Services for Independent Living, Inc. (SIL)

01/20/2026

Preparedness that puts independence first.

Interested in scheduling an emergency preparedness presentation for your aging or disability organization?

Contact Nora Wall at 216-731-1529 or nwall@sil-oh.org
to learn more or schedule a session.

01/19/2026

On January 19, 2026, we observe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, honoring his life, leadership, and lasting impact on justice and equality.

Dr. King’s commitment to nonviolent resistance helped dismantle racial oppression and inspired transformative change through peaceful marches, sit-ins, and collective action. His work reminds us that progress is made when communities come together with courage and purpose.

During the Civil Rights Movement, people with disabilities stood alongside Black Americans and other marginalized groups, advancing both racial justice and the Independent Living Movement—rooted in self-determination, independence, and full participation.

Today, we reflect and recommit ourselves to service, equity, and inclusion. We honor Dr. King with gratitude and respect for the culture-changing work that advanced Civil Rights and helped pave the way for disability rights for all.

01/19/2026

Film Screening: “Dry Bones”

Karamu House (2355 E. 89th St., Cleveland) on Feb. 6 for a special screening of the documentary “Dry Bones”, directed by Tara L. Conley.

Schedule:
🕔 5:00 PM – Reception & community gathering
🕡 6:30–7:30 PM – Film screening
🎤 Q&A with Tara L. Conley immediately after

The film explores the life and legacy of Ike Maxwell, Elyria High School football standout, and delves into leadership, perseverance, disability experiences, and community impact.

01/17/2026

🦋 January is Thyroid Awareness Month

Your thyroid may be small, but it plays a big role in your health—affecting metabolism, energy, heart rate, and more. Many thyroid conditions go undiagnosed, making awareness and early screening essential.

⚠️ Common thyroid issues include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer.
👩‍⚕️ Women are 5–8x more likely to experience thyroid disorders.
🧪 A simple blood test (TSH) can help detect problems early.

📣 This January, learn the symptoms, know your risk, and talk to your healthcare provider if something feels off.

Early detection = better outcomes.

For information about thyroid conditions, please visit https://cle.clinic/3Xyaha6The thyroid gland plays a key role in regulating metabolism, growth, and dev...

01/16/2026

OOD Announces 2026 Disability Inclusion Webinar Series

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is launching a new 2026 webinar series focused on advancing community and workplace inclusion for Ohioans with disabilities.

From disability etiquette and accessibility funding to ADA guidance and accessible meetings, this series is designed to help employers, supervisors, and community leaders take meaningful steps toward inclusion.

🗓️ Webinars run January–November
⏰ All sessions begin at 10:00 a.m.
💻 Hosted on Microsoft Teams
🎥 Recorded and archived for later viewing

👉 Learn more and register: Employer Events
https://ood.ohio.gov/information-for-employers/employer-events/all-events

Together, we can help ensure Ohioans with disabilities have the access, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.

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01/15/2026

How to Determine and Access Mental Health Benefits in a Health Insurance Plan

Understanding health insurance coverage is an important step in accessing mental health and substance use disorder services. Knowing the type of plan helps individuals better understand which services are covered and how to use their benefits.

Coverage details can be found by reviewing the certificate of coverage provided by the insurer or employer, contacting an employer’s human resources office, calling the customer service number on the back of the insurance card, or reaching out to the insurance agent who sold the policy.

For additional assistance, review this information and representatives from the Ohio Department of Insurance can answer questions at 800-686-1526.

Empowering Ohioans to Understand Mental Health Insurance Coverage

01/15/2026

Beck Center for the Arts Razzle Dazzle Auditions

Beck Center’s Razzle Dazzle: It’s All Relative is a choreographed musical theater production featuring artists with and without disabilities—celebrating talents in dance, movement, and acting.

Audition Details:
🗓 Thursday, January 22
⏰ 6:30–7:30 PM
📍 Beck Center Music & Dance Building, 17801 Detroit Rd., Lakewood

Register by January 19 to audition!

Prior to the audition on Thursday, January 22, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, please complete this form. We're thrilled to host the show once again and look forward to an enjoyable process. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Kelsey Heichel, Associate Director of Community Engagement a...

01/13/2026

Share Your Ideas for our 2026 Family Events

Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities is planning events for families of children and young adults age 22 and under who are currently receiving our services.

The goal is to create fun and helpful events that bring families together and help them connect.

Please fill out this form so we can plan fun events that meet your needs. Please complete this survey by 5:00 pm on Friday, January 16, 2026.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

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...