Services for Independent Living, Inc. (SIL)

11/04/2026

Join the SIL Board of Directors! 🌟 Services for Independent Living (SIL) is on the lookout for passionate and skilled community members to join its Board of Directors. We are particularly interested in individuals with expertise in:
🔹 Community Engagement
🔹 Development
🔹 Legal
🔹 Business

The Board convenes about four times a year (two meetings in-person and two virtually). This is a volunteer role. SIL proudly serves Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga counties, and it's essential that at least 51% of our Board comprises individuals with disabilities, underscoring our dedication to consumer control and the Independent Living philosophy.

Download the application (pdf):https://sil-oh.org/.../2021/05/SIL-Board-application.pdf

📞 Want to learn more? Reach out to Shannon Monyak at 216-731-1529 or [email protected].

11/03/2026

Connect with Conversations: Monthly Peer Support Group

Join Services for Independent Living (SIL) on November 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom for a conversation about self-advocacy in the healthcare setting.

Connect with peers, share experiences, and learn ways to advocate for yourself when navigating healthcare.

📩 Register or learn more: Contact Maddi Steimle at [email protected] or 216-903-2469. The Zoom link will be provided after registration.

11/03/2026

11/02/2026

What Is a County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DD)?

In Ohio, all 88 counties have a County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DD), established to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Since 1967, county boards have helped expand opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to live, work, learn, and participate in their communities. Today, more than 117,000 children and adults receive comprehensive services arranged by local county boards of DD.

Depending on local needs and available resources, services may include:
💙 Service and support administration
🧸 Early childhood and educational services
🏡 Supported living and residential services
👨‍👩‍👧 Family support services
💼 Job training and employment services

Each county board is governed by seven volunteer board members who in conjunction with the county superintendent and his/her staff, ensure the development and operation of local programs that are responsive to the needs of people with developmental disabilities.

Find Your County Board - https://dodd.ohio.gov/county-boards/all-county-boards-resources/4-find-your-county-board

Find your county board of developmental disabilities' contact information and MUI reporting number.

11/02/2026

Tomorrow is Election Day! We are counting down the hours. If you haven't yet made your voting plan, today is the day to get that settled, and we are here for anything you may need on Election Day. Our Voter Hotline is open tomorrow from poll open to poll close.

Find more information at www.disabilityrightsohio.org/vote

11/02/2026

Tomorrow is Election Day! Your polling location is open from 6:30 AM - 7:30 PM.

🗳️boe.cuyahogacounty.gov

Image description: Election Day voting info for Nov 3 with accessible polls, curbside voting, ADA machines, and photo ID requirement.

11/02/2026

We are officially ONE MONTH AWAY from the Accessible Expressions Ohio 2027 call for art deadline!

Enter now for the chance to have your art travel all across Ohio art galleries where it will be on display to the public!

What is Accessible Expressions Ohio?
Accessible Expressions Ohio is a statewide adjudicated exhibition featuring art from artists with disabilities from across the state. Artists can enter in the youth, emerging, or professional categories, and enter under a special theme category. Cash prizes are awarded in each category, including a Best in Show.

We are thrilled to announce this year's opening reception will be held at the Firelands Associations for the Visual Arts (FAVA) in Oberlin, Ohio!

We are also excited to announce that this year's special category is "Community Connections." Community is built through encouragement, mentorship, shared experiences, creativity, mutual support, and more. Artists are invited to explore the people, places, and moments that foster belonging, growth, and connection.

Who can apply?
Any Ohio artist living with a disability may apply. Disclosure of the disability is not required.

How do I apply?
To apply for the Accessible Expressions Ohio Call for Art, artists should fill out the online AEO application at this link: https://airtable.com/appW1LuhfSHhTjt3e/shrYAPSa3HUI3ZJgZ

Upon request, Word and PDF versions of the applications are available both by email and by mail.

Have any questions? Wish to request a different version of the application?
Contact Lina Stavrova at [email protected]

11/02/2026

🍂 HELLO, NOVEMBER! 🍁

Check out everything happening this November, and be sure to save our monthly schedule!

