NICIL

03/11/2026

“It’s important to understand that disability is a natural part of the human experience and that people with disabilities deserve equal rights, opportunities, and respect." - Dr. Yvette Pegues

03/04/2026

March is Women’s History Month.

Disabled women have shaped history, advanced civil rights, challenged artistic norms and transformed how we understand disability.

From Judy Heumann’s leadership in the disability rights movement to Harriet Tubman’s abolitionist legacy, from Frida Kahlo’s groundbreaking art to Alice Wong’s impact on disability storytelling and advocacy, their contributions continue to influence generations.

Representation matters. History includes disabled women. Who else would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments.

Image description: Graphic titled “Disabled Women Who Shaped History” with NDI logo in the top right corner. The slide features four women with brief biographies and photos: Judy Heumann (1947–2023), disability rights activist and wheelchair user who helped lead the 504 Sit-in and advance the Americans with Disabilities Act; Harriet Tubman (c. 1822–1913), abolitionist and political activist who sustained a traumatic brain injury and likely lived with epilepsy; Frida Kahlo (1907–1954), Mexican painter who lived with chronic pain and mobility impairments; and Alice Wong (1974–2025), disability rights activist with spinal muscular atrophy and founder of the Disability Visibility Project. Portrait images of each woman appear below their biographies.

03/04/2026

March is Women’s History Month and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
We are sharing upcoming events from the National Disability Institute that are focused on employment, benefits and financial empowerment.

March is Women’s History Month and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Join us for NDI events this month focused on employment, benefits and financial empowerment.

March 4- Introduction to the American Dream Employment Network (ADEN). Register: https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/aden/events-aden/introduction-to-the-american-dream-employment-network-aden-3/

March 4- Understanding Federal Taxes for Small Businesses. Register: https://www.disabilitysmallbusiness.org/event/understanding-federal-taxes-for-small-businesses/

March 18- SSDI and Self-Employment. Register: https://www.disabilitysmallbusiness.org/event/small-business-webinar-ssdi-and-ssi-and-self-employment-two-part-event/

March 18- ADEN Beneficiary Outreach Event. Register: https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/aden/events-aden/american-dream-employment-network-aden-webinar-ssa-disability-benefits-and-work-incentives/

March 25- Review of Benefits from the Social Security Administration for people with disabilities living in New Jersey. Register: https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/financial-resilience-center/njihc-webinar-series/

Image description: A graphic titled “March Events” features a group of eight diverse women smiling and raising their hands outdoors at the top of the image. Below the photo, four event listings appear in rounded boxes: March 4, Introduction to the American Dream Employment Network (ADEN) at 1:30 p.m. ET; March 4, Understanding Federal Taxes for Small Businesses at 2:00 p.m. ET; March 18, SSDI and Self-Employment at 2 p.m. ET; March 18, ADEN Beneficiary Outreach Event at 3 p.m. ET; and March 25, Review of Benefits from the Social Security Administration at 1:00 p.m. ET. At the bottom, the graphic notes Women’s History Month and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

02/21/2026

We are all set up for Tri-County Opportunities Council Head Start/Early Head Start 2nd Annual Frosty Fun Day!

Stop by today from 11am-1pm at Northland Mall - 2900 E Lincolnway, Sterling.

02/18/2026

Here at the Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living (NICIL) we have a simple mission:

To empower people with disabilities by supporting the individual and their community with the skills and knowledge to live independently.

How do we do this? By providing support services!

Individual Advocacy: We help individuals advocate for their rights and access services.

Systems Advocacy: CILs work to change rules, laws, and systems to help improve life for people with disabilities. Systems advocacy focuses on making lasting improvements by:
Changing Policies: Pushing for new laws or changes to existing ones that make life better and fairer for everyone.
Working Together: Disabled people work together to create long-lasting change in society.
Raising Awareness: Educating others about the issues that affect disabled people, so more people understand and support the changes needed.
Influencing Services: Talking to government agencies and organizations to help them provide better support and services for people who need them.
Offering Solutions: CILs are able to offer unique solutions to persistent problems by listening to and prioritizing the perspective of people who have experienced those issues first-hand.

Peer Support: We provide a network for individuals with disabilities to share experiences and support one another.

Independent Living Skills Training: We offer training programs that teach skills for daily living, such as budgeting, cooking, and self-care.

