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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS & RECOVERY

About Us

Our Mission:

Our mission is to offer assistance to people with disabilities in fulfilling their goals of independence and self-sufficiency.

Our Vision:

Our vision is to preserve the dignity and respect of people with disabilities through full access and inclusion into society.

Who We Are:

Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1978, Congress established the Center for Independent Living in response to individuals with disabilities and need for core services focused on independent living skills training, peer support, information & referral, and advocacy. Since 1991, The Center for Independent Living of Broward (CILB), a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, has served more than 100,000 individuals with disabilities in fulfilling their goals of independence and self-sufficiency. CILB strives to enhance the lives of people with disabilities, regardless of age, in Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Leecounties. CILB is a consumer driven organization focused on providing individuals with disabilities an accessible link to achieving their life’s goals.

The Independent Living Philosophy:

People with disabilities should be empowered to control the direction of their own lives. This means choosing their goals, plotting their course, and taking responsibility for their actions and the results. People with disabilities have the right to make their own choices and decisions and the right to make mistakes and learn/benefit from those mistakes. Centers for Independent Living (CILs) foster independence, help people with disabilities to develop networks and supports,promote self-reliance, and advocate for the inclusion and integration of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life.

CORE VALUES

TEAMWORK | INTEGRITY | DEDICATION |

Dear Friends & Supporters,

The Center for Independent Living of Broward & Gulf Coast presents it’s 2017 annual report that showcases our successes and impact we had in the community. The annual report will also feature challenges we faced with Hurricane Recovery & Response due to Hurricane Irma making landfall in the State of Florida. However, we weathered through the storm. We united as a community, and helped each other rebuild our homes and businesses. Our Center responded to over 300 phones calls for assistance, distributed more than 200 meal boxes, helped restored power with generators, installed window air conditioning units, assisted with temporary shelters, and rebuilt a damaged wheelchair ramp. A special thanks to Meals on Wheels, United Way of Broward County, Port Light Strategies, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Florida Independent Living Council, and the Florida Association for Centers of Independent Living for providing the resources to make this possible.

The Center served over 3,000 individuals with disabilities, increased the number of donated wheelchairs, expanded the Project Search program (the hospital-based job program for youth) at Bayfront Health Hospital in Charlotte County, renovated 6 homes, and graduated 6 outstanding students in our Leadership CILB Program. These are some of the accomplishments we highlight from 2017, and is detailed in the pages that follow. I would like to thank all of our funders, staff, and board members for your support and generosity. We look forward to continued success and making a difference for people with disabilities to reach their goals of independence.

Corey Hinds, Executive Director/CEO Center for Independent Living of Broward

Florida Telecommunication System Inc. (FTRI) provides specialized telephone equipment to individuals that are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind and speech disabled, helping them to communicate more easily. The telephone equipment and ring signaling devices provided through this program are loaned to all qualified permanent Florida residents for as long as they need it, at no charge.

CIL provides loans for phones that amplify incoming sound, devices that alert you when the phone rings, captioned telephones telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDD/ TTY) Braille TTY for Deaf/Blind individuals and phones that amplify outgoing speech.

The daughter of CILGC’s Consumer, who is a 96 year old Florida resident, contacted The Center for Independent Living Gulf Coast about the Federal Telecommunications Program (FTRI). CILGC staff member, Harry Vazquez completed a five minute hearing test to verify her eligibility for the free phone which resulted in the consumer receiving the Alto Desk Top Amplified phone and the SR200 Ringer Amplifier as well. Now she is able to remain in communication with her family and friends.

1. The Ramps for Independence Project provides eligible people with disabilities and senior citizens (62 years or older) Broward County residents financial assistance for modifications to their home to increase accessibility and provide health and safety repairs.

2. Must own home- Single Family, Apartment Home, Condominium, or Townhome.

3. Must Live in the following cities: Cooper City, Dania Beach, Hallendale Beach, Hillsboro Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Lauderdale Lakes, Lazy Lake Village, Lighthouse Point, North Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Parkland, Pembroke Park, Sea Ranch Lakes, Southwest Ranches, Weston, West Park, Wilton Manors, or Unincorporated.

4. Must meet income eligibility guidelines.

HOME MODIFICATION BEFORE AFTER

Brian Rios and Corey Hinds

Bryan Rios who is a 27-year-old male with cerebral palsy lives with his mother and father in Tamarac. He uses a wheelchair but his house doesn’t have the necessary modifications to move freely around the house. The Home modification program was able to give Bryan a wheelchair ramp, bathroom modifications, and other renovations to make his home more wheelchair accessible.

