As the winter chill continues and we inch closer to the promise of Spring, we welcome February – a month of new opportunities and reflections. In this edition of our newsletter, we’ve gathered a range of exciting updates, insightful resources, and events to look forward to.

Black History Month

February is Black History Month—a time to honor the rich history, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals who have shaped our society. At WILC, we recognize the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and advocacy for all, and we celebrate the resilience and impact of Black leaders in the disability rights movement. From activists like Brad Lomax, who fought for disability and racial justice, to countless others who have paved the way for equality, their legacy inspires us to continue working toward a more inclusive world. This month, we encourage our community to reflect, learn, and support initiatives that uplift Black voices and advance accessibility for all.

New Blog Post

Love knows no limits—including disability. This month, we’re breaking down the stigma surrounding disabilities, dating, and relationships, celebrating the reality that people with disabilities build meaningful, romantic, and fulfilling connections just like anyone else. In our latest blog, Brendan Klein, Coordinator of Self-Advocacy & Community Engagement at WIHD, shares insights on love, inclusion, and breaking barriers.



To read the full article click HERE

Michael's Monthly Fun Fact

This February is the month of Valentine’s Day. As we all know, Valentine’s Day is the day where we celebrate with someone special to us. No one is excluded from the holiday, especially people with disabilities.

People with disabilities can express feeling affection differently, but that does not change the fact that they are still deserving of being shown love and companionship from other individuals.

Those with disabilities might feel a bit more vulnerable than others during this time, especially those who are more isolated from others, such as those who are in hospitals or nursing homes, or even stuck in their homes and might find it difficult to speak to others or communicate with their love ones. Even if you may not know someone personally, it is always a nice idea to check on them and treat them both caringly, and respectfully. Showing even an ounce of compassion can go a long way to make someone’s day just that much better.



Valentine’s Day is the day to show someone that they are cared for and that someone appreciate them for being here. If you know someone with a disability, it would be nice to spend time with them so that they can feel loved on such a special day.

-             Michael Colotti

Low Vision Awareness

Unified English Braille (UEB) is a tactile (touch) alphabet used by blind people to read and write. Braille is not a language but can be used when reading and writing any language, following its same rules for writing and punctuation. Braille is taught on a one-to-one basis and can be learned by individuals at any age.

To learn more, click HERE



Upcoming Event

Webinar: How to Know if Your Child is Succeeding

Join us for a free Zoom webinar on How to Know if Your Child is Succeeding. This session is brought to you by Monroe Woodbury SEPTA and WILS. This informative session will guide parents on ways to measure your child’s progress.

DATE: Thursday, March 6, 2025

TIME: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

LOCATION: Zoom Webinar

To register, click HERE

If you have any questions, please email frattray@putnamils.org

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