Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida

11/21/2025

We're thrilled to see another satisfied client benefit from our try-before-you-buy equipment at CILNWF and the Gulf Coast Regional Demonstration Center. Teddy is exploring the Go Talk 4, Tash Gumball Switches, Rusty the painted pony, and Dance & Move Beat Bow Wow, which will enable him to achieve independence and communication goals tailored to his age and daily needs.

CIL has worked continuously to provide for those in our community. The need doesn't stop. Your donations are more essential now than ever before! Please consider making a donation today!

3 Easy Ways to Give!
1. Online at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/center-for-independent-living-of-northwest-fla-inc/together-we-can-make-an-impact
2. Send checks to: CILNWF 21 South Tarragona Street, Suite 101, Pensacola, Florida 32502
3. Text Code "CILAWAYS" to 44-321

CIL is always Engaged!
CIL is always Essential!
CIL is always Here to Assist!

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. Call us at 850-595-5566 or email us at info@cilnwf.org if you need any assistance.

11/20/2025

Assistive Technology that works! CILNWF was able to help the individual get her own device and she is able to use text to speech so she can talk to her family and the medical staff at her assisted living facility! Thank you Sunday's Child for making this type of assistance available to those who need the assistive technology! Thank you Di Arnold for all your research and taking to time to demonstrate the tablet to the consumer.

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. Call us at 850-595-5566 or email us at info@cilnwf.org if you need any assistance.

11/19/2025

We are hiring! Please see attached information as it is below. Please follow instructions. No Phone Calls Please.

Job Announcement: Independent Living/ Information and Referral Specialist (Full-Time) 2025
https://cilnwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Info.Referral.Specialist-Posting.2025.pdf

This position is located at the Center for Independent Living (CIL) of Northwest Florida, Inc. The purpose of this position is to assist people with disabilities by providing information about community resources and facilitate the intake process for CILNWF services. The Independent Living/Information and Referral Specialist will answer telephones and/or greet walk-in consumers and provide needs assessments to determine whether CILNWF services or referrals to outside agencies is the most appropriate option. The incumbent will seek out and attend community fairs and interagency meetings in our service area to develop relationships and build community resource alliances, and to facilitate maintenance of a referral database.

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE POSITION:

1. Experience with disability matters is preferred.
2. Must have good communication skills.
3. Must have excellent writing skills.
4. Must have good record keeping skills.
5. Should have experience giving presentations.
6. Must have experience using computer technology and accessing the Internet.
7. Must be willing to travel occasionally to neighboring counties of Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton.
8. Must be able to work occasional weekends or evenings to attend vendor fairs or other organization
related activities (in rotation with other team members).
9. May be offered opportunities for overnight travel (such as CIL Day in Tallahassee).

This position offers a competitive salary and benefits. Please submit resume with cover letter, three professional references and salary requirements to info@cilnwf.org. No phone calls please.

11/19/2025

Today we had the pleasure of our CILNWF Board Member Mari Marcanio stop into our office. Our staff member Di Arnold saw her waiting and decided to give an impromtu tour of the FAAST Demonstration Center assistive technology available for short term loans - try before you buy. While looking at the many assistive technology Items, the Seatbelt Catcher™ caught Mari's attention.

The Seatbelt Catcher™ is the Ultimate Solution for Effortless Seatbelt Access! Ensure a hassle-free and comfortable experience with the Seatbelt Catcher™, designed to cater to individuals facing mobility challenges. Here are the key features that make it a must-have:

Extended Reach: Extend your reach by 9 inches, eliminating the need for awkward twists or strenuous efforts to secure your seatbelt.

Discomfort Eliminator: Bid farewell to discomfort, as the Seatbelt Catcher™ ensures a seamless and pain-free process of reaching and fastening your seatbelt.

Versatile Design: Crafted for individuals with disabilities, back problems, or injuries, the Seatbelt Catcher™ accommodates various mobility challenges with its versatile and practical design.

Ideal for Limited Motion: Tailored for those with limited motion, the Seatbelt Catcher™ is especially beneficial for the elderly, and individuals with frozen shoulders, arthritic stiffness, or persistent injuries.

Efficient Alternative: Say no to ill-fitted grip extensions and cumbersome seatbelt pull extenders. The Seatbelt Catcher™ offers a straightforward and efficient alternative for a secure seatbelt fastening experience.� �

Gearu Goods emerged from a simple yet profound desire: to solve everyday problems for which we couldn't find ready-made solutions. Their journey of innovation and problem-solving led us to experiment with various prototypes, and materials as well as learning CAD software and the power of 3D printing. Countless trials and revisions later, they arrived at thier current designs.

