CILNWF envisions a world where people with disabilities have freedom, choice, and control over all aspects of their lives so they can fully and equally participate in society. A place where others long to live. Mission: CIL of Northwest Florida (CILNWF) promotes, educates, facilitates, assists and advocates with and on behalf of people with disabilities, in partnership with their communities, to achieve their goals of independence. Vision: CILNWF envisions a world where people with disabilities have freedom, choice and control over all aspects of their lives, so they can fully and equally participate in society
Five Core Services:
Advocacy Services: Individual and systems advocacy to promote positive change for and with individuals. Work with individuals on self-advocacy assertiveness to promote personal empowerment. Systems advocacy activities in partnership with individuals and community members to affect attitudinal and environmental change. Regional consultants are available for all titles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Information and Referral: Provide information on any subject related to living independently with all disabilities. Refer individuals to other agencies in our network to assist in gaining independence. Independent Living Skills: Trained staff available with innovative approaches to performing basic tasks that lead to independence, such as budgeting, resume writing, application assistance, and employment readiness. Peer Mentors: Peer Mentors with disabilities serve as role models to and provide moral support and creative solutions for issues of life. Community Transition:
Facilitate the transition of individuals with significant disabilities from nursing homes and other institutions to home and community-based residences, with the requisite supports and services. Provide assistance to individuals with significant disabilities who are at risk of entering institutions so that the individuals remain in the community, and
Facilitate the transition of youth who are individuals with significant disabilities who are eligible for individualized education programs under Section 614(d) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 14149d), and who have completed their secondary education or otherwise left school, to post-secondary life. If you are interested in the Youth Transition to Employment Program contact us at [email protected] for an interest form. Some of our programs include:
Information and Referral: Resource Library and Referrals to Community Services and Programs
Peer Mentor: One person with a disability talking to another person with a disability
Housing: Referrals for housing or home modification
Advocacy: Know your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Handicapped Parking Code Enforcement
Independent Living Skills Training: Assistance with writing your resume’, keeping your check book, calling for transportation, obtaining an assistive device, etc. Loan Locker: Free short- and long-term loans of equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and etc. Assistive Technology Program: Short-term loans of assistive technology on a “try before you buy” basis; assistive technology assessments and training; alternative finance solutions for the purchase of assistive technology. Florida Telecommunications Relay Distribution Center (FTRI): FTRI is a statewide non profit 501(c)3 organization that administers the Specialized Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program for citizens of Florida who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf/Blind and Speech Disabled. FTRI is also responsible for the education and promotion of the Florida Relay Service.
