The CIL is proud to celebrate an exciting milestone for eight remarkable Project SEARCH interns who have successfully completed the program and achieved employment at UF Health Shands Hospital.

Congratulations to Malachai, Larry, Demetric, Ricky, Shamya, Brooklyn, Breck, and Chris on this incredible accomplishment. Their graduation represents the culmination of a year filled with learning, determination, and personal growth, while also marking the beginning of meaningful careers in an inclusive workplace.

During the graduation ceremony, each intern received a certificate recognizing their dedication, perseverance, and the progress they made throughout the program. The celebration brought together family members, department mentors, managers, and supporters who have played an important role in each intern’s journey. It was a meaningful opportunity to recognize not only what these graduates have achieved, but also the community that helped make their success possible.

Project SEARCH is a nationally recognized transition-to-work program that prepares young adults with disabilities for competitive, integrated employment through immersive workplace experiences. By participating in hands-on internships, developing transferable job skills, and receiving individualized support, participants gain the confidence and experience needed to build successful careers.

The success of this year’s graduates demonstrates the impact that inclusive employment opportunities can have when employers, mentors, families, and community organizations work together. Programs like Project SEARCH help create pathways to employment while empowering individuals to reach their goals and contribute their talents in meaningful ways.

The CIL is honored to support initiatives that promote independence, employment, and community inclusion. We are grateful to the dedicated staff, mentors, managers, families, and the team at UF Health Shands Hospital who invest their time and expertise to help participants succeed.

Most importantly, we congratulate Malachai, Larry, Demetric, Ricky, Shamya, Brooklyn, Breck, and Chris on this well-earned achievement. We look forward to watching each of you continue to grow and thrive in your new careers.

Congratulations, graduates!

The CIL would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s Bradford County Emergency Preparedness Expo a success.

Preparing for emergencies is a community effort, and this event brought together organizations dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers access the information, resources, and support they need to stay safe before, during, and after an emergency.

Throughout the expo, attendees had the opportunity to connect with local agencies and service providers, learn about emergency planning, ask questions, and explore programs that promote safety, independence, and resilience. The event served as an opportunity to strengthen community connections while empowering participants to take meaningful steps toward being prepared.

We are incredibly grateful to the organizations that generously shared their time, expertise, and resources, including:

• Bradford County Sheriff’s Office – Emergency Management Division
• Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida
• Florida Legal Services
• Endeavors
• HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response
• Three Rivers Legal Services
• Florida Poison Information Center Jacksonville/USVI
• UF HealthStreet
• Disability Rights Florida
• Meridian Healthcare
• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UF CARD)
• American Red Cross
• Florida Department of Health
• Alzheimer’s Association
• Ascension St. Vincent’s
• Florida Division of Blind Services

Your commitment to serving our community helped ensure attendees left with practical information, valuable connections, and greater confidence in their emergency preparedness plans.

We would also like to thank everyone who attended the expo. By taking the time to learn about emergency preparedness, ask questions, and connect with local resources, you are helping build a safer and more resilient Bradford County.

At the CIL, we believe preparedness is an important part of living independently. We are proud to partner with organizations that share our commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and community resilience, and we look forward to continuing these efforts through future emergency preparedness events.

Thank you again to our partners, volunteers, and everyone who attended. Together, we are creating stronger, more prepared communities throughout North Central Florida.

While a little time has passed since this year’s event, we wanted to take a moment to recognize everyone who helped make the 2nd Annual Putnam County Emergency Preparedness Expo such a meaningful success.

Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility, and events like this demonstrate what is possible when community organizations come together with a common goal: ensuring individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers have the knowledge, resources, and support they need to prepare for emergencies before they happen.

Throughout the expo, attendees had the opportunity to connect with local agencies and service providers, learn about emergency planning, ask questions, and discover programs designed to promote safety, independence, and resilience. From emergency management and healthcare resources to legal services and disability advocacy, the event highlighted the strength of collaboration across our community.

We are incredibly grateful to the organizations that dedicated their time and expertise to this year’s expo, including:

• Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida
• Florida Legal Services
• Endeavors
• HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response
• Florida Poison Information Center Jacksonville/USVI
• Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
• UF HealthStreet
• Disability Rights Florida
• Meridian Healthcare
• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
• SMA Healthcare
• Youth and Family Tree
• University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UF CARD)
• Putnam County Emergency Management
• American Red Cross
• Florida Department of Health in Putnam County
• Putnam Health & Wellness
• Alzheimer’s Association
• Florida Division of Blind Services

Your willingness to share information, answer questions, and connect with community members played an important role in helping attendees feel more informed and better prepared for future emergencies.

We would also like to thank everyone who attended the expo. Your commitment to learning, planning ahead, and engaging with local resources is what makes events like this worthwhile. Every conversation, every resource collected, and every emergency plan started is a step toward a stronger, more resilient community.

At the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida, we believe that preparedness empowers independence. We are proud to work alongside so many dedicated partners who share that vision, and we look forward to continuing these efforts through future emergency preparedness initiatives.

