September 2026 Newsletter

September 2026

From the Executive Director

National Preparedness Month is recognized every year throughout September. This annual campaign focuses on building disaster and emergency readiness at home, at work, and in local communities.

Hamilton County Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency (EMHSA) encourages residents to have multiple ways of receiving alerts and warnings. Alert HC is a mass notification system used to notify residents about emergencies and other information throughout Hamilton County; and Smart 911 allows you to create a profile which allows first responders to have quicker access to essential information in case of an emergency. Smart911 can also be used in several counties in Northern Kentucky.

You can access the Alert HC Guide for step-by-step instructions for setting up your profile and choose which alerts you want to receive. Alert HC is also paired with a system called Smart911 which enables your information to be shared with call-takers and first responders during an emergency. Your profile should include:

People: Provide names and descriptions that will help responders act quickly if a person goes missing or needs to be identified during an emergency.

Phones: Add all phone numbers so that 9-1-1 will have a better idea of your location when you need help.

Animals: Include information about your pets or service animals that responders need to be aware of.

Medical Information: Provide existing conditions, allergies, disabilities, and equipment as well as current medications.

Address and Location Information: Include property details, access to the residence, bedroom locations.

Vehicle Information: Include the description of your vehicle along with the license plate number.

Emergency Contact Information: Include information of family members, friends, or neighbors in the event of an emergency.

Communication Preferences: Lets dispatchers immediately know that you may need an alternate form of communication if you are deaf or hard of hearing, if English is not your primary language, or if a person in the household non-verbal.

Independence Alliance is partnering with Hamilton County EMHSA on Wednesday September 9 for a 90-minute presentation on Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities. Participants will learn how to prepare for disasters, build an emergency kit, and create a family communication plan – more details here.

As always, I encourage you to contact Independence Alliance with your questions or if you need assistance with setting up a Alert HC or Smart911 profile. I can be reached at 513-338-5100 or by email.

Kind regards,

Rob

Rob Festenstein

Executive Director

Trivia: What actor with a disability played a paramedic in a 1970's television show?

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

Welcome to the Board!

We are thrilled to welcome John Neelankavil to the Independence Alliance Board of Directors.

John’s powerful lived experience in accessibility and inclusion, combined with his strong background in investment operations, makes him a valuable asset to our board. We look forward to working together to advance our mission.

Join us in giving John a warm welcome!

Empowerment through Vision Project Update

We are pleased to share the positive results we achieved 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. To date, we have assisted sixty-one individuals – from 6 years to 90 years old and living with a visual impairment, low vision, or blindness. 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. We became familiar with the powerful built-in Apple Support accessibility tools of an iPad - like VoiceOver, AssistiveTouch, and Magnifier, and approved eighteen referrals for iPads and other devices. We supported seven people with their vision care needs by helping with the cost of vision exams and/or prescription eyeglasses making a tangible difference in their daily lives and overall well-being.

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.

Bonus! Every new referral submitted between September 1 and October 1 will receive bump dots, a tactile marking solution that brings accessibility to everyday items such as keyboards, phones, electronic controls, buttons, or switches – all effortlessly identifiable through touch.

Get the referral form here!

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

Calendar - Independence Alliance

Empowerment - Inclusion - Advocacy: Are you aware of important developments in the federal court cases around vote by mail?

A federal judge in Boston removed the remaining court order that had stopped the United States Postal Service (USPS) from putting the new rule into effect.

This means USPS can now begin using the new rule, including changes to vote by mail such as requiring new ballot envelopes, tracking codes, and voter information from election officials. This will require a lot of action from state and local officials. With the first mailed ballots going out this week, this will be very difficult.

These last-minute changes could create serious barriers for disabled voters who depend on vote by mail as an accessible way to vote.

States and voting-rights groups are moving quickly to legally challenge the rule, protect access to vote by mail, and make sure that votes are protected for the November 2026 general election. It is possible that the changes will be stopped again.

REV UP, a national movement fighting for the rights of voters with disabilities, is still reviewing what this means for voters. For now, continue following instructions from your state and local election officials. You can also contact Independence Alliance for help with registering to vote, updating your address, or learning about your voting rights.

Strengthening Our Staff

Independence Alliance staff participated in a Trauma Informed Care Training presented by Kimi Remenyi, MS, BCBA, a Behavior Support Manager with Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services. This training prepares staff to recognize stress and adversity, respond with empathy rather than reaction, and create safe environments.

Staff also participated in Emergency Preparedness Training presented by Leann Byford, Mass Care Coordinator with the Hamilton County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (EMHSA). This training gives team members the practical skills to handle unexpected emergencies with confidence.

These two training sessions build our staff's capacity and foster a stronger team.

In the Community

Do you plan on visiting Independence Alliance?

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

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.)

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