A Note from Our Executive Director

Dear Friends:

One of the unique ways we will engage our consumers and our community this year is by collecting information through our 2020 Focus Groups. CILO invites people with disabilities and community partners to participate in one or more of these groups created for those who have a desire to provide input as to how we can best advocate and assist people in the independent living process. The information gathered through these groups will assist CILO to recognize and respond to what services are needed, and how, when and where these services are delivered. To engage more people, the 2020 Focus Groups will meet quarterly in the community.
 
In the coming year, watch for announcements about our new community-based focus groups. If you or someone you know would like to participate, please be sure to let us know. It is important that we have as diverse a representation as possible of community partners and people with disabilities. I look forward to reporting back to you with updates on our outcomes.

As always, I want to hear from you. Please contact me at 513-241-2600 (extension 211) or by email.

Regards,
 
Rob Festenstein

P.S. I once again have a $10 gift card to Starbucks to the first person to contact me by email indicating you have read my message.

I invite you to follow us on Facebook and Twitter


For convenience, participation in this year's census can be done online for the first time in the history of the survey. Households can also complete the form over the phone, which takes approximately 10 minutes. Online, phone, and mail census forms will be available to the public in mid-March. If you are interested in completing the survey online, drop in to CILO and use one of six computers between 10:00AM and 4:00PM on Friday, March 13, March 20 or March 27.  

Be prepared by exploring the 2020 Census form, plus find tips for responding and information on how the Census Bureau will use your answers by clicking here .

Remember the census will never ask certain questions:
  • Your Social Security number
  • Money or donations
  • Anything on behalf of a political party
  • Your bank or credit card account numbers
Additionally, there is no citizenship question on the 2020 Census.

Questions? Email us!




This July will mark the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (known as the ADA). The ADA was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush on July 26, 1990 with a goal of creating equal opportunities for people with disabilities, setting the pace to begin making a significant impact on the lives of Americans with and without disabilities. Remarkable progress has been made in access and inclusion; how ever we must ensure that the dedicated work that went into this historic civil rights act continues.

As the 30th Anniversary of the ADA is being celebrated across the United States, Cincinnati will host our own event to publicly embrace disability and empower people to raise their voices and pursue their dreams. 

Join us at Washington Park on Friday, July 24th for an event that will kick off with a Disability Pride March at 12:30PM, followed by a celebration on The Porch from 1:00PM to 4:00PM.  

We invite you to consider sponsoring this event, and joining us for this celebration being hosted by CILO along with other community partners.

See your sponsorship opportunities here. We look forward to partnering with you in this exciting celebratory event commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the ADA.

Interested in participating in the Disability Pride March?  
See the RSVP form here.

#DDawareness2020

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! W e hope you will join us in celebrating the many ways in which people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities.

This month long campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all areas of community life and the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which the y l ive.

Learn more.
  



YOLO Summer Program Taking Applications!

Youth Overcoming Life Obstacles (YOLO) is a free, five week program dedicated to empowering and preparing transition-age youth with disabilities for a successful and interdependent life.  Since 2013 YOLO has provided a safe and meaningful summer experience for students who may not otherwise have social and recreational opportunities. Applications are now being accepted for our 2020 program!



Employment Opportunity:
C o-Instructor  for YOLO Summer Program

Part-time, seasonal position ideal for a person pursuing a special education or social work degree.  Full job description, qualifications and how to apply click here.




stpattys_day4.jpg
Help fill our pot of gold! Each time you make a qualifying purchase at  www.smile.amazon.com  0.5% comes back to CILO!  Just sign in with your regular Amazon credentials  and select Independent Living Options (Cincinnati) as your charity and  begin shopping and supporting.


Community Rewards Program
Learn how shopping at Kroger can benefit our programs and services throughout the year. Read more here!


March Employee Anniversaries

Congratulations to:

Beth Blaylock, Independent Living/Peer Support Specialist celebrating 2 years
Charita Schiele, PCA Service Coordinator, celebrating 1 year


Do you have a question about how you can support CILO?
Contact Debbie Moorehous, Director of Advancement by email 
or phone 513.241.2600 ext. 123 


Do you need our newsletter or other CILO publication 
in an alternative format?
Contact us at 513.241.2600 Ext. 123 or send your request via email.