The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida was proud to participate in the annual ADA Expo on July 29, an event sponsored by the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office and the City of Gainesville Office of Equity and Inclusion.

The annual expo brings together community members, service providers, advocates, and organizations to share information, build connections, and promote greater accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. This year’s event welcomed roughly 70 attendees and 30 vendors.

CIL staff supported the event in several ways throughout the day. Team members staffed an exhibit table, connected attendees with information and resources, provided sign language interpretation, participated in the panel discussion, and helped facilitate the panel conversation.

Events like the ADA Expo create valuable opportunities for people with disabilities to connect directly with organizations and resources in the community, while also encouraging broader conversations about access, equity, and inclusion.

CIL is committed to empowering people with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in their communities. Community events like this are one way we continue that work by showing up, sharing resources, listening, and collaborating with local partners.

We are grateful to the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office and the City of Gainesville Office of Equity and Inclusion for bringing the community together for this annual event.

A special thank you to CIL team members Ken, Kevin, Andrea, Christie, Angela, and Debbie for their hard work and for representing CIL throughout the day.

In observance of Labor Day, all Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida offices will be closed on Monday, September 7th.

We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8.

Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend! 💙

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.

The CIL brought our team together for a staff retreat at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center.

The day offered staff an opportunity to step away from their usual routines and spend time connecting with colleagues through team-building activities, fellowship, and plenty of fun. From working together on group challenges to sharing conversations around the table, the retreat was all about strengthening the relationships that help make our work possible.

At the CIL, collaboration is an important part of how we serve people with disabilities throughout North Central Florida. While our staff members bring different skills, experiences, and responsibilities to our organization, we are united by a shared commitment to promoting independence, inclusion, and opportunity in the communities we serve.

Taking time to connect as a team helps strengthen that work. Our retreat gave us a chance to recharge, learn more about one another, share some laughs, and build connections outside of our everyday work environment.

We are grateful to Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center for providing a wonderful setting for our gathering and, most importantly, to our incredible CIL staff for the energy, compassion, and dedication they bring to our mission every day.

Here’s to a great day together and an even stronger CIL team!

Mark your calendars! Give4Marion returns September 15–16, 2026, and the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida (CILNCF) is once again joining our community for this annual giving event.

For the CIL, Give4Marion is an opportunity to celebrate what becomes possible when our community comes together to support people with disabilities in achieving greater independence. Every contribution helps us continue providing programs, resources, training, and support that empower our consumers to pursue their individual goals.

Your Support in Action: Celebrating James

One example of that impact is James, who recently graduated from the CIL’s Pre-Placement Training (PPT) program while also graduating from high school!

Working with Job Readiness Skills Trainer Brandon Palermo, James developed valuable skills to help prepare him for entering the workforce. Throughout the program, he explored career options and workplace communication, built a professional resume, learned job search strategies, practiced interviewing, and gained a better understanding of workplace expectations, job retention, and money management.

James also brought plenty of his own personality and creativity to the experience. During his mock interview, he arrived dressed professionally in a stylish suit with fun graphics and even incorporated puppets into the process, making the experience both engaging and memorable.

With his positive attitude and willingness to learn, James completed the program better prepared to pursue employment with greater confidence and the skills needed to succeed.

Stories like James’s are what Give4Marion is all about.

This September, we invite you to stand with the CIL and help us continue creating opportunities for people with disabilities throughout our community.

📅 September 15–16, 2026

Whether you give, share our campaign with friends and family, or help spread the word on social media, your support makes a difference.

Together, we can continue building a community where people with disabilities have access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to live as independently as possible.

Mark your calendar for September 15 for the 33-hour fundraiser and join us for Give4Marion 2026. Stronger together, we support independence.

After 19 years of dedicated service to the CIL we are celebrating the retirement of our own Terri Poucher!

For nearly two decades, Terri has been an important part of the CIL family, dedicating her career to supporting people with disabilities and advancing our mission of independence, inclusion, and opportunity throughout the communities we serve.

Over the years, Terri built meaningful relationships with consumers, community partners, and fellow staff members. Whether she was working directly with individuals, representing the CIL in the community, or simply being there to lend a helping hand, Terri brought compassion and a genuine commitment to the people at the heart of our work.

Her impact can be seen not only in the programs and services she helped provide, but also in the relationships she formed along the way. At a recent celebration, colleagues and friends had the opportunity to recognize Terri and thank her for the many years she has given to the CIL and our community.

Nineteen years represents countless conversations, connections, milestones, and lives touched. While we will certainly miss having Terri as part of our day-to-day work, we are incredibly grateful for everything she has contributed to the CIL over the years.

Terri, thank you for 19 wonderful years of service and for the care and dedication you brought to our mission. Your CIL family wishes you all the happiness and adventure that retirement has to offer.

Congratulations, Terri, and happy retirement!

The Florida Independent Living Council (FILC) is hosting two upcoming virtual Public Forums to gather feedback on Personal Care Assistance (PCA) services in Florida.

These conversations will help shape the next State Plan for Independent Living and provide an opportunity for individuals with disabilities, family members, caregivers, advocates, and community partners to share their experiences and ideas. Participants will also get a preview of a new PCA Finder website designed to help connect people with personal care assistance resources.

