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Your CIL Questions, Answered

Posted on February 24, 2026 | by CIL Orlando

If you’ve ever wondered who we are, who we serve, or how you can support our work, you’re not alone. We get these questions all the time and we love answering them. Consider this your friendly, no-jargon guide to understanding what the Center for Independent Living in Central Florida is all about and how you can be part of the movement for access, independence, and inclusion.

So… who is CIL, really? At our core, we are a nonprofit organization led by and for people with disabilities. We believe that people with disabilities are the best experts on their own lives, and our work is grounded in the philosophy of independent living , the idea that everyone deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, choice, and control over their own lives. For nearly 50 years, we’ve worked to remove barriers, change systems, and build communities where people with disabilities can fully participate.

Who do you serve? We serve people with disabilities of all ages across Central Florida, including individuals with physical, sensory, cognitive, and mental health disabilities. Our services support people at many different stages of life from children and their families needing assistance with school and special education programs to young adults navigating employment or education, to older adults who want to remain safely in their homes, to individuals in our Deaf community. We also work closely with families, caregivers, employers, and community partners because independence doesn’t exist in isolation.

What kind of support does CIL provide? Our programs are designed to meet people where they are. This includes independent living skills training, advocacy, benefits counseling, employment support, assistive technology resources and home modifications that help people age in place safely. We also work at the systems level, advocating for policies and practices that expand access and opportunity for the disability community as a whole. Whether the barrier is physical, social, or systemic, our goal is the same: to help remove it.

Why does your work matter? Because access changes lives. When people can safely enter their homes, get to work, use public spaces, or make their own choices, independence grows. That independence leads to stronger families, healthier communities, and greater economic and social participation. Accessibility and inclusion don’t just benefit people with disabilities, they create communities that work better for everyone.

How can someone get involved if they want to support CIL? There are so many ways to be part of our mission. You can make a financial contribution to support our programs and services, volunteer your time or skills, attend or sponsor one of our events, or help spread awareness by sharing our work within your own networks. Businesses and community partners can also get involved through sponsorships, inclusive hiring practices, and collaborative initiatives. Every form of support helps us reach more people and remove more barriers.

What if someone needs services or knows someone who does? We encourage anyone who could benefit from our services or who has a family member, friend, or client who might, to reach out. Our team is here to listen, provide guidance, and help connect people to the resources they need. Even if we’re not the right fit for a specific situation, we’ll do our best to point individuals in the right direction.

At CIL, we believe that independence is a right, not a privilege. The more people who understand and support that belief, the stronger our communities become. Whether you’re seeking services, looking to get involved, or simply wanting to learn more, we’re glad you’re here and we invite you to be part of building a more accessible, inclusive future for all.

Americans with Disabilities Act 33rd Anniversary

Posted on August 1, 2023 | by CIL Orlando

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) celebrated its 33rd anniversary on July 26th, 2023.

Much remains to be accomplished in the United States to make for a truly equitable society for citizens with disabilities. However, the work completed in the name of this act remains undoubtedly noticed in society today.

CIL celebrated the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act by hosting a panel at our Winter Park office. The panel features Representative Anna V. Eskamani, Representative Rita Harris, and Policy Fellow Hiram Helfman.

The panel discusses in detail the ADA’s impact on the lives of people with disabilities, and the next steps needed to make a truly equitable society.

A Personal Letter of Opportunity- Meet Luz

Posted on December 7, 2020 | by cil_admin

I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a year like no other. However, despite all the negativity this year has brought, I still have HOPE. I have HOPE that there are still incredible people in this world that want to help others and HOPE that when a person with a disability needs something that can make their life more meaningful and become more independent, that people step up.

Five years ago, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a diagnosis that would change the way I live the rest of my life. This disease has taken so much away from me- my mobility being the most difficult to cope with. My ability to get around on my own has drastically decreased and now I fully rely on my wheelchair to do even the simplest of things like get around my home.

Losing my ability to walk wasn’t the only obstacle I faced. My own home, a place that used to make me feel safe and happy, now made me feel afraid and anxious. The steps leading to my front door seemed like a steep mountain, and if I fell down, I was unsure if I would be able to get back up on my own. Not only did this unexpected diagnosis take a physical toll on me, but also an emotional and mental toll. I felt like a prisoner in my own home. With the isolation came depression.

I knew I needed help, but I did not know where to turn until last year when I was connected with an organization that would change my life forever. On September 21 of 2019, CIL provided me a miracle by building me a ramp. This ramp has truly changed my life. It has given me the ability to be independent, to access my home, and to not feel like a burden to others. It has given me a sense of safety and the ability to reconnect with the world.

