Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL)

10/08/2026

What a crew! Looking all matchy!

Image description.
LVCIL Transition and Employment leaders, Carly, Laurie, and Tim, standing in front of a doorway and whiteboard in Joe's office... smiling and about to start their day!

10/07/2026

The important work we do here at LVCIL starts with the small things, like office supplies and basic needs for our staff. So if your planning on participating in today's Amazon Prime Day, consider checking out our Donation Wishlist to help keep our office working smooth!

10/06/2026

Arts & Advocacy Night is this Friday, October 9th, 6p-8p at LVCIL

Create, Connect, Speak up

Join us for a night of advocacy and information while having fun and making art!

Have fun with a guided art activity as we talk about:
How people with disabilities can speak up for themselves
How families can improve services and systems
Important issues affecting people with disabilities right now

Come relax, meet other families, make art, and learn ways to make a difference

Food, mocktails, and art supplies will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own art related activity. Children are welcome but childcare is not provided.

Location: LVCIL – 713 N 13th St. Allentown PA 18102

In Collaboration with Lehigh University Arts Galleries

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-CEaLQ8ofZnRsRWpHoKl2sv_Y4_XhA6Pxrx-XgyrbpuGuyQ/viewform

Image description: Flyer for the event with above information

10/05/2026

An assistive tech tip from LVCIL’s AT and Accessibility Team:

Recently, LVCIL held its 10th annual “Fishing and Fun in the Park event.” In order to make some of the difficult terrain more accessible, staff utilized TechOWL’s Lending Library to borrow a set of “Access Trax.” These plastic panels can be placed over uneven terrain to create more stable surfaces for individuals who use mobility devices.

The Lending Library also has other Assistive Technology, such as the FreeWheel Wheelchair Attachment, to help individuals get through difficult terrain. This device attaches to a wheelchair and can be used on various surfaces.

To learn more about the Lending Library’s no-cost loans, please contact us at 610-770-9781 x123 or [email protected].

This information is brought to by LVCIL, the TechOWL Assistive Technology Resource Center serving Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Monroe, Schuylkill, Berks, and Luzerne counties.
Image Descriptions:

Image 1: AccessTrax are gray, plastic panels placed on dirt to create a more accessible pathway. Here they are placed on a dirt surface next to an orange camping tent, overlooking a body of water.

Image 2: FreeWheel is a large all-terrain wheel attached to the front of a manual wheelchair. A wheelchair user sits in the manual wheelchair, though their face is not visible in the picture.
Alt Text:

AccessTrax are gray, plastic panels placed on dirt to create a pathway.
FreeWheel is a large all-terrain wheel attached to the front of a standard wheelchair.

10/02/2026

October is Fire Safety Month and people with disabilities should consider Assistive Technology, along with a personalized plan, to increase their safety in emergency fire situations.

The following resources can help with emergency preparation for people with disabilities:

- Emergency Planning: Emergency Plans – TechOWL https://techowlpa.org/eprep/

- The American Red Cross’s Home Fire Campaign installs free smoke alarms, including alerting devices for people who can’t rely on hearing a traditional alarm. American Red Cross Home Fire Safety https://www.redcross.org/local/pennsylvania/greater-pennsylvania/about-us/our-work/home-fire-campaign.html

- The U.S. Fire Administration: Fire Safety for People with Disabilities https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/at-risk-audiences/people-with-disabilities/

TechOWL’s programs such as the Lending Library offer devices to try in the comfort of your home. Staff can demonstrate how assistive technology can promote independence and safety. To discuss what options may be best for you, contact [email protected] or 610-770-9781x123.

This information is brought to by LVCIL, the TechOWL Assistive Technology Resource Center serving Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Monroe, Schuylkill, Berks, and Luzerne counties

Emergency Planning We can help you prepare for when emergencies happen. What is Emergency Preparedness? An emergency is an event that puts a lot of people in danger. It could be a disaster caused b…

10/01/2026

We want to give one last thank you to everyone who braved the Nor'easter and made the 10th Annual Fishing and Fun in the Park a "Big Splash".

Especially we want to shout out our great sponsors just one more time:

Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Fidelity Bank
PA Health & Wellness
Guardian Life
Lehigh Valley Health Network
Kiwanis Club of Allentown
Values Into Action
WilliamSIGNS
COOL PRINT
Coplay News Agency Live Bait & Tackleshop

Our partners in this Allentown Parks and Recreation

And of course all of you!

09/29/2026

LVCIL is hiring!

Join our Transition and Employment Team as a Part-Time Coach

To learn more and apply: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=502cc7f568e8ab77&from=shareddesktop_copy

Image description: We're hiring sign with cup of tea and LVCIL's logo

09/27/2026

A reminder that this workshop is going on at LVCIL this Tuesday evening!

Peace of Mind Planning
Allentown In-Person Presentation
Tuesday, September 29th
5:30pm - 8:00pm
Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL)
Allentown, PA

Join the PA Family Network in this interactive workshop to:
Plan for your loved one's future when you're no longer able to
provide support.

Leave with a free workbook that has practical tools you can use
right away.
*We can not offer legal or financial advice

FREE!
Join us for Pizza and Networking at 5:30 PM
Registration Required

pafamilynetwork.org/planning2026allentown

The contents of this Flyer were developed under grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education & Rehabilitation Services. The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this Flyer may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this Flyer does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency. (EDGAR 75.620)To register by phone, call 1-844-723-2645

Image description: Includes all of the above information including the PA Family Network Vision for Equality logo, a photo of a person filling out a form, a QR code of the provided link, and the LVCIL logo.

09/27/2026

Fishing and Fun in the Park 2026

Thanks to All of our volunteers who came out to help yesterday. I don’t have pictures of everyone, but we couldn’t have done it without any of you!

Image description:
Image one: A young lady trying to pull a large tent out of the back of a car.

Image two: A woman holding up rubber stamp fishes that she used to work with kids to make prints of the fish

Image three: A woman in front of an art display of fish that visitors would color in to make a community art piece

Image four: LVCIL’s AED, Joe M, at the registration table in a poncho giving the thumbs up with both hands.