Integrated Living Opportunities is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping families with special needs build integrated, sustainable, inclusive communities in which adults with disabilities can live full, independent lives. We do this by developing teams of paid and unpaid individuals to form a network of support around the self-advocate, grounded within their own personal communities and the wider ILO network. These networks of support and communities are connected to the self advocates for the rest of their lives, even after the parents/caregivers are gone.
When ILO was first created, it was intended to help self-advocates that were preparing to transition into independent living. As our organization grew, so did the need to help all individuals with disabilities lead full lives – regardless of their independent living status. From that need, ILO Community Group was born.
ILO Community Group: What is it?
This group was created to bring together individuals with disabilities and their families who 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.
Those that join the ILO group will be welcomed into an inclusive, supportive and supported community that facilitates the development of meaningful relationships. Community Group members make connections and build relationships that help develop networks of support – a cornerstone of ILO’s community building philosophy.
In addition to becoming a part of the ILO network, Community Group members learn about self-advocacy, community living, and independence. Members participate in social and recreational activities organized by ILO, in partnership with Edlavitch DCJCC, (Jewish Community Center in Washington, D.C.) and connect with other individuals with disabilities. Through these connections, members develop friendships and become part of the wider community.
Community Group Social Sundays
One of the many benefits of joining ILO Community Group is our commitment to hosting monthly recreational and social events for our self-advocates. In addition to providing community group members with the opportunity to meet other self advocates and develop their own personal networks, these monthly meetings also provide the opportunity for members to learn and practice valuable skills. In the past, these meetings have included discussions (and practice) about the use of social media, of cooking skills, and guided physical activities such as yoga and Zumba. These monthly events are called “Social Sundays” and are, above all, fun and entertaining for all of our community group members.
Our next Social Sunday is scheduled for Sunday, January 27. This meeting will focus on The Art of Letter Writing: members will make handmade cards (and Valentines) to share with their friends and family. After the cards have been made, members will participate in a group yoga class.
Join Community Group Today
ILO is a non-profit dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities and their families in the DC area. As such, a membership cost is in place solely to cover the cost of organization and benefits.
The Community Group is an ideal way for individuals with disabilities and their families to begin building the connections and networks of support needed for individuals to live independently, without having to commit to ILO training. In addition to the monthly meetings, benefits of joining Community Group also include access to adult workshops on a variety of topics of importance to the disability community, an annual reception for all members, priority access to the Skills Inventory™, and access to a private Facebook group where members can continue to work on the connections and develop the relationships that they begin at the monthly meetings.
The ILO Community Group membership fee is $180 per year, billed on the anniversary date of joining. This means that for 50 cents a day, your family and family member with disabilities can join an inclusive community of like-minded individuals who want to lead full, rewarding, independent lives.
If you are interested in learning more, please visit our Community Group webpage. If you would like to join, please follow this link (scroll to the bottom) to complete your subscription form. All questions, suggestions, comments and concerns can be directed to us via email, info@ilonow.org.
Thanks for visiting out blog today – we hope that we will see you at a Social Sunday sometime soon!
