Western Reserve Independent Living Center

07/23/2025

💪🏽 “Let’s keep going. We will win!” — Congresswoman Lateefah Simon brought fire and vision to , reminding us that disabled people don’t just deserve a seat at the table — we lead.
🎤 At Capitol Hill, she honored 35 years of the ADA while calling out ongoing barriers, urging unity, and demanding disabled leadership in every movement for justice.
We’re proud to have two team members representing us in D.C. this week — bringing local perspectives to a national stage and echoing what we know to be true: disabled voices are vital, visible, and unstoppable.
📹 Thanks to for sharing this powerful moment.
📍 Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.

07/23/2025

🧠 Quick Safety Tips for Extreme Heat
It’s going to feel very hot in parts of Ohio this week. Here's how to stay safe:
- 💧 Drink water often — even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- 👕 Wear loose, light-colored clothes and stay in the shade.
- 🕒 Limit outdoor activities to morning or evening.
- 🧓🏽 Check on folks who might need extra support — like older adults, people with health conditions, or those without air conditioning.
- 🐶 Keep pets safe — they need shade and fresh water, and should never be left in cars.
- 🌀 Know the warning signs: Dizziness, nausea, confusion, or red, hot skin could mean heat illness. Call for help if needed.
- ♿️ If you use mobility aids or have trouble regulating body temperature, take extra care — ask for support and rest as needed.
Ohio air quality might also be poor in some areas. If air pollution affects you, stay indoors and avoid heavy activity.
Let’s take care of ourselves and each other.
🌻

Temperatures are going to be back up in the 90s in parts of Ohio today through the rest of the week. Here are some tips on staying safe during the hot weather.

Read more: https://aging.ohio.gov/springsummersafety

07/23/2025

🧰 Not Toolkit Tuesday? No problem—it's Wisdom Wednesday!
SOCIL-Ohio’s Supported Decision-Making Toolkit is too good to save for just one day. This resource helps young people with disabilities plan their future with trusted support—whether it’s work, college, or independence. Because smart planning isn’t tied to the calendar!
👉 Check out the toolkit

🧰 Toolkit Tuesday
Planning for life after high school? Supported Decision-Making helps young people with disabilities make their own choices with help from people they trust. This free toolkit shares tips for transitioning into adulthood — like making decisions about work, college, health, and more. Check it out and start planning your future!
👉 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A6VEdibnl5339EIlzGmzUmfo7M21UI6M/view


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07/19/2025

“If we didn’t speak as one voice we’d never win.” - Judith Heumann, WID co-founder and mother of the disability rights movement.

Want to help make an impact for the disability community? You can help deliver a powerful message to Capitol Hill.

On July 26th, people nationwide will flood Capitol Hill with thousands of letters, telling powerful stories about how disability supports change lives — and what happens when they’re cut.

We need your letter to help send a strong message.

We’re proud to support the Disability Writes Campaign to flood the Senate with stories that show the human side of policy decisions.

Here’s how you can take action today:

Share your story and your concerns about harmful cuts to disability services — make your voice heard with a postcard, letter or online.

Mail it to: PO Box 70196, Washington, DC, 20024 - by July 15th.

Link: https://www.disabilitywrites.org/contact

Letters matter. Our stories demand action. Nothing About Us.

07/18/2025

The Ohio State Fair is a place where everyone can have fun!

With two quiet rooms, a sensory-friendly morning on July 24, universal changing stations, and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation at 300+ performances, this year’s fair is more accessible than ever.

See what’s new (and returning) in the release from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities ➡️ bit.ly/3GO6gt0

07/18/2025

🎈 ADA Celebration + Consumer Picnic Highlights!
We gathered for a day filled with laughter, learning, and connection. From trivia fun and a short film on Ed Roberts’ Free Wheeling to good food and a super fun photo booth—there was joy in every corner!
Big love to all who joined us—

07/17/2025

More than 40,000 Ohioans with developmental disabilities could lose vital services if proposed federal cuts are implemented. Please contact your congressperson and tell them to fully fund all disability programs and reject any cuts.
Programs at risk of drastic cuts or elimination include:
Disability Rights Ohio - Investigates abuse and neglect, helps students stay in school and receive essential services, etc.
The Ohio State University Nisonger Center - Provides early intervention, childcare services, and more.
The University of Cincinnati Center of Excellence in DD - Provides training through the LEND program, supports families through the Ohio Family-to-Family Health Information Center, and works to improve health and quality of life for people with disabilities.
Learn more and contact your congressperson via this link - Urgent Action Alert! https://monkeylink.co/b78aa8

More than 40,000 Ohioans with developmental disabilities could lose vital services if proposed federal cuts are implemented. Please contact your congressperson and tell them to fully fund all disability programs and reject any cuts.

