Greetings | The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida welcomes you! If you have any questions about the center or the services we provide, please contact us at 352-378-7474. Our number again, is 3, 5, 2, 3, 7, 8, 7, 4, 7, 4.
Friday, October 20th: The CIL invites you to a completely accessible, FREE vaccine clinic in Chiefland, FL!
Whether you or someone you care about requires flu or COVID-19 vaccinations, please save the date.
This clinic is fully equipped to serve individuals with disabilities, and our center is eager to assist you with any special arrangements you may need. Please connect with us for any accessibility needs, including ASL interpreters or other accommodations.
ID: Event flier includes all the information provide above regarding the Flu & Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic on October 20th. The following logos are displayed at the top of the flier from left to right: 1) Aging & Disability Vaccination Collaborative, 2) Disability Rights Florida, 3) CILNCF. There is an image of a daughter hugging her father on the flier. Next to it reads, “Stay Safe, Stay Up To Date. Protect your health and the people you love. Vaccines are safe, effective, save millions of lives and are the best defense against many infectious diseases. If you are 65+ or have a compromised immune system, you may be more vulnerable to certain diseases, so get vaccinated today. You have the power to prevent and protect. Learn more at www2.cdc.gov/nip/adultimmsched/. The American Sign Language Interpreter Logo is displayed on the bottom left.
Our ILS Group has just started an in depth series on “How to live on your own.” This fall, students from MTI (Marion Technical Institute) will be joining our regular bunch of consumers in the Tuesday ILS Ocala/Zoom group. This educational adventure will guide us all the way through the end of their school year.
But here’s the best part – it’s not just educational discussions; we’ve planned some exciting breaks too! Get ready for a spooktacular Halloween costume party 🎃, hands-on cooking classes 🍳 (with the possibility of live demos!), festive Holiday crafts, and a not-to-be-missed party to top it all off! 🥳
If you’ve never joined us before, this is the PERFECT time to jump in! Whether you’re curious about our sessions or simply looking for some fun and learning, this is the perfect time to give us a try. So, mark your calendars 🗓️, spread the word, and come be a part of something special. We can’t wait to meet you!
ID: There are 2 total graphics: Graphic 1 has a photo of 3 students sitting at a table doing ILS activities. Two students are looking at the camera; one student is smiling and the other student has on a black face mask. The 3rd student is looking down at his work on the table. The photo has light blue background with the text “How to live on your own” written beneath it. Independent Living Skills is written with blue background directly underneath. A graphic has an overall darker blue background. Graphic 2 has a photo of 2 students sitting at a table doing ILS activities. Both students are looking down while writing on a sheet of white paper. The photo has sky light blue background with the text “How to live on your own” written beneath it. Independent Living Skills is written with light blue background directly underneath. A graphic has an overall sky blue background.
In celebration of Disability Awareness month, we’re thrilled to share our success story with Delroy! Delroy is a recent graduate from CDL training school and received support from our Disability Resource Center to secure a job at a local septic company. We’ve been with Delroy every step of the way, helping him obtain the necessary certifications and endorsements. His passion for the road knows no bounds, and he’s on a mission to become a successful over-the-road truck driver and, ultimately, a business owner!
Delroy’s enthusiasm is contagious, and we’re equally excited to witness his journey unfold. Join us in celebrating his remarkable achievement and sending him the best of luck on this new adventure!
ID: A photo of Delroy and Lauren (CILNCF Employment Services Program Director) is displayed on the right half of the graphic. Employment Success is written in blue on the top right side. Underneath reads, “Delroy graduated from CDL Training school back in April of this year. He got all set up with his Medical Certificate and DOT Physical with the local technical school. He was referred to CIL and we were able to land him a job at a local septic company, and this was us at the DMV obtaining his tanker endorsement so he can transport liquids and know how to “manage the slosh.” Delroy is extremely excited to be utilizing his skills with his CDL education and licensure. Future goal is for him to own his own business as an over the road truck driver. Graphic has a purple border.
