Each year, Labor Day reminds us of the sacrifices and victories that shaped today’s workplace. Born from the labor movement of the late 1800s, this holiday recognizes the fight for fair pay, safe conditions, and dignity on the job.

For people with disabilities, Labor Day also reflects the ongoing push to ensure equitable access to the workforce. Landmark laws like the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 helped break down barriers, but the work continues today.

✅ Advocates have fought for fair wages, reasonable accommodations, and accessible workplaces.
✅ Worker organizations have pressed for policies that protect every individual’s right to contribute and succeed.
✅ Policy recommendations highlight the need for stronger protections, expanded opportunities, and universal design in every workplace.

As we mark Labor Day, let’s honor the past and reaffirm our commitment to building a future where every worker has the chance to participate fully and thrive.

The Citrus County ILS group enjoyed a delicious lunch outing at Chili’s! This trip was a great opportunity to practice valuable community and restaurant skills. Members worked on ordering their own meals, using a friendly conversational tone that was respectful to those around them, and learning how to pay their bill—including the importance of adding a tip and how to calculate it.

The day was made even more special as we turned it into a cheerful farewell party for one of our members who will soon be moving away. It was a wonderful mix of learning, laughter, and warm goodbyes!

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The CIL is looking for a dedicated Associate Director to join our leadership team!

This full-time, onsite role works closely with our Executive Director to ensure the delivery of our five core Independent Living services—Information & Referral, Peer Support, Skills Training, Advocacy, and Transition.

As Associate Director, you’ll:
– Provide leadership, guidance, and support to staff
– Oversee programs, grants, and community partnerships
– Help foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture
– Represent CIL in the community and strengthen collaborations
– Play a key role in empowering people with disabilities to live independently

We’re seeking someone with strong leadership skills, experience in program and staff management, and a passion for advancing disability rights and the Independent Living philosophy.

If you’re ready to make a lasting impact and grow with an organization rooted in commitment, integrity, caring, diversity, and collaboration, we’d love to hear from you!

Please view attached job description for additional information: https://bit.ly/3I0NDmf

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter, current resume and a list of three professional references. To receive full consideration, applicants must submit all documents electronically by September 5th to the following email address: cilncf.org@gmail.com. Review of all applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position if filled.

🏈 We’re kicking off football season in The Swamp — and YOU can be part of it while giving back to your community!

The CIL is joining forces with Gator Athletics at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for the first Gator Football game of the season on August 30th.

When you purchase your ticket through this link 👉 https://www.gofevo.com/event/Centerfor47 a portion of every ticket sold will go directly back to the CIL to support our programs and services for people with disabilities. 💙

Don’t miss your chance to cheer on the Gators AND make a difference in the lives of others. Let’s fill The Swamp with orange, blue, and community spirit! 🐊

We recently came together as a CIL family to share good company, laughter, and a great meal from David’s BBQ. The food was delicious, but the highlight of the day was the fun we had together.

To add a little friendly competition, we played trivia—congratulations to Destini for taking the win! She walked away with a sweet prize: one hour of vacation time and a bag of Jelly Belly’s. Yum!

We’re grateful for moments like these that allow us to connect outside of our day-to-day work and enjoy the community we’ve built together.

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On July 31st, our Independent Living Skills group enjoyed another engaging visit from Julie with Feeding Florida. This month’s session focused on basic cooking skills, starting with a fun discussion about fruits vs. vegetables. Julie demonstrated safe cutting techniques, then guided participants in making their own fruit and yogurt parfaits with strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and optional granola. Everyone left with a recipe, a packet of fruit-and-veggie activities, and plenty of smiles. We’re grateful for Feeding Florida’s monthly visits and the valuable skills they share with our community.

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Our team had the pleasure of visiting the Gainesville Opportunity Center (GOC) to explore how our organizations can work together to better serve our shared community. GOC, like the CIL, is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities live meaningful, independent lives.

During our visit, we had the opportunity to connect, share ideas, and discuss ways to collaborate on future programs and services. We’re excited about the potential to combine our efforts and create even more pathways for individuals to grow, connect, and thrive.

We’re grateful for GOC’s warm welcome and look forward to what’s ahead.

On July 23rd, we proudly joined the community at the 2025 ADA Expo to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—a pivotal law that continues to champion accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.

This year’s event, hosted by Alachua County in partnership with the City of Gainesville, welcomed 31 incredible vendors who showcased products, services, and resources designed to support and empower the disability community. From public agencies and nonprofits to private businesses and health organizations, the expo was full of energy, innovation, and meaningful connection.

We were thrilled to represent the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida alongside amazing organizations like The Life Academy, New Creation ADT, Alachua Conservation Trust, The Alachua County Health Department, Santa Fe College, and more. Attendees enjoyed exploring assistive technologies, learning about vocational and peer support programs, and even receiving free A1C testing on site.

With about 51 members of the public attending, the day was full of learning, laughter, and community. Everyone seemed to have a great time, and we’re already looking forward to an even bigger event next year!

Thank you to everyone who made the 2025 ADA Expo a success—and for continuing the mission of access and accessibility for all. 💙

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.

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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.