Join us in our mission to support young people with disabilities and help them build brighter futures filled with possibilities and growth! 🌱 We need your support to reach our goal of $10,000! Your generous donation will make a tremendous difference in the lives of these incredible individuals.

Here’s how your donation will impact our vital programs:

✨ High School High Tech (HSHT) Program: Empowering students with disabilities through career exploration and educational opportunities, setting them on the path to success.

✨ Youth Social Group: Fostering friendships, social skills, and personal growth, creating a supportive community where everyone belongs.

Your contribution through the Amazing Give will directly support these initiatives, giving our youth the tools they need to thrive. Every dollar counts and brings us closer to our goal!

Stay tuned for more updates. Let’s come together and make a lasting impact on the lives of these amazing individuals. Thank you for your support!

The National Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Day celebrates the crucial role of AT in the lives of people with disabilities and older adults. It highlights the government’s support and funding for AT, essential for education, employment, and community participation. AT enables inclusivity in classrooms and workplaces, emphasizing its necessity, not luxury. The day also honors AT specialists, program coordinators, and organizations dedicated to enhancing access to AT for individuals with diverse needs.

In our latest episode of The Independent Life Podcast, Eric Reed, Executive Director of FAAST, and Kailey Medlock, FAAST’s Training & Community Development Director, discuss the role of assistive technologies in fostering independence for individuals with disabilities. They highlight the diverse range of assistive technologies available and how FAAST has expanded its reach under Eric’s leadership. The podcast explores innovations such as SMART homes and their impact on accessibility and autonomy. Eric also discusses FAAST’s involvement in supporting farmers with disabilities through the Florida AgrAbility Project Advisory Board, emphasizing the importance of reaching rural communities and ensuring access to repair services for assistive technologies. The partnership between FAAST and The Center For Independent Living has empowered numerous individuals, promoting independence and enhancing quality of life. Tune in to learn more about the evolving landscape of assistive technologies and their significant role in improving lives.

🎙️ The Independent Life Podcast

ID: The graphic shows a female in her wheelchair, at her desk, working on the computer. She is wearing headphones, glasses, a yellow shirt, and black patterned overalls. There is a blue gradient overlay on the photo. Written in white across the gradient reads, “April 17 National Assistive Technology Awareness Day”. The FAAST logo is in the top left corner and the CILNCF logo is in the top right corner.

We’ve been out and about, connecting with our community and spreading the word about assistive technology in Florida! Here’s a glimpse of our recent adventures:

🎖️ At the Alachua County Veteran Resource Fair and Homeless Veteran Stand-down, hosted by HUDVASH (Dept of Housing & Urban Development, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program), we proudly supported our veterans with information about assistive technology’s life-enhancing benefits.

🌪️ The Alachua County Emergency Preparedness Expo was a vital opportunity for us to highlight how assistive technology can empower individuals with disabilities during emergencies.

🌈 We kicked off Disability Awareness Month at Santa Fe College, showcasing how assistive technology fosters inclusivity and empowers individuals to thrive.

🚨 Ensuring accessibility during emergencies, we were at the Marion County Emergency Preparedness Expo, providing crucial information and resources.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in promoting community engagement, inclusion, and the transformative power of assistive technology! Stay tuned for more exciting events and initiatives as we continue to build a more accessible and inclusive future together.

Our Health and Wellness activities during the spring continues! Tax Day is almost here, so we thought it would be fun to have a “Tax Break Egg Hunt” for our hardworking team! Earlier this week, both of our offices in Gainesville and Ocala enjoyed a festive egg hunt! Staff searched the perimeter of our buildings diligently, like big little kids, and scooped up colorful plastic eggs filled with a variety of goodies, such as $1 lottery tickets, $1 bills and quarters, 30 minutes of vacation time and candy, to help give them a little bit of a “break” for Tax Day! Everyone had a blast and we are so happy to have these fun opportunities to appreciate our awesome CIL team!

ID: There are a total of 2 graphics, each containing 5 photos.

The first graphic has a bright green background with 5 photos; from the top left corner in clockwise order:
1) Clara hunting for eggs in the bushes outside, on left side of the CIL; she is walking towards the camera and smiling.
2) Alex outside in the back of the CIL, holding up his arms with his eggs in his hands; he has an expressive smile on his face.
3) Sada sitting at a table in the CIL activity room, holding up two of her plastic eggs; she is smiling with her mouth open.
4) Medjina sitting at a table in the CIL activity room; she is smiling and holding up a piece of candy with her plastic eggs on the table.
5) From left to right, Kathy (sitting) and Christie (standing), at the table in the CIL activity room with their egg haul.

The second graphic has a bright blue background with 5 photos; from the top left corner in clockwise order:
1) Cammeron hunting eggs outside; he is standing on the sidewalk of the CIL parking lot, smiling and holding his eggs in his hands.
2) Holly (left) and Clara (right) holding up their colorful eggs in the CIL activity room; they are both smiling and Holly is sitting at a table, with Clara standing and leaning towards her.
3) Group pic of Ocala team by the Ocala office activity room tables, they are all smiling and holding up their eggs and prizes; from left to right are Kevin (sitting), Lauren (standing), Peg (standing), Colleen (standing), Brandon (standing) and Lucinda (sitting).
4) Stephanie holding up her colorful eggs, standing in the CIL activity room.
5) From left to right, Ashlyn, Debbie and Amy, standing outside in front of one of the CIL front doors to the far left of the building. They are all smiling, Ashlyn has her mouth open. Debbie is giving the I love you sign with her right hand, by Ashlyn’s head, while holding her colorful eggs in her left hand.

