Come join us for resources and fall fun as you protect yourself against sickness this holiday season!

In collaboration with Disability Rights Florida, the CIL is hosting an upcoming free, accessible vaccine clinic that will be held at the Center on Friday, November 15th, from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. CVS will be providing flu and COVID-19 vaccines to those with insurance, and UF Health will be present to provide health screenings and flu vaccines for those who do not have insurance. If you or someone you know intends to utilize MV transportation to attend the clinic, please alert us so that we can coordinate covering the cost. Additionally, for those who participate, Disability Rights Florida is providing an amazing giveaway of emergency backpacks! Contents include: Food Bars, Emergency Water Pouches, Water Purification Tablets, Emergency Whistle/Compass, Emergency Stove, Fuel Tablets, Canteen Cup, Dust Face Cover, 36 Piece First Aid Kit, Waterproof Match Kit, Playing Cards, Battery-Free Flashlight, Tissue Pack, Emergency Blanket, Rain Poncho and Antiseptic Wipes. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Today is more than just a day to cast a ballot—it’s a day to amplify the voices of our community and ensure that the needs of individuals with disabilities, including those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), and their families are heard, respected, and valued. Voting is a fundamental right, but for those in the disability community, it’s also a powerful tool for advocacy, change, and inclusion.

Each vote we cast today is a step toward shaping policies that affect quality healthcare, accessible education, and essential support services that directly impact individuals with disabilities and their families. By voting, we’re not just choosing leaders; we’re advocating for a future that prioritizes the needs of some of our most vulnerable citizens.

Voting isn’t just for today’s changes—it’s also about empowering the next generation and ensuring that our democratic system is accessible and inclusive for all. Let’s break down barriers, support accessible voting options, and inspire our loved ones to stand up for the rights they deserve.

Every vote today sends a message: we are here, we are active, and our voices matter. Together, let’s make sure our disability community is represented at the polls.

This past summer, as part of our monthly health and wellness activities, staff from our Gainesville and Ocala offices were able to enjoy a yummy, fun and festive ice cream social to help beat the heat! Staff were able to build their own ice cream sundaes with a variety of ice creams and all the fixings! After everyone got their sugar fix, staff were able to get their vitamin D and enjoy some time in the outdoors with various activities, including sidewalk chalk art, a frisbee water relay race and a water balloon toss. No one complained about getting wet on such a hot day! Staff had a wonderful time just hanging out in the activity room, enjoying each other’s company, and being able to take a much needed break from their busy work days.

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Halloween is a magical night filled with costumes, candy, and excitement! But for some kids with disabilities, the holiday can come with a few extra challenges. Here are some ways to make sure every trick-or-treater feels included, welcome, and ready for the fun:

1. Take It Downstairs: If you have steps, consider setting up at the bottom of your stairs or in the driveway. This makes it easier for children who use wheelchairs or have mobility challenges to join in on the Halloween fun without barriers.

2. Offer Non-Edible Treats: Some kids can’t enjoy candy due to allergies, dietary needs, or sensory issues. A separate stash of non-edible treats like bubbles, stickers, or small toys is a great option! Look out for homes participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project—a teal pumpkin on your doorstep signals that you offer non-food treats and trinkets that delight all trick-or-treaters.

3. Skip the “Trick-or-Treat” Requirement: Not every child can or wants to say “trick-or-treat.” Some kids are non-verbal or may need extra time to respond. Instead, share a friendly greeting or compliment their costume!

4. Be Patient: Halloween can be a busy night, but please be patient. Some kids might need a little extra time to make their selections or navigate the path to your door.

5. Focus on Fun, Not Abilities: Instead of drawing attention to any challenges, try commenting on their costume, the treats they’re collecting, or their Halloween spirit. This small change helps keep the night magical for every child.

Let’s make this Halloween special and inclusive for all kids! Every child deserves to enjoy a safe, spooky, and accessible Halloween night. 🕸️ 🍬

Happy Fall Everyone! We kicked off the new season with our first-ever Chili Cook-off, a spicy and savory celebration of health and wellness.

Our talented staff from both Gainesville and Ocala offices shared their favorite chili recipes, creating a flavorful competition. Everyone had a blast tasting each unique entry, voting for their favorites, and even trying their luck at chili trivia.

While all the chili was delicious, there could only be one winner from each office. Congratulations to Myrtle from Gainesville and Colleen from Ocala for taking home the top prize!

A big thank you to our Wellness Team for organizing this fun and flavorful event. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for our next health and wellness activity!

As we enter the final stretch of hurricane season, which runs through the end of November, it’s important to remember that staying prepared is crucial. Hurricanes can create conditions that disrupt daily life and pose serious risks to safety, especially for people with disabilities and older adults.

