Western Reserve Independent Living Center

03/13/2026

People with disabilities and their families are confronting plans to slash Medicaid as states grapple with budget challenges compounded by upcoming federal cuts to the program.

03/13/2026

There was a time when people with developmental disabilities were hidden away, segregated, or shut out of community life.
Not because they lacked ability — but because society lacked vision.
History matters.
Not for nostalgia.
For accountability.
For truth.
For making sure we never go back.
We honor the past so we can build a future where inclusion isn’t optional — it’s the standard.

There was a time when many people with developmental disabilities were hidden, segregated, or excluded from community life.

History matters.

Not for nostalgia — for understanding.

03/12/2026

Shoppers at the Eastwood Mall were treated to a special performance Wednesday, as more than 250 people put on their boogie shoes for a surprise flash mob
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19TzZKJYdb/

03/11/2026

💙 March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!
Sharing this awesome flash mob from Eastwood Mall — a fun reminder that inclusion and visibility matter every day.

03/09/2026

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
The Theme for DD Awareness Month 2024 is “A World of Opportunities.” We are celebrating people and working together to remove obstacles. Our goal is to build a community that’s committed to creating a world where everyone can do well and succeed. Join us in making a world where all kinds of people have the chance to thrive.
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March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

The Theme for DD Awareness Month 2024 is “A World of Opportunities.” We are celebrating people and working together to remove obstacles. Our goal is to build a community that’s committed to creating a world where everyone can do well and succeed. Join us in making a world where all kinds of people have the chance to thrive.

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03/05/2026

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and we’re celebrating the values that make great disability support possible. Independent Living is built on partnership, respect, and believing in each person’s potential. When we do with, not for, we create space for people to lead their own lives, make their own choices, and shine in their own way.



ALT Text: Illustrated poster showing diverse cartoon characters, including people using mobility aids. In the center, large text reads: “Great disability support is a lot of little things done well.” Surrounding the center are phrases that reflect Independent Living values: “Do with not for,” “Be a shadow not an eclipse,” “Don’t judge dreams, support them,” “Be open to yes,” “Every moment has potential,” “Work yourself out of a job,” “Reinforce effort over accomplishment,” “Be present, be invisible,” and “Presume competence.” The bottom includes the website “openfuturelearning.org.”

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!

03/04/2026

Please enjoy the March 2026 Edition of Independent Living, WRILC's Consumer Newsletter.
If you would like to receive an email or mailed copy of this newsletter by the first of each month, please call us and find out about the benefits of being a consumer with WRILC: 330-372-3325. You can also check out our website for other accessible options. www.wrilc.org

03/02/2026

Your voice matters! Direction Home of Eastern Ohio is hosting Community Needs Assessment focus groups to help shape the future of aging services in our region.
ALT Text: Promotional flyer for Direction Home of Eastern Ohio announcing Community Needs Assessment focus groups for adults age 60 and older. The flyer lists four sessions: Ashtabula on March 4, 2026 from 10:30–12:00 at the Ashtabula County Center for Active Living; Trumbull on March 6, 2026 from 11:00–12:30 at St. Joe’s at the Mall in the Eastwood Mall; Mahoning on March 9, 2026 from 11:30–1:00 at the Austintown Senior Center; and Columbiana on March 2, 2026 from 10:30–12:00 at the Columbiana Department of Job and Family Services. Includes a photo of older adults in a group discussion. Contact listed as Sarah Ridel at 330‑505‑2364.”

FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION – COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Adults age 60+ are invited to participate in a Community Needs Assessment focus group to help guide how Older Americans Act funding will support services in Ashtabula County.

Your voice matters. Community members and caregivers are encouraged to attend. Join us and help shape the future of local aging services.

ASHTABULA
March 4, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
ACCOA Center for Active Living

Let your voice be heard.

03/02/2026

Yesterday was International Wheelchair Day! Honoring the resilience, advocacy, and innovation that continue to advance accessibility and independent living for people of all abilities.

After polio left him paralyzed from the neck down, Ed Roberts spent his life breaking barriers. He fought his high school for a diploma, fought UC Berkeley for admission and led the movement that changed society from institutionalizing people with disabilities to supporting independent living.

On International Wheelchair Day, explore how Ed Roberts and his wheelchair reshaped the fight for disability rights: https://bit.ly/4ucGUJs

📸: Corbis

02/27/2026

JOIN US!
🌿✨ Med Instead of Meds: Eat Better, Feel Better ✨🌿

Ready to boost your health, feel energized, and enjoy delicious food?
Med Instead of Meds is a fun, interactive nutrition series that teaches simple, tasty steps to eating the Mediterranean Way — and we’ll be doing it virtually together during our monthly nutrition class at Western Reserve Independent Living Center.
Join us once a month on Tuesdays from 11:45 AM – 1:30 PM as we log in together, learn together, and try new Med Way tips, hacks, and recipes.
This series is sponsored by OSU Extension Mahoning & Trumbull Counties.

🍅🥗 Upcoming Virtual Sessions
March 24 — Eat More Fruits & Vegetables
Bright, colorful, and full of flavor. Learn easy ways to add more plants to your plate.
April 28 — Change Your Protein
Explore delicious, healthier protein swaps that fit your lifestyle.
May 12 — Rethink Your Sweets
Smart, satisfying ways to enjoy sweetness the Med Way.

The Med Way is simple, delicious, and great for your health — Join us as we dive into the Med Way together during our WRILC nutrition class!
📞 Reserve your spot: 330‑372‑3325

02/26/2026

FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION – COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Adults age 60+ are invited to participate in a Community Needs Assessment focus group to help guide how Older Americans Act funding will support services in Ashtabula County.
Your voice matters. Community members and caregivers are encouraged to attend. Join us and help shape the future of local aging services.
ASHTABULA
March 4, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
ACCOA Center for Active Living
Let your voice be heard.

FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION – COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Adults age 60+ are invited to participate in a Community Needs Assessment focus group to help guide how Older Americans Act funding will support services in Ashtabula County.

Your voice matters. Community members and caregivers are encouraged to attend. Join us and help shape the future of local aging services.

ASHTABULA
March 4, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
ACCOA Center for Active Living

Let your voice be heard.

02/26/2026

CORE SERVICE SPOTLIGHT:

Did you know your local Center for Independent Living offers Information & Referral as one of its core services?
At WRILC – Western Reserve Independent Living Center, we help people with disabilities—and their families—find accurate, up‑to‑date resources to support independent living in our community.

What We Can Help You Find
• Housing options and accessibility resources
• SSI/SSDI, healthcare, and Medicaid waiver information
• Transportation and mobility supports
• Employment, education, and vocational services
• Assistive technology and home modifications
• Advocacy, disability rights, and complaint processes
• Community supports and peer connections

Our team is here to guide you, answer questions, and connect you with the services that support independence and choice.
📞 Call WRILC at 330‑372‑3325 to get connected