July 2025 Newsletter

July 2025

From the Executive Director

Dear Independence Alliance Supporters,

As we step into a new era of growth and innovation, Independence Alliance is proud to unveil its Strategic Plan for 2025–2027, a bold roadmap designed to strengthen our mission, core values, and create lasting impact.

This plan is more than a document; it is a vision for progress and innovation, focusing on key priorities such as strengthening our service model, increasing community engagement, developing new strategies for resource development, and increasing employee engagement. To see an overview of our Strategic Plan you can click here or visit our website.

Over the next two years, our stakeholders will see exciting developments, from enhanced programs to plans for our 50th anniversary. Whether you are a long-standing supporter or new to Independence Alliance, I invite you to be part of this transformative journey. Stay engaged, get involved, and help shape the future. Together, we can turn vision into reality.

I would also like to take this opportunity on behalf of Independence Alliance to extend our appreciation to the Ohio Legislature for extending general revenue funds in the new budget to our CIL as well as the eleven other CILS in the State of Ohio. We appreciate the continued support of Ohioans with disabilities and Independent Living.

As always, I enjoy hearing from you. Contact me by phone at 513-338-5100 or by email.

Kind regards,

Rob

Trivia Question: The fourth person to email me with the correct answer will receive an Amazon gift card. Which American scientist and autism advocate (also a prominent author and speaker on autism) revolutionized the livestock industry with her humane handling systems?

Disability and Inclusion in 1940's Cincinnati

If you have never heard of Kay Irion, take a minute to read this article adapted from a blog post originally published on the Cincinnati Museum Center website in October of 2022. Kay was a pioneer for disability awareness and inclusion in Cincinnati in the 1940's thru her radio show The Bluebird Club. This radio program, broadcast from Kay Irion's home, became a meaningful and impactful program for raising disability awareness at a time when disabilities were hidden and poorly understood.

Questions about any of the following classes, services, or events? Please contact us by email.

To learn about OTR Stillhouse, get directions and information about parking, click here

Upcoming Webinars hosted by the Social Security Administration

One-hour webinars during July and August include:

What Changes at Age 18?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
What People Getting Released from Incarceration Want to Know
The Representative Payee Program
Representing Claimants
Your Right to Representation

Download the webinar dates and links here!

Employee July Anniversaries

Join us in congratulating Stephanie Johnson, Support Services Specialist, celebrating 7 years, and Dee Henry, Disability Rights & Advocacy Specialist, celebrating 2 years.

Meet our Team

Do you plan on visiting Independence Alliance?

We maintain a fragrance-free environment; we ask that you avoid the use of fragranced products when visiting our office.

Please know we are available to discuss your need for accommodations or accessibility for your visit with us. Contact us!

Learn more here about how using your

Kroger Plus Card can support our organization! Once you have signed up there is nothing more to do other than use your Kroger Plus Card at the checkout!

Help us increase the number of households participating by signing up today!

(You will still sign up as supporting Center for Independent Living until further notice.)

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This publication is available in an alternate format upon request.

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