CIL Orlando

CIL Orlando We are a private, non-profit organization that was founded by Central Floridians dedicated to helping people with disabilities.

CIL is a cross-disability service agency with a mission to create opportunities for disability inclusion. It serves individuals with any type of disability of any age residing in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Polk, Hardee, Highlands, and DeSoto counties. CIL has two office locations dedicated to serving the Central Florida region, each of which have specific programs and services available to their surrounding community.

At the Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, independence looks different for everyone and that’s exactly wh...
02/26/2026

At the Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, independence looks different for everyone and that’s exactly why our work matters.

We support children learning to navigate school systems, youth preparing for adulthood, job seekers building meaningful careers, individuals aging safely at home, and members of the Deaf community accessing communication and connection. We also advocate for inclusive communities where people with disabilities can live, work, and belong.

For 50 years, our mission has been rooted in one belief: accessibility should never be an afterthought, it should be the foundation.

Swipe through to learn more about who we serve and how independence takes shape across our community.

Our President and CEO, Charlotte Leavitt had the privilege of joining fellow Centers for Independent Living from across ...
02/23/2026

Our President and CEO, Charlotte Leavitt had the privilege of joining fellow Centers for Independent Living from across Florida for CIL Day at the Capitol, where we came together in Tallahassee to advocate for independence, access, and opportunity for the disability community.

Thank you to Representative David Smith, Representative Rita Harris, State Representative Susan Plasencia , Senator Jason Brodeur, Kristen Arrington for Florida, Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith and Representative Anna V. Eskamani for taking the time to connect and learn more about how independent living services are strengthening communities across Central Florida.

During Tuesday evening’s dinner and Wednesday’s legislative meetings, we shared the impact of youth transition services, diversion supports, nursing home transition programs, and community-based solutions like home modifications and durable medical equipment that help individuals remain independent.

With all Florida Centers for Independent Living represented, these conversations reinforced a shared vision for communities where accessibility is the norm and opportunity is available to everyone.


We are proud to announce Orlando Health, in collaboration with Orlando City Soccer Club and Orlando Pride, as the Presen...
02/20/2026

We are proud to announce Orlando Health, in collaboration with Orlando City Soccer Club and Orlando Pride, as the Presenting Sponsor of The Power of Independence: A Live Experience Celebrating 50 Years.

For five decades, the Center for Independent Living in Central Florida has worked to remove barriers and expand opportunity for people with disabilities. Partnerships like these help us continue building communities where accessibility is not an afterthought but a starting point.

We are grateful for the leadership and commitment of Orlando Health, Orlando City Soccer Club, and Orlando Pride as we celebrate 50 years of impact and look toward a more inclusive future.

Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and shape the next 50 years together.



Accessibility lives in the details.From zero step entrances and wider doorways to clear signage, quiet spaces, and thoug...
02/18/2026

Accessibility lives in the details.

From zero step entrances and wider doorways to clear signage, quiet spaces, and thoughtful lighting, small design choices can have a powerful impact on how people move through and experience a space. When accessibility is considered from the beginning, communities become safer, more welcoming, and more inclusive for everyone.

Designing spaces intentionally allows people to participate, navigate, and belong without barriers. As we look toward the future, CIL Central Florida remains committed to building communities where accessibility is part of the foundation.

Help us build future-ready communities where everyone belongs.

Kindness can look like a compliment, a helping hand, or simply showing up for someone but one of the most powerful acts ...
02/17/2026

Kindness can look like a compliment, a helping hand, or simply showing up for someone but one of the most powerful acts of kindness is accessibility.

When spaces, programs, and communities are designed to include everyone from the start, people don’t have to ask to belong, they already do.

This Random Acts of Kindness Day, we invite you to think about how everyday actions, big or small, can help create a more inclusive and accessible world for all.

What can you do to show a random act of kindness? Have you done it already today? Share your thoughts below.

For 50 years, CIL Central Florida has helped remove barriers and expand access across our community.For the next 50, we’...
02/12/2026

For 50 years, CIL Central Florida has helped remove barriers and expand access across our community.

For the next 50, we’re focused on building neighborhoods, workplaces, and public spaces where accessibility is the starting point and not a special request.

