Need Some Inspiration?

Sunday, August 30th – Save the Date!
Join Maedi Tanham Carney & Vijay D’Souza for
ILO’s Family 50 mile Biking Fundraiser

ILO’s 50 Mile Fundraiser Links

Learn More Click here to visit the 50 Mile Webpage
Donate Click here to donate!

Schedule & Booth Locations

How Far We’ve Come!

It’s lonely riding a roller coaster alone

We know how important it is for our self-advocates to have multiple layers of support and that includes building relationships and rapport with their peers.

• How wonderful is it that the “Three Amigos” – three of ILO’s self-advocates at The Crossings – have renamed their group of friends “THE Amigos” so they can include more ILO self-advocates in that group of friends.

• Or, that (upon request) we now have “Guys” and “Gals” groups.

• Or, that our five different Community PODs are blending together for specific events so self-advocates can meet self-advocates from other PODs who may have some of their same interests.

• Or, that the Bethesda/DC POD got together for a Thanksgiving dinner together last year.

• Or, that Ella, Gregory, Maurine, and Ellie like to spend an evening together listening to, and playing, guitars at a local coffee shop.

• And, that our Community Builders are getting more requests for help setting-up meetups between ILO self-advocates.

“It is I who should thank you, Maedi.  Your work is of utmost value for Isabel.  The patience you and the ILO staff demonstrate is “just what the doctor ordered” for Isabel. While this infernal pandemic continues to hold her and the others back, I am so very grateful that you are all “going the extra mile” to do what you can to reach out to her.  I really believe that you “get” her.” Mel

Be sure to check out our latest video: The Perfect Equation – ILO.

It was designed to help motivate real estate developers in considering ILO self-advocates as potential and worthy tenants.

The footage  provides a good understanding of the role ILO plays in ensuring  success for adults with developmental disabilities who are transitioning to independent living with the support of an ILO community.

Weekly Sessions

FREE Virtual Yoga Throughout the Rest of 2020

Thanks to our amazing DONORS we are offering ALL ILO self-advocates* FREE access through the end of 2020 to:

Virtual Yoga

Who:                Create Calm Instructors

When:              Every Sunday through December 31, 2020

What Time:    1:30-2:15 pm

How:                 Zoom (See the Calendar for more information)

Sign-Up:            https://forms.gle/VggL1Rd3UsmCJD1a6
                           (You need only complete this form once for
                           the Fall 2020 sessions.)

Go to: https://www.ilonow.org/ilo-community-group/ for more info or to join the ILO Community Group.

ILO Guidelines for Meeting Face-to-Face:

• NO ONE is required to meet face-to-face if they are not comfortable doing so, or, if there is the possibility they are sick, or have been around someone who is sick.

• ILO staff reserves the right to decline a face-to-face meeting if they don’t feel safe in doing so either for themselves, or for the self-advocate they plan to meet with.
• If participants do not adhere to the safety standards they may be asked to leave, or ILO’s Community Builder may end the meeting.
• ILO reserves the right to change or suspend any activity based on local, state, or national policies or changes in the overall health and safety of the community environment.
• EVERY SELF-ADVOCATE (and/or their guardian/parent if necessary) must read, understand, and sign a NEW ILO EVENT POLICIES AND WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY FORM. See information below. 
• If you have any questions or concerns please contact me directly at: maedi@ilonow.org.

We are excited about being able to take a step forward – if only a baby step. Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation.

ILO’s Initiatives to Support CDC Guidelines for the Disabled during Social Integration

NO Contact Rule

ILO will require any staff person who has tested positive for COVID-19 to negatively pass two (2) COVID-19 tests before contact with any ILO participant, family member, or other staff person. If a staff member has been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for
COVID-19, they must self-quarantine for 14 days.

Social Distancing and Masks

ILO staff will ensure that participants at any self-advocate gathering maintain social distancing of 6’ and that each person wears a mask.

Hand Washing Hygiene

ILO will encourage activity participants (staff, self-advocates, family, and guests) to wash their hands frequently (before, during, and after any event) and to carry hand sanitizer with them.

Disinfecting Where Possible

At any ILO gathering ILO staff will wipe down doorknobs, tabletops, and other surfaces with disinfectant wipes before and throughout the event or activity to the extent possible.

Safety and Wellness Training

ILO has spent the last two months training self-advocates about safety issues including: emergency preparedness, having an emergency contact list, how to ask for help, calling 911, putting together a first aid and emergency kit, and dealing with emergencies. ILO will continue to review and reinforce this training on a regular basis.

Immediate Mediation if Symptomatic

ILO staff will contact family and/or caregivers immediately about any self-advocate who exhibits symptoms on COVID-19 and will help that self-advocate seek medical attention as quickly as possible.

The COVID-19 outbreak is a dynamic and unpredictable situation. ILO will adapt as needed.