The Perfect Equation – ILO
Click the image below to play our video, and to learn more about how ILO is making independent living possible for our self-advocates!
Will You Help Support ILO?
The support that we provide ILO self-advocates is funded in part by fundraising events, and by donations. During this time we are not able to hold these events.
Please consider a donation to help us continue providing support! The CARE Act permits eligible taxpayers who do not itemize deductions to take a deduction of up to $300 for qualified charitable contributions (ILO is a qualified charity).
Maedi Tanham Carney on Wiley Online!
Our very own Executive Director, Founder and Board Member, Maedi Tanham Carney, was recently featured in an article published on Wiley Online, entitled, “Planning for the future of a pediatric kidney transplant recipient with special needs: A parent’s perspective.” As the mother of a special needs daughter, Ellie, Maedi has a unique perspective to offer parents who are faced not only with the requirements of a child with a disability, but also one with critical health concerns.
Article Abstract
I was asked to write this article to share with medical professionals, my view as a parent with a child who has special needs and needs a transplant. It is a detailed story from a parent’s point of view on what it is like to have a child with special needs with serious medical complications and how I went about finding and managing my daughter’s care. I summarize my own personal experiences based on my years of planning for my daughter.
Helping Young Adults with Disabilities Transition to Independent Living
Integrated Living Opportunities (ILO) is a non-profit organization serving members primarily in the Washington, D.C./Maryland area.
ILO is a coalition made up of:
- Self-Advocates, adults with developmental delays or significant challenges. This is a term that respectfully reflects their abilities and their rights to make choices.
- Participating Families
- ILO Staff
- Our Executive Director and Board of Directors
Together we create supportive communities of peers and caring people who help the Self-Advocate to transition to independent living.
Our goal is the utmost independence and self-reliance possible, with a safe network of support when it’s needed.
Stay Connected
Want to stay abreast of how we are working with our Self Advocates, especially during this challenging season? Follow our newsletter and receive updates in your email inbox!
ILO Insights Newsletter: Our Latest Edition
What’s Happening in the ILO Community
In the News
Coronavirus Info for ILO Self-Advocates
Click here for tips on prevention and how to get help if you need it.
ILO in The Washington Post
ILO’s Crossings community was recently featured in the Washington Post! To read the full article, click HERE.
Upcoming Events
On Social Media
To stay up to date with our posts on social media, follow us online!
Community Group
ILO Self-Advocates Join Us for FREE Yoga, BINGO and Step Challenge Fitness programs through the end of the year.
*Participating self-advocates, or their families, must be members of the ILO Community Group and must sign a waiver before participation. Go to https://www.ilonow.org/ilo-community-group/ for more info or to join the ILO Community Group.
See ILO’s Activity and Event Calendar for more information: www.ilonow.org/calendar
Current ILO POD Happenings
PODS are supported communities of Self-Advocates who interact together locally.
ALL PODS
Calendar & RSVP Reminder
ILO has postponed all group activities until further notice. Please check the calendar for upcoming virtual events and for rescheduled events.
ILO’s Community Builders and staff will continue mentoring self-advocates – engaging them, encouraging them, helping them problem-solve, and helping them stay connected.
Additionally, we are making the following changes to ensure social distancing and the health and safety of our team, as well as our communities:
- Now through the COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders our staff will work from home as much as possible to ensure the health and safety of everyone.
- We have made the decision to postpone all events TBD. While we do not yet have confirmed dates, we will announce new dates as soon as we can.
- Every day, our staff will connect with ILO’s self-advocates and their families through phone calls, Google Duo, the ILO Facebook Private Group, or Zoom.
The ILO Community Group
The ILO Community Group is a unique, all ages, members-only group that operates within the wider ILO community. It was created to bring together individuals with disabilities 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.
Learn more and get involved today.
Learn about ILO
VIDEO: A brief introduction to ILO and why it supports building inclusive communities for individuals with disabilities. Click the image to play.
VIDEO: A discussion with Founder Maedi Tanham Carney on what ILO is, how we are creating communities, and on gaining an understanding the concept of community partnerships and the impact of the community builder. Click the image to play.