SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence

The SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence, Inc., more popularly known as SADI, has been assisting people with disabilities in Southeast Missouri for over 25 years. Founded and still managed by executive director Maryann "Miki" Gudermuth as a polio support group, SADI now serves people in Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Mississippi, Perry and Scott counties, as well as the city of Sikeston.

SADI provides services to all people with disabilities to enable them to live in their own homes, within their communities and not in an institution. What makes SADI unique is that its services are holistic to meet the needs of each individual in their living environment.

SADI's services have grown over the years, and now they offer a wide spectrum of assistance to the disabled. Through information and referral, advocacy, peer support and community education, SADI empowers the disabled in their homes.

SADI also offers a transportation shuttle service, and assists with technology through a telephone assistance program and a technology loan program.

In 2010, SADI continued its growth with the inception of the GAPS Autism Service, which provides assistance to parents raising children with autism. SADI changed the name of its Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services to SADI Interpreter Referral Services, and opened a branch office in Marble Hill to be more accessible in Bollinger County.

Perryville location

SADI implemented the Home Sweet Home program last year. This program assists those transitioning from institutional facilities back into their communities.

2010 saw SADI expanding transportation services to Scott City, and it started the SADI Employment Mentoring Services which offers support to both employers and prospective employees.

SADI plans on continued aggressive growth in 2011. A new branch office in Perryville is already open, and expanded transportation services to the Jackson and Fruitland areas is in the works.

Respite services are also in the plans for 2011. Respite services are intermittent or regularly scheduled non-medical care provided in the person's home. Typically, this includes assisting family members in enabling the person with a disability to stay at home by providing care and supervision in the absence of family members.

SADI founder Miki Gudermuth is proud of the growth that SADI has experienced, and has a true passion for the work SADI does.

Charleston location

"When I first started our polio support group, I would never have dreamed how much we would impact our community and the people we serve," said Gudermuth. "One of my favorite movies is 'The Wizard of Oz,' and to coin a phrase from the movie on the services we provide, 'There's no place like home.'"