...inclusion never goes out of style!📼🩷

SAVE THE DATE!
Join SILO in celebrating 37 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act!

📆Friday, July 23, 2027
🕛11 am - 2:30 pm
📍SILO Parking Lot - 3253 NY-112, Building 10, Medford, NY 11763

This is a free, family-friendly, outdoor event. Rain or shine!

Free boxed lunch & dessert, music, free photo IDs, promotional tables, guest speakers, games & prizes, petting zoo, basket raffles, face painting & more!

10/16/2026

A recent letter sent to me after advocating for people with disabilities; speaking & performing Comedy!

For me personally this is what it is all about!

Thank you Self-Initiated Living Options, Inc. - SILO!

October is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month! Established in 2007 by the LEAD Project Com...
10/15/2026

October is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month!

Established in 2007 by the LEAD Project Committee of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC), AAC Awareness Month promotes awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for people who use AAC. This year's theme is "AAC in Everyday Life: Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond."

AAC includes tools and methods that help people communicate when speech alone may not meet their needs. There are many different types of AACs, including unaided (facial expressions, sign language), low-tech (picture communication boards, written words), and high-tech (speech-generating devices, tablets).

AAC gives people the opportunity to express their thoughts, feelings, needs, and ideas. Everyone deserves the ability to communicate and have their voice heard.

If you, or someone you know, are looking for AAC, please contact SILO's TRAID Director, LaShanne Dozier. TRAID connects individuals with disabilities to assistive technology resources that can support communication!

☎️(631) 880-7929 ext. 180
📩[email protected]

Coming Soon: Being Heumann 🎥'Being Heumann' is a film celebrating the life and legacy of Judy Huemann, a pioneering disa...
10/14/2026

Coming Soon: Being Heumann 🎥

'Being Heumann' is a film celebrating the life and legacy of Judy Huemann, a pioneering disability rights activist who helped shape the disability rights movement. In 1977, Heumann, and other activists, staged a historic 28-day sit-in and occupation of the San Francisco Federal Building, also known as the Section 504 Sit-Ins. Protesters refused to leave until government officials signed regulations for Section 504, which banned discrimination against people with disabilities in federally funded programs.

This biopic portrays a benchmark event in disability rights history and the initiatives that followed. SILO encourages everyone to watch it.

'Being Heumann' will be released in select theaters on November 6th and streaming on Apple TV+ November 13th.

Upcoming Screening: The Ride Ahead 🎬We invite you to join The University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education f...
10/14/2026

Upcoming Screening: The Ride Ahead 🎬

We invite you to join The University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education for a free hybrid screening of the Emmy Award winning documentary The Ride Ahead. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the film's co-directors, Dan Habib and his son, Samuel Habib.

The film follows Samuel, a young disabled adult, as he navigates questions about education, relationships, community, and what it means to live independently. Through conversations with disability advocates and leaders across the country, The Ride Ahead offers an honest and powerful perspective on disability culture, access, and belonging.

📅Friday, October 16, 2026
🕝1 - 3:00 pm
📍Zoom
Please register on the Marsal Family School of Education events website to receive the Zoom link and learn more!

SILO will be closed Monday, October 12th, in observance of the holidays. We will reopen on Tuesday, October 13th. Thank ...
10/09/2026

SILO will be closed Monday, October 12th, in observance of the holidays. We will reopen on Tuesday, October 13th. Thank you!

We are happy to highlight and celebrate the amazing work Lori Nelson, Open Doors Transition Specialist, does for our com...
10/07/2026

We are happy to highlight and celebrate the amazing work Lori Nelson, Open Doors Transition Specialist, does for our company and the community. Thanks for everything, Lori!

Address

3253 Route 112 Building 10
Medford, NY
11763

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 1pm

Telephone

+16318807929

Website

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