The future we’re working toward is inclusive by design, creating opportunities for everyone to live, work, and belong.

At 94 years old, Celestino Vidal was determined to remain in his home...the place where he feels most independent, comfo...
02/09/2026

At 94 years old, Celestino Vidal was determined to remain in his home...the place where he feels most independent, comfortable, and himself.

As his mobility declined, everyday tasks like entering his home or bathing became dangerous. Multiple falls on the front steps and a high shower threshold put Mr. Vidal at serious risk of injury and raised concerns that he might no longer be able to live safely at home.

Through CIL in Central Florida’s Foundations to Freedom Program, targeted changes made a powerful difference. A new ramp now provides safe access in and out of his home. Handrails offer stability outdoors, and a bathroom transfer pole gives Mr. Vidal the support he needs to bathe and move safely.

During a follow-up visit, Mr. Vidal shared that he hasn’t felt this independent in years.

This is what accessibility looks like in action...restoring safety, dignity, and independence so people can age in place with confidence.

Did you know?Most housing and public spaces are still built without accessibility in mind, creating barriers before peop...
02/06/2026

Did you know?

Most housing and public spaces are still built without accessibility in mind, creating barriers before people even move in.

Accessibility shouldn’t be an afterthought. It should be the starting point.

Check out our blog to learn more: https://cilorlando.org/blog/

What if accessibility wasn’t something we added later but something we planned for from the very beginning?At the Center...
02/05/2026

What if accessibility wasn’t something we added later but something we planned for from the very beginning?

At the Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, we believe the future of independence is built through intentionally inclusive communities. That means neighborhoods, public spaces, housing, and workplaces designed so people with disabilities can participate fully, confidently, and with dignity.

This February, we’re launching Chapter 2 of our 50 Years of Impact journey: Designing Communities for the Future because true independence starts with access, not accommodation.



Our 50th anniversary isn’t just about looking back, it’s about what’s next.Together, we’re building a future where indep...
01/29/2026

Our 50th anniversary isn’t just about looking back, it’s about what’s next.

Together, we’re building a future where independence, access, and opportunity continue to grow for generations to come. This milestone is about strengthening the pathways that empower people with disabilities to live, work, and participate fully in their communities.

At CIL in Central Florida, we’re focused on expanding inclusive services, removing barriers, and creating opportunities that support independent living, meaningful employment, and community connection.

When access and opportunity grow, independence grows for individuals, families, and our entire community.

The future of disability inclusion is being built right now and it’s built together.

Build the future with us:
https://cilorlando.org/partner-with-us/

Youth transition services and employment readiness go hand in hand. When young people with disabilities have access to s...
01/27/2026

Youth transition services and employment readiness go hand in hand.

When young people with disabilities have access to skill-building, career exploration, and real-world experiences, they’re better equipped to move confidently into adulthood and the workforce.

At CIL Central Florida, we believe the future of disability inclusion is built through preparation, opportunity, and support…one step at a time.

The future of independence starts today.

Invest in disability employment:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/50-years-of-impact-a-future-without-limits

The future of independence is built through access, opportunity, and community support. At CIL Central Florida, your sup...
01/21/2026

The future of independence is built through access, opportunity, and community support.

At CIL Central Florida, your support helps expand youth transition services, employment readiness programs, and mentorship opportunities for people with disabilities creating real pathways to independence, confidence, and self-sufficiency.

These programs help individuals prepare for adulthood, build job skills, and connect with mentors who encourage growth, self-advocacy, and belief in what’s possible.
When people with disabilities have access to inclusive opportunities and the right resources, entire communities benefit from stronger families to more inclusive workplaces across Central Florida.

Together, we’re building a more accessible, inclusive tomorrow.

Support this work today:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/50-years-of-impact-a-future-without-limits

Address

720 N Denning Drive
Winter Park, FL
32789

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm

Website

https://a.co/izD823f

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when CIL Orlando posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to CIL Orlando:

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

CIL’s Story

CIL is a cross-disability service agency with a mission to create opportunities for disability inclusion. It serves individuals with any type of disability of any age residing in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Polk, Hardee, Highlands, and DeSoto counties. CIL has two office locations dedicated to serving the Central Florida region, each of which have specific programs and services available to their surrounding community.