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As we enter hurricane season, our weather in Florida is going to become more and more unpredictable and whether or not we're prepared is up to us. Stay safe. Stay prepared. That way we can weather the weather together . By Marcy Stumpf

In this update: Severe Weather Risk Tax Information From Camping To Dining Out: Here's How Experts Rate The Risks Of 14 Summer Activities CILDRC Service updates Florida Covid-19 Update Surveys Upcoming Community Events  Virus Info by County Census Reminder Please Donate!

Severe Weather Risk Be prepared this weekend. Make sure to have your emergency kits ready for any circumstances that might arise. Our current storm system has the potential for severe flooding and could develop into a tropical storm. Be careful everyone and stay safe!

We’re Ready for Storm Season, and Urge You to be Ready Too! A Message From Gulf Power: This hurricane season brings another new challenge – preparing for severe storms during a global pandemic. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has required Gulf Power to think differently about how we will prepare and restore power in the event of a major storm. We will take a number of precautionary measures to ensure our employees and customers stay safe during the restoration process, including incorporating social distancing wherever possible, using appropriate personal protective equipment, temperature screening of all restoration workers and frequently sanitizing hands and vehicles. The bottom line is that we take very seriously our responsibility and our duty to serve customers throughout any crisis that may come our way. Gulf Power has a plan for storm season and we are doing everything we can to make sure we’re in the best possible position to restore service safely and as quickly as possible following a storm...  Continue Reading Gulf Power's Message.

Tax Free Days on Disaster Preparedness have been announced: Tax free days to prepare for Hurricane season have just been announced — May 29, 2020 - June 4, 2020 Find out more information at the Florida Department of Revenue

Millions of people will get their Economic Impact Payment by prepaid debit card   Figure out if this applies to you by visiting the  IRS Website Today !

From Camping To Dining Out: Here's How Experts Rate The Risks Of 14 Summer Activities A BYOB backyard gathering with one other household: low to medium risk. Eating indoors at a restaurant: medium to high risk. Attending a religious service indoors: high risk... Find out the risk of more activities at  NPR

CILDRC Updates:   Our team has returned to the office and we continue to practice CDC guidelines and physical distancing by providing services by appointment only.    We ask that when an appointment is made that if you have any COVID-19 symptoms or are not feeling well that you stay home and contact us via phone. For all who come to the office for your appointment you will have an infrared temperature taken, you will need to where masks and gloves and you will be asked some screening questions in order to enter our building.    The CIL Team continues to also reach out by telephone to assess and fulfill consumer unmet needs. We have been able to assist many individuals with connection to food, equipment and/or a listening ear.   An encounter this week was connecting with a consumer who has experienced multiple hurdles from COVID-19 — job loss, food shortage, mounting bills. Then on top of this he had an injury that became infected turning his household and single parent care-giving upside down. The CIL Team was able to assist him to provide community resources for success to him and his family. When he was discharged from the hospital he had food resources and opportunity to be connected for rental and utility supports.    New challenges of COVID-19 occur everyday. If you are experiencing new urgent or ongoing matters that you want to attend to, please contact us ASAP. You can reply to this email or call is at 850-595-5566. We will do what we can to help support you in the direction(s) you wish to navigate for solution(s).    (If we haven't reached you yet and you don't feel you need to connect with CILDRC directly, please reply to this email and type  "I AM OKAY"  in the body.)

Florida Covid-19 Update Gov. DeSantis: Florida Could Be ready for Phase Two of Reopening Soon   The Governor is getting ready for certain counties to enter Phase Two of opening up the state. It is important to remember as businesses and organizations begin to re-open that it doesn't mean that the country is out of the woods yet. Please remain careful and considerate of all people while navigating our new normal. Wear masks when appropriate and follow the guidelines, not only set by the state, but by institutions who are trying to protect their staff and consumers. Together we can get through Covid-19!   For more information on where Florida's Covid-19 response visit  Florida Covid-19 Response.   For more information on the different phases please visit CDC's Guidelines of  Opening Up America Again.   For the information on the Phase Two infographic visit the   transcript .

We need your help completing an important survey about your experience during the Covid-19 pandemic.    The survey is completely anonymous and should take about 15 – 30 minutes to complete. The purpose of this study is to investigate issues related to quality of life, stress, healthcare access, and community access during the Covid-19 pandemic for individuals with a disability.    This research is IRB/ethics approved through Stockton University in NJ. We anticipate the results of this study will be published. Thank you for your assistance!   If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Kerri Sowers at  Kerri.Sowers@stockton.edu  or (609) 652-4418. Take Our Survey

FAAST Survey We're always looking for ways to improve FAAST services so we can help more people find Assistive Technology solutions. We've developed a short survey and we'd love a chance to hear from you. It will take less than 5 minutes and it will help make FAAST even better. When you fill out this quick survey, you have a chance to win a  $25 Amazon Gift Card!  That's our way of saying thank you! You have until  May 29th  at  5 PM ET  to enter. Take Our 5-minute Survey

Upcoming Community Events Crip Camp Impact Campaign: Have community building right in your own home. Every Sunday at 2 pm PST/5 pm EST from May 17th to August 30th for one and a half hours each. Here is a link to register or find out more information. FIU Embrace will be hosting a free online training on Knowing Your Rights (COVID-19), Saturday, June 6, 2020 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Webinar address will be provided at registration). Reserve your spot at Eventbrite.  Tips for Online Meetings for People with Disabilities Webinar is taking place on Monday, June 1, 2020 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. For more information visit the Disability Network. Join the CIL Disability Resource Center and Central Credit Union of Florida for a Build a Basic Budget webinar on June 9th at 2pm. NAMI Mental Health Peer Support Groups - On ZOOM. For dates and times visit this link to register or find out more. Online Group Psychological Health Promotion Program for Women with Spinal Cord Injury. Find out if you are eligible today! Research Opportunity: To understand how young people with disability experience the transition to adulthood. Find out if you are eligible today!

CIL Disability Resource Center: What is CIL? Orientation and Ask the Director... You are invited to a Zoom webinar. When: June 3, 2020 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada) Topic: What Is CIL & Ask The Director Q&A   Register in advance   with your own questions!

Transcript for the Build a Basic Budget

CIL Disability Resource Center is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.   Topic: Community Conversations Social Group Time: June 3, 2020 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)   Join Zoom Meeting   Meeting ID: 945 0933 6013 Password: 891587   One tap mobile +16465588656,,94509336013#,,1#,891587# US (New York) +13017158592,,94509336013#,,1#,891587# US (Germantown)   Dial by your location        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)        +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 945 0933 6013 Password: 891587 Find your local number     The Social Engagement Activity will occur each Wednesday at 12:00 noon.   Please watch for updated information posted on our website on how you can connect. We will also send out emails with instructions on how to participate.

Updated information about COVID-19 by county is available by clicking a graphic below.

Visit: 2020CENSUS.GOV

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Want to help people with disabilities live fuller, more meaningful lives in the community? Funding is presently needed to purchase wheelchairs, bath benches, walkers and other durable medical equipment. YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE! DONATE TODAY! You may contribute online by clicking the "Donate" button below or you may mail a check to: CIL Disability Resource Center 3600 North Pace Boulevard Pensacola, FL 32505

Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida, Inc. (FEIN: 59-2288751) dba CIL Disability Resource Center, is a registered charity in the State of Florida, Registration Number CH130. A copy of the Official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com SUPPORTED BY: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Florida Department of Education - Division of Vocational Rehabilitation State Funding Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST) Local Businesses, Private and Individual Donations

Certified Partner Agency