LIFE Center for Independent Living

02/22/2026

Did you know your heart beats up to 100,000 times a day and pumps around 2,000 gallons of blood?

Today is National Heart Valve Diseases Awareness Day.

The human heart has four chambers that squeeze and relax in a coordinated way to pump blood throughout the body. Between each chamber is a valve—thin leaflets of tissue—that keeps blood moving in only one direction and with the right amount of force. These valves prevent blood from leaking or regurgitating backwards by opening only one way and sealing tightly.

Heart valve disease (valve disease) involves damage to one or more of the heart’s four valves. That damage keeps them from opening or closing properly and disrupts blood flow.

For all of this and more information, visit:

Your heart beats up to 100,000 times a day and pumps around 2,000 gallons of blood. It has four chambers that squeeze and relax in a coordinated way to pump blood throughout the body. Between each chamber is a valve—thin leaflets of tissue—that keeps blood moving in only one direction and with t...

02/20/2026

Help us spread the news and join LIFE CIL for a free, peer-to-peer learning experience made for people with disabilities by people with disabilities.

Interactive, hands-on material:
• Tips to speak up for yourself and others
• Skill building to talk with lawmakers
• Understanding how laws are made in Illinois
• Knowing your rights
• History of the Disability Rights Movement

Who?
People with disabilities living in DeWitt, Ford, Livingston, and Mclean counties

Dates: Wednesdays April 22 & 29, and May 6 &13
Time: 1-3PM

Location:
LIFE Center for Independent Living
2201 Eastland Drive, Suite 1
Bloomington, IL 61704

Special trip: Wednesday, May 20:
After attending all 4 classes, we will travel to Springfield, IL together for a full day of advocacy and learning.

*LIFE CIL will provide a lunch stipend for the trip to Springfield. The stipend helps with lunch costs at the capitol, though it may not cover the full amount for lunch.*

Contact Carson at LIFE CIL by April 3, 2026 to register for this series.
Phone: 309-663-5433
Email: carson@lifecil.org

image is LIFE CIL's logo

02/17/2026

Posting for someone in the community:

BRAUN MILLENNIUM 2 WHEELCHAIR LIFT
Fully Operational. Holds up to 800 lbs.
Looking to rehome the lift to someone who can use it.

It needs to be removed by a mechanic, just looking for someone who is interested in it after a mechanic disconnects it from our van.

If interested, contact Amanda: 309/846-1054

images are photos of the wheelchair lift with descriptions on each photo.

DISCLAIMER: This post is strictly to share information with the general public about equipment that is available from individuals in the community. LIFE CIL does not have any additional knowledge of the equipment, any affiliation with the individual, nor does LIFE CIL benefit from the sale of any equipment. Please contact the individual directly if you are interested in the equipment available. LIFE CIL is not liable for any private transaction made.

02/12/2026

We have some exciting news - sales start on Saturday!

SUPPORTED BY LOVE
2026 Charity Anthology

Available beginning Saturday, February 14 (Valentine’s Day)
www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com

Formats available:
• E-book
• Standard print
• Large-print edition

10% of all sales will be donated to LIFE CIL.

This anthology was created with the support of Ryan T. Osborn, Receptionist at LIFE CIL, whose dedication and efforts helped secure LIFE CIL’s selection as a charitable beneficiary.

About the Book
Supported by Love is a powerful collection of stories featuring characters with disabilities. Each story explores love, self-acceptance, and belonging, while uplifting often overlooked voices — including those who live at the intersection of disability and LGBTQIA+ identity.

Content Advisory
Some stories contain sexual content and may not be suitable for all audiences.

Included Stories and Authors
• Jack of Hearts — Ryan T. Osborn
• Sweet Home — Britt Jones
• Life on a Mountain in Maine — Kathi Goldwyn
• Line of Sight — Aliya DalRae
• Unacceptable, Ms. Hap — Tia Fanning
• In the Shadow of Sound — Dani Carr
• The Cupid Cafe — Rochelle Bradley

Charities Supported
• National Ability Center
• LIFE Center for Independent Living (LIFE CIL)
• K9s for Warriors
• National Bleeding Disorders Foundation

image is the flyer with the above information. On the flyer there is a photo of the book cover in the upper left side and in the lower right corner of the flyer is the QR code that goes to the link to purchase the book.