HOUSING AND ACCESSIBILITY

The Center for Independent Living of Broward’s Housing and Accessibility program helps individuals in our community by making major home needs. Through a partnership with the Broward County Housing and Urban Development Program, our Housing and Accessibility program helped over 100 individuals.

J.E. is a 28-year-old Florida resident with a severe brain injury from a car accident. His house didn’t have a wheelchair ramp, making it difficult for J.E. to have access to it. He spent some time in a Rehabilitation Hospital located an hour and a half away from home. His parents wanted him to be home for the holidays so, his mother contacted the Center for Independent Living Gulf Coast to see if we could help them out with a wheelchair ramp. The Center for Independent Living Gulf Coast and AMRAMPS worked very hard to make this possible. The installation was scheduled for December 19th, 2017, and by Friday, December 22nd James was with his family enjoying the wheelchair ramp. Having the ramp has made his life better as he is able to get out of the house independently and be out in the community.

A.H. is a 74-year-old Florida resident living in Clewiston. He has had multiple strokes, causing him paralysis on one of his sides and making him unable to swallow. Their neighbor received a ramp for their son and that is how A.H. and his wife found out about the Center for Independent Living. His wife contacted us, and we were able to provide a ramp, a new wheelchair, diapers, shampoo, and cleanser. Making sure A.H. will be more independent in the community.

LEADERSHIP “VOICES PROJECT”

Leadership is a ten month program designed to make awareness of current issues that the disability community faces and ways these issues can be fixed. The program is in its sixth year and is hosted by the CILB and facilitated by Leadership CILB Program Director, Jene Kapela. The program assists people with disabilities in advocating for themselves. The group started “Voices Project” because they “believe every person has value, regardless of ability, and every voice matters.”

From top row left to bottom right: Danielle McGill, Diamond Jones, Kayleena Rodriguez, Victoria Perlman, Kristina James, Jené Kapela, Tatiana Ribeiro.

CILB TECH SOLUTIONS

The CILB Tech Solutions Program in alliance with the Department of Education provides consumers with technical training and support needed to properly embrace and learn in an efficient manner today’s fast-paced technology solutions. The program is able to provide participants with the needed tools such as: computers, software, scanners, shockproof cases, iPads, accessible work stations and wheelchairs. Participants will also benefit from the Dragon Naturally Speaking dictation software that helps students when attending classes. CILB has empowered individuals to have normal student lives and help them get jobs

Wheelchair Repair Clinic

The Wheelchair Repair Clinic is a partnership with Nova Southeastern University, National Seating and Mobility, and CILB. The clinic provides repairs to wheelchairs, scooters and other medical devices to increase mobility for people with disabilities. It includes replacement of batteries, new tires, arm pads and general maintenance to ensure consumers can stay independent and active in the community. Repairs are done quickly, on site and hassle free.

MOBILITY EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS - LOAN PROGRAM

CILB Mobility Equipment Solutions thanks the Wheelchair Foundation for the refurbished durable medical equipment. A wheelchair provides freedom to our consumers to access their community.

YOUTH PROGRAM

A world of opportunities is given to high school students with all types of disabilities. Career development is crucial for their upcoming years. That is why experiential resources in the technical field provides them with access to computer equipment in our state-of the art, Ipad and computer lab is a plus. The High School High Tech (HSHT) Program offers them with paid summer internships, corporate and universities site visits, mentoring, job shadowing, living skills development, career planning, computer training, and job search skills. Scholarship opportunities available for all.

Summer internship OJT

Social and recreational site visit

Academic Scholarships

Independent living skills training

CILB GULF COAST

Ileana’s Housing Story

Ileana is a 45 year old female with Gillian Barre Syndrome. She is paralyzed from the waist down and uses a power wheelchair for mobility. Her home was recently destroyed during hurricane Irma, leaving her homeless. Ileana was referred to a newly renovated housing unit that is a collaborative effort between The Center for Independent Living Gulf Coast (CILGC) and Affordable Home Ownership Foundation to assist with her housing needs.

Ileana moved into the newly renovated home in Cape Coral and began receiving services. CILGC staff member, Debbie Billiard provided her with durable medical equipment through our Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology (FAAST) Program. She received a transfer bench, bedside commode, shower chair and a seated walker. Once her life stabilized, Ileana became involved in CILGC’s Consumer Volunteer Program where she is continuing to work on her employment goal.

