We’re Keeping Everyone Connected!

It has not been an easy couple of weeks but thank goodness we have each other! And, we know it’s not going to get easier for a while.

But, fairly quickly, with the support of our families and staff, and the enthusiasm of our self-advocates, we have been able to transition to support each other virtually.

What a difference it makes!

Our Inclusive Activities

We are all about social distancing, but not social isolation.

Whether it’s a Zoom POD meeting, Facetime One-on-One between an ILO Community Builder and a Self-Advocate, Google-Duo small group meetings, or Multi-Play Digital Gaming, we have created a diverse selection of inclusive activities for our self-advocates to participate in throughout the upcoming weeks to help them stay engaged and connected.

Ongoing Focus on Life Skills

In the meantime . . . we will continue focusing on helping our self-advocates build on their life skills. In April, our focus will be on Safety. Our staff educators have developed several safety modules on using fire extinguishers, creating emergency kits, and staying safe on the Internet. We will be doing several virtual safety training sessions to ensure self-advocates are confident in their knowledge and capabilities.

Can We Assist YOU?

During this ‘new normal’ ILO is here to help YOUR family and SELF-ADVOCATE in every way possible.

• Overwhelmed and don’t know where to go for assistance?
• Lost your support (day programs, etc.), and need alternatives?
• Running out of ideas for dealing with social isolation?

ILO is here to help! Please reach out to me directly. Maedi Tanham Carney, ILO Executive Director at maedi@ilonow.org.

Weekly Mandatory Meetings

We’ve set up three weekly connections that are strongly encouraged for our Community Builders and Self-Advocates.

Everyone needs this right now but it’s especially important for those who are isolated. It’s real. It’s scary. But we’re going to get through this together through sharing and caring!

We are trying to make these fun and engaging while at the same time helping POD members connect and support each other.   We’re looking forward to virtual BINGO games, Show & Tell, Scavenger hunts and more. If you have suggested ideas for virtual activities let us know! (info@ilonow.org)

Physical activity helps keep our self-advocates healthy but it’s also good for everyone’s mental health. Whether it’s our free Sunday Virtual Yoga classes ILO provides with Create Calm instructors, exercise classes with Spirit Club, or maybe a walk in the park, we’re helping make sure our self-advocates are taking the time, and making the effort, to stay healthy!

Calendar & RSVP Reminder

ILO has postponed all group activities until further notice. Please check the ILO website calendar for upcoming virtual events and for rescheduled events.

We have made the decision to postpone all of our special events through May to a new date in 2020 – this includes Social Sundays, Parent Presentations, Hike, Bike & BBQ, and our Beers and Cheers Fundraiser.

While we do not yet have confirmed dates, we will announce new dates as soon as we
can.