Our Emergency Preparedness team attends Hurricane Expos to share valuable information about CILNCF’s resources for people with disabilities, including how we support our community before, during, and after an emergency. These expos serve as great opportunities to connect with local partners—new and familiar—and strengthen our commitment to accessible, inclusive disaster preparedness.

Recently, Kevin from our Emergency Preparedness team attended the 1st Annual Putnam County Hurricane Expo to spread the word and work with our community to ensure everyone is prepared with all the necessary resources needed to be safe.

We’re thrilled to invite YOU to celebrate 30 years of breaking down barriers and creating opportunities through assistive technology!

📅 When: October 22nd, from 4pm to 7pm
📍 Where: Center for Independent Living, 222 SW 36th Terrace, Gainesville, FL

For three decades, FAAST has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for Floridians with disabilities, and today, we reflect on all we’ve accomplished together. We’re honoring the journey of making assistive technology more accessible, and we couldn’t have done it without YOU!

Here’s what you can look forward to:

✨ A look back at FAAST’s milestones with a special slideshow and booklet

✨ Hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge assistive technology

✨ Conversations with the FAAST team and community advocates

✨ Light refreshments to enjoy during the celebration

Come celebrate the future of INDEPENDENCE, INCLUSION, and EQUALITY with us! Let’s continue to pave the way toward a more accessible world. We can’t wait to see you there!

We are so excited to share the incredible story of Frank and Vivian, a local couple who reached out to the Center for Independent Living when they needed help the most.

After undergoing numerous surgeries, Frank now relies on a wheelchair for mobility and was facing significant challenges accessing his home safely. The Alexanders were left with no options and turned to us in the hopes of making their home more accessible. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of our team, we were able to build a custom wheelchair ramp for Frank, empowering him to regain his independence and safely enter and exit his home with ease.

Frank and Vivian are forever grateful for this life-changing improvement, and we are just as grateful to have been part of their journey. 💙

It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do—making sure that no one has to face mobility barriers alone. Together, we can continue to build a community where independence is achievable for all!

Video Description: Vivian is standing on their newly built wheelchair ramp that leads to their home. Tall trees can be seen behind the home and green grass surround the home and ramp. Vivian shares this message, “Gainesville, the city of Gainesville, Florida, and the Center for Independent Living. The Alexander family, thank you to the utmost. We thank you for what you have done for us! You have given us more light and this light. Thank you a million times over. You’re the bomb. Woohoo!” There is a solid blue background behind the video and a purple border. The CILNCF logo is displayed in white on the bottom center. The video caption is displayed between the video and and the CIL logo.

Our office will be closed today from 12pm through Thursday, to ensure the safety of our staff and community. Your well-being is our top priority. Please stay safe and take necessary precautions during the storm.

Disability & Disaster Hotline: +1 (800) 626 – 4959
After storm FEMA assistance: (800) 621 – 3362

The CIL is expected to reopen on Friday. Please call 352-378-7474 if you need to contact the CILNCF for any reason.

Disability & Disaster Hotline: +1 (800) 626-4959 Email: hotline@disasterstrategies.org

After the storm for FEMA assistance, please call 800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov

Shelter status with FL Department of Emergency Management: https://www.floridadisaster.org/shelter-status/

State and county contact information: https://www.cilncf.org/emergency-preparedness/

At The CIL, we are grateful to have incredible partners and volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to improving the lives of others. Ben, one of our longtime volunteer contractors, is one of those people who has always gone above and beyond for our consumers. He has been a huge asset to both CIL and the wider community, providing not only wheelchair ramp repairs and installations but also offering his help with many other home modification services to those in need. Ben has always provided more than just his skills—he’s brought compassion, kindness, and unwavering support to our community.

Now, it’s our turn to give back to Ben.

During Hurricane Helene, Ben and his family sought shelter with loved ones after losing power. Tragically, when they returned, they discovered that a fire had destroyed their home, taking everything from them—including their beloved pets.

This loss is unimaginable. Ben has been there for us and countless others in our community—let’s show him the same generosity he’s shown us. Please consider donating to the GoFundMe created to help Ben and his family rebuild their lives after this devastating event.

GoFundMe Link: https://gofund.me/25e74744

Your support means the world to Ben and his family during this incredibly difficult time. Whether you donate or share this post, any help you can offer will make a huge difference. Let’s come together as a community and lift Ben up, just as he’s done for so many of us. ##CommunityStrong #CILFamily #HurricaneHelene

Thank you, from all of us at The CIL. 🙏