Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living

09/22/2025

✨ “I am different, but not less.” – Temple Grandin ✨

We know that differences make our community stronger. Every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and the chance to live independently. 💙

Learn more about our programs and resources: nncil.org

09/19/2025

September is Emergency Preparedness Month — NNCIL has your back.

https://youtu.be/mQvVAV_AZn8?si=6_7s_TX2cxzQ1gl2

Emergencies don’t wait — and neither should your plans. This month, take steps to make sure your needs are front and center:
⭐ Make a plan that fits YOU — include medical info, assistive tech, service animal needs, and accessible evacuation options
⭐ Create your Emergency Plan using NNCIL’s guided checklist that considers your unique circumstances: https://nncil.org/what-is-your-emergency-plan/
⭐ Identify your people. Who can you help in an emergency? Who can help you? https://nncil.org/who-are-your-people/

Tip: Build, share, and practice your plan — and include your personal support network.

Stay safe. Be ready. You’re not alone.

While it's important for everyone to be prepared for an emergency, this is especially important for people with disabilities and older adults, as they'll mos...

09/18/2025

🚶‍♂️👨‍🦯 What’s it like to navigate your neighborhood without sight?

In this video, NNCIL Associate Director Mark Tadders demonstrates the challenges blind people face — like tree branches, uneven sidewalks, and yes… even dog p**p.

These obstacles aren’t just inconvenient — they can be dangerous. And for people in wheelchairs, it can be even harder.

Take a walk through your neighborhood and ask yourself: Is this space safe and welcoming for everyone? Let’s work together to make our communities more accessible and neighborly for all.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPvK7iQ7NuuGqUiVLLkdIoh3F322SRlTz

Here are tips on how to make the world more accessible for people with disabilities.

09/17/2025

🌟 Get Active with Adaptive Recreation in Reno!

Did you know the of Reno Government offers a variety of Adaptive Recreation Programs? These are designed for folks with disabilities to get involved in sports, movement, and recreation — all in ways that are fun, inclusive, and empowering.

Here are some of the options:
🏐 Wheelchair Pickleball — fast-paced, social, and for all skill levels
🏐 Wheelchair Rugby — competitive & exciting, using special “rugby” wheelchairs
🏐 Skills & Drills Sessions — to build strength, technique, or just try something new
🏐 Sled Hockey — they provide all the equipment and on-ice coaching; great for newcomers
🏐 “Dance for All” — collaborating to offer dance opportunities, teens & adults with special needs included

Interested in trying something? Click the link for more information: https://www.reno.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation-community-services/adaptive-recreation/adaptive-programs

Participants with physical disabilities will get a chance to learn about sled hockey and get on the ice. All equipment and on-ice instruction provided at Reno Ice. Please wear long pants and closed toed shoes. No prior experience necessary. 

09/17/2025

In this episode, .sofia.sanchez visits with Frannie Williams of Assistive Technology Services in Las Vegas. Frannie showcases incredible tools that are helping people with disabilities communicate, learn, and live more independently. From speech devices to adaptive tech, the future is accessible!

Sofia also chats with UNLV student Nick, who shares his love for gaming, his family, his dog, and his dream of working with computers.

About the show: Young actress Sofia Sanchez explores Nevada, highlighting inspiring stories of people with disabilities living their best lives, while also sharing expert insights on independent living, accessibility, budgeting, nutrition, and more!

We’re Hittin’ the Road with Nevada TRIP!
This powerful tool is helping students with disabilities, their parents, and educators navigate the process from elementary to middle to high school and beyond to adult life and independence.

https://youtu.be/7ZdQqjLw4Ys?si=KT6viaCCSvtH-eWF

In this episode, Sofia visits with Frannie Williams of Assistive Technology Services in Las Vegas. Frannie showcases incredible tools that are helping people...