📅 Choose the session that works best for you:

Wednesday, August 12th
3:00 – 4:00 PM ET
Register at: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-hsnZLFPQJKBu1DjxfxJTA#/registration

Thursday, August 13th
6:00 – 7:00 PM ET
Register at: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/K2zKhyJ4Qvi9Y55DBJFJZQ#/registration

Together, we can help strengthen access to the services that empower people with disabilities to live independently in their communities. We hope you’ll join the conversation.

The CIL was honored to be recognized at Bridgeway Academy’s Employer & Community Partner Recognition Luncheon in Ocala, an event celebrating the organizations and employers that help create meaningful opportunities for students.

For the past several years, Bridgeway Academy students have participated in CIL’s Independent Living Skills workshops in Ocala. Through these workshops, students build practical skills that support greater independence, confidence, and success as they prepare for adulthood.

During the luncheon, CIL was presented with a recognition plaque in appreciation of our continued partnership with Bridgeway Academy. We are grateful for this honor and proud to support students as they work toward achieving their personal and professional goals.

The event also included a special moment for longtime CIL team member Terri Poucher, who was recognized by Bridgeway Academy teacher Karen Smith with a beautiful bouquet of flowers in appreciation of her years of dedication and service. Terri retired from CIL at the end of May, making the recognition a meaningful celebration of the lasting impact she has made on the students and community she served.

We are thankful to Bridgeway Academy for this recognition and for the opportunity to partner in empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to live more independently. We look forward to continuing our shared commitment to creating opportunities that help individuals thrive.

Hurricane season is well underway, and now is a good time to review your emergency supplies before a storm is in the forecast.

Many Floridians remember planning their purchases around the state’s annual Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays. That program has changed. Florida no longer offers temporary tax holidays for hurricane supplies. Instead, several essential preparedness items are now permanently exempt from Florida sales tax, making it easier to prepare whenever you need to.

Hurricane Preparedness Items That Are Always Tax-Free

The following emergency preparedness items can now be purchased year-round without paying Florida sales tax:

• Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 6-volt, and 9-volt)
• Portable generators
• Fire extinguishers
• Smoke detectors, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Life jackets
• Waterproof tarps (1,000 square feet or smaller)
• Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
• Gas and diesel fuel cans with a capacity of up to five gallons

This permanent tax exemption gives Florida residents more flexibility to build or replenish emergency kits without having to wait for a designated tax holiday.

Don’t Forget These Important Supplies

While many preparedness items are now tax-free, some essentials are not included in the permanent exemption. These items are still recommended as part of a complete hurricane kit:

• Flashlights and lanterns
• Portable power banks
• Reusable ice packs
• Non-electric food storage coolers
• Candles
• Pet supplies

Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities

Every emergency plan should reflect your individual needs. If you or a family member has a disability, chronic health condition, or relies on medical equipment, your emergency kit may need additional supplies.

Consider including:

• Prescription medications and copies of prescriptions
• Backup batteries or charging equipment for medical devices
• Mobility equipment and any necessary accessories
• Communication devices and chargers
• Important medical information and emergency contact lists
• Extra food, water, and supplies needed for service animals or pets

Preparing these items before severe weather develops can help reduce stress and improve safety if an evacuation or extended power outage becomes necessary.

Build Your Hurricane Supply Kit

The Florida Division of Emergency Management provides a comprehensive Hurricane Supply Checklist to help individuals and families prepare for hurricane season.

Use their checklist to review your supplies and identify anything you may still need before the next storm approaches.

Being prepared doesn’t have to happen all at once. Building your emergency kit over time is one of the best ways to ensure you’re ready when severe weather arrives.

Stay informed, make a plan, and encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to prepare as well. A little preparation today can make a significant difference tomorrow.

Preparing for emergencies takes more than a plan, it takes practice, collaboration, and a commitment to ensuring everyone is included.

On April 9, 2026, the CIL joined Langley Medical Center, Sumter County emergency responders, College of Central Florida nursing students, and other community partners for a large-scale tornado emergency preparedness drill in Sumter County.

The exercise simulated a tornado striking one of Langley Medical Center’s family clinic locations, allowing participants to practice coordinating their response during a realistic emergency scenario. Nursing students served as simulated patients with a variety of injuries and support needs, helping healthcare providers and first responders work through complex situations they could encounter during an actual disaster.

Representing both The CIL and the Local Health Care Coalition, Kevin participated in the exercise by providing guidance on supporting people with disabilities during emergency situations. His role emphasized the importance of accessible communication, understanding disability-related needs, and ensuring emergency response efforts are inclusive of everyone in the community.

Emergency preparedness exercises like this strengthen partnerships between healthcare providers, emergency management professionals, and disability organizations while helping identify opportunities to improve coordinated response efforts.

The CIL is proud to work alongside community partners to promote inclusive emergency planning and help ensure people with disabilities are considered before, during, and after disasters.

Thank you to Langley Medical Center and all participating organizations for their commitment to building a safer, more prepared, and more inclusive community.