Services for Independent Living, Inc. (SIL)

05/26/2026

Did you know the ADA National Network includes 10 Regional ADA Centers that provide free information, guidance, training, and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

The Network serves businesses, employers, government agencies, and people with disabilities by helping promote accessibility, inclusion, freedom, and equality for all.

Learn more:

The ADA National Network consists of 10 Regional ADA Centers. The purpose of the ADA National Network Centers is to provide accurate and useful information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to those with rights and responsibilities under the law, including private b...

05/25/2026

Memorial Day began after the American Civil War as a way to honor and remember soldiers who died while serving in the military. Originally known as “Decoration Day,” communities across the United States decorated the graves of fallen service members with flowers, flags, and wreaths.

One of the earliest widely recognized observances took place on May 30, 1868, when the Grand Army of the Republic, a Union veterans organization, called for a national day of remembrance. Over time, the holiday evolved to honor all U.S. military personnel who died in service to the country.

Today, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May and serves as both a time of remembrance and a reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces and their families.

05/24/2026

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05/23/2026

May is Williams Syndrome Awareness Month

Williams syndrome is a rare condition, and many people outside the community have never heard of it. Awareness helps change that—and it’s an important step toward improving understanding, support, research, and funding.

By sharing information and lived experiences, we can help:
🔬 Encourage more research
💡 Improve early understanding and diagnosis
🤝 Strengthen support for individuals and families
📣 Increase visibility for the Williams syndrome community

Awareness matters. Understanding leads to progress.

Learn more:
Williams Syndrome Association – What is WS

Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone. It is characterized by medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning challenges. These often occur side by side with striking verbal abilities, highly social persona...

05/22/2026

Summer can bring exciting opportunities for connection, recreation and family fun—but it can also create added challenges for families supporting loved ones with disabilities. Planning ahead, maintaining routines when possible and identifying accessible resources can help make the season more enjoyable for everyone.

In this thoughtful article, Wendy Spitz shares practical tips for navigating summer activities, travel, schedule changes and caregiving responsibilities while supporting loved ones with disabilities.

Read the full article here:

Summer can be a welcome change from the school year, but for families of loved ones with disabilities, it often brings a different kind of challenge, writes guest columnist Wendy Spitz.

05/21/2026

University Hospitals and the Willoughby Eastlake Schools have partnered to help educators better recognize and respond to student mental health challenges.

The initiative includes five in-person workshops designed to give teachers and school staff practical tools to identify when a student may be struggling and learn how to provide support and connect them with resources.

The district plans for all 1,000 employees to participate in the training, reinforcing a community-wide commitment to student well-being, early intervention, and mental health awareness.

Willoughby Eastlake schools to train all employees to better spot when kids need help.

05/20/2026

🐴💙 Empowering Lives Through Therapeutic Riding at Pegasus Farm Therapeutic Equestrian Center 💙🐴

Pegasus Farm serves more than 500 individuals each year through therapeutic equestrian programs designed to support people with emotional, behavioral, cognitive, developmental, and physical challenges.

Participants range in age from 3 to 75, with most students between ages 4 and 20. Through equine-assisted activities, Pegasus Farm creates opportunities for growth, confidence, healing, and connection that extend far beyond the riding arena.

✨ Over 13,000 hours of lessons provided annually
✨ Weekly programming for more than 200 students
✨ Vocational, recreational, and social opportunities
✨ Services supporting individuals across eight Northeast Ohio counties

Pegasus Farm is also one of only four therapeutic equestrian centers in Northeast Ohio recognized as a Premier Center by Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.

Their mission is to build a supportive community that empowers people with diverse needs through therapeutic riding, vocational services, and inclusive social activities.

Pegasus Farm is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center dedicated to therapeutic equestrian programs, adult day services, and community support through holistic initiatives.

05/19/2026

2026 Youth Scholarship Applications Are Now Open!

National Council on Independent Living is offering scholarships for youth with disabilities ages 18–26 to attend the 2026 Annual Conference on Independent Living in Washington, DC, July 20–23, 2026.

Scholarships cover:
✨ Conference registration
✨ Travel
✨ Hotel accommodations

NCIL is also offering the Emet Tauber Youth Scholarship for youth with disabilities who are also trans and/or Jewish, honoring Emet’s advocacy and legacy.

📅 Application deadline: June 12, 2026. Funds are limited, so interested parties should respond promptly.

Read more about the conference: https://bit.ly/42UBiqV

Apply here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DFS9ZDG

. 2026 NCIL Youth Scholarship Applications Now Open! Youth Scholarships NCIL is offering scholarships to attend its Annual Conference to youth with disabilities ages 18–26 who may otherwise be unable...

05/18/2026

Youth Summer Socials!

Services for Independent Living invites youth ages 13–18 to join a summer full of fun, friendship, and creativity! Activities include bowling, bingo, movies, art, pizza, tie dye, pottery, and more.

🎳 Featured activities include:
• Game & Pizza Social – June 13
• Tie Dye Art Social – June 18
• Pottery Design Social – June 27
• Movie Social – July 2
• Ice Cream / Let’s Talk Social – July 11
• Bingo Social – July 16
• Rollhouse Bowling Social – July 25
• Canvas Art Social – July 30

⚠️ Space is limited for the bowling social — RSVP by July 1!

For questions or to RSVP:
📧 thawkins@sil-oh.org
📞 216-389-2423

Download the event flyer pdf:https://sil-oh.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SIL-Summer-Socials-Calendar-Flyer-2026.pdf

05/17/2026

Disability Access Day at West Side Market on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This inclusive community event will feature accessible shopping support, ASL interpreters, a mobile sensory space, accessible restrooms, and transportation and parking accommodations. Visitors can explore fresh produce, meats, bakery items, prepared foods, and more from Cleveland’s historic public market. Many vendors also accept SNAP payments.

📍 1979 West 25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113

Community partners include the Cleveland Sight Center , Community Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and LEAP Cleveland.

05/16/2026

🧡 May is Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) Awareness Month!

Learn more at The Ehlers-Danlos Society and share to help raise awareness.

📖 What is EDS? https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-eds/

📖 What is HSD? https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-hsd/