This upcoming Monday (10/16) from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., we hope you’ll join us at the CIL for some Halloween excitement! The Pre-Professional Service Organization (PSO) at UF is partnering with us for this all-ages event. Stop by for crafts, games and festive fun. And of course, costumes are more than welcome!
Halloween themed flyer filled with bats, clouds, and outlines of dark branches and homes with the CIL logo in the upper left corner. A giant full moon is placed behind text that reads, “The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida has Partnered with PSO from UF for a Halloween Party. Join us October 16th from 6:00-8:00 pm at the CIL, 222 SW 36th Ter., Gainesville, FL, 32607.” Below this, there is a purple box with the items, “Pumpkin painting, cookie decorating, crafts, and games” listed. Next to this box, there is a blue box that states, “Friends, Family, and Costumes Encouraged!”
We are kicking off Community Wellness Wednesdays at the CIL!
Each Wednesday from 2:00 – 3:30, we welcome you to join us at the Center to create art with peers, learn from health experts, play a few rounds of educational trivia (and other interactive games and activities!), and take part in self-care practices that promote relaxation.
Please contact Ashlyn Michael with any questions by e-mail amichael@cilncf.org or call (352) 378-7474 Ext 2056. We hope to see you there!
ID: Colorful flyer with blues, purples, and greens, that has a header stating, “Community Wellness Wednesdays: If you are an adult with a disability, join us at the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida every Wednesday from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.”. Below this, there are individual boxes and banners that read, “1st Wednesday of the Month: Creative Space 2nd Wednesday of the Month: Healthy Habits 3rd Wednesday of the Month: Trivia & Games 4th Wednesday of the Month: Relax and Restore” At the bottom of the flyer, there is a purple banner with white letters stating, “Have questions? Email amichael@cilncf.org or call (352) 378-7474 Ext – 2056”
Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees.
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has chosen two themes to mark significant events. First, they have selected “Advancing Access and Equity” as the theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and promote inclusive policies. Second, they will use the theme “Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now and Next” to honor the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibited discrimination based on disability in employment and federal programs. The Rehabilitation Act laid the foundation for the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and continues to be important in advancing access and equity for underserved communities.
Advancing Access and Equity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e96nbW0ZiBY&t=1s
For more information: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/ndeam
Graphic displays a collage of arrows pointing right in a variety of colors: teal, red, yellow, grey, and blue. sprinkled amongst the arrows are photos of people with disabilities. Collectively, the arrows and photos display a triangular shape pointing right. Text to the right includes a highlighted of the information above.
Gators Give! The UF Campaign for Charities, the annual employee giving campaign, has already kicked off and once again, the CIL is participating! The General Campaign runs from September 25th to October 13th and CIL staff were able to attend the Kick-Off Event on September 28th in the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom. They were able to interface with UF employees and showcase all the wonderful things we do in our community, and help raise awareness of our participation in the 2023 UFCC.
All UFCC donations will be designated towards our Wheelchair Ramp Building Program, that helps provide wheelchair ramps to individuals with disabilities and their families in our rural areas. If a home is not accessible for a wheelchair user, it isn’t just difficult, but nearly impossible for this person with a significant disability to have an acceptable level of independence. As a result, the person lives day-to-day in a home with inadequate accessibility. This impacts their overall access to their community. Consequently, isolation, accidents and other medical complications are more likely to occur when appropriate levels of accessibility are not available within the home. Your donations will truly change lives and increase our consumers’ levels of independence!
Thank you so much to all of our loyal UFCC donors, who give to the CIL year after year! You are invaluable to us and truly make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities in our rural communities who are in need of accessing their own home. We appreciate each and every one of you!
**Please note that the campaign also accepts gifts and donations from individuals who are not employees at UF! So, if you’d like to donate to the CIL through the UFCC, and you’re not a UF employee, the UFCC website has a link for “other donors” that anyone can use. Thank you in advance for your support and Go Gators!!
