Center for Independent Living Gulf Coast

04/19/2026

💡 Ready to build real-world money skills AND explore your future?

The Center for Independent Living is hosting a **50 Hour Financial Literacy Career Camp** this June!

📍 **Where:** CILGC
2830 Winkler Ave, Suite 112
Fort Myers, FL 33916
(Please note: this is a NEW address)

📅 **When:** June 3–12, 2026
Weekdays only
⏰ 8:30 AM – 3:15 PM

👥 **Who:** Students ages 14–21
Must be in school with an IEP or 504 Plan

💼 **What You’ll Learn:**

* Job exploration counseling
* Self-advocacy skills
* Work readiness training
* Work-based learning experience
* Enrollment opportunity guidance

📲 **How to Register:**
Contact your local Vocational Rehabilitation office and request a referral

📞 Lee & Cape Coral: 239-772-6983
📞 Lee & Fort Myers: 239-278-7150

🌐 More info: https://www.rehabworks.org//student-youth/student-transition.html

This is a great opportunity to build confidence, gain independence, and get real experience that prepares you for life after school.

Spots are limited, so don’t wait.

02/12/2026

If you are an individual with a disability and
- Your home needs accessibility modifications, or
- Your home was damaged by a recent hurricane

You may qualify for home repairs and accessibility support.

The Center for Independent Living Gulf Coast is helping individuals determine eligibility through the SHIP program.

Phone: 239-260-4575
Email: ttaylor@cilgulfcoast.org

Support may include repairs that help you stay safe, independent, and in your home.

If this applies to you or someone you care about, please reach out or share this post.

01/28/2026

01/22/2026

01/14/2026

Ready to explore a new career? The free WISE webinar is the perfect chance to discover new opportunities and connect with resources designed to help you succeed. Tune in to the WISE on January 28 from 3 - 4:30 p.m. ET. Register now: choosework.ssa.gov/wise

After the webinar, contact us to learn more and get connected with support that fits your goals. Let’s explore what’s possible — together!

Attend a free Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) online webinar to learn about the Ticket to Work program or Work Incentives.

01/07/2026

💙 Celebrating Growth, Training, and Success at Project SEARCH 💙
We’re proud to share highlights from this quarter at Project SEARCH!
✔️ Our interns successfully completed BLS training, gaining life-saving skills and workplace readiness thanks to our valued partners at Florida SouthWestern State College.
✔️ Interns continue to make a meaningful impact across the hospital, bringing dedication, professionalism, and enthusiasm to every department they serve.
✔️ We’re celebrating successful employment outcomes, including alumni like JM, who turned determination into a full-time career and now helps train the next generation of interns.
None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our partners, mentors, and advocates who believe in creating competitive, meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
👏 Thank you to everyone who helps make these successes possible—together, we’re building futures.
📩 Applications for the 2026–2027 Project SEARCH Program

12/16/2025

FAAST Assistive Technology Spotlight: Communication Tools that make everyday conversations easier

In this video, we’re featuring a few powerful options that support real-world communication—at home, at work, in class, and out in the community:

If you would like more information about assistive devices, or would like to borrow a device at no cost from our lending library, the FAAST Regional Demonstration Center at CIL Gulf Coast can help! Contact Kelli: 386-866-4575 to get started.

12/12/2025

Wondering how work might affect your Social Security disability benefits? Get answers to your questions during the Work free WISE webinar, “Top 3 FAQs About Working While Receiving Disability Benefits,” on December 17 at 3 p.m. ET. https://choosework.ssa.gov/wise

You can also reach out the Center for Independent Livings Benefits Coordinator to answer questions at jburr@cilgulfcoast.org or (239)284-6843.

Attend a free Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) online webinar to learn about the Ticket to Work program or Work Incentives.

11/26/2025

Ready to unlock your independence?
Florida’s JP-PAS Program can help adults with disabilities stay employed by reimbursing up to $2,330 every month for Personal Care Assistance (PCA).

Who qualifies?
1. Age 18 or older
2. Florida resident
3. Employed with earned income
4. Not receiving SSI/SSDI cash benefits or Medicaid
5. Has a significant disability that requires PCA for at least 2 daily living activities

If that sounds like you or someone you know, reach out and learn how to apply.

Contact us:
239-788-5134
ttaylor@cilgulfcoast.org
https://floridacils.org/

ESPAÑOL:
¿Listo para desbloquear tu independencia?
El Programa JP-PAS en Florida puede ayudar a adultos con discapacidades a mantener su empleo con un reembolso mensual de hasta $2,330 por apoyo de cuidado personal (PCA).

¿Quién califica?
1. Tener 18 años o más
2. Residente de Florida
3. Estar empleado con ingresos
4. No recibir beneficios SSI/SSDI ni Medicaid
5. Tener una discapacidad significativa que requiere asistencia para al menos 2 actividades diarias

Si tú o alguien que conoces califica, contáctanos para más información.

Contacto:
239-788-5134
ttaylor@cilgulfcoast.org
https://floridacils.org/

11/10/2025

💬 Need help with daily living?
You’re not alone — and help is available!
Join the Center for Independent Living Gulf Coast and the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida to learn about:
✅ Medicaid, Medicare, Waiver, and Part D
✅ Additional benefits available to you
✅ Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care options
✅ Plus, a live Q&A session
📍 In-person:
7011 Cypress Terrace, Suite 103, Fort Myers, FL 33907
🗓 When: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
🕑 Time: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
💻 Virtual Option: Contact Travis for the Zoom link
📞 Travis Taylor: 239-788-5134
📧 ttaylor@cilgulfcoast.org
This session is free and open to the public. Bring your questions and learn how to access the support you deserve!