Outside, a woman with red hair wearing pink and blue dress sit in black motorized wheelchair with arms crossed on top of lap, aluminum ramp in background.

A Personal Letter of Opportunity- Meet Luz

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.


Man sitting in electric wheelchair with hand underneath chin. American flag design faded into background behind the person.

A Veteran’s Mission for Independence: Meet Bobbie Smith

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 […]


Danielle Head standing in front large painted mural, wearing blue drape around her neck that says "Orlando City"

Celebrating NDEAM- CIL Staff Spotlight: Danielle Head

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. 


Image of Hector Del Valle in his motorized wheelchair on bridge. Background of photo is black and white and blurred, and Hector is in color. Text to the right of Hector reads "Hector's Story".

Hector’s Story- Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month

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. 


Image of Christopher Pruitt in his wheelchair- Text: "Christopher's Story"

Christopher’s Story- Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month

September was designated National SCI Awareness Month by the US Senate in an effort to raise awareness about SCI, the need for better treatments and education on prevention. According to themiamiproject.org, 17,730 new spinal cord injuries occur each year in the United States alone.


Asia and brother bouncing matching basketballs

CIL Career Camp Experience- Asia Abualsamid

Asia Abualsamid, 17, has participated in the Center for Independent Living’s Career Camp for the past two years. The camp is a completely immersive program where high school students with disabilities can experience pre-employment skills training and get exposed to opportunities that will ultimately help them to transition to adulthood and careers.


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