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.

Craving pizza and a way to give back? Join us on Thursday, July 24th between 4–9 PM at Blaze Pizza Gainesville (3617 SW Archer Rd) for a CIL Fundraiser Night! 🧡

Whether you dine in or order ahead for pickup, 20% of your meal’s proceeds will go directly to supporting the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida—empowering people with disabilities to live independently and thrive in our community.

TWO WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:

✅ In-Restaurant: Show this post or flyer before paying

✅ Online Orders: Use promo code FUNDA at checkout on the Blaze Pizza App or blazepizza.com (Valid for pickup, curbside, or carryout orders only)

Your dinner plans just turned into a way to make a difference. 🍕💙 Let’s eat for a cause—share this with your friends and we’ll see you there!

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Our Gainesville ILS Group gathered for a festive Patriotic Bingo Day—complete with red, white, and blue outfits, creative coloring activities, and of course, a few rounds of Bingo led by staff and interns. Beyond the fun and laughter, events like these foster essential independent living skills—like social interaction, communication, decision-making, and community participation—in a supportive and joyful environment. We’re proud to create spaces where independence and connection go hand in hand. 🇺🇸

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🎉 Join us in celebrating 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at the 2025 Disability Awareness Expo!

📅 Wednesday, July 23, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Martin Luther King, Jr. Center – Gainesville, FL

Hosted by Alachua County in partnership with the City of Gainesville, this expo brings together community partners, local organizations, and vendors showcasing accessible products, services, and resources that support people with disabilities.

💬 Come connect, explore, and celebrate how far we’ve come—and the work that still lies ahead!

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Our very own Kevin Towles represented the CIL at the Annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference (GHC)—the nation’s largest event focused on hurricane preparedness, response, and recovery.

With hundreds of hours of expert-led workshops, the GHC is a hub for the latest tools, strategies, and real-life lessons to help communities stay ready before disaster strikes.

Kevin attended several insightful sessions and brought back actionable knowledge and resources that will help enhance how we support people with disabilities and older adults across our region. From updated response strategies to best practices in recovery planning, we’re committed to turning this knowledge into impact for our community.

As we’re now officially in hurricane season here in Florida, this kind of preparedness is more important than ever. Taking steps to plan ahead—especially for individuals with disabilities and access and functional needs—can make all the difference in staying safe during an emergency. If you or someone you know needs guidance or support with emergency planning, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Center—we’re here to help.

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The 2nd Annual Disaster Preparedness & Community Resource Expo at the Suwannee River Fairgrounds brought together 30+ organizations from Dixie, Gilchrist, and Levy Counties to help our rural communities get storm-ready.

Brent represented the CIL, sharing vital resources for people with disabilities, while Claudia offered assistive technology solutions through the FAAST Program. Attendees connected with FEMA, the Red Cross, local sheriff’s offices, and more to gather free emergency tips, resources, and giveaways.

The message was clear: we can’t control the storm, but we can control how prepared we are. CILNCF is proud to support our communities in staying safe and independent—before, during, and after the storm.