The below post is shared by Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida
The Florida Centers for Independent Living (CILs) gathered in Tallahassee for the 2026 CIL Day, bringing together CIL leaders and community partners from across the state. The event provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration, celebrate our shared mission, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing independence and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Throughout our time together we exchanged promising practices and engaged in meaningful discussions focused on Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities and that we are supported in emergency planning and response efforts. Other conversations highlighted innovative strategies, lessons learned, and practical approaches to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are fully considered state and local government planning efforts as well.
Beyond the educational elements we shared, the gathering fostered connection and camaraderie among colleagues dedicated to the same important work. The combination of thoughtful dialogue, shared expertise, and time spent together over good food made the 2026 CIL Day both productive and inspiring.
ABOUT US: CILs assist persons with disabilities and caregivers to establish lives of independence. CILs believe that persons with disabilities deserve the same opportunities for independence available to every American. Independent Living is having the right and the opportunity for individuals to pursue their lives based on the freedom of choice.
Everyone needs the freedom to succeed or fail, to learn from one’s failures, and to be supported in those efforts, regardless of the outcome. Empowerment (personal power) gives individuals control over their choices and their lives.
We believe that persons with disabilities and caregivers are qualified to assist others in identifying and acquiring the services necessary to overcome barriers, whether architectural, systemic, or attitudinal.
CILs 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. Transitions are a core service for centers for independent living (CILs). Many area agencies on aging (AAAs) and aging and disability resource centers (ADRCs) offer services to assist with transitions back home from hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions.
CILs provide assistance to individuals with significant disabilities who are at risk of entering institutions so that the individuals remain in the community, and
CILs 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. Find your CIL: https://floridacils.org/
