Wednesday, June 14, 2018
Over the course of the last four years, Integrated Living Opportunities (ILO) has been working hard to create communities in which adults with disabilities can live as independently as they choose, supported according to their needs.
In that period of time, our accomplishments have surpassed even our own expectations. By the end of 2018, ILO will have helped 12 adults with disabilities move into their own homes. We are continuing to work with other self advocates to help them achieve this same goal. We have created strong networks of support between board members, parents, self-advocates, ILO staff and service providers. We have created thriving community partnerships and interconnected community pods that help self-advocates socialize, improve skills, and build on their existing support networks. We have even expanded our community-building mission to include ILO Community Group. Community Group is a new initiative created to bring together individuals with disabilities of all ages that wish to join the ILO community, but may not be ready to participate in ILO training or actively prepare for independent living at this time.
ILO is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. As such, we can only achieve our goals with the support of our communities, and we have been blessed with the support of wonderful individuals and organizations. Just a few weeks ago (May 26), we held our 2nd annual Bike, Hike & BBQ. Close to 100 individuals attended this event – parents, self advocates, friends, family members and community partners all came together to help support ILO. As quoted by an ILO board member, “the event really demonstrated the great strength of spirit and commitment we all share, [as we] celebrated the tremendous year of growth we have had, while looking confidently towards the future.” Note: check out our Facebook page for photos of this event.
If you missed your chance to support ILO and join the Bike, Hike and BBQ festivities last month, don’t fret! You have another opportunity coming up shortly – on August 3rd, ILO will be participating in the Bike to the Beach: The DC Ride for Autism and Disabilities.
Bike to the Beach: August 3rd
The Bike to the Beach (B2B) is an annual event in which a “community made up of individuals, cyclists, local organizations, advocates, philanthropists, corporate companies and national partners” all come together to promote cycling, raise funds, and support individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.
B2B began a number of years ago when two friends biked 100+ miles to attend their high school graduation – the route took them from Washington, DC to the Delaware Shore. This tradition between friends grew year after year, until it developed into a philanthropic organization dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with autism and disabilities. Since its creation, B2B has raised more than 3 million dollars, biked more than 400,000 miles, and has been hosted in 7 cities. This year, ILO is participating in B2B’s DC Ride for Autism and Disabilities as a silver sponsor. We were inspired by B2B’s commitment to helping individuals with disabilities and their families work together to effect positive change. As a silver partner, we have pledged to help this organization spread awareness and education about autism and other disabilities. We have also committed to participating in this fun ride to raise funds for our own organization and support other disability advocates and groups across the country. We hope that you will join us as we partner with B2B, improving the lives of individuals with disabilities one (biked) mile at a time.
Individuals can support ILO as we partner with B2B in a number of ways: sponsoring a participant or an organization, volunteering to help with the organization and management of the event (either pre event day or on the day of) or by registering as a participant. If you decide to take part in the event, leave your worries at the start line, as B2B’s motto about participating is simple: “You Register, We Take Care of the Rest.” The organization handles everything from food, water, and mechanical support to organizing and arranging bike rentals and returns.
To learn more about ILO, B2B, and how to support both organizations please contact us or check out B2B’s website. Thank you all for your continued support of our organization as we work to build meaningful, supported communities for adults with disabilities.