Thank you again to everyone who helped make this year’s expo possible. Together, we are building safer, stronger communities for all.

Every Fourth of July, communities across the country come together to celebrate our nation’s independence with parades, cookouts, concerts, and fireworks. At the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida (CILNCF), we believe these celebrations should be accessible to everyone.

Creating an accessible Independence Day doesn’t require major changes—just thoughtful planning that allows people of all abilities to participate comfortably and safely.

Making Independence Day More Accessible

Whether you’re organizing a community event or gathering with family and friends, consider incorporating these accessibility practices:

Provide Sensory-Friendly Options

Fireworks and large crowds can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory processing sensitivities, autism, PTSD, or other disabilities. Designating quiet spaces away from loud noises and offering noise-canceling headphones can help make celebrations more accessible and comfortable for everyone.

Ensure Accessible Viewing Areas

Accessible celebrations begin with accessible spaces. Fireworks viewing areas should include paved, level pathways, wheelchair-accessible seating, and clear sightlines that are not blocked by standing crowds.

Offer Accessible Facilities

If portable restrooms are provided, be sure ADA-compliant, wheelchair-accessible units are available and easy to locate.

Use Clear Communication

Large, high-contrast signage and clearly marked event layouts make navigating celebrations easier for many attendees. Providing verbal announcements or accessible digital maps can also benefit individuals with visual impairments.

Expand Access Through Virtual Participation

Not everyone is able to attend large public events. Livestreaming fireworks displays or community celebrations allows individuals who cannot navigate crowded or loud environments to celebrate from home while remaining connected to their community.

Accessibility Makes Communities Stronger

At CIL, we know that accessibility extends beyond ramps and doorways. It means creating opportunities for everyone to participate in community life, celebrations, and traditions. By considering the diverse needs of those around us, we help build communities where everyone can enjoy shared experiences with dignity and independence.

As you gather with family, friends, and neighbors this Independence Day, we encourage you to think about how small accessibility accommodations can make a meaningful difference for someone else.

Together, we can create celebrations that are welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable for all.

Holiday Office Closure

Please note that the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. We will reopen during our normal business hours on Monday.

From all of us at CIL, we wish you a safe, enjoyable, and accessible Independence Day! 🇺🇸

At the CIL, we believe leadership is built through meaningful experiences that encourage young people to connect with their communities, develop new skills, and recognize the impact they can have on others.

This week, participants from our Youth Social Group (YSG) and High School High Tech (HSHT) programs came together for a special community service project to honor the dedicated firefighters who work every day to keep our community safe.

Together, YSG consumers and HSHT students wrote heartfelt letters of appreciation expressing their gratitude for the courage, compassion, and commitment demonstrated by our local firefighters. Each message served as a simple but meaningful reminder that acts of kindness and recognition can have a lasting impact.

The letters were then personally delivered to a local fire station by our University of Florida interns, who had the opportunity to meet with firefighters, learn more about their important role in the community, and share the appreciation on behalf of our students and participants.

While the project focused on thanking our local first responders, it also provided valuable opportunities for personal growth. Participants practiced written communication, strengthened their community engagement skills, explored the importance of civic responsibility, and gained a greater understanding of the many individuals who work together to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Projects like these reflect the shared goals of both the Youth Social Group and High School High Tech programs: helping young people build confidence, develop leadership skills, foster meaningful relationships, and become active participants in their communities.

Community service is more than giving back. It is an opportunity to learn empathy, build connections, and discover the value of using your voice to make a positive difference.

We are incredibly proud of our YSG participants, HSHT students, and University of Florida interns for making this project such a success.

Finally, we extend our sincere gratitude to our local firefighters for their unwavering dedication, courage, and service to our community. Thank you for everything you do.

Building Independence Through Community Connections

The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida is committed to creating opportunities that empower youth and young adults with disabilities to build independence, develop leadership skills, and prepare for successful futures. Through programs like Youth Social Group (YSG) and High School High Tech (HSHT), participants gain real-world experiences that strengthen communication, workplace readiness, self-advocacy, and community involvement.

Together, we’re helping young people discover their strengths, expand their possibilities, and become confident leaders in the communities they call home.

The CIL recently celebrated another successful year of High School High Tech (HSHT) with a memorable end-of-year trip to EPCOT, where students had the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments while exploring careers in a real-world setting.

HSHT is designed to help students with disabilities prepare for life after high school by introducing them to career opportunities, developing workplace readiness skills, and building confidence through hands-on experiences. This year’s celebration perfectly reflected those goals.

Throughout the day, students enjoyed many of EPCOT’s attractions and exhibits while spending time with friends from across our HSHT counties. Beyond the fun, the experience also provided valuable opportunities to observe the many professionals who work together to operate one of the world’s most visited destinations.