The Seatbelt Catcher™ cost starts at $14.95. Go to Gearu Goods website to see this and more of their other products. https://www.gearugoods.com/products/seatbelt-catcher

11/17/2025

👨‍👨‍👦‍👦Together, We Make Independence Possible

👫Every person deserves the right to live independently in the community of their choice — with dignity, purpose, and the freedom to thrive.

😎At the Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida, we’re deeply grateful for the compassion and generosity of supporters like you. Your gifts provide vital access and essential services that empower people with disabilities to live, work, and participate fully in society.

📅This year, community needs have outpaced available resources. Rising costs, reduced public funding, and increasing demand for support have created real gaps in services — gaps that threaten the independence of people who rely on us most.

🤟That’s where you come in.

🕐As the year draws to a close, your gift can bridge these critical gaps and ensure that no one is left behind. Your support provides the tools, advocacy, and opportunities that make independence possible — from accessible transportation and assistive technology to peer mentoring and community connection.

⌛Please make your year-end gift today. Every dollar you give helps fill the gaps that others can’t — building a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.

👍Thank you for your kindness, your commitment and your belief in independence.

⏰Donate Today! https://secure.givelively.org/donate/center-for-independent-living-of-northwest-fla-inc/together-we-can-make-an-impact

11/15/2025

RIP Alice. Your message will continue to be heard for many years to come.

Alice Wong, a writer and activist who was born with muscular dystrophy and who fought relentlessly for equal rights and access for people with disabilities, died on Friday. She was 51. https://nyti.ms/3LzOJaj

11/14/2025

Just in Time for the Holidays: Target Launches First-of-its-Kind Accessible Self-Checkout, Built with the Blind Community

A first-of-its-kind self-checkout, built to include more guests. A father stands beside his daughter at a Target self-checkout. She has low vision, and for the first time, she’s navigating the process on her own. He guides her through each step, offering quiet support as she scans an item. A soft beep sounds, followed by a clear voice reading the total. Her fingers move confidently across the tactile controller, guided by feel and sound rather than sight. The experience feels intuitive and empowering.

Thanks to Target’s new accessible self-checkout, moments like this will soon be possible for more guests across the country. Designed with and for disabled guests and people with disabilities, this solution is the first of its kind in U.S. retail. Rolling out to self-checkout stations nationwide beginning this holiday season and continuing through early 2026, it’s part of Target’s ongoing checkout improvements, reflecting our commitment to creating joyful, guest-first experiences that help all families feel seen, supported and welcome.

Technology built with a guest-first design
At the heart of this innovation is a guest-first design that primarily supports people who are blind or have low vision, with additional benefits for guests with motor disabilities. The team partnered closely with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), who provided valuable feedback throughout the development, design and testing process. Input from the blind community directly shaped the technology, which integrates seamlessly with Target’s existing self-checkout system and is intuitive to use independently.

Features include:

Braille and high-contrast button icons
A headphone jack with adjustable volume controls
Physical navigation buttons and a dedicated info key
A custom tactile controller co-developed by Target and touchscreen technology partner Elo
Guests hear every screen and payment prompt through one seamless audio stream. That allows them to check out independently and with confidence.

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. Call us at 850-595-5566 or email us at info@cilnwf.org if you need any assistance..



Source:

Target launches a first-of-its-kind accessible self-checkout experience, created with and for people with disabilities. Rolling out in stores now through early 2026.

11/13/2025

SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Comic-Con Cosplay Contest gave out awards today, and the votes were unanimous. Matthew West and his homemade Transformer armor won Best In Show, Judges’ Choice, Best Re-Creation, Best Original Design and Best Workmanship (list abridged for brevity).

“We see Transformer re-creations yearly,” said longtime CC judge Charlotte Fey. “This one not only was expertly crafted but also solved a problem.” And what was the twist that won West the crown, you ask?

The cataphract is also a fully functioning insulin pump.

The 6-foot-3-inch tall creation resembles Optimus Prime, with the addition of clear tubes wrapped around the arms and legs that insulin constantly flows through. On its back, an oxygen tank has been repurposed as an insulin reservoir, divided into quadrants for different types of insulin as necessary. West hopes to include space for glucagon, a hormone used in severe low blood sugar emergencies, in a future model. The contraption is constructed using various grade-A metals and a Google computer embedded in the head piece’s clear screen for convenience. West partnered with multiple tech companies for design tweaks (NDAs abound!) as well as Prada and Gucci for aesthetics. He also collaborated with Sh?ji Kawamori, Japanese film producer and creator of Transformers.

