Success Stories, ADA Celebration Highlights, Public Forum, Upcoming Events and more!

August 30, 2019

The CILDRC mission is to promote, educate, facilitate, assist and advocate with and

on behalf of people with disabilities,

in partnership with their communities,

to achieve their goals for independence.

Making a Difference....

Consumer Jamie (pictured right) learned about the CIL Disability Resource Center (CILDRC) by chance one day as CILDRC team members were in the community, fundraising outside Publix. A team member noticed that Jamie was having difficulty walking using her walker and offered to assist. Jamie explained that she has Multiple Sclerosis and the progression of her condition has made it very difficult to walk. The staff member then told Jamie about the programs and services available at CILDRC and subsequently, Jamie made an appointment.

She arrived for her appointment and met with an Independent Living Specialist (ILS) and the Assistive Technology Program Specialist (ATPS) for the Gulf Coast Regional Demonstration Center. After an intake interview and assessment, Jamie borrowed a manual wheelchair that she can use when she needs to walk long distances. The ILS also noticed Jamie struggling to get her leg lifted up into her car as she was leaving. The ATPS retrieved a Leg Lifter from the AT library for Jamie to try. A Leg Lifter is a low-end assistive technology item that will help Jamie remain independent, because she can to get her legs into the car by herself with just a bit of effort.

Jamie has been very happy with both the wheelchair and the Leg Lifter. These devices have changed her life and she wants to share it with everyone.

For more information on CILDRC or FAAST programs and services, please call 850-595-5566 or email us at info@cil-drc.org .

Spotlight on Assistive Technology

A leg lifter is a “Durable and Rigid Hand Strap & Foot Loop - Ideal Mobility Tool for Wheelchair, Hip & Knee Replacement, Bed or Car (35 -42 Inches Long”. This can be purchased for as low as $10.00 on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Rehabilitation-Advantage-Rigid-Lifter-Foot/dp/B0788BR86V .

ADA Training Available

Did you know that the CILDRC team is part of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Training Network - Southwest Region? Our team is available to provide training on the ADA and educate the community about the programs and services provided by the Center.

If your business or organization would like training on the ADA and would like to learn more about CILDRC programs and services, please call 850-595-5566 or send email us at

info@cil-drc.org to request more information.

29th ADA Anniversary Celebration a Huge Success!

Over 150 people, including state and local elected officials, disability rights advocates and people with disabilities gathered together at the Pensacola Yacht Club on July 26, 2019 to celebrate the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This historic legislation provides civil rights protections for people with disabilities in the United States.

CILDRC hosts this celebration annually to bring awareness to the ADA and also to recognize individuals in our local communities who are champions for people with disabilities. Mayor Grover Robinson provided the keynote address and local television anchor Sue Straughn (pictured above) graciously served as Emcee.

This year's Joe Oldmixon Award for Outstanding Service to People with Disabilities went to Holley Moseley (pictured right), whose advocacy with and on behalf of people with epilepsy paved the way for the legal use of medical cannabis as form of treatment for seizure disorders. Holley and her daughter Rayann, were both present when then Governor Rick Scott signed legislation that made the new treatments possible. During the program, Holley reported that Rayann has been seizure free for two years as a result of the treatments.

The South Santa Rosa County Community was recognized with the Spirit of CIL Award for coming together to create various programs for individuals with intelluctual and developmental disabilities. This includes the opening of a special needs adult day program in South Santa Rosa by The ARC Gateway; establishment of a Miracle League baseball program by the County; a "Night to Shine" prom; ADA improvements to Navarre Beach; and other previously unavailable services. On hand to accept the award was Robin Jones, nominator and parent of two sons with Autism; Joy Grace and Berta Hurston, representing Community Life United Methodist Church (hosts of “Night to Shine" prom, quarterly dances, and movie nights); Missy Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc Gateway; Dave Piech, Santa Rosa County Commissioner; Rob Williamson, former Santa Rosa County Commissioner, community organizations like Across the Board Therapy, Emerald Coast Exceptional Families, Star Fish Project and many community members. (Pictured above: Joy Grace, Missy Rogers, Santa Rosa Commissioner Dave Piech, Robin Jones, Carolyn Grawi, Beth Saier, Berta Hurston, Rob Williamson)

Brian P. Bell, Sr. was recognized as Volunteer of the Year for his many years of Board service, fund raising efforts and overall support for Capstone Adaptive Learning and Therapy Centers. His 30+ years of banking and financial experience, as well as helping the organization locate valuable financial resources has been invaluable toward furthering the Capstone mission. (Pictured above Capstone CEO Dr. Sherri White, Carolyn Grawi, Beth Saier, Mr. and Mrs. Brian P. Bell, Sr.)

Thank you to our Gold level sponsors Team Adaptive, Networks of Florida and ITL Solutions; Silver sponsors Pensacola Yacht Club and Highpointe Hotel Corporation; Bronze sponsors Connect ASL and R & M Mobility; and Friends of CIL for their generous support.

Also thank you all of the donors who made our silent auction and drawings a hit for attendees!

