Western Reserve Independent Living Center

01/30/2026

"As the snow continued to fall most of Ohio’s counties found themselves under level 2 and level 3 snow emergencies, making it difficult or illegal to travel. From there, many folks were stuck at home with whatever supplies they had at the time. Preparing for situations like these is important for everyone, but for people with disabilities proper planning can help stop a weather event from turning into a life-endangering emergency."

Read more: disabilityrightsohio.org/news/advocacymatters-being-prepared

01/30/2026

After years struggling to find staff to support people with IDD living in the community, an influx of federal dollars allowed service providers to make headway, but the gains could be short-lived.

01/27/2026

❄️ WEATHER CLOSURE NOTICE ❄️
We are closed today, January 27, 2026, due to unsafe weather conditions.
Please stay safe and warm.
ALT TEXT: "A picture with snow falling in the background. At the top is a round WR logo with the names of four counties around it. Under the logo, big blue words say: WE ARE CLOSED. Smaller blue words below say: DUE TO THE WEATHER.

❄️ WEATHER CLOSURE NOTICE ❄️
We are closed today, January 26, 2026, due to unsafe weather conditions.
Please stay safe and warm.
ALT TEXT: "A picture with snow falling in the background. At the top is a round WR logo with the names of four counties around it. Under the logo, big blue words say: WE ARE CLOSED. Smaller blue words below say: DUE TO THE WEATHER.

01/26/2026

After a storm like yesterday, it is important to remember the role snow removal plays in keeping our communities accessible. Snow and ice can create barriers for people with a wide range of disabilities, making it harder to safely navigate sidewalks, entrances, and public spaces. As a community, we all have a responsibility to help. Clearing paths, ramps, stairs, and entrances ensures our streets, buildings, and neighborhoods remain safe, welcoming, and accessible for everyone.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14YL38bBfVm/

01/26/2026

❄️ WEATHER CLOSURE NOTICE ❄️
We are closed today, January 26, 2026, due to unsafe weather conditions.
Please stay safe and warm.
ALT TEXT: "A picture with snow falling in the background. At the top is a round WR logo with the names of four counties around it. Under the logo, big blue words say: WE ARE CLOSED. Smaller blue words below say: DUE TO THE WEATHER.

01/24/2026

❄️ Warming Stations Open in the Valley
Temperatures are dropping fast, and no one should be out in the cold. Our community has several warming stations open right now for anyone who needs a safe, warm place to go.

Please share this so it reaches neighbors who may need it — seniors, families, unhoused folks, or anyone without reliable heat. A share can literally keep someone safe tonight.

Local officials and businesses are opening their doors as warming stations as the Valley faces bitter cold.

01/23/2026

Ed Roberts Day 🌟
Today we honor Edward Verne Roberts — a trailblazer, advocate, and the Father of Independent Living. His courage and leadership transformed the disability rights movement and opened doors for generations to live with dignity, autonomy, and true independence.
Let’s carry forward his legacy by continuing the fight for accessibility, inclusion, and equal rights for all people with disabilities.
Learn more about Ed Roberts: https://edrobertsandassociates.org/
🎥 Watch his inspiring journey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci3ek-tqiGQ
ID: Black‑and‑white photo of Ed Roberts with a grey GCDD Arkansas logo. Black text on a white background reads: “Ed Roberts Day — Remembering the Courage & Leadership of Ed Roberts, the Father of Independent Living. January 23. He fought for the dignity, autonomy, and independence of people with disabilities.”

01/22/2026

RELEASE: With winter weather and below-freezing temperatures in the forecast for this weekend and much of next week, the Ohio Department of Aging is encouraging older Ohioans and caregivers to be prepared.

Read more: https://aging.ohio.gov/winterstorm26release

01/21/2026

📚✨ January is Braille Literacy Month! ✨📚
This month, we celebrate the importance of Braille and the independence it brings to people who are blind or have low vision. Braille opens doors to reading, writing, education, and full participation in the community.
Let’s honor the work of Louis Braille and continue promoting accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities for everyone. 💛
Whether you’re learning Braille, teaching it, or simply spreading awareness—every effort helps build a more inclusive world.

In an era of rapid digitalisation, inclusion is not an accident of technology; it is a deliberate act of design. Observed every 4 January, World Braille Day transcends a simple system of raised dots to champion the fundamental right to information. ..

01/20/2026

Did you know the ADA National Network has officially launched our Employment Resource Hub? This hub offers information about disabilities and the workplace at every stage of employment. This resource features new materials and centralizes fact sheets, FAQs materials, and tools with the National Network, making it easy to find answers to all of your questions about employment and the ADA. Explore our Employment Resource Hub today: https://adata.org/employment-resource-hub

01/20/2026

🥶 Dangerously Cold Weather Alert — Please Take Extra Precautions ❄️
Extreme cold can be life‑threatening — especially for people with disabilities, older adults, children, and anyone who relies on assistive technology or medical equipment. Please take steps today to stay safe and warm.
🧥 If you must go outside:
• Dress in multiple warm layers
• Cover all exposed skin
• Watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia
🏠 At home:
• Keep food, water, medications, blankets, and emergency supplies easy to reach
• Be prepared in case of a power outage
📱 Stay informed:
• Sign up for local alerts
• Make sure your emergency communication plan is ready and tested
🔋 Power & equipment:
• Have extra batteries for flashlights, mobility devices, and assistive technology
• Check that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have working batteries
♿ Assistive technology planning:
• Keep important paperwork, spare parts, and backup communication options available
• Plan ahead in case equipment stops working during extreme cold
Please check on neighbors, friends, and family — especially those who may need extra support today. Stay safe and warm, WRILC community.

01/20/2026

Due to the cold weather, Western Reserve Independent Living Center (WRILC) is closed today. ❄️ Stay warm and safe, everyone!