A Message from Our Executive Director

Dear Friends:

In the COVID-19 era, so many organizations and businesses have made operational pivots to stay true to their missions and to be supportive of the people they serve. Perhaps the most interesting pivot I have seen is the rebirth of the concept of the drive-in movie in locations not specifically intended for movies.

CILO has been faced with many operational challenges during the pandemic calling for us to make our own pivot in order to meet the needs of our consumers. The biggest pivot has been in the area of technology. One of our goals during this time is to have continuity with our consumers through technology. Not only have we been able to provide technology to our consumers, we have also assisted them in learning to use the technology to sustain their own independence.

We have provided items such as tablets, phones, and wireless hotspots to consumers who can now order prescriptions, have groceries delivered, have virtual appointments with health care providers, and maintain their contact with CILO staff. As I write this message, we are collaborating with the Cincinnati Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind to help even more consumers with assistive technology devices and software.

This technology assistance has been made possible through the funding we have received from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act. Our goal is to provide as much technology as possible for consumers during the COVID-19 era and beyond. This assistance not only helps our consumers with independent living, but allows them to practice social distancing thus mitigating the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus. If you know of a person with a disability in the community that has a need for technology as a result of the pandemic, please contact me. In addition, we have plenty of PPE available for people with disabilities. Just let us know.

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.

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One-on-One Virtual Instruction for Youth Continues!
At the Center for Independent Living Options, we continue to offer Pre-Employment Transition Services for youth with disabilities using Zoom.  Scheduling will be flexible to accommodate students' school and work obligations by offering sessions after school, in the evenings during the week, as well as on Saturdays.  If you or someone you know has a family member that would benefit from Instruction in Self-Advocacy and/or Workplace Readiness Training, please contact Jeanne Menke, Youth Transition Services Specialist, by phone 513.241.2600 ext. 200 or email.  If you have an Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities counselor, they will be happy to assist in getting the process started.  

"Looking forward to seeing you in Zoom-land!" - Jeanne

Absentee Ballot Application Box

CILO is assuring everyone has equal access to voting in the November election by providing an Absentee Ballot Application Box right in our front yard!  The box has quick information and absentee ballot applications along with info about how and when to submit it. We even included envelopes - just add your postage stamp! To check you voter status or register to vote click here. 

Questions or need help registering or completing your absentee ballot application? Contact Patrick

Disasters Don't Wait. 
Make Your Plan Today.

National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved this September.

Learn more about National Preparedness Month here.

Emergencies can happen at a moment's notice. Mobility, hearing, learning, or seeing disabilities can create specific needs that individuals need to address to be able to respond to an emergency. Being prepared means planning ahead.  Find more info here.

 
Did you know that shopping online with Amazon can benefit CILO? 
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!


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.