At the CIL, we believe leadership is built through meaningful experiences that encourage young people to connect with their communities, develop new skills, and recognize the impact they can have on others.

This week, participants from our Youth Social Group (YSG) and High School High Tech (HSHT) programs came together for a special community service project to honor the dedicated firefighters who work every day to keep our community safe.

Together, YSG consumers and HSHT students wrote heartfelt letters of appreciation expressing their gratitude for the courage, compassion, and commitment demonstrated by our local firefighters. Each message served as a simple but meaningful reminder that acts of kindness and recognition can have a lasting impact.

The letters were then personally delivered to a local fire station by our University of Florida interns, who had the opportunity to meet with firefighters, learn more about their important role in the community, and share the appreciation on behalf of our students and participants.

While the project focused on thanking our local first responders, it also provided valuable opportunities for personal growth. Participants practiced written communication, strengthened their community engagement skills, explored the importance of civic responsibility, and gained a greater understanding of the many individuals who work together to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Projects like these reflect the shared goals of both the Youth Social Group and High School High Tech programs: helping young people build confidence, develop leadership skills, foster meaningful relationships, and become active participants in their communities.

Community service is more than giving back. It is an opportunity to learn empathy, build connections, and discover the value of using your voice to make a positive difference.

We are incredibly proud of our YSG participants, HSHT students, and University of Florida interns for making this project such a success.

Finally, we extend our sincere gratitude to our local firefighters for their unwavering dedication, courage, and service to our community. Thank you for everything you do.

Building Independence Through Community Connections

The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida is committed to creating opportunities that empower youth and young adults with disabilities to build independence, develop leadership skills, and prepare for successful futures. Through programs like Youth Social Group (YSG) and High School High Tech (HSHT), participants gain real-world experiences that strengthen communication, workplace readiness, self-advocacy, and community involvement.

Together, we’re helping young people discover their strengths, expand their possibilities, and become confident leaders in the communities they call home.

The CIL recently celebrated another successful year of High School High Tech (HSHT) with a memorable end-of-year trip to EPCOT, where students had the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments while exploring careers in a real-world setting.

HSHT is designed to help students with disabilities prepare for life after high school by introducing them to career opportunities, developing workplace readiness skills, and building confidence through hands-on experiences. This year’s celebration perfectly reflected those goals.

Throughout the day, students enjoyed many of EPCOT’s attractions and exhibits while spending time with friends from across our HSHT counties. Beyond the fun, the experience also provided valuable opportunities to observe the many professionals who work together to operate one of the world’s most visited destinations.

Students were able to see firsthand the wide variety of careers that contribute to the guest experience, including hospitality, guest services, attraction operations, maintenance, custodial services, food service, entertainment, landscaping, transportation, and many other behind-the-scenes roles. Experiences like these help students recognize the diverse career paths available to them while encouraging them to think about where their own interests and strengths may lead.

The trip also celebrated something even more important: the hard work and growth our students demonstrated throughout the year. From participating in career exploration activities to developing workplace readiness skills and building confidence in new environments, each student made meaningful progress during their HSHT journey.

We are incredibly proud of our students for the professionalism, positive attitudes, and enthusiasm they have shown throughout the year. Their willingness to learn, support one another, and embrace new experiences is exactly what makes the High School High Tech program so impactful.

Congratulations to all of our HSHT students on another successful year! We can’t wait to see where your talents, determination, and ambitions take you next.

About High School High Tech

High School High Tech (HSHT) is a nationally recognized transition program that helps students with disabilities explore careers, develop workplace readiness skills, and prepare for post-secondary education and employment through hands-on learning experiences, job site visits, mentoring, and career exploration.

If you would like to learn more about High School High Tech or the services offered by the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida, we encourage you to contact our team. Together, we’re helping students build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to achieve greater independence and pursue meaningful careers.

Your voice matters! 🗳️

Join Disability Rights Florida, the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida, and Vote Alachua, for a free Voting Rights and Accessible Training for people with disabilities in our community.

Learn about:
✅ Voting rights and accessibility
✅ Protection & Advocacy history
✅ Disability Rights Florida’s work and impact

📅 Tuesday, July 7, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida
222 SW 36th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32607

Pizza lunch will be provided during the event! 🍕

To learn more, call (800) 265-5724 or (352) 378-7474

Career exploration comes to life when students have the opportunity to learn directly from local employers. Recently, students from the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida’s High School High Tech (HSHT) programs in Alachua, Levy, Marion, and Putnam counties participated in an engaging behind-the-scenes career exploration experience at Dave & Buster’s Gainesville.

Throughout the visit, students gained valuable insight into what it takes to operate a large entertainment and dining venue. Team members shared how different departments work together to create a positive guest experience, highlighting careers in customer service, food operations, game management, leadership, and business operations.

The experience also introduced students to the professional skills that employers value across every industry. Students discussed workplace expectations, effective communication, teamwork, leadership, and the importance of professionalism while exploring how these skills translate into real-world employment opportunities.

In addition to learning about careers in hospitality and entertainment, students had the chance to ask questions, hear firsthand experiences from employees, and better understand the variety of career pathways available to young adults entering the workforce.

Experiences like this are an important part of the High School High Tech program, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world careers while building confidence as they prepare for future employment.

The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida extends a sincere thank you to the Dave & Buster’s Gainesville team for welcoming our students and providing an engaging, informative, and memorable career exploration experience. We also thank The Able Trust for its continued support of the High School High Tech program and its commitment to expanding career opportunities for Florida’s students with disabilities.

