Farewell Sandi

 Celebrating the Legacy of Sandi Klink: MCIL’s Heart and Executive Director Retires

After an incredible 25 years of dedicated service to the Memphis Center for Independent Living, now Disability CONNECTION Midsouth, Executive Director Sandi Klink is retiring. Her leadership has shaped the organization into a cornerstone of the Memphis disability community, advocating for independence, accessibility, and equal rights for people with disabilities. As she steps down, her legacy of activism, compassion, and perseverance leaves an indelible mark on the city and beyond.

For 25 years, Sandi Klink has been the heart of MCIL, leading the organization with a pragmatic Southern charm and an unyielding passion for justice. Known for her no-nonsense approach and ability to get things done, Sandi wasn’t just the Executive Director—she was a listener, an advocate, and a problem-solver who always placed the needs of the disability community first. Whether negotiating funding or tackling public transit, Sandi’s leadership was guided by a vision of independence for all. Sandi was the heart and soul of the organization.

Sandi and the Center have played a pivotal role in advocating for and improving curb ramps, accessible sidewalks, and paratransit services throughout the city. She personally with her direct style, yet soft approach has built and strengthened partnerships with local, state and national disability organizations, amplifying the voices of those with disabilities. She oversaw the Center’s reach into Fair Housing for people with disabilities so that our community was not left out. Mostly for thousands of Memphians with disabilities, she has enhanced independent living skills and peer support, creating long-term impact for the community. Often one person at a time.

One of Sandi’s most defining moments came during her behind-the-scenes support at the ADAPT actions. Sandi quietly delivered hundreds of hamburgers to sustain ADAPT activists all over the United States. During the long takeover of the Tennessee Governor’s office, she made sure that MCIL continued to run smoothly. She didn’t grandstand, but without her dedicated support, the work simply would not get done. The thing about her dedication and support behind-the-scenes is just that now it is hard to express just how thankful and helpful Sandi has been to us all. 

Sandi’s influence has extended far beyond the walls of MCIL. Her tireless dedication has been felt throughout Memphis, across Tennessee and throughout the US where her quiet but effective activism ensured that people with disabilities had a voice in critical decisions. She was never one to seek the spotlight, but at the Statewide Independent Living Council and other necessary and glamourless jobs she took charge and did the important work.

From delivering meals to activists to advocating for better policies, Sandi’s work has touched countless lives. Her steady hand and fierce commitment have ensured that Disability CONNECTION Midsouth remains a beacon of support for the disability community.

We hope that Sandi does find time for some personal traveling—specifically, visiting New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant culture and history. Of course, we have her volunteering on too many projects now for her to leave. But, we hope that this marks a new chapter for a woman who has given so much of herself to the people of Memphis and beyond.

Though Sandi’s retirement marks the end of an era, her influence will be felt for years to come. Disability CONNECTION is poised to continue her work, building on the foundations she laid and continuing the fight for accessibility and independence. The organization’s future remains bright thanks to the tireless efforts and the values she instilled over her 25 years of leadership.

Thank You, Sandi!

As we bid farewell to Sandi Klink in her role as Executive Director, we offer our deepest gratitude for her 25 years of service. Her leadership, compassion, and vision have shaped Disability CONNECTION and the people today and over the past 25 years. Sandi’s legacy of advocacy will continue to inspire the work we do, and we wish her all the best as she embarks on her next adventure.

Is Independent Living still Revolutionary?

Disability Connection, Memphis’ Center for Independent Living, participates in a national discussion.

By Tim Wheat

This week the National Council on Independent Living and the IL-NET, the National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Independent Living had a discussion about getting back to the movement. They wondered if the innovative Independent Living philosophy has stagnated and is not current to people with disabilities. Disability Connection staff, peers and board members participated in the discussion. 

What do you think about Independent Living in our community?

What is a CIL?

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) play a crucial role in empowering people with disabilities to lead autonomous lives and actively participate in their communities. As community-based, non-residential organizations, CILs advocate for disability rights, provide essential resources, and offer services that promote independence. In Memphis, Tennessee, Disability Connection Midsouth, Memphis’ Center for Independent Living lives this mission. The Center serves as a lifeline for individuals seeking to take control of their lives while navigating a system that often falls short on accessibility and inclusion.

At its core, the purpose of CILs is rooted in the disability rights movement’s core philosophy: Nothing about us without us! This means that people with disabilities should not only have a say in the policies that affect their lives but also be equipped with the tools to make their own choices. CILs provide advocacy, peer support, independent living skills training, and information and referrals—all designed to help individuals transition from institutions to independent living or to avoid institutionalization in the first place.

Advocacy and Action in Memphis

One of the critical roles of the Center is ensuring that the city's infrastructure meets the needs of all its residents. From advocating for curb ramps and accessible sidewalks to pushing for better paratransit services, MCIL serves as the voice for people with disabilities.

“Accessibility is not a privilege; it is a civil right,” said Deborah Cunningham, the past Director of the Memphis Center for Independent Living. “Without accessible spaces, our community is cut off from employment, education, and simply living their lives.”

Beyond physical accessibility, Disability Connection is instrumental in advocating for policies that ensure fair housing, employment opportunities, and educational access. The organization works closely with local government agencies and other nonprofits to shape policies that uphold the rights of people with disabilities.

Fostering Independent Living Skills

Disability Connection Midsouth is not limited to systemic advocacy; the center also offers hands-on support through independent living skills training. This involves helping individuals develop the practical skills needed to live on their own, manage their finances, or advocate for themselves in medical or legal settings. 

The center also focuses on peer support, recognizing the value of shared experiences. People with disabilities who have navigated similar challenges serve as mentors, helping others realize their potential and break through barriers.

A Community of Inclusion

Ultimately, the purpose of Centers for Independent Living like Disability Connection is to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not isolated or excluded from society. This year the Center hopes foster a sense of community, where people can come together, advocate for their rights, and support one another in their journeys toward independence. In Memphis, this mission is particularly urgent, given the city’s infrastructure challenges, ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and residents struggle with transportation. 

By continuing to advocate, educate, and unite the disability community, Disability Connection Midsouth plays a critical role in creating a Memphis where people with disabilities have the freedom to live fully and independently.