Your CIL Questions, Answered

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.