(LECANTO, FL) The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida has been awarded a substantial grant of $45,452 from The Able Trust. Grant funds will be used to fund the “Promoting Inclusion and Partnerships between Rural Employers and Qualified Job Seekers with Disabilities Program”.
The History of The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida (CILNCF) involves nearly 30 years of service by people with disabilities for people with disabilities. Our organization provides services to individuals on a cross-disability basis and has at least 51% people with disabilities comprising both our governing board of directors as well as staff. Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to exert our individual rights to live as independently as possible, make personal life choices and achieve full community inclusion.
The Able Trust, also known as the Florida Governor’s Alliance for the Employment of Citizens with Disabilities, is a 501(c) (3) public-private partnership foundation established by the Florida Legislature in 1990. Its mission is to be the leader in providing Floridians with disabilities fair employment opportunities through grant programs, public awareness, public education, policy recommendations and fundraising. Since its establishment, The Able Trust has awarded more than $25 million to individuals with disabilities and nonprofit agencies throughout Florida for employment-related purposes, enabling more than 2,000 Florida citizens of all ages with disabilities to enter the workforce each year.
Faculty members in the Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology are conducting a research study concerning the use of a lever system for wheelchair propulsion. Their belief is that the prototype lever system will improve shoulder, elbow, and wrist postures for wheelchair users and hopefully reduce pain. UF is looking for volunteers to participate. They can pay gas money for those who drive from outside Gainesville. Please find a copy of our flyer and informed consent form attached. This project has been approved by the institutional review board of UF.
CIL Program Coordinator Carol Terrillion goes off-roading at this year’s Sports Ability event! The event is offered locally through a partnership of the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association with the city of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department and Marion County Parks and Recreation. The program encourages “active leisure for life” and makes leisure sports accessible to persons with disabilities by adjusting and modifying equipment and methods.