September 2021
Empowering people with disabilities to lead independent and inclusive lives in the community.

A Message from Our Executive Director

Dear Friends,

Like many of you, I like to spend some time in front of my television when the Olympic games come around. While my favorite part is and will always be the Opening Ceremony, I also enjoy watching the behind-the-scenes stories of the Olympians themselves.

But wait, did you also know that immediately following the respective Olympic games, a Paralympics, for athletes with disabilities, takes place? Largely overlooked and with a smidgen of the media coverage of the other games, Paralympians from around the world compete for medals in 539 events across 22 sports. As I write this message, the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games are underway and will end on September 5. While the parity of the Paralympics to the Olympics still leaves a lot to be desired, we can all take pride in the fact these games have come this far since being founded in 1989. There are so many great accomplishments from Paralympians including the American archer born without arms, the Israeli swimmer who competes as an amputee, and the Australian equestrian who survived childhood bone cancer.

The Mission and Vision of the International Paralympics is very much aligned with what we strive for as an Independent Living Center – inclusion and equal access. I encourage you to check out some of the highlights of the Paralympic Movement in recent years.

As always, I want to hear from you. Please contact me by phone at 513-338-5100 or by email.

Regards,

Rob Festenstein

P.S. A $10 Starbucks gift card awaits the first person to contact me by email indicating you have read my message. 

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#WeThe15 is a global movement that is publicly campaigning for disability visibility, inclusion and accessibility.

Learn more about #WeThe15 here - a newly launched and ambitious campaign involving groups ranging from the Paralympics to the United Nations with a goal of ending discrimination and promoting inclusion of people with disabilities.



Are you or someone you know in need of transportation to receive a COVID vaccine?
CILO can assist! Email us.
Peer Support Group for Parents with a Disability Flyer Here.
Personal Care Assistance Issues Flyer Here.
Piggest Raffle Flyer Here.
Easy Ways to Support CILO's
Emergency Assistance Funds:

Why not make a difference while you shop in the Amazon app, at no extra cost to you!


Simply follow the instructions below to select "Independent Living Options Inc" as your charity and activate AmazonSmile in the app. They'll donate a portion of your eligible mobile app purchases to us.
How it works:
1. Open the Amazon app on your phone
2. Select the main menu (=) & tap on "AmazonSmile" within
Programs & Features
3. Select "Independent Living Options Inc" as your charity
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate AmazonSmile in
the mobile app 
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You can support CILO with every Kroger purchase just by using your
Kroger Plus Card!


While we aren’t celebrating any employee anniversaries this month, we are pleased to share that of our staff of 15, 4 employees have been with CILO more than 10 years! Of the remaining 11 employees, 5 have been with us between 5 and 9 years, 5 have been here between 2 and 4 years; and one employee recently celebrated their first year with CILO. Employee retention is key to mission success!
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