Are you curious about the latest innovations in assistive technology? OrCam revolutionizes the way we navigate and perceive the world around us. In this FREE presentation, we’ll demonstrate how this technology is custom-designed to assist in labeling and reading objects that were once challenging for those with low vision.

Join us for a firsthand look at how OrCam is revolutionizing the way people with low vision interact with the world around them. This is a game-changer for accessibility and independence!

Date: Thursday, March 28th
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87675998643?pwd=MldLOFFKYkc3eGU1RnJkb0tqS2lrQT09

Meeting ID: 876 7599 8643
Passcode: 199185

One tap mobile
+13052241968,,87675998643#,,,,*199185# US
+13126266799,,87675998643#,,,,*199185# US (Chicago)

Who is it for?
✅ Those who are blind or visually impaired
✅ Anyone with reading challenges or learning differences

For questions, contact Brandon Palermo: (352) 368-3788 ext. 1012 ; bpalermo@cilncf.org

ID: Graphic includes all the information provided above. The FAAST and OrCam logos are displayed in the top center. The CIL logo is displayed on the bottom right corner. The background consists of blue in the top left corner, purple in the top right corner, green in the bottom left corner, and turquoise in the bottom right corner.

The 3rd Annual Alachua County Emergency Preparedness Expo for people with disabilities received positive feedback from attendees and vendors alike. Participants gained valuable insights from speakers and vendors, learning about Special Need Shelters (SNS) locations, emergency protocols, and post-emergency actions. Information on local hospital procedures during emergencies and access to updated vaccinations from UF groups were also provided. Attendees could sign up for Alachua alerts if needed. The event featured refreshments and lunch subs donated by Publix, and special thanks to our dedicated CIL staff for their support in organizing the expo.

DONORS:
Publix
Sam’s Club
Dunkin Donuts
Herr’s

VENDORS:
Center for Independent Living; Alachua County Emergency Management
Disability Rights Florida; Gainesville Fire Rescue Community Resource Paramedicine program
Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation
Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office
City of Gainesvile RTS; UF Health
American Red Cross; Congresswoman Kat Cammack
MV Transportation, Inc.; United Way of North Central Florida
FAAST Program; Community Hospice & Palliative Care
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc.; Elder Options

SPEAKERS:
Welcome: Congresswoman Kat Cammack (rep.)
Speaker 1: American Red Cross & United Way of North Central Florida
Speaker 2: Alachua County Emergency Management
Speaker 3: UF Health

ID: There are a total of 3 graphics. Graphic #1 is a photo of CIL staff at the registration table at the expo. Several other vendor tables can be seen in the background with folks waiting to share information with attendees. “Alachua County Emergency Preparedness Expo” is written at the top, “3rd Annual” is written on the bottom right, and the CILNCF logo is displayed on the top right. Graphic #2 is a collage of 4 photos of CIL staff at various tables during the expo and with an attendee. Graphic #3 is also a collage of 4 photos, showing both vendors and attendees at the expo throughout the day. The background on all 3 graphics is blue.

Be one of the first 45 people vaccinated and win a grocery gift card and a hurricane supply kit backpack! We will be hosting our clinic March 26th from 8am to 1pm in the Ewers Century Center at 3001 SW College Rd., Ocala, FL 34474.

ASL Interpreters will be available and free for any interested attendees.

ID: Graphic 1: Advertisement for accessible vaccine clinic hosted by the CIL and Disability Rights Florida using grants from the ACL. The graphic lists the date, March 26th, in which the clinic will be held from 8am to 1pm. There is also marketing for grocery gift cards and hurricane supply kit backpacks that will be given out to the first 45 people vaccinated.

Graphic 2: This is a photo of the hurricane supply kit backpack that will be given to the first 45 people vaccinated at the event. It is a medium sized backpack with a Disability Rights Florida logo.

🌟 Save the date and spread the word! 🌟

This AMAZING event will take place on April 25th from 8am to 8pm and marks our 9th year participating with fellow nonprofit organizations in the Alachua County community!

