Services for Independent Living, Inc. (SIL)

01/06/2026

World Braille Day, observed on January 4, recognizes the importance of braille as a vital tool for literacy, independence, and inclusion. Invented by Louis Braille, this revolutionary system has transformed the lives of millions of blind and visually impaired individuals by providing access to education, communication, and daily life.

Braille ensures equal access to information and supports full participation in school, work, and the community.

Learn more from American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) :

Braille is a system of raised dots that can be read with the fingers by people who are blind or who have low vision. Teachers, parents, and others who are not visually impaired ordinarily read braille with their eyes. Braille is not a language. Rather, it is a code by which many languages—such as ...

01/05/2026

The 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline connects people to compassionate, confidential support—anytime, anywhere in the U.S.

Available 24/7, 988 works to improve crisis care and advance su***de prevention through awareness and best practices.

📞 Call or text 988

01/03/2026

Join us for Connect with Conversations!

🗓 Jan 16, 2026: New Year – Goal Setting
⏰ 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Zoom (Link sent after RSVP)

RSVP to Maddi Steimle at msteimle@sil-oh.org or 216-903-2469

01/03/2026

📚 Teaching Kids About Disability 💖

Children are naturally curious, and when they ask questions about people who look or act differently, it’s a chance to teach them that our differences are worth celebrating. Books are a great way to start these conversations, helping kids understand and embrace disabilities with empathy and respect.

Check out these 12 books that promote inclusion, compassion, and acceptance. 🌍✨https://www.parents.com/12-books-for-kids-that-celebrate-and-uplift-people-with-disabilities-11851672

From an amateur sleuth with a limb difference, to a nonverbal boy with a superhero alter ego, the characters in these books show kids the importance of inclusion, acceptance, and compassion.

01/01/2026

🎉 Happy New Year from Services for Independent Living! 🎉

Wishing a 2026 full of independence, joy, and new opportunities for everyone in our community! 💛

12/31/2025

Guide dog brings joy to University Hospitals executive suite while assisting blind employee

Min Martin never used assistive devices for her visual impairment before meeting her guide dog, Deedy. Now, the yellow Lab has become one of the most beloved members of University Hospitals' executive team.

12/31/2025

Local rock band shows off the talents of musicians with disabilities via Signal Cleveland

Meet the staff and talent behind RockAbility, a band made up of musicians with disabilities who perform regularly around Greater Cleveland.

12/29/2025

All About Disability Etiquette
January 22, 2026 | 10:00–11:00 AM ET

Join Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities for an informative webinar focused on disability awareness and etiquette. Learn practical communication strategies and actionable tips for creating accessible, welcoming environments in workplaces and customer service settings.

💻 Hosted via Microsoft Teams Webinar
📝 Pre-registration required
After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email with the event link and calendar invite.

🔗 Register here:

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

12/29/2025

Tom and Jill Zidian Family Autism Center opens at Akron Children’s via Cleveland Jewish News

The Tom and Jill Zidian Family Autism Center at Akron Children’s opened on Nov. 11 and will offer comprehensive, coordinated and family-centered services for children, teens and young adults with

12/27/2025

Services for Independent Living Connect with Conversation schedule from January–June 2026.

All sessions are held via Zoom from 11 AM–12 PM. Each month features a different topic:

Jan 16: New Year goal setting

Feb 13: Red Cross presentation

Mar 20: Self-care strategies for managing stress and anxiety

Apr 17: Using apps to stay organized

May 15: Tips for healthy eating and grocery budgeting

Jun 19: Managing and discussing conflict-resolution strategies

An RSVP link will be sent before each meeting.

For questions, participants can contact Maddi at msteimle@sil-oh.org
or 216-903-2469.

12/27/2025

Why finding childcare for kids with disabilities is so difficult in the U.S. via PBS NewsHour

More than a quarter of all parents of children with disabilities say they struggle to find appropriate childcare for their kids. And even for those who do, many say their kids routinely encounter discrimination, like being excluded from field trips and some classes. Judy Woodruff reports for our ser...

12/24/2025

As the holiday season arrives, Services for Independent Living (SIL) Ohio extends warm wishes to our community. This time of year offers opportunities for reflection, gratitude, and connection.

We are thankful for the individuals, families, partners, and advocates who support independent living and inclusion for people with disabilities across Ohio. Your dedication strengthens our communities and helps ensure everyone has the opportunity to live with choice, dignity, and independence.

Wishing you peace, joy, and meaningful moments this holiday season, and looking ahead to the new year with hope and continued collaboration.