Western Reserve Independent Living Center

06/05/2026

Maybe I’m not remarkable… or maybe accessibility makes all of us unstoppable.
Loving this video and the reminder that when products are designed for everyone, everyone wins.

Apple products are designed for every student. Accessibility featur...

06/05/2026

Disability benefits are a lifeline. A new report shows that too many people are facing delays, barriers, and long waits at Social Security — sometimes with devastating outcomes. Disability benefits are a lifeline. Accessing them should not be this difficult.

This report is based on interviews with 52 benefits professionals serving over 8,000 disability claimants nationwide. The independent research finds that recent Social Security Administration administrative changes have produced widespread access barriers, including longer delays, increased errors,....

06/01/2026

Submit your written testimony! Ohio Olmstead Task Force is submitting testimony on House Bill 795. This bill is the vehicle for significant Medicaid changes and they will impact home and community-based services in Ohio.

Both days of testimony have to be submitted through the Ohio House of Representatives website: www.ohiohouse.gov/committees/medicaid/meetings

Click the day that you would like to submit on the left side of the table. You will not need to submit a witness slip through this process, but you will need to upload your testimony in PDF form.

Tuesday 6/2/26 at 4:00 p.m., testimony must be submitted by 6/1/26 at 4:00 p.m. (Proponent Testimony)

Wednesday 6/3/26 at 3:00 p.m., testimony must be submitted by 6/2/26 at 3:00 p.m. (Opponent Testimony)

05/29/2026

Quick tip to keep your identity safe:
Your Social Security number was created to track earnings — not to be used as everyday ID. Knowing this helps you protect your personal information and avoid scams.
🛑 Only share your SSN when it’s truly required, and always ask why it’s needed.
🔍 Learn more about your SSN & card: https://ow.ly/mG0y50Z3fn3

Quick heads-up: Social Security numbers were meant to record earnings, not act as an everyday ID 🪪 Understanding this helps you protect your personal information and avoid scams.
🔍 Learn more about your Social Security number & card: https://ow.ly/mG0y50Z3fn3

05/29/2026

We’re excited to share that the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is underway!
If you were approved for the program, you can now use your benefits at authorized farmers markets to enjoy fresh, locally grown produce while supporting local farmers.
Please note: Applications for this season are now closed. Benefits were limited and were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Learn more: Aging.Ohio.Gov/SFMNP See less

We’re excited to share that the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is underway!

If you were approved for the program, you can now use your benefits at authorized farmers markets to enjoy fresh, locally grown produce while supporting local farmers.

Please note: Applications for this season are now closed. Benefits were limited and were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Learn more: Aging.Ohio.Gov/SFMNP

05/26/2026

As we move through , we would like to share OOD's spotlight on the Business Enterprise Program, where blind entrepreneurs operate many of the vending and food service locations at Ohio’s rest areas. It’s a great example of accessibility, independence, and real economic opportunity in action.

05/18/2026

Ask the Ohio House to Add Protections Against Institutional Housing: A message from the Ability Center

Hello advocates!

Take action to protect home and community based housing in Ohio! Later today, the House Community Revitalization Committee will hear HB585, which would increase the size of housing developments for people with disabilities in Ohio without any protections to keep developers from creating institutional housing. Join our campaign to ask for an amendment to ensures that new housing is home and community based, not institutional. We want to see more accessible housing created with state funds, but that housing should be integrated in the community and not create environments where people with disabilities live in isolated settings.

If you can, please follow the link in this letter to send a pre-written letter to the House Community Revitalization Committee and ask that additional protections are added to the bill.

Here is the link to our letter: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/ask-the-ohio-house-to-add-protections-against-institutional-housing?source=direct_link&

If you have any questions or concerns, you can also reach out to Disability Rights Advocate Jules Patalita at [email protected] for assistance.

Thank you for your advocacy, and have a nice day,

05/18/2026

💙 Make‑It‑Happen Monday!
Today, we’re spotlighting Advocacy, one of our core services here at WRILC. ✨

Advocacy is all about making sure people with disabilities have the knowledge, confidence, and support to speak up for themselves and make informed decisions about their lives. Whether it’s navigating services, understanding rights, or breaking down barriers in the community, advocacy is at the heart of Independent Living.

Through our Advocacy services, we can help with:
✨ Understanding your rights and options
✨ Speaking up in meetings, appointments, and daily life
✨ Problem‑solving challenges at home, school, work, or in the community
✨ Navigating benefits, services, and support systems
✨ Building confidence and self‑determination
✨ Connecting with resources that strengthen independence

Our Independent Living Specialists work one‑on‑one with individuals to build self‑advocacy skills and ensure every person’s voice is heard and respected. You stay in control — we’re here to support your journey.

If you’re ready to build your advocacy skills or want to learn more, give us a call or stop in.
📞 330‑372‑3325

Let’s make it happen — together. 💙

05/18/2026

💙 Did you know? Every state has at least one Parent Training & Information Center (PTI)!
These centers are funded through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to support families of children and young adults with disabilities from birth through age 26.

PTIs help parents and caregivers understand their child’s educational rights and get connected to the services and supports they need. And the best part? Everything is provided at NO cost to families.

PTIs can help with:
✨ Understanding IEPs and special education services
✨ Learning about disability rights and accommodations
✨ Navigating school systems and support programs
✨ Preparing for transitions into adulthood
✨ Connecting families with local resources and advocacy support

These centers empower families to become confident, informed advocates for their children’s education and future.

Learn more at Understood.org 💙

Parent Training and Information Centers provide free help to families whose kids have a disability. Learn about parent training centers and how to find a PTI.

05/14/2026

🌟 Ohio Disability Community — Your Voice Matters! 🌟
The Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council (OSILC) wants to hear directly from people with disabilities across Ohio about your real experiences, goals, and the challenges you’re facing right now.

This short survey takes about 5 minutes, and your answers will help shape future advocacy, services, and statewide planning.
Your voice helps guide what gets funded, what gets improved, and what needs attention.

📝 Take the survey here:
https://www.research.net/r/OSILC_Survey

Every response makes a difference.
Please take a moment today — and feel free to share with others in the disability community.

If you have a moment today- The Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council (OSILC) has put together a survey for people with disabilities to tell us their current experiences, goals, and any other challenges you may be facing. This survey only takes 5min and will help us determine our advocacy efforts in the future! https://www.research.net/r/OSILC_Survey