Western Reserve Independent Living Center

11/05/2026

Support HB225 to phase out subminimum wage for people with disabilities. HB 255 is still in front of the House Commerce and Labor Committee. Help us by following the link to send a letter to the Ohio General Assembly asking them to pass HB 225 into law! https://actionnetwork.org/letters/help-support-hb-225-the-phase-out-of-subminimum-wage-for-ohioans-with-disabilities?source=direct_link&

11/05/2026

💜 What Does a Center for Independent Living Do? 💜

At WRILC, we believe disability should never be a barrier to living the life you choose.

Through peer support, advocacy, independent living skills, information & referral, and transition services, we help people with disabilities build independence, connect with resources, and strengthen their voice in the community.

You don't have to navigate challenges alone. Whether you're looking for support, resources, or simply don't know where to start, WRILC is here to help.

📞 330-372-3325
💻 .org

Choice. Voice. Independence. Community.

💜

💡 SO…WHAT DOES A CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING ACTUALLY DO?
You may have heard the term “CIL” before, but what does it really mean? A Center for Independent Living helps people with disabilities live as independently as possible and participate fully in their communities.

At On My Own, our Independent Living services are built around five core areas:
🤝 1. PEER SUPPORT
Sometimes the best person to talk to is someone who has been there, too. Peer support connects people with others who understand the experience of living with a disability.
-Currently OMO has a Parent Support Group at OMO for families in Nevada and El Dorado Springs.

🗣️ 2. ADVOCACY
We help people learn how to speak up for themselves, understand their rights, and address barriers that may be getting in the way of living the life they want.
-Check our Facebook for current voting assistance

🏠 3. INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS
Independent living looks different for everyone. We can help people develop skills and strategies that support greater independence in everyday life.
-Currently OMO has Independent Living Skills classes available each month in Nevada and El Dorado Springs

📚 4. INFORMATION & REFERRAL
Sometimes you don't need someone to do something for you—you just need to know where to go or who to ask. We help connect people with resources and services in their communities.
-OMO has a resource guide for Bates, Cedar, Hickory, St. Clair, and Vernon counties
Resource Guides: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16JDrsqNofLlc-UhVdtdtz0AwYMS85jrUh5wnFXmykjc/edit?usp=sharing

🚪 5. TRANSITION SERVICES
We help people with disabilities explore options for moving from institutions into community living, and we work with people who are at risk of institutionalization to help them remain in their communities.

And here's something important:
You don't have to know exactly what you need before reaching out.

Sometimes the first step is simply saying,
“I'm not sure what my options are. Can you help me figure them out?”
That's part of what Independent Living is all about. ❤️

Independent Living isn't about telling someone how they should live.
It's about helping people have the information, skills, resources, support and opportunity to make their OWN choices.
🏠 Choice.
🗣️ Voice.
🤝 Connection.
🌎 Community.
That's what a CIL does.

What part of Independent Living was new to you? 👇

11/02/2026

Tomorrow is Election Day! We are counting down the hours. If you haven't yet made your voting plan, today is the day to get that settled, and we are here for anything you may need on Election Day. Our Voter Hotline is open tomorrow from poll open to poll close.
Find more information at www.disabilityrightsohio.org/vote See less

Tomorrow is Election Day! We are counting down the hours. If you haven't yet made your voting plan, today is the day to get that settled, and we are here for anything you may need on Election Day. Our Voter Hotline is open tomorrow from poll open to poll close.

Find more information at www.disabilityrightsohio.org/vote

10/27/2026

With the midterm elections approaching, disability advocates are offering up guidance to prepare voters with developmental disabilities as they head to the polls.

10/23/2026

Every vote matters, and every voter deserves access to the ballot box. If you or someone you know faces barriers to voting on Election Day, Ohio has resources available to help voters with disabilities get the support they need and report accessibility concerns.

Check out this helpful information from Disability Rights Ohio and the Ohio Secretary of State's Office. Let's make sure everyone's voice is heard!

Do you know what to do if you face barriers to voting on Election Day? Ohio has lots of resources for voters with disabilities to ask for help or report accessibility issues. Disability Rights Ohio will be operating its Voter Hotline, and the OHSecofState's Office has multiple ways for voters to reach out.

The has power, let's exercise it!

10/14/2026

Alt text: “WRILC Phone Update graphic in blue and green colors. The WRILC logo appears at the top left on a green banner. The heading reads ‘WRILC PHONE UPDATE — WE’RE BACK ONLINE!’ in bold white and yellow text with a megaphone icon. Below, white text on a blue background announces that the office phone lines are working again and lists the main phone number 330‑372‑3325. It includes contact options: Facebook Messenger, email [email protected], staff contact information at www.wrilc.org/about-us.aspx (wrilc.org in Bing), and the WRILC website. The bottom line reads ‘We appreciate your understanding and look forward to connecting with you.’”

10/07/2026

Alt text: “WRILC Office Update graphic with blue and green colors. The WRILC logo appears at the top left. The heading reads ‘WRILC OFFICE UPDATE.’ Below, white text on a blue background explains that the office is experiencing phone issues for the next week or two and thanks people for their patience. It lists contact options: Facebook Messenger, email [email protected], and staff email addresses and cell phone numbers available on the Contact Us page at wrilc.org/about-us.aspx.”

10/06/2026

We are looking for board members! If you are a person with a disability who wants to get involved with the community, now is your chance to help guide the vision of our organization.

If you are interested or know someone who is interested, fill out the application at the bottom of the page linked below and email a completed form to [email protected].

Independent Living is about freedom of choice. It is about being included. It celebrates people with disabilities living a quality life.

10/02/2026

Today is Day 2 of Week Without Driving, and we’re highlighting the simplest form of transportation: walking.

For many disabled people, walking isn’t always easy, safe, or possible — and that’s exactly why this week matters. Accessible communities benefit everyone. When sidewalks are missing, crossings are unsafe, or destinations are too far apart, people with disabilities lose independence and choice.

Today’s challenge invites you to notice what walking feels like in your neighborhood.
Is it safe? Is it connected? Is it accessible?
Could someone using a mobility aid, cane, stroller, or service animal navigate it comfortably?

If your area isn’t walkable, try visiting a shopping center and see how many errands you can do without getting back in the car. It’s a great way to imagine what true walkability and access could look like for all of us.

10/01/2026

Week Without Driving 2026 – Let’s Talk About It
Today kicks off Week Without Driving, a national challenge that shines a light on what life is like for nondrivers. Nearly 1 in 3 people in the U.S. cannot drive because of age, disability, income, or other factors. For many, transportation barriers shape everyday life — getting to work, appointments, groceries, community events, or simply staying connected.

This week is about visibility, understanding, and engagement. It’s a chance for drivers, leaders, and community members to experience the challenges nondrivers face every day and reflect on what accessible transportation really means.

If you’re taking part, think about what this week brings up for you.
What feels like the biggest challenge?
What feels surprisingly easy?
What did you notice about your routine when driving wasn’t an option?

Choosing another way to get around — walking, rolling, bicycling, riding transit, or asking for a ride — helps build empathy and awareness. Every experience shared helps push for safer streets, better transit, and stronger community support.

Learn more: weekwithoutdriving.org

Share in the comments below: What would be your biggest challenge if you participated and put down your keys for a week?