The SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence always depends on fund-raising activities to fund its mission of helping people with disabilities live independent of institutions.

In the wake of cuts to the state Medicaid program last year, those fund-raisers have taken on an added importance.

Part of the cuts took away Medicaid support for the purchase of durable medical goods -- items like canes, bath benches, bedside commodes and walkers -- for the disabled clients served by SADI.

Now when those clients need such items and can't afford them, they depend on SADI to help provide them. Funds for that purpose are raised at the organization's annual SADI Yard Sale, being held June 3 this year at the SADI offices on Broadview Street.

"This is basically the only fund-raiser we have during the year," said Leemon Priest, a local disabled man who works for SADI.

Now clients are asking for more help from the organization, and that help has to come largely from private donations.

Kim Whitson, information and referral specialist at SADI, said most of the budget for the assistive technology program that provides durable medical equipment to those in need comes from private donations. SADI serves Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Scott, Perry and Mississippi counties.

For the sale, SADI is asking for donations of things like small appliances and clothing.

Other independent living centers in the area are experiencing the same increased dependence on fund-raising.

"More and more people in need, with the tightening of government budgets, now turn toward faith-based organizations or organizations like ours," said Bruce Lynch, executive director of the Independent Living Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo.

His organization relies on yard sales, private donations and raffles to increase the amount of assistance it can provide clients, Lynch said.

Richard Blakley, executive director of the Disabled Citizens Alliance for Independence center in Viburnum, Mo., said the increased demand puts a strain on independent living centers.

"Nobody can meet the demands; this is where government has to fill the gaps," he said.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182