Information and Referral Services: We connect individuals with resources and services in the community, including transportation, healthcare, and legal assistance.

Transition Services: We assist individuals transitioning from institutions to living in their communities. We also help youth with disabilities transition to adulthood.

Community Impact: We work to improve accessibility and inclusion in communities through education, collaboration, outreach, and technical assistance.

Overall, NICIL empowers individuals with disabilities to be decision-makers in their own lives and participate fully in society.

02/03/2026

Become a Personal Assistant! Earn $19.50 per hour!
Are you looking for a rewarding job and interested in gaining valuable work experience? A personal assistant is someone who helps individuals with a disability with routine activities of daily living in their homes. Duties can include personal care, meal preparation, shopping or other duties which are dependent on a person's needs.

NICIL offers FREE monthly orientations for individuals who are interested in becoming a personal assistant. The orientation covers communication skills, care techniques, information about the employee and employer relationship, and much more.
Call us at 815-625-7860 or email us at frontdesk@nicil.org for more information!
*** Individual classes offered by appointment. Call to schedule! ***

Thursday, February 5th from 9am - 12pm in person at the Sterling NICIL office
Wednesday, February 11th from 9am - 12pm via Zoom – link will be sent via email
Tuesday, February 17th from 1pm - 4pm in person at the Sterling NICIL office

01/27/2026

🚨 SNAP rules are changing on February 1.

Federal changes mean more SNAP recipients will be considered Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) who must meet or be exempt from work requirements to qualify for SNAP.

🚨 SNAP rules are changing on February 1.

Federal changes mean more SNAP recipients will be considered Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) who must meet or be exempt from work requirements to qualify for SNAP.

IDHS has sent initial notices and a copy of an exemption form to all current and new customers who are directly impacted.

SNAP recipients can also now use this screener to see if they are subject to, meeting, or may be eligible for an exemption from SNAP Work Requirements: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN

01/22/2026

Due to inclement weather, we will not be offering rides on Friday, January 23, 2026. If possible, please stay indoors and remain safe!

01/22/2026

Whiteside County Public Transportation will be closed on Friday, January 23.

❄️❄️Closure notice❄️❄️
Due to the extreme cold forecast, Whiteside County Public Transportation will be closed on Friday, January 23, to ensure the safety of our staff and community! Please stay safe, limit time outdoors if possible, and check on neighbors who may need extra support!

01/22/2026

The Lee County Council on Aging will be closed on Friday, January 23, 2026, for the safety of our participants, volunteers, and staff.

01/22/2026

Our area is currently under an Extreme Cold Warning - dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 to 40 below zero are expected. For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 15 to 30 below expected. This weather can be dangerous, bringing an increased threat of frostbite and hypothermia. The American Red Cross offers safety steps people can follow to help them stay safe:
🔥 Use care with space heaters and fireplaces to prevent fires. Keep anything that could catch fire at least 3 feet from the heat.
🔦 Use battery-powered lights and flashlights instead of candles to prevent fires.
🏠 Check with loved ones and neighbors to see if they need help. You could save a life just by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door
🧥 Wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.
❄️ Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow, and if possible, work with a partner and take frequent breaks.
🧣 Stay warm to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes are often the first areas affected.
Visit https://rdcrss.org/3ZoDi8M to learn more Red Cross Winter Safety tips!

A Cold Weather Advisory has been issued for parts of our area until Jan 24 12:00PM. Dangerously cold wind chill values as low as -20 are likely at times. Limit time spent outside and dress in several layers if you must venture out. Cover as much exposed skin as possible.

01/07/2026

Become a Personal Assistant
Are you looking for a rewarding job and interested in gaining valuable work experience? A personal assistant is someone who helps individuals with a disability with routine activities of daily living in their homes. Duties can include personal care, meal preparation, shopping or other duties which are dependent on a person's needs.

NICIL offers FREE monthly orientations for individuals who are interested in becoming a personal assistant. The orientation covers communication skills, care techniques, information about the employee and employer relationship, and much more.
Call us at 815-625-7860 or email us at frontdesk@nicil.org for more information!
*** Individual classes offered by appointment. Call to schedule! ***

January Training Classes:
Thursday January 8th at 9am
Wednesday January 14th at 1pm via ZOOM
Tuesday January 20th at 1pm