Donation Links: https://ufcc.ufl.edu/
ID: There are a two pictures. Picture #1 is Amy and Niusha, at our table and with Albert. The Gators Give banner is displayed in the center bottom of the photo. Picture #2 shows Amy and Niusha at the CILNCF table at UF. The Gators Give logo is displayed on the top left corner.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has introduced a program called “Respond with Care” aimed at enhancing the safety of individuals with special needs. They are offering free stickers for vehicles used by individuals who regularly or occasionally transport passengers with special needs. These stickers, bearing the message “special needs occupant” and “respond with care,” will help first responders understand the need for caution and specialized care in case of an accident. The program serves as a crucial communication link between special needs citizens and emergency responders, ensuring their safety and well-being.
The “Respond with Care” stickers are available for pickup at all MCSO district office locations (www.marionso.com/district-offices)
ID: Photo #1 shows a “Respond with Care” sticker displayed on the back window of a car. Photo #2 shows a stack of “Respond with Care” stickers on a counter with a hand picking up a sticker at the top of the stack.
Special thanks and a HUGE shout out to Mitzvah Makers! Mitzvah is a Hebrew word meaning “good deed”. The emphasis is on deeds, not on positive thoughts or wishes, but conscious acts of empathy and kindness. This wonderful, philanthropic group, that wishes to remain anonymous, recently donated $650 to the CIL, as well as two brand-new grab bars, which is a common request from our consumers!
The donated funds will go towards a consumer with a disability who has recently been housed after months of living in their car and staying on friend’s couches. They are in need of general household items, and through this donation, the CIL will be able to provide items such as bedding, pots, pans and dishes, so the consumer can continue to rebuild their life. One of the grab bars will go towards a consumer who is living with a vision impairment and balance issues as a result of having a brain tumor removed. This disability impacts their mobility and coordination, so having this need met will support this individual’s independence tremendously and could serve to save their life and prevent the onset of further disabilities.
The CIL is so grateful for Mitzvah Makers, a precious gift to our local community, in wanting to support our mission in serving people with disabilities. Their past donations to the CIL have also been invaluable to the individuals we have been able to gift them to. You are all truly amazing, donating in silence and making our community a better place. We value this continued partnership and thank you all so much for this true act of empathy and kindness!
ID: The graphic has a bright yellow background. “Thank You” is written in the top left corner, with a small pink circle behind the “T”. Written beneath reads, “The CIL is so grateful for Mitzvah Makers, a precious gift to our local community, in wanting to support our mission in serving people with disabilities.” The Mitzvah Makers logo is displayed on the bottom right corner. The Mitzvah Makers logo has 4 hands drawn in the center, each a different color in clockwise order: yellow, pink, blue, and green. “Mitzvah Makers” is written above the hands. “Repairing the World, One Mitzvah at a Time” is written below the hands. A turquoise circle is behind the logo on the left and a green circle is behind the logo on the right.
We’ve got some amazing updates to share with you all! 📣 Once a month on Thursday, we’re graced with the presence of a wonderful visitor from Georgia, and we fondly call him Mr. O! Mr. O is no ordinary guest; he’s a personal trainer who joins us via Zoom and leads us through a fantastic session of stretches, deep breathing, and light/seated exercises. After these sessions, we can confidently say we feel rejuvenated and ready to conquer anything! 💪
Also, September is Deaf Awareness Month, and we’ve been diving deep into Deaf history and culture all month long. Did you know there are incredible Deaf sportsmen, inventors, musicians, actors, and more who’ve made their mark in history? We’ve been uncovering these hidden gems, and we’re also learning some basic conversational sign language, fingerspelling, and even cooking terms in our basic cooking group. So, if you’ve never joined us before, this is the perfect opportunity to hop on board!
But wait, there’s even more to look forward to in October! We’ve got a whole lot of fun planned, with interns teaching various topics, some exciting fall crafts, and interesting pumpkin facts to get you in the autumn spirit! 🍁 Get ready for some awesome ideas for fall fun!
Don’t miss out on all the goodness coming your way with ILS. Join us, be a part of this incredible community!
ID: Graphic has a background that is light blue on the bottom half ad white on the top half. A photo from the ILS personal training session with Mr. in the activity room at CIL Gainesville is displayed in the center. “Independent Living Skills” is written underneath and the CILNCF logo is displayed on the top center.