Description of the book cover: At the top, in large, textured lettering shaded in pink and purple, the title reads: “SUPPORTED BY LOVE.” Beneath it, in smaller pink text, it says: “2026 CHARITY ANTHOLOGY.” The center of the cover features a large heart shape made of shattered red glass pieces. The fragments vary in size and transparency, with sharp edges and reflective highlights, giving the heart a dramatic, broken-yet-beautiful appearance. Some shards appear to be breaking away from the main shape, adding a sense of motion and emotion.

02/12/2026

Many people contact LIFE CIL to ask about hiring a sign language interpreter. While this is not a service we provide directly, we are happy to help guide you through the process.

You can visit our website for step-by-step information:https://www.lifecil.org/how-to-hire-a-sign-language-interpreter/

On this page, you’ll find a brochure from the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC). The brochure explains the four interpreter license levels:

* Provisional
* Intermediate
* Advanced
* Master

Each level allows interpreters to work in different types of settings. The brochure explains what each level can and cannot do and will help you decide which level is right for your needs.

Once you know the level you need, you can use the IDHHC Interpreter Directory. You can search by county, region, license level, license status, or by name. Be sure to check that the interpreter has an active license. Clicking the plus sign (+) next to a name will show their contact information.

Please keep in mind:
* Interpreters charge by the hour
* Most require a two-hour minimum
* Mileage fees may apply if travel is required

If you have questions or need help, contact Brianne at 309-663-5433 or brianne@lifecil.org. Brianne has over 10 years of experience scheduling interpreters for LIFE CIL and is happy to assist.

How to hire a sign language interpreter A sign language interpreter must be registered and certified in Illinois to accept any interpreting assignment. The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC) control the rules and regulations for sign language interpreters. It is important to know w...

02/10/2026

We’ve been serving this community for over 40 years, and we’re grateful that more people are learning about LIFE CIL and reaching out for help every day.

Just last year (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025), 3,926 people were supported through our programs. Of those, 183 individuals received ongoing, one-on-one services.

Over the years, our impact has grown:

More than 85,000 people have received short-term services

Over 6,000 people have received long-term support

112 people moved from nursing facilities into homes of their own

32,967 pieces of durable medical equipment loaned to 13,245 people

4,000+ seniors with low vision or blindness gained tools and training to live independently and stay connected

These numbers tell an important story—but behind every number is a real person, a family, and a future made brighter through support, access, and independence.

If LIFE CIL has helped you or someone you care about, please share our information. Word of mouth helps people find us when they need support most.

Thank you for being part of our community and helping us reach even more lives.

image shows how word of mouth spreads information. From left to right, it starts with one stick figure. An arrow points from that person to three stick figures. From those three people, arrows point to ten people. From the ten people, arrows continue to a group of nineteen people, showing how sharing grows step by step.

02/10/2026

NOW HIRING!

PART-TIME RECEPTIONIST - Pontiac office

$16.50 per hour with paid time off

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday (16 hrs./week & additional 2 hours monthly)

The successful applicant will be responsible for performing a variety of duties related to customer service, answering phones, and running our equipment loan program.

Skills and abilities should include (with or without accommodations):
 At least one year’s experience working in an office environment
 Basic telephone skills
 Effective communication skills -- both verbal and written
 Excellent customer service skills
 Efficient time management with frequent interruptions
 Ability to operate standard office machines
 Basic computer skills for data entry.
 Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds for equipment loan program.
 Personal experience with disability is helpful, commitment to independent living philosophy and advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities essential.

Strong passion for advancing equality and integration of persons with disabilities of all types is essential. LIFE CIL is committed to a diverse workforce through affirmative and equal employment opportunities.

Apply by sending your resume with the names and phone numbers of three professional references to: Program Director, LIFE Center for Independent Living, 2201 Eastland Drive, Suite #1, Bloomington, IL 61704, or email mhelbig@lifecil.org by noon on February 20, 2026.

image is LIFE CIL's logo

02/10/2026

February is also Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM).

