We are thrilled to share our incredible experience at the Back to School Bash hosted by the North Central Florida YMCA in Gainesville this past Saturday on August 5th. Our dedicated team member, Claudia, represented CIL and FAAST Program, helping to spread the word about this amazing service that provides Assistive Technology (AT) for both children and adults.

Claudia had an array of cutting-edge AT devices on display, each designed to empower children with disabilities to excel not only in their studies but also in their everyday lives. These tools are game-changers, helping to unlock new opportunities and pave the way for success!

A huge shoutout to North Central Florida YMCA for organizing this fantastic event and giving us the opportunity to connect with our incredible community. Let’s continue spreading the message of inclusivity, empowerment, and boundless possibilities!

Let’s get ready to give this fall! We’re excited to announce that the CIL will be participating in Give4Marion for our 4th year! Give4Marion is an online community giving day that benefits several local non-profit organizations in Marion County. This 33-HOUR event starts on Tuesday, September 19th, 2023 at 10am and ends on Wednesday, September 20th at 7pm!

All donations will benefit our Marion County consumers, so please be sure to save the date! We hope you will be able to join us in our commitment to improving the quality of life and independence of people with disabilities in our local area. Please visit give4marion.org for more information about how you can make a difference!

Florida AgrAbility is hosting a webinar in partnership with the Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety. Chad Rezicek and Clinton Wilson will use SAMHSA’s 8 Domains of Wellness to make wellness a part of your everyday life!

WHEN: August 22 @ 1pm EST

REGISTER to learn about wellness strategies for physical and mental health: https://buff.ly/47m4hER.

We look forward to seeing you!

We can’t believe the hurricane season is already in its third month! Here at the CIL, we’re continuing to be diligent in preparing our consumers and community for any type of emergency through our Emergency Preparedness Program.

CIL Staff Kevin Towles and Terri Poucher recently worked with one of our highly supportive and valued Marion County community partners, Developmental Service Trainers (DST), located in Ocala. Kevin and Terri visited DST last month and met one-on-one with 25 consumers to assist each of them with creating Emergency Action Plans (EAP), a vital part in preparing for emergencies!

Unfortunately, in the past few years, people with disabilities were more of an after-thought when it came to preparing them for emergencies, and resources were extremely limited. The CIL’s Emergency Preparedness Program strives to fill this gap, by consistently providing information, planning assistance, Emergency Preparedness Expos and community presentations, to fully prepare people with disabilities for emergencies. This helps our community members and partners understand how we can work together, so that no one is left behind.

Thanks so much to Kevin and Terri for helping people with disabilities gain even more independence throughout the hurricane season and beyond!

Please visit http://www.cilncf.org/emergency-preparedness/ for updated information, as well as the State of Florida Emergency Contacts listed by county.

Our ILS group turned up the heat last month with a basic cooking class and two mouthwatering demos! CIL Intern Stephanie took the culinary reins and wowed us all with her zest for lemons. She provided an educational presentation on the benefits of lemons and created a video of herself making lemon bars. The group had the opportunity to try the lemon bars after the presentation. Stephanie also made some lemonade for the group to enjoy during the presentation!

What truly made the experience memorable was the interactive aspect. Not only did we get to learn about lemons and their incredible benefits, but we also got to taste the fruits of Stephanie’s labor – literally! Thanks so much to Stephanie for providing a fun and informative presentation for our ILS consumers!

Last Wednesday, CILNCF was represented at the annual ADA Expo by several staff members. Christie, Ashlyn, Kevin, Riley, Sarah, and Sada had a wonderful time connecting with our neighbors with disabilities and fellow community organizations. This gathering took place to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It was an amazing turnout, especially considering it was the first in-person version in three years due to the pandemic. Thank you to the City of Gainesville, Office of Equity and Inclusion and Alachua County Health Department for hosting the event. We look forward to attending again next year!

ID: There are 3 graphics. Graphic #1 has a purple background with the CILNCF logo on the top right. A photo of (from left to right) Christie, Kevin, Sada and Ashlyn standing behind the CIL table, covered with a royal blue tablecloth is centered on the graphic. Annual ADA Expo is written above the photo on the top left corner. A white line is drawn to the left of the photo. CILNCF is written below the photo on the bottom right with a white line to the left. Graphic #2 has a blue background with a photo showing an overview of the event, held in a gymnasium with vendor tables. Graphic #3 has a turquoise background with a photo of the CIL staff in action at the table with the standing CIL banner to the left.

Florida Sea Grant and the University of Florida IFAS Extension services are hosting a “DIVING WITH DISABILITIES” event

WHEN: Saturday August 5th from 9 AM – 5 PM
WHERE: Florida Pool
University of Florida
224 Fletcher Drive
Gainesville, FL 32608

The goal is to offer FREE try scuba experience for participants. It has been well documented the positive and therapeutic impact that scuba diving has in people with disabilities, including wounded veterans and with PTSD. The event is led by our Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA) instructor and marine extension agent Victor Blanco. Each participant has a one-hour slot. All you need is to bring your swim suit!

Interested participants may register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoM98v0bV90_2agaHhTHPQx08TNBQvHUvJai5_gvXaEr_Jdw/viewform. If you would like more information, please reach out to Victor Blanco at 850-838-3508.

ID: Graphic shows a picture of a scuba diver underwater, with the bright light from the sun shining from above the water. The background behind the photo is a teal color with abstract squiggly lines throughout. The graphic includes information about the event shared above. An outline of a wheelchair accessible icon is displayed on the bottom right.

Kevin & Ashlyn represented our organization at the vibrant Hampton Community Event on July 19th! They shared information about our Emergency Preparedness Program ahead of the peak hurricane season in September, prioritizing community readiness and support. They met numerous residents, emphasizing CILNCF’s willingness to lend a hand whenever needed, fostering a stronger, more resilient community. The event featured a mobile food pantry, resources, giveaways, and health screenings, showcasing heartwarming community support. We are incredibly grateful for the event’s success! Thank you City of Hampton for their warm welcome and look forward to continuing positive impact in our communities.

Celebrating 33 Years of Inclusion and Equality! Today marks the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a transformative milestone in our nation’s history.

The ADA, signed into law on July 26, 1990, has been a beacon of hope and progress for millions of individuals with disabilities. It stands as a powerful reminder that we are all entitled to equal rights, regardless of our abilities or challenges.

This landmark legislation has paved the way for accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment in all aspects of life. From accessible public spaces to workplace accommodations, the ADA has broken barriers and opened doors for countless individuals to achieve their dreams.

Today, let’s take a moment to acknowledge and honor the individuals who have fought tirelessly for disability rights, paving the path towards a more inclusive society.

Let us continue to champion the spirit of the ADA by advocating for equality, understanding, and compassion. Together, we can create a world that celebrates diversity and embraces every unique journey.