Through partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, High School High Tech continues to empower students to explore their interests, develop workplace skills, and build meaningful pathways toward successful, independent futures.

Students from the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida’s High School High Tech (HSHT) program recently participated in a Career Exploration Job Site Experience at Escapology Gainesville, where learning, teamwork, and career discovery came together in a fun and engaging environment.

The event brought together students from four HSHT counties: Alachua, Levy, Marion, and Putnam, for a hands-on experience designed to strengthen workplace readiness skills through interactive challenges. As students worked together to solve escape room puzzles, they practiced critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that are valuable in nearly every career field.

In addition to developing these essential workplace skills, students had the opportunity to learn about career pathways connected to hospitality and customer service, business operations, event and entertainment management, and leadership and communication.

Experiences like these help students connect classroom learning to real-world career opportunities while building confidence in their ability to work effectively with others. By participating in hands-on career exploration activities, HSHT students gain valuable insight into workplace expectations and the skills employers seek in today’s workforce.

The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida extends its gratitude to Escapology Gainesville for providing an engaging and memorable experience for our students. Partnerships like these play an important role in helping young people explore future career possibilities while developing the skills needed for success.

To learn more about the High School High Tech program and its career exploration opportunities, visit the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida.

Today, the CIL joins communities across the nation in recognizing Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrates the enduring pursuit of freedom and opportunity.

Observed each year on June 19, Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when news of emancipation reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. It stands as an important reminder of our nation’s history and the ongoing work of building communities where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

At the CIL, our mission is rooted in the belief that all people deserve the opportunity to live independently, participate fully in their communities, and pursue their goals without unnecessary barriers. Juneteenth offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the importance of freedom, access, and the rights that help individuals live with dignity and self-determination.

As we honor this day, we also recognize the strength, resilience, and contributions of those who have worked to advance civil rights and expand opportunities for future generations.

In observance of Juneteenth, Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida offices are closed today. We will resume normal operating hours on Monday.

We encourage everyone to take time to learn, reflect, and honor the significance of this important day in our nation’s history.

Students from the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida’s High School High Tech (HSHT) program recently participated in a hands-on career exploration experience at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo.

Representing Alachua, Levy, and Putnam counties, students learned about careers in animal care, conservation, and zoo operations while observing professionals in a real-world work environment. Participants also gained insight into Santa Fe College’s Zoo Animal Technology program and the educational pathways that can lead to careers in the field.

Experiences like this help students connect education to employment, build confidence in exploring future goals, and expand their awareness of career opportunities. The visit reflects HSHT’s commitment to preparing youth with disabilities for successful transitions to postsecondary education and competitive, integrated employment.

Communication is one of the most powerful tools we have for building connections, fostering understanding, and creating more inclusive communities. For individuals interested in learning a new skill while helping bridge communication gaps, an upcoming American Sign Language (ASL) class offered through the Alachua County Library District provides a wonderful opportunity to get started.

Led by renowned ASL instructor Kenny Sanders, this FREE month-long introductory course is designed for beginners and will help participants develop foundational American Sign Language skills in a welcoming learning environment. Whether you are interested in communicating with Deaf friends, family members, coworkers, neighbors, or simply want to expand your understanding of accessible communication, this class offers a meaningful place to begin.

At the CIL, we recognize that accessibility extends beyond physical spaces. Communication access plays a critical role in ensuring that people with disabilities can fully participate in their communities, workplaces, schools, and social environments. Learning ASL is one way individuals can contribute to creating more inclusive and welcoming spaces for everyone.

We encourage community members, service providers, employers, educators, students, and anyone interested in disability inclusion to consider participating in this opportunity.

Event Details

Introduction to American Sign Language (ASL)
Instructor: Kenny Sanders
Date: June 13, 20, 27, and July 11
Location: Alachua County Library District

For complete details and registration information, please visit the Alachua County Library District event page: https://attend.aclib.us/event/15955372#branch

By learning ASL, we take an important step toward strengthening communication, expanding accessibility, and building a community where everyone has the opportunity to connect and belong.

Students from our High School High Tech (HSHT) program recently had the exciting opportunity to visit the University of Florida campus for a day focused on college and career exploration.

Students representing three high schools across Alachua, Levy, and Putnam counties came together to experience campus life firsthand while learning more about higher education opportunities and future career pathways.

Throughout the visit, students explored the campus, learned about college admissions, and gained insight into what life after high school can look like. For many students, the experience went far beyond a campus tour. It provided an opportunity to begin envisioning themselves in a college environment and to think more intentionally about their future goals and aspirations.

Programs like High School High Tech are designed to help students build confidence, develop leadership skills, and expand opportunities for future success. Experiences like this encourage students to connect what they are learning today with the possibilities available to them tomorrow.

We are incredibly proud of our students for showing up, engaging in the experience, and taking meaningful steps toward their future. Their curiosity, participation, and willingness to explore new opportunities continue to inspire us.

At the Center for Independent Living, we remain committed to empowering youth with disabilities through education, career exploration, self-advocacy, and opportunities that help build independence and confidence for the future.

Today, we honor and remember the brave servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

At the CIL, we also recognize the lasting impact military service can have on individuals, families, and communities, including those living with visible and invisible disabilities as a result of their service.

Memorial Day is a reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience carried by so many. As we reflect today, we honor those we have lost, stand alongside veterans and individuals with disabilities in our community, and remain committed to building a world where every person is supported, valued, and empowered to live independently.

Please note: CIL offices will reopen tomorrow, May 26th during normal business hours.