In September 2026, the Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council (OSILC) supported the delivery of Empowering Voices, a three-day professional development training developed by the Access Center for Independent Living.
Designed for CIL staff, the training focused on practical approaches to helping consumers build confidence, understand their rights, communicate effectively, establish personal goals, and develop self-advocacy and leadership skills.
Through presentations, discussion, reflection, and practical activities, participants explored how to promote consumer choice and control in everyday service delivery.
9 CIL Staff Trained
5 CILs Participating
6 Developed Modules
Training Modules
Consumer control, self-determination, disability identity, peer support, and the difference between coaching and rescuing.
Building confidence, recognizing strengths, understanding barriers, and helping consumers exercise their voice.
Helping consumers identify personal priorities, establish meaningful goals, and direct their own plans.
Understanding disability rights, informed decision-making, responsibilities, and meaningful choices.
Helping consumers express needs, request support, navigate conversations, and advocate effectively.
Supporting confidence, personal leadership, greater community participation, and consumer-directed action.
When consumers lead, Independent Living grows stronger
The completion of Empowering Voices provides participating CIL staff with training and resources designed to strengthen how they support consumer choice, advocacy, personal goals, and leadership.
The materials can also serve as continuing professional development resources for other staff across Ohio’s Independent Living Network.
This project was funded with Title VII Part B funding to support activities to demonstrate ways to expand and improve IL services