March 2024 Newsletter

March 2024

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

A Message from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

March marks the season of renewal and rebirth as we say farewell to winter and hello to spring. March also marks National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This designation is an opportunity for us all to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live. Since 1987 when the month of March was proclaimed as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, there has been a growing recognition of the challenges and potential of those with developmental disabilities. Our purpose at CILO is to see the potential and ensure that people with all types of disabilities, including developmental disabilities, receive the accommodations and support needed to fully participate in society.

I invite you to join CILO as we raise awareness by participating in 2024 PigAbilities, a one-mile event designed to be fully accessible for athletes of all abilities and their supporters. PigAbilities is an opportunity for participants to run, walk, or roll at their own pace and cross the official Flying Pig Marathon Finish Swine, and a celebration of achievement. What better way to raise awareness and make memories than through this inclusive and rewarding celebration! If you would like to join us and are ready to register for the event, the link is here and, in the flyer, below - when registering be sure to check the box indicating you are participating with our Team - Center for Independent Living Options!

I have enjoyed hearing from so many of you about the ways you have made a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities. I encourage all of you to share your stories with me, either by emai l or by phone at 513-338-5100.

I send my best wishes to you and hope to see you at PigAbilities on May 4th!

Rob Festenstein

Executive Director

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Join us for PigAbilities at noon on Saturday, May 4th! Just select Center for Independent Living when you register. Registered participant shirts and packets will be available at CILO during the week of April 29th!