The CIL is proud to highlight Danny, a devoted consumer over the past 12 years, who will always be part of our CIL family. Danny’s success story is one of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of community support.

He began his journey at the CIL in 2012, seeking friendship, employment, personal growth, and independence. Overcoming challenges with support from various CIL staff, such as Mark, our CORE Services Director and Terri, our ILS Coordinator, Danny has blossomed into a remarkable individual, defying barriers and embracing life’s challenges with quiet strength. When Danny needed some extra peer support, Mark provided great life advice, and shared strategies about how Danny can move forward successfully.

Throughout the years, he participated actively in various CIL programs and groups, including Independent Living Skills, Money Management classes, Power Groups, Peer Support interactions, and the Lunch Bunch Social Group. Even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Danny continued to participate in ILS groups and other activities, and still checks in virtually to this day, showcasing his adaptability, and commitment to personal growth and community engagement.

One of Danny’s significant milestones was his successful employment at Gator Landscaping in 2013, a testament to his hard work and the support he received from the CIL’s Employment team. In 2021, his life took a joyous turn as he married Bethany. Their move to Tennessee and the arrival of their beautiful daughter added new chapters of happiness and fulfillment to Danny’s story.

As for future goals, Danny states, “We built a large greenhouse in our backyard, and plan to start a plant nursery business, while I continue to take care of our daughter.” Danny’s story is a testament to the transformative impact of community organizations like the CIL, where individuals like him find not just support, but also a platform to thrive, grow, and embody our mission, empowering themselves to achieve their goals for independence. His journey reminds us that resilience, kindness, and perseverance can turn dreams into reality, making the world a brighter and more inclusive place for everyone.

Help us reach our goal of $10,000 to support vital programs for young people with disabilities!

Your donation will benefit both our High School High Tech (HSHT) Program and Youth Social Group. HSHT empowers students with career exploration and educational opportunities, while the Social Group fosters friendships and skill development.

Your donation through the Amazing Give makes a difference! It helps young people build brighter futures filled with possibilities and growth. Stay tuned for more updates! Let’s come together on this incredible journey. Every contribution counts!

We hope everyone is enjoying the spring season! Towards the end of last month, both of our offices in Gainesville and Ocala celebrated the upcoming Easter holiday, with a little Wellness Easter activity and treats!

In Gainesville, everyone enjoyed lunch snacks, Easter candy, and got into the spring spirit during a particularly rainy day. Everyone also had a chance to guess the number of eggs in an Easter basket. The eggs were filled with candy, toys and a stuffed Easter colored ground hog. Congrats to Destini, who was our lucky winner with the closest guess, so she won the basket!

In Ocala, everyone enjoyed a homemade, fresh fruit salad, some festive Easter chocolates and everyone also took a guess at how many eggs were in an Easter basket, filled with toys, some chocolates, as well as a stuffed ducky. Congrats to Peg, who was our lucky winner of the basket in Ocala!

Our goal is to raise $10,000, benefiting our High School High Tech Program and Youth Social Group for individuals with disabilities aged 14-24. The High School High Tech program offers career and education opportunities, while the Youth Social Group fosters friendships and skills development.

We asked one of our students, “What do you enjoy about HSHT and what are some things you look forward to most in the program?” They replied, “I find the little things in HSHT interesting like we meet at lunch, we talk about school or college or what trips we want to go on as a group. I’m excited about exploring new opportunities!”

Your donations through the Amazing Give will directly impact the lives of our youth, helping them build brighter futures filled with opportunities and growth. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this incredible journey together! Every contribution counts, so let’s come together and make a difference.

We would like to share a recent housing success story that changed the life of one of our consumers!

The CIL’s housing support empowers individuals with disabilities who are experiencing homelessness by connecting them with community supports to assist their transition. Jane contacted the CIL in need of safe, stable and affordable housing. CIL staff assessed her situation and connected her with St. Francis House to secure a bed temporarily, while searching for housing options.

Through this partnership, and a lot of hard work, Jane is now successfully housed! Special thanks to CIL staff Sada Ahmed and Mark Brisbane, as well as St. Francis House, Director of Housing, Eric Davis. This ongoing partnership has housed so many people with disabilities throughout the years, giving them a place to call home, and for this we are truly grateful.

Here are a few words from Eric Davis:

“Jane came to the shelter as a referral from another social service agency, the CIL. We were told that there was a woman, who is Deaf, and uses a wheelchair due to ALS. On top of this, Jane was leaving a situation that only compounded these issues. She never complained and always wears a smile on her face. Jane was also going out of her way to help others where she could. One of our employees knew how to sign his name, and this opened the door to begin dialogue between us. We built our rapport with Jane, met for case management, and were successful in finding Jane an accessible home. The air we breathe makes us all related, so take a breath and realize it takes us all to make it!”

ID: Photo #1 is (left to right) Eric with Jane with a blue background behind the photo. Photo #2 is (left to right) Sada with Jane with a turquoise background behind the photo. In both photos: the top left corner reads, “Housing Success” in white. There is a white line running vertically on the left side of the photo and a white line running horizontally on the bottom right corner of the photo. The CILNCF logo is displayed on the top right corner.

Our fundraising target is $10,000, directly benefiting our High School High Tech Program and Youth Social Group for youth with disabilities. High School High Tech provides career and education opportunities, while the Youth Social Group fosters friendships and skills development for individuals aged 14-24 with disabilities.

Your donations through the Amazing Give platform are crucial in supporting these initiatives and making a meaningful impact on the lives of our youth with disabilities. Stay tuned for updates and join us in creating a brighter and more inclusive future. Thank you for your support!