Services for Independent Living, Inc. (SIL)

02/13/2026

Webinar: All About Funding for Accessibility and Accommodations

Join Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities on February 18, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 AM for a webinar designed for HR professionals, managers, and organizational leaders. Learn key funding strategies to support accessibility and accommodations in your workplace.

Topics include:
Planning and budgeting for accessibility and accommodations
Federal tax incentives for accessibility improvements
Grant opportunities to support disability-inclusive efforts

📅 Register now:

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

02/11/2026

February is Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) & Low Vision Month

Prevent Blindness is recognizing February as AMD and Low Vision Month to raise awareness, provide education, and share expert-approved resources for the public and professionals. This year’s observance is generously supported by Gold Sponsor EyePoint, Inc.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss among adults 50 and older. Additionally, about 4 million Americans live with low vision, a chronic visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or medical treatments.

Learn more about low vision from National Eye Institute:

Low vision is a vision problem that makes it hard to do everyday activities. It can’t be fixed with glasses, contact lenses, or other standard treatments like medicine or surgery. Read about the types of low vision and its causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

02/11/2026

Is That a Service Animal? What Rights Apply Where – Webinar

Confused about service animal rights under the ADA? You’re not alone! This webinar from the Northeast ADA Center will cover:

💠 What counts as a service animal vs. an assistance animal
💠 Where service animals can and cannot go
💠 Rights of people with disabilities in public spaces
💠 Responsibilities of businesses, transit providers, and the public

📅 Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026

⏰ Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST

💻 Location: Online Webinar

🎧 Accommodations: Open/closed captions, plus additional accommodations upon request

Audience: People with disabilities, business owners, educators, legal professionals, ADA coordinators, government officials, families, and service providers.

🔗 Info/Register here: https://adata.org/event/service-animal-what-rights-apply-where-0

Know your rights. Support accessibility.

A popular topic that the Northeast ADA Center gets asked about is service animals. It can be confusing for individuals with disabilities, businesses, transit providers, and the public to know what rights a person with a disability has under which law, in which places, and what’s required. This web...

02/09/2026

The Past: Black Americans With Disabilities Who Reshaped History

🟪Sojourner Truth: A Voice for Freedom and Justice (1797–1883)

Born Isabella Bomfree in 1797, Sojourner Truth escaped slavery in 1827 and became a powerful abolitionist, women’s rights advocate, and preacher of truth. She is best known for her iconic speech “Ain’t I a Woman?” demanding equality and justice.

Truth persevered despite a hand injury she had to hide, because disability was wrongly seen as a moral failing at the time. Her courage and determination remind us that strength and advocacy can shine even in the face of adversity. Sojourner Truth continues to inspire generations to fight for justice, equality, and the rights of all people.

🟪 Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins: Musical Genius & Trailblazer (1849–1908)

Thomas Wiggins, born into slavery in Georgia in the 19th century, was blind from birth and may have had autism. Despite immense challenges, he became a piano virtuoso known for his astonishing ability to imitate bird calls, trains, and the sounds of nature in his compositions.

🔸Began performing at age six
🔸Invited to play at the White House by President Buchanan at age 11
🔸Composed emotionally powerful works like “The Battle of Manassas” during the Civil War
🔸Recognized and admired by writers such as Mark Twain and John Steinbeck

Though exploited early in life, Wiggins’ talent and creativity made him one of the most sought-after musicians of 19th-century America. His music captured a wide range of emotion and narrative detail, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire. His story reminds us that disability and adversity cannot silence brilliance.

02/08/2026

Join SIL for a virtual session to learn more about

ADA Title II: Public Entities & Accessibility
Tuesday, February 17th, 2026
10:00AM – 11:00AM EST

Please register via email to receive a link: ashaw@sil-oh.org

02/07/2026

Connect with Conversations– February Meeting

Looking to connect with others? Join us for our next Connect with Conversations virtual meeting on February 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM!

🧯 Topic: Emergency Preparedness
🎤 Presenter: Sharon Nicastro, American Red Cross

This session will cover:
• Why preparing matters
• Assessing your needs
• Building a support team
• Making emergency plans
• Staying connected
• Emergency supplies & key documents
• Self-care and taking action

✔️ A Safety Checklist will be provided!

Connect with Conversation is a monthly peer support Zoom group offered by Services for Independent Living (SIL), bringing people with disabilities together to share experiences, resources, and support.

📅 Be sure to check out our March–June 2026 calendar for upcoming topics!https://sil-oh.org/events/

📩 RSVP or questions:
Maddi Steimle — msteimle@sil-oh.org
| 216-903-2469

Come connect, share, and learn something new!

02/06/2026

Centers for Independent Living: Information & Referral (I&R)

Did you know your local Center for Independent Living (CIL) offers Information & Referral services?

Information & Referral is a core service of CILs that helps people with disabilities—and their families—find accurate, up-to-date resources to live independently in their communities.

CILs help people with disabilities, family members, and caregivers connect to resources like:
🔸Housing options & accessibility resources
🔸Benefits (SSI/SSDI), healthcare, and Medicaid waivers
🔸Transportation and mobility supports
🔸Employment, education, and vocational services
🔸Assistive technology and home modifications
🔸Advocacy, legal rights, and complaint processes
🔸Community supports and peer resources

📞 Reach out to SIL to learn more and get connected!

Empowering persons with disabilities to lead inclusive lives through advocacy,community engagement,and self-directed services.

02/06/2026

2026 Cleveland Monsters Sensory Friendly Night – Ticket Lottery

Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities is kicking off DD Awareness Month by partnering with the Cleveland Monsters for a Sensory Friendly Night on

📅 Wednesday, February 25 at Rocket Arena.

🎟️ We have a limited number of tickets available for people we support.
To be fair, tickets will be distributed through a lottery system (not first-come, first-served).

📝 How to participate:
Complete the interest form by Friday, February 13
Winners will be randomly selected and notified by February 18
Tickets will be sent via the SeatGeek app by February 20

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

02/04/2026

As the nation turns the calendar to February, the United States observes Black History Month 2026, a milestone year marking 100 years since the first national recognition of Black history and culture. What began in 1926 as Negro History Week—created by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now ASALH)—has grown into an enduring national movement honoring the resilience, contributions, and lived experiences of Black Americans and the African diaspora.

A Theme for the Century: Reflection and Forward Motion

The official theme for Black History Month 2026, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” invites communities to reflect not only on Black history itself, but on how a century of remembrance has shaped culture, identity, and the nation’s understanding of Black life. The theme reminds us that commemoration is a powerful act—one that honors the past while shaping a more inclusive and just future through the stories we choose to uplift today.

02/03/2026

🏡 Seeking Input for Housing Project

Are you a person with a disability who experiences challenges related to housing?

SIL's Young Adult Council wants to hear from you!

We are conducting interviews to learn more about housing barriers and experiences from individuals with disabilities.

📩 If you are interested in participating, please contact:
April Shaw
📧 ashaw@sil-oh.org

02/02/2026

Do you have a child or loved one with complex medical needs? Do you have questions about Nursing services in the Medicaid and Developmental Disabilities systems?

Join us for a three-part series! Home Care Nursing: What Families Need to Know

Register for all three dates - they will build upon each other:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/mbdj2rq

Questions? Contact amy.clawson@cchmc.org