Last year I was 1 of the 119 people that CIL helped by providing life changing home modifications like ramps, door widenings, and the installation of grab bars. In addition, CIL provided 73 people with assistive equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, and shower chairs to give them the sense of independence they deserve.

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, CIL has still been working hard to help people with disabilities in need, giving people struggling that same HOPE that they gave to me. Since March of this year, CIL has received 1 call per day from individuals needing a home modification. That is an additional 200 people added to the waiting list since March.

They cannot continue to do the amazing work that they do without you though. Your donation truly makes a difference. By making a donation to CIL you help to give Central Florida’s most vulnerable residents the opportunity to be in control of their own lives. Your gift will provide the much-needed accessibility that our neighbors with disabilities need in order to live their lives to the fullest. We all face obstacles, especially during a year like this one, so I ask you to embrace the opportunity to make a positive change in someone’s life, and make a donation to CIL.

A Veteran’s Mission for Independence: Meet Bobbie Smith

Posted on November 11, 2020 | by cil_admin

Written by Melissa Donovan

Bobbie Smith spent 10 years as a mechanic in the United States Army and another 20 working for the United States Postal Service. While Bobbie was not in a rush to stop working, he was forced to retire after developing prostate cancer. He underwent radiation therapy that ultimately saved his life, but this was just the beginning of Bobbie’s medical journey. His back also required an intricate spinal fusion surgery, and bad circulation related to his diabetes required a partial amputation of one of his feet. With all of that, Bobbie also lost one of the things that he cherished most: his freedom.

Bobbie has always been very active in his community and without a safe and accessible way to leave his house, he was not able to do things that he once enjoyed. “I’m not really a home body. I want to explore, stay busy, participate in activities, and give back to the community,” Bobbie said. He uses a motorized chair to get around his house and outside, but there was still one thing that stood in front of him and his independence: the stairs to his house. With limited resources and the desire to leave his home, Bobbie crafted a makeshift ramp that allowed him to leave his home, but was very unsafe and not fully accessible.

Although Mr. Smith makes it his mission to live as independently as possible, he still relied on regular assistance from family, friends, neighbors, roommates and daughter, who would all help him get in and out of his home.

“I had to depend on a lot of people, which is something I do not like to do,” Bobbie said.

A chair stands on top of two brick stairs- the front door of Bobbie's home is open to see inside. — The chairs at the bottom of Bobbie’s front door left him relying on a chair and his friends and neighbors to get out of his home.

With the help of ABC Prosthetics & Orthotics and their volunteer group “Limb-It-Less,” Bobbie received an aluminum ramp on February 9, 2019 that was built using donated tools from Stanley Black & Decker. The ramp was was built to not only allow Bobbie to access his home without assistance, but also to do safely. Bobbie described first seeing his ramp like the feeling of “opening up a present on Christmas day”.

“I am on the go a lot, and now I do not need any help leaving the house,” Bobbie said.

Bobbie recommends that veterans who are in similar situations to get in touch with CIL. He is very thankful and appreciative of all the work that volunteers have done for him to give him back his freedom.

Seven people stand in front of and to the sides of Bobbie Smith (in his electric wheelchair) on an aluminum ramp in front of a house. — Volunteer team “Limb-it-Less” join Bobbie on his newly assembled ramp.

Click here to donate to help more veterans like Bobbie rediscover their independence.

Celebrating NDEAM- CIL Staff Spotlight: Danielle Head

Posted on October 26, 2020 | by cil_admin

October is nationally recognized as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, also known short as NDEAM. This year’s observance is unique in that it not only marks the 75th anniversary since NDEAM originated, but 2020 also celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); a piece of civil rights legislation signed by George H.W. Bush, that granted rights and equal opportunities to people with disabilities in the United States.

One of the numerous focuses of the act was the expansion of equal employment opportunities and full inclusion for people with disabilities. While great advances in employment equality have been made thanks to the ADA, some people with disabilities still find it difficult to secure meaningful employment. In the state of Florida alone, there are an estimated 2.67 million people who indicate that they have some sort of disability, according to a 2019 report from the Florida Chamber Foundation. This is 13.4 percent of all Floridians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an unemployment rate of 7.3 percent among people with disabilities in the United States in 2019, a slight decrease from the 8 percent reported in 2018. However, people with disabilities are still twice as likely to be unemployed, compared to those without a disability.

This was the case for a young woman named Danielle Head, 35, who was not born Deaf, but after childhood complications from Rotavirus, lost her hearing. After graduating and attaining an associate degree from Seminole State College, Danielle wanted to explore the work field of graphic design and photography, with the hope to ultimately land a job. But it’s not that simple for people with disabilities in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019, unemployment rates for persons with a disability were higher than those for persons without a disability, even with the same education levels. Although Danielle had a respectable amount of graphic design and photography experience, she still struggled to find fulfilling employment that utilized her skills and capabilities.

