Building on what makes Ohio’s Independent Living Network strong while creating better tools, connections, and systems to support its future.
About the Assessment
Building the capacity to make a greater difference.
Ohio’s Independent Living Network is made up of 12 Centers for Independent Living (CILs), the Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council (OSILC), and partners working to advance the independence, rights, and full participation of people with disabilities.
In 2026, OSILC partnered with Bottom Line Consulting Group to conduct an Organizational and Network Capacity Assessment.
The assessment examined how effectively the network works together, the strengths and challenges of existing organizational systems, and opportunities to improve coordination, communication, leadership, sustainability, and statewide impact.
The central question
How can we strengthen the systems supporting Ohio’s Independent Living Network while preserving the local leadership, independence, and community responsiveness of each Center for Independent Living?
A network-wide conversation
The assessment combined stakeholder interviews, anonymous survey responses, structured evaluation tools, and listening sessions.
28 Stakeholder Interviews
52 Anonymous Surveys
12 Listening Session Participants
What the Assessment Found
A strong foundation for what comes next
One of the clearest findings is that Ohio’s Independent Living Network already has significant strengths. Stakeholders described trusted relationships, shared Independent Living values, committed leaders, and a willingness to collaborate.
98% of survey respondents said participating in the statewide Independent Living Network added value to their work.
Strong commitment to consumer control, choice, accessibility, and disability-led leadership.
Connections that help organizations exchange knowledge and solve problems.
Dedicated CIL leaders, staff, Council members, and partners working toward shared goals.
A foundation for coordinated advocacy and a stronger collective voice.
What does a stronger network look like?
What does a stronger network look like?
The assessment found that the network’s greatest opportunity is not to replace existing relationships. It is to support those relationships with clearer responsibilities, shared resources, consistent communication, and better ways to track progress.
From relationship-dependent coordination
Information, decisions, and follow-through often depend on personal relationships and individual knowledge.
To relationship-supported systems
Trusted relationships are strengthened by accessible tools, shared learning, transparent processes, clear roles, and coordinated support.
The goal is greater effectiveness without unnecessary bureaucracy or reduced local CIL independence.
Understanding Our Capacity
Where additional support is needed
The assessment found that many organizations have enough capacity to meet current responsibilities, but may have limited ability to take on new activities without additional resources or support.
Reported capacity gaps
Percentage of respondents rating capacity minimal, nonexistent, or lower than needed in selected areas.
Although 58% of respondents indicated their overall staffing met current needs, none indicated an ability to take on additional work within existing staffing capacity.
Strengthening the network must include making work easier and more sustainable—not simply adding more expectations.
Priorities for Improvement
Turning findings into practical improvements
The assessment identified several interconnected opportunities to strengthen organizational capacity, collaboration, and statewide coordination.
Clear Roles & Responsibilities
Make it easier to understand who does what, how decisions are made, and where responsibilities belong.
Better Communication
Improve how information, decisions, deadlines, and opportunities are shared across the network.
Visible Progress
Create clearer ways to track commitments, monitor SPIL implementation, and share results.
Shared Tools & Resources
Reduce duplication by making useful policies, templates, training, and operational resources
easier to access.
Peer Learning & Technical Assistance
Expand opportunities for CIL leaders and staff to learn from one another and receive targeted support.
Greater Consumer Voice
Build ongoing opportunities for people with disabilities to influence planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Building Success
Stronger organizations build better support for Ohioans.
Building organizational and network capacity is not simply about improving administrative processes.
When CILs can access practical tools, connect with peers, share information, and receive needed support, they are better positioned to focus their resources on serving people with disabilities and addressing barriers in their communities.
This project was funded with Title VII Part B funding to support activities to conduct studies and analyses, gathered information, developed model policies, and presented findings in order to enhance IL services