Celebrating Disability Pride!

July is Disability Pride Month—a time to celebrate identity, visibility, and the powerful truth that disability is a natural part of human diversity.

At the Center for Independent Living, we believe in empowerment, accessibility, and breaking down barriers—not just during July, but every day.

Disability pride means rejecting shame and embracing the full spectrum of who we are. It’s about representation, self-determination, and community.

This month (and always), we celebrate the strength, resilience, and brilliance of people with disabilities. You are seen. You are valued. You belong.

ID: image descriptions provided in the alt-text for each image respectively

🌡️ Extreme Heat Advisory in Effect!

The heat index is dangerously high this week, and we want to ensure everyone in our community—especially people with disabilities—stays safe and informed.

Take action to protect yourself and those around you:

✅ Stay cool: Spend time in air-conditioned buildings if possible. If you don’t have AC at home, consider visiting public places like libraries, malls, or community centers.

✅ Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly—even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks.

✅ Check in: Call or text friends, family, and neighbors—especially those who are elderly, disabled, or living alone.

✅ Dress for the weather: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and avoid going out during the hottest part of the day (typically 10am–4pm).

✅ Know the signs of heat-related illness: Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, and confusion. If you or someone you know shows these signs, seek medical help immediately.

For more tips on how to prepare for extreme heat, visit: Ready.gov/heat

💙 We’re here to support our community. Please reach out if you need help accessing resources or staying safe during this heat wave.

PIZZA WITH A PURPOSE 🍕 | FUNDRAISER ALERT!

Craving pizza and a way to give back? Join us on Thursday, July 24th between 4–9 PM at Blaze Pizza Gainesville (3617 SW Archer Rd) for a CIL Fundraiser Night! 🧡

Whether you dine in or order ahead for pickup, 20% of your meal’s proceeds will go directly to supporting the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida—empowering people with disabilities to live independently and thrive in our community.

TWO WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:

In-Restaurant: Show this post or flyer before paying

Online Orders: Use promo code FUNDA at checkout on the Blaze Pizza App or blazepizza.com (Valid for pickup, curbside, or carryout orders only)

Your dinner plans just turned into a way to make a difference. 🍕💙 Let’s eat for a cause—share this with your friends and we’ll see you there!

ID: image descriptions provided in the alt-text for each image respectively.

Stars, Stripes & Skills: Celebrating Independence Together!

Our Gainesville ILS Group gathered for a festive Patriotic Bingo Day—complete with red, white, and blue outfits, creative coloring activities, and of course, a few rounds of Bingo led by staff and interns. Beyond the fun and laughter, events like these foster essential independent living skills—like social interaction, communication, decision-making, and community participation—in a supportive and joyful environment. We’re proud to create spaces where independence and connection go hand in hand. 🇺🇸

ID: Image descriptions provided in the alt text for each image respectively.

2025 Disability Awareness Expo

🎉 Join us in celebrating 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at the 2025 Disability Awareness Expo!

📅 Wednesday, July 23, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Martin Luther King, Jr. Center – Gainesville, FL

Hosted by Alachua County in partnership with the City of Gainesville, this expo brings together community partners, local organizations, and vendors showcasing accessible products, services, and resources that support people with disabilities.

💬 Come connect, explore, and celebrate how far we’ve come—and the work that still lies ahead!

ID: image descriptions provided in the alt text for each image respectively

Annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference

Our very own Kevin Towles represented the CIL at the Annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference (GHC)—the nation’s largest event focused on hurricane preparedness, response, and recovery.

With hundreds of hours of expert-led workshops, the GHC is a hub for the latest tools, strategies, and real-life lessons to help communities stay ready before disaster strikes.

Kevin attended several insightful sessions and brought back actionable knowledge and resources that will help enhance how we support people with disabilities and older adults across our region. From updated response strategies to best practices in recovery planning, we’re committed to turning this knowledge into impact for our community.

As we’re now officially in hurricane season here in Florida, this kind of preparedness is more important than ever. Taking steps to plan ahead—especially for individuals with disabilities and access and functional needs—can make all the difference in staying safe during an emergency. If you or someone you know needs guidance or support with emergency planning, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Center—we’re here to help.

ID: image descriptions are provided in the alt text for each image respectively.