09/16/2025

Looking for connection, support, and independent living skills in Fallon? Join NNCIL’s Blind Peer Support Group / Independent Living Information Session at the William N. Pennington Life Center / Coalition for Senior Citizens

🗓 When: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Thursday, September 18, 2025
📍 Where: William N. Pennington Life Center, 952 S. Maine St, Fallon, NV

Come hang out with others who “get it,” share experiences, get helpful tips about independent living, and build connection in a welcoming — and accessible — space.

Safe, supportive, and FREE. See you there!
Questions? Mark@NNCIL.org.

09/16/2025

This is an excellent reminder.

Please consider this perspective.

09/15/2025

We believe true independence means having the dignity to try, to learn, and yes, even to stumble along the way. Mistakes aren’t setbacks, they’re stepping stones toward growth, confidence, and self-determination.

💪 Let’s continue to build a community where every person has the support and freedom to live life on their own terms.

09/12/2025

In this episode, Sofia meets Benjamin, a teacher’s aide in Las Vegas, who shares why having a job as a person with a disability is so important. Employment provides independence, helps you step outside your comfort zone, builds responsibility, and fosters active citizenship. Benjamin offers practical tips for landing a job — like working with Vocational Rehab of Nevada — and shares his passion for advocating for people with disabilities. His ultimate dream? Becoming a school social worker.

https://youtu.be/VoK437dvQBg?si=743S5UMFGCxTcMQ7

Sofia also talks with Joni Ingles, Urban Advocate for NNCIL, about what independent living truly means — having the freedom to choose where and how you live, and making your own decisions. Joni offers guidance for young adults transitioning out of high school, from understanding available benefits to staying organized with critical details like housing, employment, transportation, and finances. Her key tip? Don’t ignore your mail — it’s far easier to keep benefits than to reapply for them.

About the show: Young actress Sofia Sanchez explores Nevada, highlighting inspiring stories of people with disabilities living their best lives, while also sharing expert insights on independent living, accessibility, budgeting, nutrition, and more!

We’re Hittin’ the Road with Nevada TRIP!
This powerful tool is helping students with disabilities, their parents, and educators navigate the process from elementary to middle to high school and beyond to adult life and independence. Learn more at https://nevadatrip.nv.gov/

In this episode, Sofia meets Benjamin, a teacher’s aide in Las Vegas, who shares why having a job as a person with a disability is so important. Employment p...

09/11/2025

🎬 Free Saturday Movies at South Valleys Library!

Looking for something fun (and free!) to do this fall? Washoe County Library is hosting classic movie screenings on Saturdays, from 2–5 PM at the South Valleys Library, and everyone’s welcome!

Here’s what’s coming up:
🍿 9/6 – Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)
🍿 9/13 – The Hustler (1961)
🍿 9/27 – Barefoot in the Park (1967)
🍿 10/4 – Cool Hand Luke (1967)
🍿 10/11 – Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
🍿 10/25 – The Sting (1973)
🍿 11/1 – All the President’s Men (1976)
🍿 11/8 – The Natural (1984)

🍿 Come enjoy great films, good company, and a welcoming space for all.
https://events.washoecountylibrary.us/event/14682092

Together and separately, Paul Newman and Robert Redford starred in some of the most famous and influential films of the 1960s and 1970s. Their rugged good looks and versatility in...

09/10/2025

🚍 Share Your Voice in the Future of Transit!

Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County - RTC is looking at the future of public transportation in Washoe County with Move More with RTC — and they want to hear from YOU.

📝 Take a quick survey by October 12, 2025 and you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift card plus either a RTC RIDE 30-day pass or RTC ACCESS ticket book.

Your input will help improve:
🚍 RTC RIDE, FlexRIDE, and ACCESS services
🕑 When and where buses run
♿ Better options for older adults and people with disabilities
📱 Using technology to make riding easier
💡 Where investments are most needed

Every rider’s perspective matters — whether you take the bus daily or haven’t in years. Let’s make public transportation accessible, reliable, and welcoming for everyone.

👉 http://www.rtcwashoe.com/movemore

Short survey on how RTC services are working for youComplete it for a chance to win a $50 gift card + RTC RIDE 30-Day pass or RTC ACCESS ticket bookOpen through October 12, 2025