Students were able to see firsthand the wide variety of careers that contribute to the guest experience, including hospitality, guest services, attraction operations, maintenance, custodial services, food service, entertainment, landscaping, transportation, and many other behind-the-scenes roles. Experiences like these help students recognize the diverse career paths available to them while encouraging them to think about where their own interests and strengths may lead.

The trip also celebrated something even more important: the hard work and growth our students demonstrated throughout the year. From participating in career exploration activities to developing workplace readiness skills and building confidence in new environments, each student made meaningful progress during their HSHT journey.

We are incredibly proud of our students for the professionalism, positive attitudes, and enthusiasm they have shown throughout the year. Their willingness to learn, support one another, and embrace new experiences is exactly what makes the High School High Tech program so impactful.

Congratulations to all of our HSHT students on another successful year! We can’t wait to see where your talents, determination, and ambitions take you next.

About High School High Tech

High School High Tech (HSHT) is a nationally recognized transition program that helps students with disabilities explore careers, develop workplace readiness skills, and prepare for post-secondary education and employment through hands-on learning experiences, job site visits, mentoring, and career exploration.

If you would like to learn more about High School High Tech or the services offered by the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida, we encourage you to contact our team. Together, we’re helping students build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to achieve greater independence and pursue meaningful careers.

Your voice matters! 🗳️

Join Disability Rights Florida, the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida, and Vote Alachua, for a free Voting Rights and Accessible Training for people with disabilities in our community.

Learn about:
✅ Voting rights and accessibility
✅ Protection & Advocacy history
✅ Disability Rights Florida’s work and impact

📅 Tuesday, July 7, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida
222 SW 36th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32607

Pizza lunch will be provided during the event! 🍕

To learn more, call (800) 265-5724 or (352) 378-7474

Career exploration comes to life when students have the opportunity to learn directly from local employers. Recently, students from the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida’s High School High Tech (HSHT) programs in Alachua, Levy, Marion, and Putnam counties participated in an engaging behind-the-scenes career exploration experience at Dave & Buster’s Gainesville.

Throughout the visit, students gained valuable insight into what it takes to operate a large entertainment and dining venue. Team members shared how different departments work together to create a positive guest experience, highlighting careers in customer service, food operations, game management, leadership, and business operations.

The experience also introduced students to the professional skills that employers value across every industry. Students discussed workplace expectations, effective communication, teamwork, leadership, and the importance of professionalism while exploring how these skills translate into real-world employment opportunities.

In addition to learning about careers in hospitality and entertainment, students had the chance to ask questions, hear firsthand experiences from employees, and better understand the variety of career pathways available to young adults entering the workforce.

Experiences like this are an important part of the High School High Tech program, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world careers while building confidence as they prepare for future employment.

The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida extends a sincere thank you to the Dave & Buster’s Gainesville team for welcoming our students and providing an engaging, informative, and memorable career exploration experience. We also thank The Able Trust for its continued support of the High School High Tech program and its commitment to expanding career opportunities for Florida’s students with disabilities.

Through partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, High School High Tech continues to empower students to explore their interests, develop workplace skills, and build meaningful pathways toward successful, independent futures.

Students from the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida’s High School High Tech (HSHT) program recently participated in a Career Exploration Job Site Experience at Escapology Gainesville, where learning, teamwork, and career discovery came together in a fun and engaging environment.

The event brought together students from four HSHT counties: Alachua, Levy, Marion, and Putnam, for a hands-on experience designed to strengthen workplace readiness skills through interactive challenges. As students worked together to solve escape room puzzles, they practiced critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that are valuable in nearly every career field.

In addition to developing these essential workplace skills, students had the opportunity to learn about career pathways connected to hospitality and customer service, business operations, event and entertainment management, and leadership and communication.

Experiences like these help students connect classroom learning to real-world career opportunities while building confidence in their ability to work effectively with others. By participating in hands-on career exploration activities, HSHT students gain valuable insight into workplace expectations and the skills employers seek in today’s workforce.

The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida extends its gratitude to Escapology Gainesville for providing an engaging and memorable experience for our students. Partnerships like these play an important role in helping young people explore future career possibilities while developing the skills needed for success.

To learn more about the High School High Tech program and its career exploration opportunities, visit the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida.

Today, the CIL joins communities across the nation in recognizing Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrates the enduring pursuit of freedom and opportunity.

Observed each year on June 19, Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when news of emancipation reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. It stands as an important reminder of our nation’s history and the ongoing work of building communities where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

At the CIL, our mission is rooted in the belief that all people deserve the opportunity to live independently, participate fully in their communities, and pursue their goals without unnecessary barriers. Juneteenth offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the importance of freedom, access, and the rights that help individuals live with dignity and self-determination.

As we honor this day, we also recognize the strength, resilience, and contributions of those who have worked to advance civil rights and expand opportunities for future generations.

In observance of Juneteenth, Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida offices are closed today. We will resume normal operating hours on Monday.

We encourage everyone to take time to learn, reflect, and honor the significance of this important day in our nation’s history.