Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida

Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida Providing services with and on behalf of people with disabilities to live, work, and play independen A place where others long to live.

Welcome to the Western Gate of the Sunshine State where many people with disabilities live, work and play independently and make choices for themselves. 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 envis

ions 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 info@cilnwf.org 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.

There is still time to register for the upcoming free budget workhop at CILNWF, Build Credit From Scratch Workshop with ...
05/29/2026

There is still time to register for the upcoming free budget workhop at CILNWF, Build Credit From Scratch Workshop with presenters Barbara MacNeil and Rebecca Eddy both Business Development Managers for Loyalty Federal Credit Union.

Description: What do renting an apartment, getting a job offer, and car insurance rates all have in common? Your credit history could impact every one of these things (and more)! Credit is important for more than just getting a loan, although it impacts that too. If you know you need to build credit and aren’t sure how to do so without going into debt, this workshop will provide guidance and tools to start you down the path to building positive credit history. Whether you have never had any credit history or are looking to rebuild credit after an extended period without, this workshop will cover why it is important to build positive credit history and how to do so responsibly.

Date & Time: June 18, 2026 1:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

SIGN-UP FOR THIS EVENT: cut & paste this link https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/1xw79L0

🔷WHO SHOULD ATTEND
• Anyone with no credit history
• Anyone with no credit activity for 5+ years
• Parents of teenagers who want to help their child start building good credit

🔷WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
• Why credit is important
• Tools to start building positive credit history
• Healthy credit habits for using credit responsibly

🔷Your Host and this is an in-person event:
Danny Broxson, IL Skills/Volunteer Coordinator
Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida
21 South Tarragona St. Suite 101 Pensacola, FL. 32502
Phone 850-595-5566 For more information: info@cilnwf.org

♿Accommodation Request: Email info@cilnwf.org by NLT June 15, 2026

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.

Williams syndrome Awareness MonthWilliams syndrome is rare. In general, people who are not affected personally or don't ...
05/28/2026

Williams syndrome Awareness Month

Williams syndrome is rare. In general, people who are not affected personally or don't have a family member or friend who has been affected know little or nothing about it. We need to change that. It is only through awareness that we can attract the research interest and funding support that is needed to solve the many unanswered questions we all have.

Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone. It is characterized by medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning challenges. These often occur side by side with striking verbal abilities, highly social personalities, and an affinity for music. WS occurs equally in males and females and in all cultures worldwide. The following resources will provide details about the many facets of Williams syndrome.

Learn More: https://www.williams-syndrome.org/what-is-ws

American Stroke Association brings awareness to stroke signs and stroke prevention during American Stroke Month in MaySt...
05/27/2026

American Stroke Association brings awareness to stroke signs and stroke prevention during American Stroke Month in May

Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age. Although about one in four adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime[1], most adults in the U.S. don’t know the F.A.S.T warning signs of a stroke[2]. May is American Stroke Month and the American Stroke Association is urging people to learn the signs of a stroke and how to prevent one.

“Our power is in knowledge and how we apply that knowledge -- starting today -- to defeat stroke,” said David Harrington, president and chief operating officer of Centre for Neuro Skills and American Stroke Association volunteer. “Recognizing the stroke warning signs and calling 911 immediately may make the difference between a strong recovery or long-term disability; survival or death. Having a stroke puts you at a higher risk for a second one, however, there are things you can do to reduce your risk, starting with identifying what caused your stroke and uncovering all your personal risk factors.”

Here's how to spot a stroke F.A.S.T.:

🔹Face Drooping - Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
🔹Arm Weakness - Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
🔹Speech Difficulty - Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue."
🔹Time to Call 911 - If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get to a hospital immediately. Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared.

Image: copyright 2026 American Heart Association, Inc. American Stroke Association and Together to End Stroke are registered trademarks of the American Heart Association.

Sharing the power in numbers. CILNWF promotes, educates, facilitates, assists, and advocates with and on behalf of peopl...
05/26/2026

Sharing the power in numbers.

