New Year, New Opportunities: Start Your Independent Living Plan Today!
Happy 2026! Are you dreaming of achieving goals that could change your life and help you achieve independence?
One way to ensure that you achieve your aspirations this year is by starting an Independent Living Plan (ILP) with the Access Center for Independent Living (ACIL). An ILP can be your roadmap to freedom of choice, allowing you to make decisions that lead to a fulfilling and independent life.
Why an ILP?
An Independent Living Plan is more than just a list of goals. It is a personalized strategy that empowers people with disabilities to take charge of our lives. By creating an ILP, you can set specific, achievable goals in areas that matter most to you—whether it’s advocacy, independent skill development, or finding accessible housing. With the help of an Independent Living (IL) Specialist at ACIL, you’ll break down long-term goals into manageable steps, ensuring progress is both easy to measure and rewarding to achieve.
The Key to Success:
When developing an ILP, you will be in control. It is recommended that you consider the following when developing your plan to help ensure your success.
Personalized Goals: Tailor your ILP to include essential life skills, such as personal care, household management, or even increasing social interaction and self-confidence.
Guidance and Support: An IL Specialist from ACIL will assist you in developing your plan and provide ongoing support as you work toward your goals. It is recommended that you also tell your family and/or friends about your ILP so that you have a larger support system of people who can help you while you work toward achieving your goals.
Flexibility and Accountability: While target accomplishment dates are set for each of your goals to keep you motivated, you choose the target date and can change it at any time. ACIL ensures that those goals remain flexible to accommodate life’s unpredictable nature.
Making ILP Goals SMART and FUN:
When developing an ILP, you will have the opportunity to write your goals in your own words. It is recommended that you make your goals SMART and FUN.
SMART Goals: Ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. For instance, instead of aiming to “increase social interaction,” set a goal to “attend one community event per month for a year to increase social interaction.”
FUN Approach: Make your goals Focused, Understandable, and Nurturing. Focus on what truly matters to you, ensure you understand the steps to achieve your goals, and nurture yourself by celebrating small successes along the way.
Getting Started: Creating an ILP might seem scary, but remember, you’re not alone. The staff at ACIL is committed to walking alongside you every step of the way. From helping you identify your strengths and interests to suggesting resources like Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, your IL Specialist will ensure you have the tools you need to succeed.
Choose Your Path: Whether you prefer in-person or virtual meetings, we’re here to accommodate your needs and ensure a seamless experience.
Stay Committed: While establishing an ILP is encouraged for accountability and success, remember that ACIL staff are available to help you achieve your goals even without a formal plan.
Contact Us:
Ready to take the plunge? Call ACIL at 937-341-5202 or [email protected] to start your ILP developing journey. You’ll be connected with an IL Specialist who will help you map out a plan that is as unique as you are.
As you embrace the new year, consider how an ILP can transform your goals into realities. Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, and watch as your goals come to life. Let 2026 be the year you take control, define success, find joy, and achieve independence.