Danielle Head sitting down in graduation gown, smiling and holding diploma. — Danielle graduated from Seminole State College in May of 2018 with an A.S. in Digital Design.

“I think that it’s important that people know that people with all different types of disabilities can do so many things that a lot of jobs require. There is so much misconception about the capabilities and work ethic of people with disabilities,” said Danielle.

In November of 2018, Danielle was referred to the Center for Independent Living of Central Florida, now known as CIL, for employment services. After working closely with her case manager on things like her resume, interview skills, and the job application process, Danielle felt ready for the next step of the process, which was on the job training, or OJT. This process typically is a supervised hands-on experience at a workplace to ensure that the transition to a job after this process is smooth. Danielle inquired if her training could take place within the walls of CIL, specifically with the development department, and her request was happily accepted. Development Director, Brittany Pilcher, knew that this training opportunity could allow Danielle to utilize and grow her skills of graphic design and photography, and that is exactly what happened.

photo of Danielle Head shoulder up, wearing a blue CIL polo shirt. — Danielle Head, 35, currently works at the Center for Independent living of Central Florida (CIL).

After Danielle’s on the job training came to an end, she still found herself struggling interview after interview. She couldn’t help but feel that she was at a constant disadvantage because of her disability, and found that as an individual who is Deaf and primarily uses American Sign Language to communicate, there was a communication barrier that kept her from connecting with potential employers. At this time, an opportunity arose within the development department at CIL for a graphic design position, and Danielle was happily selected to fill that role.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 6.5 million current job openings. Many of these positions could be filled by qualified people with disabilities; yet stigmas and misconceptions keep these positions vacant and unfilled.

Danielle Head standing in front large painted mural, wearing blue drape around her neck that says "Orlando City" — Earlier this year, Danielle was selected to design a mural at Camping World Stadium for Orlando City Soccer Club. Image source: Seminole State College

“With increased education and advocacy on people with disabilities, we hope that potential employers see the true benefits of hiring people with disabilities,” said Jascinth Lawrence, Program Director at CIL.

“Our clients are eager to get into the workforce and lead independent lives; they just need the opportunity and employers who are willing to see them for their abilities,” Lawrence added.

Hector’s Story- Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month

Posted on September 29, 2020 | by cil_admin

Written by Melissa Donovan

38 years ago, Hector Del Valle was involved in a drunk driving car accident. He was only 17 years old and was battling a major substance abuse problem. He hit two cars and a brick wall, leaving him with a life altering Spinal Cord Injury. Hector is now in a wheelchair and is paralyzed from the chest down.

A photocopy of an article written by Hector Del Valle. An old image of Hector is surrounded by the text of the article he wrote. — A story written by Hector and published in a NAADD (National Association on Alcohol, Drugs & Disability) newsletter. In the writing Hector talks about the lack of accessibility in drug and alcohol abuse treatment centers.

“Today almost 38 years later I could honestly tell you that this injury has impacted my life by the power I give it,” Hector said. “Sometimes it’s my chariot of entitlement thinking I have every right to abuse myself and others and other times I’m humbled by it.”

Since the accident that caused his Spinal Cord Injury, Hector has been a major advocate against drunk driving. While he lived in New Jersey, he was a part of the effort of raising the drinking age from 18 to 21, and this gave him his first job in the New Jersey department of highway safety. Later, he moved to New York and landed another job as a Minority Outreach Coordinator for an independent living center. In 1997 he moved to Orlando in pursuit of his Masters degree in Social Work at UCF. At that time he was also working at one of the biggest substance abuse programs in the area where he was a major advocate for equal access to substance abuse treatment for people with addictions and disabilities on a national level. This later led him to become involved at CIL.

Sylvia Longmire in wheelchair (left), Hector Del Valle in wheelchair (middle), and Amanda Perla Jereczek in wheelchair (right) wearing formal attire and smiling. — Sylvia Longmire, Hector Del Valle, and Amanda Perla Jereczek at the 2018 Celebrating Independence Gala event.

Knowing that this injury has left him to be dependent on others which also places him in a vulnerable position, he has created a “medical support network” of people he knows he can trust. As a board member of CIL, he hopes to be someone who others may be able to relate to and trust.

“CIL does their best to address and to advocate those rights of people with disabilities and caregivers who take care of them,” Hector said. “The world is changing every day, our climate is changing, we are in the middle of a worldwide pandemic and we are already changing how we do health care. Hence, why we will need more individuals with SCI’s and other types of disabilities to provide mental health counseling to keep us all balanced as we navigate these world wide changes and how it’s impacting all of our communities.”

As someone who has faced the challenges that comes with a Spinal Cord Injury, Hector has some words of advice and encouragement for anyone who may feel they can relate to him.

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