Western Reserve Independent Living Center

11/07/2025

Please enjoy the November 2025 Edition of Independent Living, WRILC's Consumer Newsletter.
If you would like to receive an email or mailed copy of this newsletter by the first of each month, please call us and find out about the benefits of being a consumer with WRILC: 330-372-3325. You can also check out our website for other accessible options. www.wrilc.org

11/07/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1L6nvB6YLG/

The Patrol is proud to be part of Ohio’s Blue Envelope Program, a statewide initiative designed to support individuals with developmental disabilities during traffic stops and emergency situations by enhancing communication and reducing anxiety.

Participants carry a blue envelope containing key documents and information about their condition. This allows troopers to quickly understand how to best interact with the community member.

Each packet includes:
🔹 A blue envelope for documents and accommodation notes
🔹 A car decal to alert first responders
🔹 A program overview brochure

These envelopes are available for free through your local County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

11/06/2025

🚨 Are students in special education being rushed to graduate before they’re ready? 🚨
This article from Disability Scoop raises serious concerns from parents and advocates about students with disabilities being pushed out of school too soon—sometimes without the skills or support they need to thrive after graduation.

Have you or someone you know experienced this?
Do you believe schools are prioritizing compliance over true readiness?
What changes do you think are needed?
💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments or share your story. Let’s make sure every student gets the time, support, and dignity they deserve.

While their kids with disabilities meet formal credit requirements, parents say the students need more time in school to help them transition into the world of work with a better chance of succeeding.

11/06/2025

A win for accessibility: A federal judge rules that the White House must provide American Sign Language interpretation during televised briefings—affirming equal access for the Deaf community.

U.S. District Judge Amir Ali said the White House’s decision to end ASL interpretation illegally excluded deaf Americans from crucial updates from the government.

11/06/2025

Alt Text:
Flyer from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Northeast Ohio District Council promoting winter support for individuals experiencing homelessness. It features a large heading asking, “Are you currently experiencing homelessness?” and offers sleeping bag coats designed for warmth, dignity, and protection. The flyer includes images showing the coat worn, laid out as a sleeping bag, and rolled into a shoulder bag. Key features listed: water- and wind-resistant, includes gloves, hat, and poncho, weighs 20 lbs, fits most sizes, and protects down to 15°F. Eligibility criteria and contact info (234-223-2933 ext. 102) are provided, with office hours Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm

No one should have to face the cold alone. ❄️

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s EMPWER Program is providing homeless individuals with sleeping bag coats this winter — offering warmth, dignity, and hope.

If you or someone you know needs one, please reach out to us at 234-223-2933.

If you’d like to support this lifesaving effort, your donation helps us keep more neighbors warm and safe. 💙

🧥Give help. Give hope.

👉 https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/society-of-st-vincent-de-paul/donate-now-form

11/06/2025

🧡 Opportunity to Participate in a Research Study!
Syracuse University’s Burton Blatt Institute is looking for volunteers for a study on employment services for job seekers with disabilities.
📋 Ages 18–64
💻 Must receive SSI or SSDI and have internet access
💰 Earn up to $100 in e-gift cards
Interested? Email VRstudy@syr.edu or see information below for details!

🧡 Volunteers Needed for a Research Study!

Researchers at Syracuse University’s Burton Blatt Institute are seeking participants for a study exploring the effectiveness of employment services for jobseekers with disabilities.

📋 Eligibility:

Ages 18–64

Currently receive SSI or SSDI

Have internet access via phone, tablet, or computer

Not currently receiving benefits counseling

💻 What’s Involved:

Complete three 30-minute online surveys

Some participants may join additional benefits counseling sessions

💰 Compensation:

Receive a $25 e-gift card for signing up

Plus $25 per survey completed

Participation is voluntary and confidential.

