Services for Independent Living, Inc. (SIL)

01/13/2026

ASK THE EXPERT: Live Q&A for Caregivers

Caring for an older adult comes with a lot of questions—and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Join Benjamin Rose on Thursday, January 22 at noon for a live, interactive Ask the Expert session just for family and friend caregivers.

Hear directly from caregiving experts and learn alongside others facing similar challenges. Come with questions, leave with practical tips and peace of mind.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get all your questions about caring for an older adult answered by experts in the field! Join us for this informal ask-and-learn session for family and friend caregivers. Everything is on the table -- ask us anything you need to know about caring for an older adult, ...

01/12/2026

Join us for Connect with Conversations!

🗓 Jan 16, 2026: New Year – Goal Setting
⏰ 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Zoom (Link sent after RSVP)

RSVP to Maddi Steimle at msteimle@sil-oh.org or 216-903-2469

01/11/2026

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period Underway

Another Medicare enrollment window is underway. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from Jan. 1 through March 31. Individuals who are in a Medicare Advantage Plan may make one plan change during this time.

Ohioans on Medicare can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without prescription drug coverage), return to Original Medicare, or enroll in a standalone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. Any changes take effect on the first day of the month after the new plan receives the request.

For help or questions, representatives from the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program are available at 800-686-1578.

01/09/2026

Join Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/ Deepwood at the Aktion Club Meeting on January 28, 2026 from 5 – 6 PM.

Come discover what Aktion Club is all about! Enjoy connecting with members, setting new year goals, and meeting newly elected Aktion Club officers.

Meeting will be held at the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/Deepwood – Building C (VGC), 8121 Deepwood Boulevard, Mentor, OH 44060.

Register to attend by calling 440-350-5173 or email LCBDDAktionClub@gmail.com.

01/28/2026 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Join us at the Aktion Club Meeting on January 28, 2026 from 5 – 6 PM. Come discover what Aktion Club is all about! Enjoy connecting with members, discussing goals and activities for 2026! Meeting will be held at the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/D...

01/08/2026

Services for Independent Living Connect with Conversation schedule from January–June 2026.

All sessions are held via Zoom from 11 AM–12 PM. Each month features a different topic:

Jan 16: New Year goal setting

Feb 13: Red Cross presentation

Mar 20: Self-care strategies for managing stress and anxiety

Apr 17: Using apps to stay organized

May 15: Tips for healthy eating and grocery budgeting

Jun 19: Managing and discussing conflict-resolution strategies

An RSVP link will be sent before each meeting.

For questions, participants can contact Maddi at msteimle@sil-oh.org
or 216-903-2469.

01/07/2026

Relocation Services

SIL staff can assist program participants to seamlessly transition from a facility (nursing home, hospital, or institution) back into the community.

SIL staff work closely with individuals to help locate housing, work through the waiver application process, obtain personal documents, securing furniture and household items, and so much more.

Individual services focus on providing individuals with disabilities access to information and skills needed to facilitate and enhance their independence and to remain in the community of choice.

01/07/2026

I recently wrote an article in The Cleveland Plain Dealer about SB 293, which has now been signed into law. Mail-in voting is a lifeline for many Ohioans, especially people with disabilities, seniors, and those with health concerns. With SB 293 now law, voters who rely on mail ballots must vote at least a week early to ensure their vote is counted. This is another unnecessary barrier to participating in our democracy. Access to voting should be expanded, not restricted. We must keep pushing for a democracy that works for everyone.

01/06/2026

Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio Circle of Support – Caregiver Support Group

Family members caring for an aging loved one with Down syndrome are invited to join Circle of Support, a caregiver support group, on Monday, January 12, from 6:30–7:30 PM via Zoom.

This month’s topic is “Let’s Talk…Alzheimer’s Disease and Down Syndrome.” The session will feature Kristin Dailey, whose podcast Aging with Down Syndrome offers honest and heartfelt conversations about the changing needs of aging loved ones with Down syndrome. Kristin is the sister of Matthew, with whom she advocated tirelessly for families in the disability community. Since his passing at age 52, Kristin continues to carry forward Matthew’s mission and legacy of loving, caring for, and celebrating others.

To RSVP and receive the Zoom link, contact Debbie@dsaneo.org

01/06/2026

Join me live on FB or you can watch the saved video on Instagram or FB later! Find your bells and let’s ring in some new year cheer. See you tomorrow!

01/06/2026

Email from Ohio Self Determination Association   Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, at 11am we are back for Advocacy Wednesday! OSDA is Partnering with We Thrive Together EVERY Wednesday to talk Advocacy!

01/06/2026

World Braille Day, observed on January 4, recognizes the importance of braille as a vital tool for literacy, independence, and inclusion. Invented by Louis Braille, this revolutionary system has transformed the lives of millions of blind and visually impaired individuals by providing access to education, communication, and daily life.

Braille ensures equal access to information and supports full participation in school, work, and the community.

Learn more from American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) :

Braille is a system of raised dots that can be read with the fingers by people who are blind or who have low vision. Teachers, parents, and others who are not visually impaired ordinarily read braille with their eyes. Braille is not a language. Rather, it is a code by which many languages—such as ...

01/05/2026

The 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline connects people to compassionate, confidential support—anytime, anywhere in the U.S.

Available 24/7, 988 works to improve crisis care and advance su***de prevention through awareness and best practices.

📞 Call or text 988