From the Executive Director

Dear Independence Alliance Supporters,

Philanthropy comes in many shapes and sizes. Regardless of the size of the gift, they all drive impact and positive outcomes.

Last month, we were fortunate to be the beneficiary of a gift from an individual who wanted to support the well-being of people with disabilities. With this gift, we are establishing The Wellness Fund that will empower individuals with disabilities to improve their overall well-being through movement, nutrition, relaxation, and fun. We look forward to sharing more information later this month about how The Wellness Fund can be accessed.

I encourage you to take a few minutes and think about how you might incorporate wellness into your everyday life. Incorporating wellness does not have to mean a total lifestyle overhaul; it is often about those small, intentional habits that gradually add up. Movement, especially outdoors, is essential to wellness so I encourage you to be part of the Cincinnati Flying Pig weekend by participating in this year’s PigAbilities at 1:00pm on Saturday, May 2. This event is a movement for inclusion that supports our families and friends who live with disabilities. This one-mile event is designed for participants (and supporters of participants) to run, walk or roll at their own pace so they can cross the official Flying Pig Marathon Finish Swine. Starting with just a handful of participants, this event continues to gain momentum each year and has grown to hundreds of people coming together in support of people with disabilities. It pleases me to be part of this event again this year. Learn more and register here. 

As always, I enjoy hearing from you. Feel free to contact me at 513-338-5100 or by email.

Kind regards,

Rob

Rob Festenstein

Executive Director



Trivia: Who is the only person to have addressed a joint session of Congress in American Sign Language? The FIFTH person to respond here with the correct answer will receive a $10 gift card.

Welcome to Sharyn Israel!

We welcome Sharyn Israel to Independence Alliance in a newly created role as our Core Services Specialist. Sharyn will serve as a point of contact for our Information & Referral, and will work alongside consumers to identify barriers, explore options, and take meaningful steps toward safe, affordable, and accessible living in the community. Email Sharyn

to welcome her!

Independence Alliance Advisory Council

This is our last call for anyone interested in serving on our Advisory Council to help us learn how we can best serve people with disabilities. An initial one-hour, in-person advisory council meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 27, beginning at 5:30pm. This is an opportunity to share your input on how we can effectively serve the community through peer groups, events, and services. If you are a person with a disability and interested in participating, email Debbie.

Are you a person living with a visual impairment or blindness?

Are you in need of assistive items such as mobility and navigation aids, computer access aids, reading aids, or daily living aids? Our Empowerment through Vision Project, funded by Greater Cincinnati Foundation, can obtain the items you need to increase your independence and enhance your quality of life. Complete and return the Referral Form. Most items can be shipped to your home. Email us with questions or for more information. More information here.