✨ NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS:
📚 Story Time & Craft – Mondays at 11:15 AM
🎉 Happy Hour – Tuesdays, 3–6 PM ($5 OFF admission)
🔎 Adventure Wednesdays – Scavenger Hunts & Sensory Bins
🌈 Toddler Time Thursdays – 10 AM–12 PM ($3 OFF for ages 5 & under)
⏰ Open Later on Thursdays! – We're staying open until 6:30 PM!

🎨 Special Play Times & Programs:

November 1: Portage County Board of DD Playdate (4–6 PM)
November 6: Bluey character visit at 10 AM!
November 5, 12, 19 & December 3, 10, 17: Ready, Set, Grow- Social Emotional Group
November 9: Free Young Adult/Teen/Tween Open Gym (5–7 PM)
November 14 & 28: Zumbini at 10:30 AM
November 15: Sensory Sensitive Open Play (3:30–5:30 PM)
November 16: Homeschool Playgroup (2–4 PM)
November 18: Free Virtual Autism Support Group (5–6 PM)
November 22: Baby & Me Yoga (10–10:30 AM)
November 25: Free Pop-Up Legal Clinic with TPS (2–5 PM)
November 27: Parent's Night Out – Friendsgiving! (5:30–8:30 PM)

🦃 Thanksgiving Hours:
We will be CLOSED Thursday, November 26, for Thanksgiving!

Whether you're joining us for Open Play or a special program, we can't wait to see you!

📲 BOOK OPEN PLAY, EVENTS & CLASSES HERE:
www.werockthespectrumstow.com → BOOK NOW

🎉

11/02/2026

🌊💦 Make a Splash with ASGA's Swim Event! 💦🌊

Don't let the chilly November weather rain on your fun! Join us for an evening of aquatic adventures at the Medina Rec Center on Saturday, November 14, from 5:30-7:30 PM.

🏊 Why you'll love this swim-tacular event:
✅ Private event exclusively for registered attendees
✅ Limited to the first 130 registrations - don't get left high and dry!
✅ Warm, welcoming 86-degree pool with zero-depth entry
✅ Leisure pool ranging from 3.5 to 5 feet deep
✅ Jungle Cove interactive play zone featuring geysers, sprinklers, a tipping bucket, and a slide
✅ Exciting water slide for thrill-seekers
✅ Whirlpool and hot tub available for ages 16+
✅ Three family changing rooms available
✅ Indoor fun that won't be affected by Ohio's unpredictable weather!

Whether you're ready to dive into adventure, go with the flow, or simply soak up some family fun, this event is sure to make waves! 🌊😎

⏰ Register by November 13 before spots float away!

🔗 Register here: https://autismakron.org/swim-party-nov-2026/

11/01/2026

Disability Rights Advocacy: Every Voice Matters!

Disability rights advocacy promotes equal opportunities, dignity, independence, and full participation for people with disabilities.

Advocates work to remove barriers, challenge discrimination, and advance accessibility and inclusion in employment, education, healthcare, transportation, and housing.

At its heart, disability rights advocacy recognizes that disability is a natural part of human diversity. It centers the voices, choices, and lived experiences of people with disabilities while promoting self-determination and equal rights.

💬 Types of Disability Advocacy:
🔸Individual Advocacy: Helping people navigate benefits, accommodations, and services.
🔸Self-Advocacy: Supporting people in expressing their needs, choices, and rights.
🔸Group Advocacy: Bringing people together to share experiences and seek change.
🔸Citizen Advocacy: Participating in community decisions and public policy discussions.
🔸Systemic Advocacy: Promoting changes to laws, policies, funding, and accessibility.

🌟 Why Does It Matter?
Disability advocacy amplifies the voices of people with disabilities, challenges discrimination, helps navigate complex systems, and drives broader change through public awareness, legal action, and collaboration.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard, make choices, and participate fully in their community. Together, we can help build a more accessible and inclusive world!