The mission of JDAIM is to united Jewish communities worldwide to raise awareness and champion the rights of all Jews to be accepted and included in all aspects of Jewish life like anyone else.

Learn more at

Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) is a unified effort among Jewish organizations worldwide to raise awareness and foster acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities and mental health conditions and those who love them. JDAIM is a call to action for all of....

02/09/2026

Learning a little more about LIFE CIL

All of LIFE CIL’s programs and services are provided at no cost to you. People are often surprised to hear that, and we’re frequently asked how our services are funded.

We are grateful to receive support from a variety of sources, including:

* Illinois Department of Human Services
* U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
* Louise Patricia Tolan Cox Bequest
* United Way of Livingston County
* McLean County Veterans Assistance Commission
* Our generous donors

Because of this support, we are able to continue serving our community and advancing independence, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities.

If you would like to support LIFE CIL, monetary donations are always appreciated. Cash or checks may be mailed to:

LIFE CIL
2201 Eastland Drive, Suite 1
Bloomington, IL 61704

You can also make a secure online donation through our website: https://www.lifecil.org/donate/

Every gift—big or small—helps us continue our mission. Thank you for being part of our community!

Financial Support Donate Today 1 in 4 Americans have some type of disability. Disability does not discriminate and can happen to anyone at any time. LIFE CIL helps over 2,000 people with disabilities each year gain greater independence in their own homes. You can help by donating to LIFE CIL. Rememb...

02/09/2026

It is National Pizza Day - What are your favorite pizza toppings?

Did you know?...

* Pepperoni is the most popular pizza with 36% of all pizzas ordered

* Over 3 billion pizzas are sold in the U.S. each year; add another 1 billion if you count frozen pizza!

* In the U.S. 17% of all restauratns are pizzerias

* The first pizzeria was opened in 1738 in Naples, Italy and it was called "Antica Pizzeria"

* The first pizzeria in the U.S. was opened in 1895 in New York City by Gennaro Lombardi

* Americans consume on average of 23 pounds of pizza per person each year

All of this and more can be found at

NATIONAL PIZZA DAY National Pizza Day on February 9th celebrates one of America's all-time favorite foods. Whether it is thin crust, Chicago-style, deep dish,

02/06/2026

Earlier today, we shared that we are a selection center for the ITAC program, which provides equipment to support accessible communication.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: ACCOMODATIONS REQUEST

At LIFE CIL, we want to make sure every one of our consumers receives the best possible service. We are happy to provide reasonable accommodations whenever they are needed.

If you would like a sign language interpreter, foreign language interpreter, document translator, or an alternative format of text—such as large print, braille, or electronic format—please let a staff member know. We are always happy to provide these services at no cost to you, so you can access the information and support you need.

image is a word cloud about communication. The largest word in the center is “COMMUNICATION.” Other prominent words include “INFORMATION,” “BARRIERS,” “LANGUAGES,” “EFFECTIVE,” “WRITTEN,” “MESSAGE,” “HUMAN,” and “STAFF.” Smaller words related to communication, such as “non-verbal,” “receiver,” “signals,” “training,” and “psychology,” are arranged around the center. Words vary in size, color (gray, black, blue, turquoise), and orientation.

02/06/2026

We are a selection center for the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation (ITAC) program.

This program started for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It has now expanded to include modern technology and assistive devices for speech disabilities as well.

If you have difficulty communicating, we can help you start the process to apply for ITAC equipment. This equipment has been life-changing for many people.

Many individuals are now able to communicate with loved ones more easily, without struggling. If you would like help reconnecting with family and friends through easier communication, please reach out to us.

To get a device, you must:
1. Be a resident of Illinois
2. Fill out an application
3. Show proof of a hearing or speech disability
4. If applicable, provide proof of phone service

Devices offered through ITAC include:
* Amplified landline phones
* Cellular phone amplifiers
* Captioned phones
* TTY devices
* Modern technology with helpful apps
* Speech equipment

If you have questions or would like to get the process started, please contact:
Quinn in our Bloomington office at 309-663-5433 or quinn@lifecil.org
Melissa in our Pontiac office at 815-844-1132 or melissa@lifecil.org

image is the ITAC logo