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.

Students in our High School High Tech (HSHT) program from Alachua, Levy, and Putnam counties recently participated in a ...
12/06/2026

Students in our High School High Tech (HSHT) program from Alachua, Levy, and Putnam counties recently participated in a hands-on career exploration experience at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo.

During the visit, students explored careers in animal care, conservation, and zoo operations while learning directly from staff and observing daily responsibilities within a professional setting. Students were introduced to Santa Fe College’s Zoo Animal Technology program, gaining valuable insight into postsecondary education pathways, while also participating in an on-site learning experience that highlighted careers in animal care and zoo operations.

This experience supported students in building awareness of career opportunities, strengthening connections between education and employment, and increasing confidence in exploring future goals. Opportunities like this align with HSHT’s mission to prepare youth with disabilities for successful transitions to postsecondary education and competitive employment.

Funded in part by The Able Trust.

Have you ever wanted to learn the basics of American Sign Language?Join ASL instructor Kenny Sanders for a FREE month-lo...
09/06/2026

Have you ever wanted to learn the basics of American Sign Language?

Join ASL instructor Kenny Sanders for a FREE month-long introduction to American Sign Language designed to help participants build communication skills and foster greater inclusion within our community.

Whether you're looking to connect with Deaf friends, family members, coworkers, or simply expand your understanding of accessible communication, this class is a great place to start.

📅 June 13, 20, 27, and July 11
📍 Cone Park Branch
2801 E University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32641

🔗 https://attend.aclib.us/event/15955372

At the CIL, we believe that communication access creates stronger, more inclusive communities. We encourage anyone interested in learning ASL to take advantage of this opportunity.

🌀 Hurricane Preparedness Tip: Know Your RiskUnderstanding your risk is one of the most important steps you can take befo...
09/06/2026

🌀 Hurricane Preparedness Tip: Know Your Risk

Understanding your risk is one of the most important steps you can take before hurricane season.

Many people focus on a storm's category, but hurricanes and tropical systems can bring a variety of hazards, including flooding, storm surge, damaging winds, tornadoes, power outages, and dangerous road conditions. These impacts can affect communities hundreds of miles inland and can occur regardless of a storm's strength.

For people with disabilities, older adults, and individuals with access and functional needs, understanding these risks is especially important when planning for safety and maintaining independence during an emergency.

Take time to ask yourself:

✅ Do you live in a flood-prone area or evacuation zone?
✅ If you rely on electricity for medical equipment, what is your backup plan if power is lost?
✅ If transportation becomes limited, how will you evacuate if necessary?
✅ Do you have enough medications, medical supplies, and essential equipment to last several days?
✅ Have you identified family members, caregivers, neighbors, or support networks who can assist if needed?

Remember, the greatest risks during a hurricane often come from water. Flooding can occur in areas that do not typically flood and can continue for days after a storm has passed.

Preparing now gives you more time to create a plan, identify resources, and ensure that your health, safety, and independence are protected before an emergency occurs.

This hurricane season, don't focus solely on the storm category. Know your risks, understand your needs, and prepare for all potential impacts.

💙 Preparation helps protect your safety, independence, and peace of mind.

HSHT Students Explore the University of Florida!Our High School High Tech (HSHT) students had an incredible opportunity ...
26/05/2026

HSHT Students Explore the University of Florida!

Our High School High Tech (HSHT) students had an incredible opportunity to tour the University of Florida campus! Students from Alachua, Levy, and Putnam counties, representing three high schools, came together for a day of college and career exploration.

From walking the campus to learning about college life, admissions, and future opportunities, students were able to experience firsthand what it’s like to take the next step after high school. For many, this was more than just a tour, it was a chance to start seeing themselves in a college setting and thinking about their future goals.

Experiences like this help our students build confidence, expand their horizons, and connect what they’re learning today to the possibilities of tomorrow.

We are so proud of our students for showing up, engaging, and taking steps toward their future!

Ready to explore your future?
If you’re a student with a disability ages 14–24, HSHT can help you build skills, explore careers, and experience college life!

Get started today: HSHT Interest Form 2026/2027
Questions? Contact Mika Vuto at [email protected]

Today, we honor and remember the brave servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.At...
25/05/2026

Today, we honor and remember the brave servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

At the CIL, we also recognize the lasting impact military service can have on individuals, families, and communities, including those living with visible and invisible disabilities as a result of their service.

Memorial Day is a reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience carried by so many. As we reflect today, we honor those we have lost, stand alongside veterans and individuals with disabilities in our community, and remain committed to building a world where every person is supported, valued, and empowered to live independently.

Today, we remember. 🇺🇸

Please note: CIL offices will reopen tomorrow, May 26th during normal business hours.

Hurricane season is almost here, and the best time to prepare is before a storm is ever in the forecast!The Atlantic hur...
22/05/2026

Hurricane season is almost here, and the best time to prepare is before a storm is ever in the forecast!

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and runs through November 30, but preparation starts now.

Here are a few important steps you can take today to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe:

✔️ Develop an evacuation plan and know your evacuation zone
✔️ Build a disaster supply kit with food, water, medications, batteries, flashlights, cash, and pet supplies
✔️ Review your insurance coverage early — flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period
✔️ Document important belongings with photos and serial numbers
✔️ Create a communication plan with emergency contacts written down on paper
✔️ Prepare your home by trimming trees, checking shutters, and securing vulnerable areas

Remember: power outages and service disruptions can last days or even weeks after a storm. Preparing ahead of time can reduce stress and help protect your independence and safety during an emergency.

For preparedness resources, visit:
Ready.gov
FEMA.gov
FloodSmart.gov

Stay safe, stay informed, and prepare early. 💙

What a wonderful evening celebrating creativity, confidence, and community at our Talent Show! 🌟We are so proud of every...
19/05/2026

What a wonderful evening celebrating creativity, confidence, and community at our Talent Show! 🌟

We are so proud of every participant who stepped up to share their talents and make the night truly unforgettable. From performances that made us smile to moments that inspired us, the evening was filled with encouragement, connection, and joy.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, supported, and helped make this event possible. Events like these remind us how important it is to create spaces where everyone can shine and be celebrated for who they are.

We can’t wait for the next one! 💙

Level up your future this summer!Join us for our FREE two-day PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS CAMP at the Center for Independent Liv...
15/05/2026

Level up your future this summer!

Join us for our FREE two-day PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS CAMP at the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida!

This interactive and hands-on camp is designed for teens and young adults with disabilities to build confidence, explore strengths, practice workplace skills, and learn real-life independent living skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Campers will:
✅ Explore strengths and interests
✅ Practice communication and teamwork
✅ Build job readiness and workplace skills
✅ Learn independent living skills
✅ Connect with mentors and peers
✅ Grow confidence for the future
✅ Fun camp activities

📅 Friday, June 12th & Monday, June 15th
⏰ 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 222 SW 36th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32607

Scan the QR code to register for one or both days of camp. Space is limited - secure your spot today!

📧 Questions? Contact Emily Flagg at [email protected]

Whether you're just getting started or already working, this is a great opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and prepare for your future!

Your future starts now. 💙

12/05/2026

Our community truly showed how AMAZING it is ❤️

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we’re grateful to share that we raised a total of $10,100 during this year’s The Amazing Give in support of independence.

Thank YOU to every donor, supporter, advocate, volunteer, board member, staff member, and community partner who showed up for CIL and helped make this possible. Your generosity directly supports programs and services that empower individuals with disabilities to live independently and thrive within our community.

We are beyond grateful for every donation, every share, and every person who rallied behind our mission. Thank you for believing in the work we do and for continuing to show up for our community.




Address

FL

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

Website

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