Full story: https://abilitymagazine.com/transformer-style-full-body-insulin-pump-stuns-at-comic-con/

Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living FAAST, Inc. United Way of West Florida Florida Independent Living Council, Inc. United Way Emerald Coast Sunday's Child IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area Disability Rights Florida Brain Injury Network DeFuniak Springs Community Information Emerald Coast Autism Center The Arc Gateway

SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Comic-Con Cosplay Contest gave out awards today, and the votes were unanimous. Matthew West and his homemade Transformer armor won Best In Show, Judges’ Choice, Best Re-Creation, Best Original Design and Best Workmanship (list abridged for brevity). “We see Transforme...

11/13/2025

Sharing from Great Lakes ADA Center. Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to entities that provide goods, services, or programs to the public, including banks, hotels, gyms, museums, restaurants, and more. How these businesses communicate and interact with their customers or service users is essential for supporting both compliance and inclusion.

In this video, we focus on practical considerations for Title III-covered entities when interacting with service users with mental health disabilities. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1366623341642178

Audio Described Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8G9Umf7OHDI



CILNWF promotes, educates, facilitates, assists and advocates with and on behalf of people with disabilities, in partnership with their communities, to achieve their goals for independence. Call us at 850-595-5566 or email us at info@cilnwf.org if you need any assistance.

11/12/2025

Home Heating Safety Tips from Escambia County Fire Rescue

Escambia County Fire Rescue would like to encourage residents to practice space heater safety and know the potential risks associated with home heating equipment. Home fires occur more in the winter months than at any other time of year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths and space heaters account for 4 out of 5 home heating fire deaths.

Follow these tips to stay safe while heating your home:

* Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
* Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace,
wood stove or portable space heater.
* Portable space heaters should be turned OFF every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
* Never plug a space heater in a power strip.
* Install carbon monoxide detectors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
* Never use an oven to heat your home.
* Close all bedroom doors before going to bed. Remember this phrase: Close before you doze!

For portable electric heaters:

* Place them on a solid, flat surface, away from high traffic areas and doorways.
* Use heaters with an automatic shut off so if they are tipped over they will shut off.
* Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.
* Inspect for cracked or damaged, broken plugs or loose connections; replace before using.

Heating Fire Facts:

Most home heating fire deaths (86%) involved stationary or portable space heaters.

The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (27%) was failure to clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.

The leading factor contributing to ignition for home heating fire deaths (54%) was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding.

Nearly half (48%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February.

Practicing these home heating safety tips will help keep our community safe and warm during the winter months. Knowing what to do now is key to having a safe home. For more heating safety tips and fire safety information, visit NFPA.

Smoke Detectors Save Lives! Escambia County Fire Rescue is available to provide and install smoke detectors free of charge for residents. According to NFPA, a working smoke detector cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half. For information about obtaining a home smoke detector, call 850-595-HERO (4376) or request a smoke detector online through Ask MyEscambia. City of Pensacola residents may call 850-436-5200 for smoke detector installation assistance.

https://myescambia.com/news/news-article/2025/11/10/home-heating-safety-tips-from-escambia-county-fire-rescue

11/11/2025

Council on Aging of West Florida in Pensacola is seeking donations of new electric space heaters, blankets, and funds to help keep older adults warm and safe.

"Requests for assistance from seniors are exceeding the number of donated items to meet this need."

https://www.facebook.com/share/17UBrmebKR/?mibextid=wwXIfr

PENSACOLA, Fla. --Council on Aging of West Florida is seeking donations of new electric space heaters, blankets, and funds to help keep older adults warm and s

11/11/2025

CIL of Northwest Florida is closed today to honor our Veterans. We will be reopen at 8AM, Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

What is Veterans Day? Facts, Meaning, and History

Veterans Day is intended to honor all those who served in the United States Armed Forces and thank them for their service and sacrifice.

Veterans selflessly serve their country, often putting themselves in harm's way to defend the freedoms we all enjoy.

Veterans Day is celebrated to honor and thank those who served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day is also an opportunity to acknowledge the courage and dedication of veterans’ service to our country.

The Meaning of Veterans Day
Every year on Veterans Day, communities nationwide unite to honor all who served or are still serving in the military. From parades and ceremonies to special events, the day honors veterans' contributions to our country and shows appreciation for their sacrifices. It is also a time to reflect on the challenges veterans can face when returning home or transitioning into civilian life.

While the textbook meaning of Veterans Day provides a general understanding of what it is and why we celebrate, the individual perspectives of veterans capture the day's essence. Each veteran Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) serves has unique experiences that shape what Veterans Day means to them.