ICAN! organization earns state award for extensive programming

by Charles Cassady

Perhaps lost in the shuffle of awards handed out earlier this year was not an Oscar or a Golden Globe, but in a way it was a people’s choice.

In February, the Independence ICAN! program earned first place in the “Adaptive Programming” category through the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association.

“This was the first time we’ve had an award for the city of Independence,” said Jim Wotowiec, head coordinator for ICAN!

Independence took the prize at the annual OPRA honors, held at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky.

“ICAN!” stands for Independence Community Adapted Network, and shortly after its inception in 2008, it came to be operated under the auspices of the city of Independence. The department puts on special events and engaging activities, with an outreach to any people (or their loved ones) facing a variety of physical and mental challenges.

These offerings range from group exercise sessions to senior-oriented memory care and nutrition. Stimulating activities offered through ICAN! cover the gamut, from low-impact yoga or aerobics to job-training seminars, board/card games, drum circles, crafts, gardening, bowling, “glee club” singing, dancing and more.

In 2023, the ICAN! slate offered over 120 different events, initiatives and services, with staff members, contracted vendors and volunteers in various fields. “No other communities that I know of have the extensive programming,” said Wotowiec.

Geographically, the program goes beyond residents and regulars of the Field House or the Civic Center in Elmwood Park. “It’s not just for the city of Independence, but any surrounding cities,” said Wotowiec.

Independence residents do have the advantage of slightly lower fees to pay for enrollment in individual events.

ICAN! programs are available to individuals age 10 and over. Enrollees age 10 to 18, or those who require constant attention, should have an older guardian or caregiver present. Programs require advanced registration. Wotowiec said in terms of financial assistance, funding or help with transportation may be arranged with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Wotowiec estimated that more than 100 families currently make use of the spectrum of options under ICAN!

As a teenager, Wotowiec worked at a Cleveland-area park where he beheld disabled and special-needs people marginalized or otherwise left out of the fun. It fueled him with a sense of mission to teach special education programs in the city for the past three decades. Wotwoiec’s passion for sports has led to ICAN! offering seasonal clinics in basketball, kickball and softball.

Speaking at a previous OPRA Convention about the ICAN! program, Wotoweic said, “The best achievement is seeing ICAN! participants become employed, live as independently as possible and actively involved in the community.”

A noteworthy upcoming ICAN! event is the annual holiday party, featuring glee-club performances, to be held at the Civic Center on Sunday, Dec. 22, from noon to 2 p.m. Tickets are available to the general public for $5.

Those who wish to make use of ICAN! are advised to look up the ICAN! selections in the “Community Spotlight” publication on the city’s website.

For more information and registration, call 216-524-3262 or email Wotowiec at wotowiecj@independenceohio.org. ∞