Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida

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Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida North Central Florida's Leading Disability Resource Center for over 40 years. The CILNCF is also partnered with Florida Telecommunications and Relay, Inc.

We provide services through partnerships with the Department of Education, the Department of Health, Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program, as well as the Alachua, Bradford, Citrus, Levy, Marion and Putnam County School Boards. In addition, we are presently the only coordinator of sign language interpreting services for Alachua and surrounding counties and have on staff four highly qualified sign l

anguage interpreters. (FTRI) and is the designated Regional Distribution Center (RDC) of specialized telecommunications equipment. With this program the CILNCF provides communication access to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind, and speech-impaired residing in North Central Florida. Further, our organization has developed intensive programming for youth with disabilities. The CILNCF operates a High School High Tech Program at six (6) area high schools in five (5) school district’s here in North Central Florida. High School/High Tech (HS/HT) was developed out of concern that too few students, especially those with disabilities, were being prepared for technology-based careers. Our program is designed to provide young people with all types of disabilities the opportunity to explore jobs and postsecondary education leading to technology-related careers. Locally, it is a community-based partnership made up of students, parents and caregivers, businesses, educators and rehabilitation professionals.

There’s nothing like a little time together outside of the office! 🌿Our CIL team gathered at Cuscowilla Nature and Retre...
21/08/2026

There’s nothing like a little time together outside of the office! 🌿

Our CIL team gathered at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center for a staff retreat filled with team building, fellowship, and plenty of time to simply enjoy one another’s company.

The work we do for our community is made possible by the people behind it, and days like this give us an opportunity to strengthen those connections, recharge, and celebrate the team that makes our mission possible every day.

We’re grateful for this dedicated group and for a day well spent together! 💙

📅 4 WEEKS UNTIL GIVE4MARION!When you support the CIL during Give4Marion, you help create opportunities for people with d...
18/08/2026

📅 4 WEEKS UNTIL GIVE4MARION!

When you support the CIL during Give4Marion, you help create opportunities for people with disabilities in our community to build skills, confidence, and greater independence.

James recently graduated from our Pre-Placement Training program while also graduating from high school! 🎓 Through the program, he gained valuable skills in career exploration, resume building, interviewing, workplace readiness, and money management as he prepares to enter the workforce.

This is what your support makes possible. 💙

Mark your calendars for Give4Marion, September 15–16 for the 33-hour giving campaign, and help us continue empowering consumers like James as they work toward their goals.

After 19 years of dedicated service, we are celebrating the retirement of our own Terri Poucher.For nearly two decades, ...
13/08/2026

After 19 years of dedicated service, we are celebrating the retirement of our own Terri Poucher.

For nearly two decades, Terri has been a familiar face, a trusted colleague, and a passionate advocate for the people and communities we serve. Her compassion, commitment, and willingness to help others have made a lasting impact on our organization and on the countless individuals whose lives she has touched along the way.

Throughout her time at the CILFlorida, Terri exemplified our mission by empowering people with disabilities to live with greater independence, dignity, and opportunity. Her legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.

Terri, thank you for your 19 years of service, your dedication, and the care you brought to your work every day. We are incredibly grateful for all you've contributed and wish you nothing but happiness, good health, and many wonderful adventures in this next chapter.

Congratulations on your well-earned retirement! 💙

Your voice matters.The Florida Independent Living Council (FILC) is hosting two upcoming virtual Public Forums to gather...
07/08/2026

Your voice matters.
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.

We were honored to attend Bridgeway Academy's Work Study Program Employer & Community Partner Recognition Luncheon in Oc...
04/08/2026

We were honored to attend Bridgeway Academy's Work Study Program Employer & Community Partner Recognition Luncheon in Ocala.

For the past several years, Bridgeway Academy students have participated in CIL's Independent Living Skills workshops, and we are grateful to be part of their journey toward greater independence and confidence.

During the event, CIL was honored to receive a recognition plaque, and our own Terri Poucher was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers from teacher Karen Smith in appreciation of her years of dedication and impact.

Thank you, Bridgeway Academy, for this meaningful recognition and your continued partnership. Together, we're helping empower students with the skills and confidence to thrive.