Programs at risk of drastic cuts or elimination include:

Disability Rights Ohio - Investigates abuse and neglect, helps students stay in school and receive essential services, etc.

The Ohio State University Nisonger Center - Provides early intervention, childcare services, and more.

The University of Cincinnati Center of Excellence in DD - Provides training through the LEND program, supports families through the Ohio Family-to-Family Health Information Center, and works to improve health and quality of life for people with disabilities.

Learn more and contact your congressperson via this link - Urgent Action Alert! https://monkeylink.co/b78aa8

07/16/2025

🚨 Ohioans with disabilities are under threat. Over 40,000 individuals could lose access to critical services if Congress slashes funding for disability programs. From advocacy and education to healthcare and legal rights, these services have empowered communities for over 50 years. We can't afford to turn back now.
📣 Take action today! Call your representative, tag them online, and send a message demanding full funding. Every person matters. Every program counts.
🔗 Send your letter: https://secure.everyaction.com/3m4Mh5xAbkWFUlgvKoQK_A2
📞 Call the Congressional Switchboard: (202) 224-3121

Help protect vital services for over 40,000 Ohioans with developmental disabilities! The federal government is planning to cut funding for crucial programs, putting many at risk of losing essential services that support safe and independent living.

Programs under threat include:

- Disability Rights Ohio: This organization investigates abuse and neglect, helps people with disabilities exercise their rights, advocates for access to independent living, supports students in schools, and connects individuals to services funded through Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center: This center offers early intervention, childcare services, dental clinics, post-secondary education programs, dual diagnosis clinics for people with disabilities.

- UC UCEDD:This center provides training through the LEND program, supports families via the Ohio Family-to-Family Health Information Center, and works to enhance the health and quality of life for people with disabilities.

These programs, which have existed for over 50 years, are vital to protecting rights and supporting community living. They serve individuals across every Ohio Congressional district, offering assistance with legal rights, self-advocacy, education, health, and housing. Losing these services would have a detrimental impact on individuals, families, and service providers.

Urge Congress to fully fund disability programs and prevent devastating cuts. Every person and every program matters. You can help by calling, emailing, or tagging your representative today!

🔗 Send a letter via the link below: https://secure.everyaction.com/3m4Mh5xAbkWFUlgvKoQK_A2

Call the Congressional Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to connect to your representative's office.

07/14/2025

🎒Backpack & School Supply Distribution – August 8th! ✏️

Warren Family Mission will give away 400 backpacks filled with school supplies on Friday, August 8th - While supplies last!

📍 155 Tod Ave NW, Warren, OH 44485
🕛 Registration starts at 12PM
🎒 Distribution begins at 1PM

✅ Please bring the following:
• Parent/guardian photo ID
• Children’s birth certificates
• Medical cards

Let’s get our kids ready for a great school year!

07/11/2025

🚗📣 Help shape the future of transportation in Mahoning and Trumbull Counties! Eastgate Regional Council of Governments is updating its Transportation Coordination Plan and wants to hear from YOU.
👉 Take the transportation survey for your county: Mahoning County: http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MahoningCo
Trumbull County: http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TrumbullCo
📄 Prefer paper surveys? Stop by our office at 4076 Youngstown SE Suite 203 or give us a call at 330-372-3325—we're happy to assist you in filling one out! -
Your feedback helps break down barriers and build more accessible transportation solutions. Let’s make a difference together!

07/11/2025

🌈 July is — a time to celebrate identity, culture, and the power of inclusion! Did you know each color on the Disability Pride Flag carries a unique meaning related to disability experiences? Learn more from Kathy Bates in her insightful blog, From Where I Sit. 👏
📖 Read here: https://iod.unh.edu/blog/2023/07/ada-disability-pride

July is Disability Pride Month! Did you know that each color of the Disability Pride Flag represents something specific relating to disability? Kathy Bates discusses the meaning behind the flag and this celebratory month in her 'From Where I Sit' blog. Check it out at: https://iod.unh.edu/blog/2023/07/ada-disability-pride