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. https://cilnwf.org/. Contact us for assistance at 850-595-5566 or info@cilnwf.org

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 The Arc Gateway Autism Pensacola Inc Carolyn Grawi. John Collins The Seven Project - Adaptive Fitness Impact100 of Northwest Florida, Inc. Autism Spectrum on the Emerald Coast, Inc. Florida Self-Advocacy Central BRACE Representative Michelle Salzman Florida Council on Aging Kenny Holt Connect ASL. United Spinal Association Advocacy Network Florida ADA Coordinators Network APD Florida (Agency for Persons with Disabilities) Mayor D.C. Reeves

Disability P⏻wer on the Hill may have ended but we wanted to look back on the impact it had. Seventy-Five advocates from 17 states held meetings with 72 different Congressional offices over the course of two days. That is the power of the disability community. We asked several of the advocates there to talk about their experiences, and this is what they had to say. https://www.aapd.com/disability-power-on-the-hill-2026-voices-advocacy-and-community-in-action/

ID: A diverse group of people with disabilities in front of the US Capitol with the words "2026 Disability Power on the Hill Recap" below.

Memorial Day is a federal U.S. holiday held the last Monday of May. It is dedicated to mourning and honoring all America...
05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a federal U.S. holiday held the last Monday of May. It is dedicated to mourning and honoring all American military personnel who died while serving in the Armed Forces.

While it unofficially kicks off the summer season with barbecues and sales, its true intent is solemn remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The staff and board of directors are thankful.

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. Autism Pensacola Inc The Arc Gateway Carolyn Grawi John Collins The Seven Project - Adaptive Fitness Impact100 of Northwest Florida, Inc. Autism Spectrum on the Emerald Coast, Inc. BRACE Florida Self-Advocacy Central Connect ASL Representative Michelle Salzman Florida Council on Aging Kenny Holt @

Image result from www.pinterest.com

05/25/2026

This is an interesting individual who has many products for people with disabilities. Check out his link and follow!

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 The Arc Gateway Autism Pensacola Inc Carolyn Grawi John Collins The Seven Project - Adaptive Fitness Impact100 of Northwest Florida, Inc. Autism Spectrum on the Coast, Inc. BRACE Florida Self-Advocacy Central Connect ASL

05/24/2026

Email from Florida Developmental Disabilities Council Stay CONNECTED with the most important news from the FDDC View as Webpage   FDDC Connections: May 2026 Stay connected with the most important news

Sharing this webinar: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CqfCCr9FJ/?mibextid=wwXIfrUnited Way of West Florida United Way E...
05/24/2026

Sharing this webinar: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CqfCCr9FJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

United Way of West Florida United Way Emerald Coast Sunday's Child IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area The Arc Gateway Carolyn Grawi Autism Pensacola Inc John Collins The Seven Project - Adaptive Fitness Impact100 of Northwest Florida, Inc. Florida Self-Advocacy Central Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living Florida Council on Aging Florida Independent Living Council, Inc.

Designing Streets for Everyone: Requirements, Research, and Guidance on the Use of Tactile Walking Surface Indicators for Pedestrians with Vision Disabilities
June 4, 2026 | 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Time

Description: The complexity of the built environment poses numerous and evolving wayfinding and other accessibility challenges for pedestrians with vision disabilities. Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSI) are one tool that can be used to improve accessibility and safety within public-rights-of-way. This webinar will cover existing requirements and will then aim to demonstrate the considerable research evidence that supports the recommendations for the design and use of TWSI that now appear in various reports and guidebooks. The webinar will also identify ongoing projects that document accessibility and safety challenges for pedestrians with vision disabilities; projects that also include efforts to provide evidence-based solutions.

05/23/2026

Sharing. FAAST, Inc. United Way of West Florida United Way Emerald Coast Sunday's Child IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area The Arc Gateway Autism Pensacola Inc Carolyn Grawi John Collins The Seven Project - Adaptive Fitness Impact100 of Northwest Florida, Inc. Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida. Autism Spectrum on the Emerald Coast, Inc. City of Pensacola - Government BRACE Spencer Blomquist Pensacola Police Department Eglin Federal Credit Union Escambia County Connect ASL

We were thrilled to have met many new faces at the Council on Aging of West Florida Granny Get-Down Event at SANDERS BEA...
05/23/2026

We were thrilled to have met many new faces at the Council on Aging of West Florida Granny Get-Down Event at SANDERS BEACH-CORINNE JONES RESOURCE CENTER on May 23rd. Be on the lookout for more events we will be attending soon!

FAAST, Inc. United Way of West Florida Sunday's Child IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area Impact100 of Northwest Florida, Inc. The Arc Gateway Autism Pensacola Inc The Seven Project - Adaptive Fitness Autism Spectrum on the Emerald Coast, Inc. BRACE Connect ASL Spencer Blomquist Eglin Federal Credit Union Pensacola Police Department John Collins Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida United Way Emerald Coast

Address

21 South Tarragona Street, Suite 101
Pensacola, FL
32502

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18505955566

Website

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