JCIL-Jackson Center for Independent Living

03/30/2026

We still have some spots left... come paint a fun spring craft with us! All supplies are provided and you get to take your finished craft home. ASL interpreters will be present. Reserve your spot at www.j-cil.com/birdhouse.

03/23/2026

Ready to decorate for spring? Come to our craft class and paint a fun little birdhouse to start things off! ASL interpreters will be present. Class size is limited, so sign up at www.j-cil.com/birdhouse

03/17/2026

JCIL was excited to be a part of the 2026 TN Day of Hope Prayer Breakfast this morning, hosted by the Jackson Madison Prevention Coalition. We are honored to receive this Community Service Award, and we are thankful to our supporters that help us serve the people of West Tennessee every day. We thank the Jackson Madison County Prevention Coalition and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for this recognition, and for their commitment to the citizens of our area.

03/14/2026

03/12/2026

03/11/2026

We have a new evening ASL class starting in April! Call Kathy at 731-668-2211 or email kathy@jcil.tn.org to sign up. Please read all about our new instructor below:

Judi Ann Pate has over 26 years of experience in Deaf Education and American Sign Language instruction. She is Deaf and a native ASL user who brings both professional knowledge and lived experience to her work. She holds several degrees, including a master’s degree from University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is licensed in Deaf Education, bilingual education, ASL instruction, and educational administration.

Judi Ann taught ASL for more than 15 years at Austin Community College and Riverside Community College. She has also worked as a Deaf interpreter in police and hospital settings, helping support communication access in real-world situations. Throughout her career, she has worked with schools, agencies, and community groups to improve services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and has provided training on communication access and ADA-related practices.

In addition to her professional work, Judi Ann is a parent of a deaf child with vision needs, which further strengthens her commitment to language access, advocacy, and inclusive education.

She is passionate about sharing ASL and Deaf culture with the community and creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences for her students.

03/03/2026

Thank you to Mr. Jeff Miller, Director of the Disability Rights Law Clinic and Sasha Burdsal, Student-Attorney in the UofM Disability Rights Law Clinic for a very informative presentation on ADA rights. Thank you also to all the community members who attended.

02/27/2026

Don't forget our ADA rights workshop tomorrow! This should be very exciting and informative. ASL interpreters will be present. Please sign up to attend: www.j-cil.com/ADArights.html

02/26/2026

Spring cleaning? Let us help you make some room! Help support individuals with disabilities by donating your gently used durable medical equipment to us. We will get it into the hands of someone that needs it. Your contribution can make a significant difference in someone's life!

02/23/2026

Please join us for this exciting workshop! Mr. Miller is a “SODA” (Sibling Of Deaf Adult) who has previously taught law courses in ASL at Gallaudet University, and is also a lawyer who has represented deaf clients in lawsuits against healthcare providers and employees. Please sign up to attend: www.j-cil/ADArights.html
ASL interpreters will be present!

02/20/2026

Even shallow flooded roads can be hazardous; don't take chances! Severe Weather Awareness Week reminds us of the dangers spring floods can bring. Stay safe!

02/20/2026

Tornado safety is something everyone in West Tennessee needs to know. As we observe Severe Weather Awareness Week, take note of the best places to shelter during a tornado. Stay weather aware and stay safe!