Western Reserve Independent Living Center

05/04/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 🧠
A reminder that not every struggle is visible — and that mental health is a real part of life for so many in our disability community.

For people living with mental health conditions, daily life can be shaped by stigma, isolation, and barriers that shouldn’t exist. Awareness means doing better: creating access, offering empathy, and building communities where people feel safe and supported.

At the Western Reserve Independent Living Center, we fight for mental wellness through advocacy, accessibility, and real‑world support that empowers people to live independently and with dignity.

To learn more, visit https://www.nami.org/stay-connected/events/awareness-events/mental-health-awareness-month/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRlsZhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFvTzVhTGZ6V3cwUTZjTEM1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpEJAJc7prs_as-9p6hrxws0N_RIfxlEXlRF3nWlcucQFfywqMBLVxR_owze_aem_3tYwfDoV-MJffF4doxi4BQ

05/01/2026

🌼 Happy May Day from WRILC! 🌼

Today we’re celebrating a new month — and a reminder that advocacy, inclusion, and independence are blooming all year long. 💛

✨ Did you know? On May 1, 1974, the very first Center for Independent Living opened in Berkeley, California. It was created by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities — a turning point that shifted the focus from being cared for to being in charge.

At WRILC, we carry that legacy forward. We support people in directing their own lives, building the support teams they choose, and accessing the tools, housing, employment, and community connections that help them live the way they want. 🧭💬

Here’s to planting seeds of independence — one empowered decision at a time.

05/01/2026

The Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council (OSILC) wants to hear from people with disabilities!

The Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council (OSILC) wants to hear from people with disabilities!

Share your experiences, goals, and any challenges you face—whether or not you are connected with Center for Independent Living (CIL) services. Your feedback will help improve services and help OSILC better support people with disabilities in the community.

Please take the survey today using the link or QR code below:
https://www.research.net/r/OSILC_Survey

🔹 All responses go directly to Measurement Resources Company, our survey partner, and will remain anonymous to OSILC.
🔹The survey takes about 5 minutes to complete.
🔹 The deadline to provide your input is May 22, 2026.

Taking the survey is optional, but your input is important.

Have questions about the survey?
Contact Emily Wolfe-Sherrie:
Phone: 614-947-8899
Email: ewolfe-sherrie@measurementresourcesco.com

04/30/2026

Throwback Thursday!

Here's short documentary on the 504 sit-ins. Give a listen to the testimonials of those who took it upon themselves to ask for change. Yes, alot has changed since the 70's...but ask yourselves why some of these grievances still sound so relevant today.

Award-winning 18-minute documentary video, which captures the drama and emotions of the historic civil rights demonstration of people with disabilities in 19...

04/29/2026

“Part of the problem is that we tend to think that equality is about treating everyone the same, when it’s not. It’s about fairness. It’s about equity of access.”
— Judy Heumann

Sharing this powerful reminder from the ADA National Network. True equality means removing barriers, honoring differences, and making sure everyone has what they need to participate fully.

“Part of the problem is that we tend to think that equality is about treating everyone the same, when it’s not. It’s about fairness. It’s about equity of access.”
- Judy Heumann

04/28/2026

"Children who receive early intervention by age 3 score better in English language arts and are more likely to meet academic standards in math and English in third grade, according to a first-of-its-kind study published in the journal JAMA Network Open."

Accessing early intervention services like speech, occupational, physical or behavioral therapy in the first years of life can lead to more than developmental gains, new research suggests.

04/27/2026

Why It Matters Monday:

🌿 What Is a Center for Independent Living?

A Center for Independent Living (CIL) is a community‑based, nonprofit organization run by and for people with disabilities. The goal is simple: help people live independently and stay connected to their communities.

What we do
At our CIL, we support people with all types of disabilities through practical, real‑life services, including:

🔸 Independent Living Skills
Budgeting, cooking, transportation, organizing your home, problem‑solving, and other everyday skills that help people live the way they want.

🔸 Peer Support
Talking with someone who’s been there — someone with lived experience who understands disability, independence, and navigating barriers.

🔸 Advocacy
Helping people understand their rights, speak up for themselves, and get the accommodations or services they need.

🔸 Information & Referral
Housing resources, benefits information, healthcare connections, transportation options, community programs, and more.

🔸 Transition Services
• Youth moving into adulthood
• Adults moving from nursing facilities back into the community
• Support to stay in your home and avoid institutional placement

Who we serve
People of any age with any disability — physical, sensory, cognitive, mental health, chronic illness, or a combination in Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull Counties

Why CILs matter
CILs promote choice, independence, and self‑determination.
We help people stay in their homes, stay connected, and stay in control of their own lives — not pushed toward institutions or limited options.

Want to learn more?
Reach out to us — we’re here to help people in our community live the lives they choose. info@wrilc.org or 330-372-3325

04/23/2026

April 22, 2026 was National Assistive Technology Awareness Day
**Theme: Assistive Technology. Everywhere. Everyone.

Assistive Technology (AT) is all around us — not just wheelchairs or screen readers, but the everyday tools, apps, and devices that help people live, learn, work, and stay independent.

Why “everyone”? Because every single one of us will either use AT at some point or love someone who does. Many of us already rely on it without even realizing it.

AT is any device, tool, or system that supports or improves function — whether it’s homemade, low‑tech, or cutting‑edge.

Examples of Assistive Technology we use every day:
• Mobility: wheelchairs, walkers, canes, scooters
• Vision: screen readers, magnifiers, text‑to‑speech apps
• Hearing: hearing aids, captioning apps, amplified phones
• Communication: AAC apps, speech‑generating devices
• Learning & cognition: timers, planners, audiobooks, reminder apps
• Daily living: adaptive utensils, reachers, pill organizers
• Smart home access: Alexa/Siri/Google, smart lights, smart thermostats
• Work & school: dictation software, ergonomic keyboards, adjustable desks

Call to Action:
AT is independence. AT is dignity. AT is opportunity.
Let’s raise awareness, push for funding, and make sure no one goes without the tools they need to thrive.
Access shouldn’t depend on luck — it should be guaranteed.

ATAP – Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs

April 22, 2026 is National Assistive Technology Awareness Day

This year’s theme: Assistive Technology. Everywhere. Everyone.

Assistive Technology (AT) is all around us. It’s not just wheelchairs or screen readers—it includes tools, apps, smart home devices, wearables, and everyday tech that help people live, learn, work, and participate fully.

Why “everyone”? Because at some point, every person will either use AT themselves or know someone who does. In fact, many of us already rely on it every day.

AT is any device, tool, or system that helps maintain or improve function—whether it’s homemade, modified, or high-tech.

Let’s build awareness now so when the need arises, no one goes without.

ATAP-Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs

04/23/2026

What's a great way to make the environments around us more accessible?

The 7 Principles of Universal Design

1.4K likes, 14 comments. "The 7 Principles of Universal Design | Ed Roberts Campus"

04/22/2026

🌎 Happy Earth Day!
Today we celebrate the beauty around us — sunny skies, blooming flowers, and that fresh spring air. Independent Living is also about making small choices that support our health, our independence, and the world we share. Turning off lights, reducing waste, choosing reusable items, or taking a short walk outside are simple actions that make a real difference.

💚 Join this Earth Day Bingo Challenge!
Pick a square, take an action, and feel good knowing you’re helping both yourself and the planet. I’ll be celebrating by encouraging people to notice the small things they can do — the choices that build confidence, connection, and a cleaner community.

What will you do to celebrate?