CILNCF and FILC Youth Committee to Host Youth Public Forum

Posted on August 28, 2026 by CIL Podcast Team

The CIL, in partnership with the Florida Independent Living Council (FILC) Youth Committee, invites young people with disabilities to join us for an upcoming Youth Public Forum on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Designed as a youth-led, interactive conversation, the forum will give young people with disabilities an opportunity to connect with one another, share their experiences and ideas, and speak up about the issues that matter most to them.

Your Voice. Your Ideas. Your Future.

At CILNCF, we believe young people with disabilities should have a voice in the decisions and policies that affect their lives and communities.

During the forum, participants will be encouraged to share what is important to youth with disabilities in Florida and what they would like to see included in the state’s next State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL).

The SPIL helps establish priorities and goals for Florida’s Independent Living Network, making youth perspectives an important part of conversations about the future of independent living across the state.

The forum is also a chance to meet other young people with disabilities, exchange ideas, learn from one another, and practice self-advocacy in a welcoming environment.

Join Us In Person or Online

The Youth Public Forum will take place:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
5:30–7:00 p.m.

Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida
222 SW 36th Terrace
Gainesville, FL 32607

Participants may attend in person or via Zoom, with Zoom information available upon request.

We encourage young people with disabilities throughout our community to join the conversation. Your experiences matter, your ideas deserve to be heard, and your voice can help shape the future of independent living in Florida.

For more information or to request Zoom information, contact Mika Vuto at mvuto@cilncf.org or 352-378-7474.

A colorful flyer promoting a Youth Public Forum for young people with disabilities. The headline reads, “Youth Public Forum: A Youth-Led Event for Young People with Disabilities,” with the message, “Your Voice. Your Ideas. Your Future.” The flyer features four smiling young adults talking together, including a young person using a wheelchair, surrounded by colorful speech bubbles and graphic accents. The event takes place Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at the Center for Independent Living, 222 SW 36th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32607. Participants are invited to meet other youth, share their ideas, and provide input on Florida’s next State Plan for Independent Living. The event is hosted by the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida in partnership with the Florida Independent Living Council Youth Committee. For more information, contact Mika Vuto at mvuto@cilncf.org or 352-378-7474.