Services for Independent Living, Inc. (SIL)

08/10/2026

𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞’𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲

📅 Tuesday, August 18, 2026
⏰ 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Register today: https://qr.link/UsAxVN

Learn about disability benefits, SSI eligibility and reporting requirements, my Social Security online services, and other programs that may support you or your family.

08/10/2026

It may seem scary or intimidating to advocate for yourself the first time! Our Advocacy 101 Series has some tips to help you get started.

- Start with small, manageable requests.
- Focus on the issues that matter most to you.
- Use storytelling to share your experiences and perspectives.
- Connect with peer networks, advocacy organizations, and your local disability community.

Advocacy can take many forms, and every experience matters!

Want to learn more? Visit our Advocacy 101: Small Steps; Strong Voice page: https://ddc.ohio.gov/resources-and-publications/advocacy-self-determination/advocacy-101

08/10/2026

Parenting a young child can be challenging, but you do not have to do it alone.

First Five Years is a free, three-part course designed to help parents with children from birth to age 5 develop skills to nurture healthy relationships during the foundational years.

The course covers important topics like:

✅Early brain development
✅Communication skills
✅Discipline strategies
✅And more!

👉Fridays, August 14, 21, and 28
👉10:30 am – 12:30 pm
👉The Pregnancy & Parenting Center
👉Unit No. 3
👉2645 Cleveland Ave NW, Canton, OH 44709

👉Register at www.tinyurl.com/starkparented

08/10/2026

We are excited for a super busy June and July with our In-Person Town Hall series!! Thank you to our amazing partners for this awesome opportunity to share disability issues around the state.

Register below: https://bit.ly/4cNx21W

08/10/2026

The 129th Cuyahoga County Fair takes place August 11–16, and Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be on-site providing accessibility supports to help make the fair more inclusive for everyone.

Throughout the week, visitors can access:

♿ Universal Changing Station on Tuesday, August 11-12.
🧩 Mobile Sensory Space on Wednesday, August 13-14.
🚻 Universal Changing Table Support in partnership with Momentum Refresh, which will provide a Mobile Restroom from August 13–16.

These accessibility resources help ensure that individuals with disabilities and their families can enjoy the fair with greater comfort, dignity, and inclusion.

Whether you're visiting for the rides, exhibits, entertainment, or food, be sure to stop by the Cuyahoga DD space and learn more about the services and supports available in the community.

Harold Pinter wrote that the past is a foreign country; they do things differently there. People who came to the first Berea Fair in the 19th century did not arrive in cars, had no electricity, radio, television or computers. The first fairgoers went to the fair in the fall because farmers had their...

08/09/2026

📣 You're Invited: In-Person Town Hall!

Your voice matters. Join LEAP and Services for Independent Living (SIL) for an in-person town hall to share your experiences, discuss disability-related issues, and help inform policymakers about the needs of our community.

📅 Wednesday, August 26, 2026
🕑 2:00–4:00 p.m. EST

📍 Parma-Powers Branch
Meeting Rooms A/B
6996 Powers Blvd.
Parma, OH 44129

📝 Register today: https://bit.ly/4cNx21W

We encourage people with disabilities, family members, caregivers, advocates, and community partners to attend. Together, we can help shape policies that promote accessibility, inclusion, and independence.

Please share this event with others who may be interested!

08/08/2026

Needs Assessment Listening Session

The Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council and Ohio's Centers for Independent Living have completed a statewide needs assessment to better understand the experiences, priorities, and unmet needs of Ohioans with disabilities.

Aug 18, 2026; 02:30 PM ET

Join us for a listening session to:
✅ Share your thoughts on the findings
✅ Tell us if anything is missing
✅ Discuss the most important needs and priorities
✅ Help shape future Independent Living services and advocacy efforts

People with disabilities, advocates, service providers, community partners, and anyone interested in improving opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities are encouraged to participate. Your voice matters!

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Ohio SILC - Need Assessment Public Input Session . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

08/07/2026

Connect with Conversations – August Virtual Session

Want to learn more about your employment rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

Join Services for Independent Living (SIL) for a free virtual Connect with Conversations session:

📅 August 21, 2026
🕚 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
💻 Zoom

Topic: ADA Title I: Employment Protection
Presenter: April Shaw

To register, contact Maddi Steimle at [email protected] or 216-903-2469.

08/06/2026

What should you do if your loved one is being told they must leave a nursing facility due to lack of payment?

This situation can be overwhelming and stressful for families. Understanding your loved one’s rights, the discharge process, and where to turn for help is an important first step.

This article provides guidance: https://sil-oh.org/?p=11835

Learn more and find resources to help navigate this challenging situation.

08/05/2026

Apply for the 2026 Ohio SILC Leadership and Advocacy Retreat!

Are you passionate about disability advocacy and creating systems change? The Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council is bringing together 20 people from across Ohio for a two-day retreat designed to strengthen leadership skills and build the future of Independent Living.

Participants will:
✅ Strengthen leadership and advocacy skills
✅ Learn strategies for systems change
✅ Connect with advocates across Ohio's Independent Living Network
✅ Explore the history and future of the Independent Living Movement
✅ Help shape ongoing leadership development in Ohio

No extensive advocacy or leadership experience is required. If you're committed to Independent Living and ready to grow as a leader, we encourage you to apply!

📅 Retreat Dates: September 23–24, 2026
📍 Location: Embassy Suites at the Columbus Airport

Applications are open now, and participants will be selected by September 1. Individuals with disabilities will be prioritized in the selection process.

Apply: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=pstZVJWbOkaqlUnWlqLa5zIC2ciSoOxFiIq31vPixJlURUhTRVAzWVlDSUhPSjlMRlhEVU0zVDVYVy4u&route=shorturl

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