Our fundraising goal this year continues to be $10,000, and every donation will directly benefit our youth with disabilities in our High School High Tech Program and Youth Social Group! High School High Tech opens doors for high school students with all types of disabilities, giving them opportunities to explore jobs or postsecondary education that lead to in-demand careers. Our Youth Social Group provides a welcoming space for individuals with disabilities aged 14-24, where they can make new friends, learn new skills, and engage in fun activities.

Your support matters more than ever! Please consider donating through our Amazing Give platform and help us make a real difference in the lives of our youth with disabilities as they pursue their dreams and goals for the future.

Stay tuned for more information about High School High Tech and Youth Social Group, and discover how your generosity will empower and inspire leading up to the event! Together, we can create a brighter and more inclusive future for everyone. Thank you for being a part of this amazing journey!

As the birds chirp and the flowers bloom, we’re welcoming the first day of spring with open arms and joyful hearts here at The CIL 🌼

Today marks a time of renewal, growth, and endless possibilities. Just like the vibrant flowers in a spring garden, our community continues to bloom with resilience, creativity, and strength. 🌻

Let’s celebrate this beautiful season by spreading kindness, embracing diversity, and cherishing every moment together. Whether you’re planting seeds of hope, blooming in new opportunities, or simply enjoying the sunshine, we’re here to support and uplift each other every step of the way. 🌱

🚨 Attention Marion County Residents! 🚨

Mark your calendars for the Marion County Emergency PreParedness EXPO happening TUESDAY, March 26th!

This FREE event is designed to equip everyone in our community, especially those with disabilities, with the knowledge and resources needed to tackle any emergency situation.

Date: TUESDAY, March 26, 2024

Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: College of Central Florida, Ewers Century Center

3001 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474

REGISTER HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/emergency-preparedness-expo-for-people-with-disabilities-in-marion-county-tickets-688161990037?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

ID: Graphic includes all the event information provided above.

Hey there, lucky leprechauns! 🍀 Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the whole gang at CIL! May your day be a treasure trove of laughter, luck, and the cozy vibes of community! As we deck ourselves out in shamrocks and paint the town green, our hearts overflow with gratitude for getting to share this special day with all of you. While we’re out there celebrating, let’s not forget the real magic of St. Paddy’s – the power of togetherness and the joy of inclusivity. Let’s be each other’s lucky charms, lifting spirits and spreading kindness wherever we roam! 🌈

We are continuing to highlight our most recent team socials! At the beginning of last month, the HSHT and FAAST teams enjoyed their time away from the office with a yummy lunch at Harry’s and a visit to the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. They explored exhibits that featured the history of animation, the story of toilets (exhibit is actually in the bathrooms!), and of course the invention of Gatorade. The museum is named after Dr. James Robert Cade, Gatorade’s lead inventor.

The team had a great time relaxing and enjoying their time together, and we are so happy to be able to continue providing these activities for our amazing staff who work so hard each and every day!

🚨 Attention Alachua County Residents! 🚨

Mark your calendars for the Alachua County Emergency PreParedness EXPO happening THURSDAY, March 14th!

This FREE event is designed to equip everyone in our community, especially those with disabilities, with the knowledge and resources needed to tackle any emergency situation.

Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Senior Recreation Center
5701 NW 34th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32653

REGISTER HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/emergency-preparedness-expo-for-people-with-disabilities-in-alachua-county-registration-718046706027?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

*PLEASE NOTE: ADA CERTIFIED CONSUMERS WILL BE ABLE TO RIDE FOR FREE ON MV TRANSPORTATION, TO AND FROM THE EVENT ON THAT DAY. PLEASE BE SURE TO SCHEDULE YOUR RIDE AT LEAST 24HRS IN ADVANCE.

Our Employment Program staff had a great time at their February team social! Lauren, Clara, and Brandon visited CAVA for a Greek lunch and the Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary. They met the owner Kari and the staff Diane who toured them around much of the 42 acre location. Many of the primates there come from inhumane backgrounds, but luckily, live a life of luxury now that they are in Ms. Kari’s hands! Thanks so much Employment Team for all that you do!