2nd Annual Disaster Preparedness & Community Resource Expo

The 2nd Annual Disaster Preparedness & Community Resource Expo at the Suwannee River Fairgrounds brought together 30+ organizations from Dixie, Gilchrist, and Levy Counties to help our rural communities get storm-ready.

Brent represented the CIL, sharing vital resources for people with disabilities, while Claudia offered assistive technology solutions through the FAAST Program. Attendees connected with FEMA, the Red Cross, local sheriff’s offices, and more to gather free emergency tips, resources, and giveaways.

The message was clear: we can’t control the storm, but we can control how prepared we are. CILNCF is proud to support our communities in staying safe and independent—before, during, and after the storm.

Claudia and Brent represent FAAST and the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida at the 2nd Annual Disaster Preparedness and Community Resource Expo, held at the Suwannee River Fairgrounds. Claudia stands smiling behind the FAAST table, which is covered with brochures, stickers, and emergency planning materials. Brent sits at the adjacent CIL table, which displays informational flyers and promotional items in front of a large, branded banner. Other community organizations are visible in the background as attendees explore booths in the open-air indoor venue.
ID: Claudia and Brent represent FAAST and the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida at the 2nd Annual Disaster Preparedness and Community Resource Expo, held at the Suwannee River Fairgrounds. Claudia stands smiling behind the FAAST table, which is covered with brochures, stickers, and emergency planning materials. Brent sits at the adjacent CIL table, which displays informational flyers and promotional items in front of a large, branded banner. Other community organizations are visible in the background as attendees explore booths in the open-air indoor venue.

🎓✨ Celebrating Ability, Growth, and New Beginnings! ✨🎓

On May 21st, the CIL Employment Program proudly celebrated the 2nd annual Project SEARCH Graduation! 🎉 This incredible milestone marks the achievements of nine dedicated interns who spent the year rotating through various departments at UF Shands—including EVS, Dietary, Linens, Pharmacy, and more—all in pursuit of hands-on experience and meaningful employment opportunities.

Several interns impressed so much that they were offered jobs before graduation, while others began working immediately after completing the program. Their determination, hard work, and growth have truly inspired us.

We are honored to collaborate with Alachua County Public Schools, UF Shands, Project SEARCH, APD, and Vocational Rehabilitation to create pathways to employment and independence for students with disabilities. 💙

ID: image descriptions are provided in the alt text for each image respectively

Remembering Our Brave Heroes

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember the brave service members who gave their lives in defense of our country and our freedoms. Their courage, sacrifice, and selflessness will never be forgotten.

At the CIL, we honor not only those who served—but also the families, caregivers, and communities forever changed by their loss. Many of our veterans live with visible and invisible disabilities, and we are committed to ensuring they have access to the resources, dignity, and independence they deserve.

ID: A close-up of the American flag, with white stars on a blue field in focus and red and white stripes fading into the background. Centered on the image are the words:
"Gone, but not forgotten.
REMEMBERING OUR BRAVE HEROES
MEMORIAL DAY"
The design is clean and respectful, with white text overlaying the flag to honor fallen service members on Memorial Day.

ID: A close-up of the American flag, with white stars on a blue field in focus and red and white stripes fading into the background. Centered on the image are the words:
“Gone, but not forgotten.
REMEMBERING OUR BRAVE HEROES
MEMORIAL DAY”
The design is clean and respectful, with white text overlaying the flag to honor fallen service members on Memorial Day.

ILS Classes – Ocala

Learning money skills has never been so sweet! Our Independent Living Skills (ILS) group in Ocala had a blast working with students from MTI on real-life money management skills.

We practiced recognizing coins and bills, counting, adding, and even making change — all with mini (but very realistic!) play money. 🪙💸

To make it extra fun, we “bought” paper cookies and cupcakes as part of our activity. Because who doesn’t love a little dessert with their dollars?

These hands-on lessons help build confidence and independence — and we’re so proud of all the students who participated!

ID: A two-photo collage with a purple background and white text that reads “ILS CLASSES” at the top and “OCALA” at the bottom. The logo for the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida is also in the top right corner.

The top photo shows a group of students from MTI seated around a table, smiling and engaging in a money skills activity. Fake money, worksheets, and paper items are spread across the table as they practice counting and making change. The bottom photo shows two students smiling and waving at a table with more play money in front of them, while a CIL staff member stands nearby smiling and engaging with the group. A green screen is visible in the background.