📧 Interested?
Contact: VRstudy@syr.edu

Image Description: Flyer from Syracuse University Burton Blatt Institute recruiting volunteers with disabilities for a research study on the effectiveness of jobseeker services. Participants must be 18–64, receive SSI or SSDI, have internet access, and not currently receive benefits counseling. Participation includes online surveys and potential benefits counseling sessions. Participants receive e-gift cards. Contact VRstudy@syr.edu

10/31/2025

🎃👻 Want to learn sign language for the spooky season?
These adorable students from St. Rita School for the Deaf are ready to teach you how to sign Halloween favorites like black cat, zombie, and trick or treat!
Don’t miss this fun and inclusive opportunity to boost your ASL skills and celebrate Halloween.

Feel free to share with your family, friends, and even your neighbors! 🤟🧡

📹 Watch the video and get signing!

Wishing you a fun and safe Halloween from all of us at WRILC!

Do you want to learn sign language for the spooky season!? Our students are ready to teach you how to sign Halloween like black cat, zombie, and trick or tre...

10/30/2025

🚨 Emergency Drive-Thru Food Giveaway 🚨

Due to the government shutdown and SNAP benefits not being issued in November, we will host an Emergency Drive-Thru Food Giveaway.

📅 November 7th, 2025
📍 1312 West Market Street, Warren, Ohio 44485
⏰ 12PM - While Supplies Last

👉 Line up on Penn Ave, then down Ward St, to Austin Ave.
🚫 Do NOT block intersections
🚫 Do NOT block West Market Street.
🚫 Do NOT block driveways

You will not be able to pull in from any other street. There will be no parking on West Market Street. If the back streets become congested, you will need to leave and return when there is space to pull in. This helps keep traffic safe and moving smoothly for everyone. ❤️

✅ ID required per family
✅ Up to two families per car, with photo ID that shows a separate household address

We’re providing grocery essentials like cereal, milk, canned goods, pasta, bread, meat, and fresh produce.

A heartfelt thank you to New Day, On-Demand Counseling, and Second Harvest Food Bank for partnering with us to make this possible! ❤️

10/29/2025

Did you participate in the week without driving?

Help us make Week Without Driving 2026 even better! Take the survey, share your thoughts, and enter to win a giveaway prize. Share your story here: https://buff.ly/EvuFc6M

10/29/2025

🌟 Calling all parents of young children with autism and developmental disabilities! 🌟
Check out this free Early Childhood Support Session in Youngstown, OH—designed to connect, empower, and inform.
📅 November 18, 2025
📍 Holiday Inn – 7410 South Ave, Youngstown, OH 44512
🍽️ Complimentary Breakfast: 8:30 AM
🧠 Educational Session: 9:00–11:00 AM
RSVP by November 10 to crissi@potentialdevelopment.org to reserve your spot!

Join us for an Early Childhood Support Session for Parents of
Children with Autism and Developmental Disabilities!

📅 Date: November 18, 2025
📍 Location: Holiday Inn – 7410 South Ave, Youngstown, OH 44512

Complimentary Breakfast: 8:30 AM
Educational Session: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

This event is free to attend, but RSVPs are required. Please email crissi@potentialdevelopment.org to reserve your spot. RSVP deadline: November 10, 2025.

10/29/2025

📚 Every child deserves story time that fits them. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio mails a free book each month to children from birth to age 5—no cost, no catch.
Even better? Many titles are available in Braille, audio, and bilingual English/Spanish formats. That means more kids can experience the magic of reading in ways that work for their bodies, families, and communities.
💌 Enroll your child or learn more: bit.ly/3OKBnXn

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio helps make story time disability inclusive! Every child in Ohio can receive a free book each month, from birth to age 5. 📚

Even better? Many books are available in Braille, audio, and bilingual English/Spanish formats. This means that every child can experience the magic of reading in a way that works for them!

Enroll your child or learn more about these formats today: ➡️ bit.ly/3OKBnXn

10/29/2025

Heads Up! We are officially moving our Friday Hot Meals indoors and establishing a permanent soup kitchen meal on Fridays from 10am - 12:30pm. Hot Soup, Sandwiches, a staple lunch bag to go, and other goodies for all the people we love here in Warren!

We have been looking forward to this change for quite some time and now that the weather is getting colder, it’s a great time to make it happen. We will also be looking for additional volunteer teams to help us prepare delicious meals in the future for the community. Please let us know if you're interested.