Have you checked your hurricane supplies lately? 🌀With hurricane season well underway and plenty of rainy weeks still ah...
03/08/2026

Have you checked your hurricane supplies lately? 🌀

With hurricane season well underway and plenty of rainy weeks still ahead, now is a great time to make sure your emergency kit is stocked before you actually need it.

One important update many Floridians don't realize is that you no longer have to wait for a Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. Florida has made many essential hurricane preparedness items permanently sales tax-free, so you can purchase them whenever it's convenient.

Items that are now tax-free year-round include:
✔️ Batteries
✔️ Portable generators
✔️ Fire extinguishers
✔️ Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
✔️ Insect repellent
✔️ Sunscreen
✔️ Life jackets
✔️ Waterproof tarps (up to 1,000 sq. ft.)
✔️ Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
✔️ Gas and diesel fuel cans (up to five gallons)

Keep in mind that other important emergency supplies, such as flashlights, lanterns, portable power banks, coolers, reusable ice packs, and pet supplies, are not included in the permanent tax exemption but are still important to have on hand.

Preparedness looks different for everyone. If you or a loved one has a disability or relies on medical equipment, remember to include any medications, backup batteries, mobility equipment, communication devices, and other personal essentials in your emergency plan.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management provides a comprehensive Hurricane Supply Checklist to help you prepare before a storm is approaching:
https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hurricane-supply-checklist/

Taking a few small steps today can make a big difference when severe weather arrives. Stay informed, make a plan, and stay safe this hurricane season.

Preparedness takes practice.. and strong partnerships.Earlier this year, the CIL participated in a tornado response dril...
27/07/2026

Preparedness takes practice.. and strong partnerships.

Earlier this year, the CIL participated in a tornado response drill at Langley Medical Center in Sumter County alongside local emergency responders, College of Central Florida nursing students, and community partners.

The realistic exercise helped participants practice responding to a variety of injuries and emergency scenarios. Representing the CIL and the Local Health Care Coalition, Kevin shared guidance on supporting people with disabilities during emergencies, reinforcing the importance of inclusive disaster planning.

Thank you to Langley Medical Center and everyone involved for helping build a safer, more prepared community for all.

📢 Join us at the Disability Awareness Expo on Wednesday, July 29!This free community event is an opportunity to connect ...
27/07/2026

📢 Join us at the Disability Awareness Expo on Wednesday, July 29!

This free community event is an opportunity to connect with local organizations, discover resources, and learn about programs and services that support individuals with disabilities and their families throughout Alachua County.

Whether you're looking for information, support, or ways to become more involved in creating an inclusive community, we encourage you to stop by.

📅 Wednesday, July 29, 2026
🕙 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📍 MLK Multipurpose Center
1028 NE 14th Street, Gainesville

Free A1C testing and giveaways will be available, courtesy of the Alachua County Health Department.

We hope to see you there!

We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of eight outstanding interns who have successfully completed the Project S...
23/07/2026

We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of eight outstanding interns who have successfully completed the Project SEARCH program and achieved employment at UF Health Shands Hospital. Congratulations to Malachai, Larry, Demetric, Ricky, Shamya, Brooklyn, Breck, and Chris on this incredible achievement!

During the graduation celebration, each intern received a certificate recognizing their hard work, dedication, and personal growth throughout the year. Surrounded by family members, department mentors, and managers, they celebrated not only the completion of the program, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

Their success is a powerful reminder of what is possible when individuals are given the opportunity to develop their skills in an inclusive workplace supported by strong partnerships and dedicated mentors.

Congratulations again to each graduate. We can't wait to see all that you'll accomplish!

We want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who helped make our Bradford County Emergency Preparedness Expo a ...
16/07/2026

We want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who helped make our Bradford County Emergency Preparedness Expo a success.

Preparing our communities for emergencies takes collaboration, and we're grateful to the many organizations that came together to share resources, answer questions, and help individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers build confidence in emergency preparedness.

THANK YOU to:
💙 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
💙 American Red Cross
💙 Florida Department of Health
💙 Alzheimer's Association
💙 Ascension St. Vincent's
💙 Florida Division of Blind Services

Thank you as well to everyone who attended, asked questions, connected with local resources, and took an important step toward being better prepared. Together, we're building a stronger, safer, and more resilient community.

We appreciate every organization and volunteer who helped make this event possible, and we look forward to continuing our emergency preparedness efforts throughout North Central Florida.

Address

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Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+13523787474

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