Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council

Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council OSILC promotes the full access & independence of people with disabilities in their chosen community.

The Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) was established in 1992 by amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and is a statutory requirement under Federal laws. The Ohio SILC is designed to maintain independence and not exist within any state agency, to ensure autonomy of the Independent Living (IL) Program in Ohio. The Ohio SILC’s is responsible for the development, implementation

, and monitoring of the State Plan for Independent Living, a three-year strategic plan for Ohio to work towards goals of greater access, inclusion and independence; coordinating activities with other entities that provide services similar or complementary to Independent Living Services; assisting to develop the network of Centers for Independent Living; and conduct regular meetings of the Council that are open to the public. We achieve our goals in working with the 12 Centers for Independent Living, working with state agencies in Ohio, and educating the community. Our role is not to provide direct services to individuals, but to help advance and develop Independent Living and the disability community in Ohio. The Ohio SILC is committed to promoting a philosophy of consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and systems advocacy, in order to maximize leadership, empowerment, independence, productivity and to support full inclusion and integration of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American society. The Council operates with 19 Governor-appointed members from different parts of Ohio that represent a range of disabilities and to ensure we can respond to the needs and concerns of the over 1.6 Million people with disabilities in Ohio. More than half of our members must be individuals with significant disabilities. Of those 19 Members, one is selected by the Centers for Independent Living to represent the CILs, and five are employees from state agencies that work with individuals with disabilities.

💻 Tech Tools for Job Success 💻📅 June 29, 2026 ⏰ 2:00 PM ETJoin this PACER Center  interactive workshop to explore techno...
06/01/2026

💻 Tech Tools for Job Success 💻

📅 June 29, 2026

⏰ 2:00 PM ET

Join this PACER Center interactive workshop to explore technology tools that help teens and adults with disabilities build the skills needed to get and keep a job. Participants will see demonstrations of apps and devices designed to support workplace success and independence.

Topics include:
✨ Time management tools
✨ Calendars, alarms, and reminders
✨ To-do lists and task direction supports
✨ Organization and productivity strategies
✨ Executive functioning tools for workplace success

Attendees will also learn how these supports can increase confidence, improve organization, and help individuals succeed in school, work, and daily life.

Join us for this workshop to learn about technology that can help teens and adults with disabilities build the skills they need to get and keep a job. Participants will see demos of apps and devices that can support them through managing time, staying organized, and getting tasks done — like alarm...

Building futures through person-centered planningPlanning for the future is an important part of person-centered plannin...
05/31/2026

Building futures through person-centered planning

Planning for the future is an important part of person-centered planning for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

A future plan—sometimes called a letter of intent—helps document a person’s routines, preferences, support needs, and goals. While it’s not a legal document, it can provide valuable personal information that complements legal and financial plans.

The Arc of the United States future planning template is a great tool to help families and supporters get started. Remember to review and update plans regularly as needs and goals change over time.

Let’s Start a Future Plan! Talking about what a person with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) wants and needs for the future is an important part of person-centered planning. A future plan—sometimes called a letter of intent—is often the first step in this process. A future plan...

🌍 World MS Day – May 30World MS Day is an international awareness day that brings together the global community to share...
05/30/2026

🌍 World MS Day – May 30

World MS Day is an international awareness day that brings together the global community to share stories, raise awareness, and advocate for change for those affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the central nervous system that affects the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by damage to myelin, the protective covering around nerve fibers, which disrupts communication between the brain and the body.

MS is most often diagnosed between ages 20–40 and is two to three times more common in women than men. While there is currently no cure, treatments can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.

Today, an estimated 2.9 million people worldwide live with MS—each with a unique story worth sharing and supporting.

Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration for Community Living   that connects older adults, caregiver...
05/29/2026

Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration for Community Living that connects older adults, caregivers, and their families to trusted local support services across the United States. Services may include transportation, meals, home care, caregiver support, housing resources, legal assistance, and more.

The Eldercare Locator offers:
♦ Local aging and disability resources
♦ Information on home and community-based services
♦ Caregiver support and respite resources
♦ Transportation and nutrition services
♦ Help finding Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)
♦ Phone, chat, and email support from trained specialists

Older adults and caregivers can search online by ZIP code, city, or state on the website, or contact trained specialists directly:
📞 1-800-677-1116
💬 Online chat and email support available Monday–Friday, 8 AM–9 PM ET

The Eldercare Locator was launched in 1991 and remains a trusted national resource helping older adults live independently and stay connected to community supports.



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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is a federal agency created in 1965 to improve housing opport...
05/28/2026

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is a federal agency created in 1965 to improve housing opportunities and living conditions across the United States. HUD supports safe, affordable housing and works to strengthen communities, especially for low- and moderate-income individuals and families.

HUD provides programs and services that help people access affordable housing, rental assistance, and homeownership opportunities. The agency also funds community development projects that improve neighborhoods and expand housing access.

One of HUD’s important responsibilities is enforcing the Fair Housing Act. The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, s*x, family status, or disability.

HUD’s programs and protections help promote equal access to housing and support inclusive communities for everyone.

Learn more:

HUD is vital in enhancing homeownership and community development. Explore its programs like the Housing Choice Voucher and Community Development Block Grant.

Mobility Matters! May Is Mobility Awareness Month May is National Mobility Awareness Month, a time to recognize how mobi...
05/27/2026

Mobility Matters! May Is Mobility Awareness Month

May is National Mobility Awareness Month, a time to recognize how mobility and accessibility improve health, independence, and quality of life.

Why mobility matters:
Mobility is more than movement—it is:
▪️Access to medical care and emergency services
▪️Safe, reliable transportation
▪️Prevention of health complications
▪️Ongoing therapy and rehabilitation
▪️Full participation in community life
▪️Access to assistive devices and medical equipment
▪️Support for caregivers
▪️Independence and freedom

According to the CDC:
▪️12.2% of U.S. adults live with a mobility-impacting disability
▪️1 in 4 adults has a disability

Mobility is essential for health, inclusion, and independence—and it impacts entire families and communities.

Veteran Services from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities  (OOD)OOD supports veterans and service members whose ...
05/26/2026

Veteran Services from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)

OOD supports veterans and service members whose injuries, illnesses, or mental health conditions impact employment — whether or not the condition is service-connected.

Services are available for conditions including PTSD, depression, limb loss, and more.

Learn more:

If you are a military service member experiencing injury or illness that makes maintaining employment difficult, OOD can help you find or keep a job.

Memorial Day was established to honor the brave men and women who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. O...
05/25/2026

Memorial Day was established to honor the brave men and women who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. Originally called “Decoration Day,” the tradition began after the Civil War when communities gathered to decorate soldiers’ graves with flowers and flags.

Over time, Memorial Day became a national day of remembrance for all military members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Today, we continue to honor their courage, service, and legacy.

Ohio bill would reduce voting wait times for elderly, disabled  via The Columbus Dispatch
05/24/2026

Ohio bill would reduce voting wait times for elderly, disabled via The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio lawmakers are considering a bill to reduce standing time at polling places. Here's how it would work.

05/23/2026

Webinar: Supporting Youth in Transition to Adult Health Care

Join RAISE Center session on June 15, 2026, to learn how families and caregivers can support youth—especially youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities—as they move from pediatric to adult health care systems.

This webinar will explore how to:
• Share information and decision-making power
• Build self-advocacy and health care skills
• Support a more empowering transition to adult care

🗓 June 15, 2026
🕑 2:00 PM ET

Address

670 Morrison Road, Ste 200
Gahanna, OH
43230

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16148920390

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