As we close out the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, the first in nearly a decade with no major U.S. landfalls and no direct threats to Florida, now is the perfect time to look ahead and strengthen our preparedness for 2026.

At the CIL, we believe that being informed today means being safer tomorrow. That’s why we’re excited to announce our dates for the 2026 Emergency Preparedness Expos, offering FREE resources to help people with disabilities in our community prepare for any type of emergency.

Each expo will feature vital resources, local partners, and guidance to help you feel confident and prepared for any type of emergency. ASL interpreters will be provided.

📅 Please save the date for your county’s expo below, and let’s stay ready for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

These events are FREE and open to the disability community and their families.
For additional information, please contact:
📧 Kevin Towles — ktowles@cilncf.org
📞 (352) 368-3788

Let’s stay prepared, stay informed, and stay connected.

📍 2026 EXPO LOCATIONS & DATES

Columbia County
Columbia County Senior Service
628 SE Allison Ct, Lake City, FL 32025
🗓 February 21st | 10am–1pm

Alachua County
Senior Recreation Center
5701 NW 34th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32653
🗓 March 12th | 9am–1pm

Marion County
CFCC / Ewers Century Center
3001 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL 34474
🗓 March 24th | 9am–1pm

Putnam County
Putnam County Fairgrounds
118 Fairgrounds Rd, East Palatka, FL 32131
🗓 April 11th | 10am–1pm

Bradford County
Carley E. Johns Conference Center
1610 N Temple Ave, Starke, FL 32091
🗓 April 25th | 10am–1pm

The Center for Independent Living’s Youth Program is excited to share that we are participating in The Able Trust’s High School High Tech Domino’s Fundraiser — and we’re officially underway!

From now until December 15, 2025, our youth participants will be selling the Slice the Price Card, a special Domino’s offer that gives you:

🍕 Buy a large pizza, get a large pizza FREE
Valid every time you order, now through June 30, 2026.

This fundraiser directly supports our Youth Program initiatives and helps us continue empowering young people with disabilities through career exploration, skill-building opportunities, and community engagement.

How to Participate

Buy A Card: https://store.dominos.cards/51745

Register & Learn More: https://account.dominos.cards/pfng/public/register.php/51745

Every card sold helps our students grow, learn, and build confidence for their future — and you get great pizza deals in return!

Thank you for supporting CIL youth as they work toward independence and bright futures. We appreciate your partnership!

The CIL had the pleasure of joining the historic McIntosh 1890s Festival on Nov, 8th and what an incredible day it was! With thousands of visitors walking the streets to shop handmade crafts, enjoy live entertainment, reconnect with friends, and kick off the holiday season, the festival was full of energy and community spirit.

Our team members Kevin and Mika represented the CIL at this year’s event, sharing information about our services and connecting with countless festival-goers. They had wonderful conversations, met many new faces, and helped spread awareness about the resources and support CILNCF provides to people with disabilities throughout North Central Florida.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a beloved local tradition and to continue building relationships within our community. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about the CIL—your support keeps our mission moving forward!

💚 For more information about the festival, visit the McIntosh 1890s Festival website: https://mcintosh1890sfestival.com/

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Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our country with courage, dedication, and sacrifice. Your service and commitment to protecting our freedoms inspire us every day.

At the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida, we are especially proud to serve veterans in our community—helping to ensure that independence, accessibility, and inclusion are part of the life you fought to protect.

❤️ Thank you for your service, your strength, and your continued impact in our communities.

In observance of Veteran’s Day, our offices are closed today and will reopen tomorrow for normal business hours.

The University of Florida is conducting a survey about experiences trying to access local services (what worked and what barriers you faced).

– Confidential
– Voluntary
– (~5–20 minutes)
– No compensation

Who can participate?
Adults 18–80, including those with autism/other NDD or caregivers/guardians who have received or attempted to receive services from Gainesville-area organizations listed on the flyer.

How to participate or learn more:
See the contact details on the attached flyer to reach researchers

IRB#202500706
UF Dept. of Psychiatry
Evaluating Accessible Services for Individuals with Autism & Other Neurodevelopmental Conditions

The CIL will be tabling at this year’s Fifth Annual Gainesville Opportunity Center (GOC) Fall Festival, and we’d love for you to stop by and say hello!

📅 Friday, November 7
🕚 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Gainesville Opportunity Center, 1210 NW 14th Avenue

Come enjoy an afternoon filled with friends, food, and festivities!
– Take a tour of the GOC
– Meet GOC Members and local community partners
– Enjoy a cookout (suggested donation: $10)
– Learn more about local resources supporting mental health, housing, employment, and independent living

This event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with organizations working together to empower our community and make a difference.

We hope to see you there!

Our team got into the spirit today with a little fun, a few costumes, and a lot of smiles!

At the CIL, we believe that accessibility and community matter every day — and that includes holidays like Halloween. 💜

We hope your day is filled with treats, laughter, and moments that bring you joy.

From all of us at the CIL, have a safe and spooktacular Halloween! 🧡

As October comes to a close, we reflect on National Disability Employment Awareness Month — a time to celebrate the vital contributions of workers with disabilities and to advocate for greater accessibility and opportunity in every workplace.

But our commitment doesn’t end here.

At the CIL, we believe that employment is more than a paycheck — it’s empowerment, independence, and a pathway to a more accessible community.

Every day, we continue our work to break down barriers, support self-advocacy, and create opportunities where everyone can thrive — because progress doesn’t stop when the month ends.

Let’s carry the spirit of NDEAM forward — championing access, innovation, and opportunity all year long.

💜 October may be ending, but advocacy never does.

For some trick-or-treaters—especially those who are neurodivergent or have disabilities—Halloween can be a lot to take in. Bright lights, loud sounds, and unexpected surprises can turn what should be a night of fun into an overwhelming experience.

But with a little planning, Halloween can be accessible and enjoyable for everyone!

✨ Here are a few ways to make your Halloween more accessible:

– Use clear paths and good lighting for easy navigation.

– Offer seating or rest areas for visitors who need breaks.

– Have non-food treats available for kids with allergies or feeding difficulties (the Teal Pumpkin Project is a great guide!).

– Consider sensory-friendly decorations; avoid loud noises, strobe lights, or sudden scares.

– Be patient, kind, and understanding; every trick-or-treater celebrates in their own way.

Let’s make this Halloween a night where everyone can join in the fun! 🎃

*The Teal Pumpkin Project: Putting a teal pumpkin on your doorstep, or hanging a teal pumpkin sign on your door or in your window, means you have non-food treats available such as glow sticks or small toys. This simple act promotes safety for trick-or-treaters with food allergy or other conditions.

At the CIL, we believe disability is a different ability – a source of strength, innovation, and value. This month, we honor the contributions of workers with disabilities, spotlight success stories, and recommit to breaking down barriers to employment.

🔹 Why it matters: Employment fosters independence, growth, and equality.
🔹 Did you know? Barriers to meaningful work remain, from lack of accommodations to misconceptions about capabilities.
🔹 What we’re doing: Through training, advocacy, employer partnerships, and individualized support, we strive to widen the circle of opportunity.

Join us in celebrating value, talent, and inclusion – not just in October, but every day.