Pictured from bottom left: CILDRC Board members Tara Blackwell, Board President Beth Saier and Board member John Collins. From top left Board member Jay Fraiser, Executive Director Carolyn Grawi and Board member Chris Walker. Not pictured: Board members Jerry Cloud, Tabitha Nichols and Arnie Rosenbleeth.

From left to right, CILDRC team members Danny Broxson, Karen Jackson, Executive Director Carolyn Grawi, team members Deb Stanwood, Diana Tift, Jenae Garrette and Kelley Martinez. Not pictured: Team members Cheri Hofmann, Brett Robinson and Susan Foster

CILDRC Team Member Celebrates

Service Milestone

Fiscal Manager Debbie Stanwood was recently recognized for 20 years of service at CILDRC. Debbie attributes her longevity at CILDRC to her daughter Hannah.

Executive Director Carolyn Grawi presented a plaque inscribed "In grateful appreciation of your 20 Years of Service to the Center for Independent Living Disability Resource Center, we recognize your outstanding dedication and support of the organization. Your efforts further and enhance the CIL mission to promote, educate, facilitate, assist and advocate with and on behalf of people with disabilities, in partnership with their communities, to achieve their goals for independence".

Debbie says "When I was hired all those years ago, I had no experience with non-profits or people with disabilities; but I had the accounting/management background that the organization was seeking.

I was also the parent of a three month old daughter who had been injured during birth. Her future as it relates to her development was unknown to me at that time. As my daughter grew, it became very apparent she had developmental delays and then was also diagnosed with Autism by age five.

Being a person who believes that most things in life happen for a reason, I knew that CILDRC was the place I was supposed to be. I have met a lot of wonderful people, made some lifelong relationships and been supported in my daughter's journey all along the way. I raised all four of my children during my time here at CILDRC. I can't imagine being anywhere else."

Join us to help shape the future of

independent living services

in Florida! See details below:

See YOU in September!

CIL Disability Resource Center team members will be available to you at our office located at 3600 North Pace Boulevard, Pensacola; by phone, 850-595-5566; and by email, info@cil-drc.org. We will also be in the community on the following dates and times:

9/4: Gull Point Community Center (FTRI phones), 10 am - 1 pm

7000 Spanish Trail Road, Pensacola - Look for Karen Jackson

9/7: MS Support Group, 11am - 1 pm

West Florida Rehabilitation Institute, 8383 North Davis Highway, Pensacola

Look for Susan Foster

9/10: FILC Public Forum, 1 - 3 pm

CIL Disability Resource Center, 3600 North Pace Blvd., Pensacola

9/11: Cross Disability Support Group, 12 - 1 pm

CIL Disability Resource Center, 3600 North Pace Blvd., Pensacola

9/12: Senior Expo and Health Fair, 8 am - 12 pm

Milton Community Center, 5629 Byrom Street, Milton

Look for Susan Foster

9/12: CivicCon with Mikael Colville-Andersen, 6 - 7:30 pm

The Rex Theatre, 18 North Palafox Street, Pensacola

Look for Carolyn Grawi and Kelley Martinez

9/14: 5210 Day of Play, 10 am - 2 pm

Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street, Pensacola

Look for Susan Foster and Karen Jackson

9/17: Escarosa Youth Coalition meeting, 4 - 5:30 pm

1715 East Olive Road, Pensacola

Look for Susan Foster and Kelley Martinez

9/18: WCHIP meeting, 9 am - 12 pm

362 State Highway 83, Defuniak Springs

Look for Susan Foster

9/18: Consumer Intake and Assessment Session, 11 am

Molino Branch Library, 6450 Hwy 95A North, Molino

Look for Kelley Martinez

9/19: Family Care Council, 5 - 6 pm

ARC Gateway, 1000 S Fairfield Drive, Pensacola

Look for Susan Foster

9/21: Sea Stars 3rd Annual Awareness Day, 10 a.m - 12pm

Pearl Nelson Development Center, 916 E. Fairfield Drive, Pensacola

Look for Susan Foster

9/23 : Okaloosa County Service Provider Fair, 9am - 1pm

Crosspoint Church-Niceville Campus Fellowship Hall, 214 Partin Drive South

Look for Susan Foster and Karen Jackson

9/26: Caregiver Support Group, 9 - 10 am

5920 Lillian Highway, Pensacola

Look for Susan Foster and Karen Jackson

Please feel free to join your CILDRC, FAAST and FTRI team members at the offsite locations. We look forward to working with and on behalf of your desired goals.

Join us for legislative day in Tallahassee on November 5th and 6th! Bring your voice! Visit with your elected officials to share with them

what people with disabilities in Florida need

to further independence and inclusion!

For more information, please contact

Deb Stanwood, 850-595-5566, extension 20.

Cross Disability Support Group

Meetings are held here in the Center’s conference room on

the second Wednesday of each month 12:00 p.m. Please join us!

CHECK OUT OUR WHAT'S HAPPENING PAGE!

Want to help people with disabilities live fuller, more meaningful lives in the community?

YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

DONATE TODAY!

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 maybe 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