Advocacy Story

The Center for Independent Living Gulf Coast Advocate, Michael Pierce and his service dog Addy provided an ADA information session to 70 Lee County Property Managers on the topic of Service Animals and ADA rights of renters and buyers.

PROJECT SEARCH

Lee County

Project SEARCH Interns

Charlotte County

Project SEARCH Interns

Center for Independent Living Gulf Coast

Renee Sluzalis CILGC Regional Director, was instrumental in the development of two “SEARCH Sites” in Lee and Charlotte Counties. Project SEARCH is a unique program designed to help students with disabilities. The program aids individuals to successfully transition from High School to the work force. CILGC Skills Trainers, Mike Dailey and Gamy Espino provided Job Coaching Services to eighteen students during this past academic school year through this Youth Transition Program. Six of the eighteen student interns have already had successful employment outcomes.

Samantha is a 20 year old with Autism. She enrolled in Project SEARCH to learn job readiness skills. At the completion of the Project SEARCH program year, CIL Gulf Coast Job Developer, Jennifer Burr helped Samantha attain her dream job at Specialized Veterinary Services. Samantha’s parents never thought this would be possible until they saw her progression throughout the program year.

CILB GULF COAST -

Emile is a 21 year old who has a mild Intellectual Disability. She enrolled in Project Search with the goal of learning the skills necessary to work in her dream job in a day care setting. At the completion of the program year, CIL Gulf Coast Job Developer, Jennifer Burr was able to help Emile attain her Dream Job at Faith Academy Pre School.

Edwin is a 20 year old with an Intellectual Disability. He enrolled in Project SEARCH to develop the skills needed to become successfully employed in the community. At the completion of his first internship he was offered a full time position at the host business, Bayfront Hospital, which he gladly accepted.

Lee County Project SEARCH Intern Samantha

Lee County Project SEARCH Intern Emile

Charlotte County Project SEARCH Intern Edwin

Kyle is a 20 year old who has an Intellectual Disability. Kyle enrolled in Project SEARCH to learn the job skills that would allow him to become financially independent. At the conclusion of the program he was offered a full time position as a Floor Technician with the host business, Bayfront Hospital.

Tashaun is a 20 year old who has an Intellectual Disability. He enrolled in Project SEARCH to develop job skills that would lead to employment in the community. On graduation day Tashaun was offered Full Time employment as a Utility Technician at the Host business, Bayfront Hospital which he gratefully accepted.

Vanessa is a 20 year old who has an Intellectual Disability. She enrolled in Project SEARCH to develop the job skills and discipline needed to obtain a job in the community. At the conclusion of Project SEARCH she had the opportunity to accept a full time position as a Utility Technician with the host business, Bayfront Hospital.

Charlotte County Project SEARCH Intern Kyle

Charlotte County Project SEARCH Intern Vanessa

Charlotte County Project SEARCH Intern Tashaun

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

In collaboration with the Sunrise Police Department, Broward Sherriff’s Office Broward County Administration, United Way, Red Cross, and the BB&T Center, the CILB contributed more than 200 food meals to individuals and families with disabilities. These meals were donated by Meals on Wheels, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and CILB board member Pat Kennedy.

Last September, the Center for Independent Living of Broward worked with several organizations to assist residents with disabilities during the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

ASSISTANCE

As many will remember, South Florida experienced severe damage as a result of the hurricanes. Many residents with disabilities were unable to travel, as they normally would to their local grocery store to get their food. CILB was able to assist these residents, assuring they would receive the food needed during this traumatic time.

EMPLOYMENT

“My college advisor suggested I go to the Center for Independent Living to get help with employment. I’m grateful I took her advice. Joe supported me a great deal. He helped me out with Social Security and was there to answer all my questions. Joe and his team gave me the confidence and networking ideas that I needed to help find a second job. I am now working as a Certified Peer Specialist at Henderson Behavioral Health. Thanks for your continued support!”

- Lisa Smith

INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILL EVENTS

At the CILB, we celebrate life! The entire family benefits and enjoys our annual holiday dinner with a variety of funfilled activities like Santa Claus, children’s face painting, toy distribution and a nice dinner. Other celebrations throughout the year: The Able Trust’s Regional Annual Speech Contest, Tax Preparation partnership with Hispanic Unity Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, Miami Dolphins Hard Rock Stadium tour, Dental Health workshop, Broward County Sheriff’s Facilities tour and training Bowling night, doctor information workshops, Mental Health month, Autism Awareness month, Chuck E. Cheese Sensitive Sundays, Fibromyalgia Day and World Lupus Day.