October 2026

From the Executive Director


Dear Friends,

 

Celebrating 50 Years of Service and Impact

In 2027, our organization will proudly mark 50 years of service, dedication, and community impact. Since our founding in 1977, our mission has been made possible by the steadfast support of people like you. Together, we have helped transform lives, strengthen communities, and create lasting change.

 

Honoring This Milestone Together

For five decades, you have stood beside us through moments of challenge, growth, and progress. As we plan our 50 Year Celebration in March 2027, we look forward to honoring the collective generosity that has shaped this journey and made our work possible. We invite you to help commemorate this milestone by supporting the celebration through your sponsorship. Sponsorship opportunities are available here.

 

·        Invitations will be sent in early 2027.

·        Tickets will be available through our website.


Please feel free to contact me directly at 513-338-5100 or via email to coordinate your sponsorship, tickets, or any further event details. I look forward to celebrating this wonderful milestone with you!


Kind regards,


Rob


Rob Festenstein

Executive Director




Trivia:


Who is the first deaf and blind person to graduate from Harvard Law School and is also an accomplished surfer?


The third person to respond here with the correct answer will receive a $10 gift card.

Seeking An Independent Living Specialist to Join Our Team!


We are seeking a creative, innovative, and highly organized professional who enjoys developing ideas, solving problems, building relationships, and helping people with disabilities identify and achieve their own goals. As an Independent Living Specialist, you will be part of our Core Services Team and work directly with consumers to identify personal goals, develop individualized independent living plans, and provide the skills training and resources necessary to remove barriers to community living.


Learn more about this position and how to apply here.

Empowerment through Vision Project Update


We are pleased to share that we continue to achieve positive results with the Empowerment through Vision Project funded by Greater Cincinnati Foundation. This funding has allowed our organization to fulfill our mission and reach people that would not otherwise access our services. Through our referral process, we have provided a variety of vision products such as lighted magnifiers, large print computer keyboards, large LED digital alarm clocks, and large print calendars that assist people with a visual disability to be independent.


In September we assisted one of our consumers to have a long overdue eye examination and get prescription glasses. Addressing basic health needs like vision is a critical step in helping Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) participants regain their independence, confidence, and safety.


Our Empowerment through Vision Project is still accepting referrals to provide low vision aids that can increase a person’s independence – at no cost! Check out some of the items that are available here.


Get the referral form here!


Printable flyers for the following groups are available on our website:

Calendar - Independence Alliance

Register here to be added to this group's email list and receive the link to join.

Empowerment - Inclusion - Advocacy


-         A consumer advocated for herself to get the last year of her probation rescinded so that she could continue school. She did this without a public defender and represented herself, and her motion was honored. She is now reaching one of her independent living goals by being enrolled in GED classes.

 

-         A consumer who has been dedicated to increasing their independence recently attended a job interview. They were hired on the spot and started working that same day!


November 3rd is Election Day!


Accessible voting ensures that voters with disabilities or language barriers can cast their ballots privately and independently. Federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) mandate equal access to all stages of voting.


Hamilton County residents: Accessibility for Voters

Ohio residents: Voting Accessibility in Ohio | Resources for Voters with Disabilities

Kentucky residents: Voters with Disabilities - State Board of Elections

The Ghostlight Stage Company, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit arts organization creates innovative, accessible performing arts experiences throughout Greater Cincinnati.

Legislative Town Hall on Disability Recap


The Legislative Town Hall on Disability that was held on September 17 was a remarkable success with about fifty attendees throughout the event, including several legislators.


Elected officials in attendance included Cincinnati Vice Mayor Kearney, Hamilton County Commissioner Driehaus, Rep. Mike Odioso, Rep. Cecil Thomas, Vice Chair of Cincinnati School Board Dr. Kareem Moffett, and representation from Community Council leadership. Topics covered included accessible housing, accessible pathways and sidewalk upkeep, accessibility barriers at the Ohio Statehouse and meetings with legislators, support for students with disabilities and their families. Our panelists were Bree Moss and Amber Cowart, who delivered moving and illuminating remarks about their personal experiences as members of the disability community.



Thank you to the following for their help with this successful event:

Disability Rights Ohio - Co-Sponsor of event

Jen Powers Alge and Arc of Ohio - helped with outreach to legislators and community members.

David Siders and CHPL - helped with location set up and run of show for event.

Greater Cincinnati Voter Collaborative - Registered voters and provided information about the upcoming election.

AAPD/REV UP: Provided merchandise for attendees.


Support 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.)

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This publication is available in an alternate format upon request.


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