Programs
Employment Services
In partnership with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, consumers receive job placement assistance. The monthly job readiness training includes:
- Understanding your rights and responsibilities
- Understanding the job market
- Identifying your job search strategy
- Maintaining a positive attitude
- Assessing your readiness skills
- Defining your career / job objective
- Preparing your resume and cover letter
- Understanding the job interview process
- Searching for and keeping a job
On the final day of training, employers conduct interviews at our Winter Park Office.
In addition, CIL provides one-on-one job readiness training to hone such skills as resume writing, grooming and interviewing. We work with individuals extensively to assure that each person is properly matched to the job they obtain based on their skills, capabilities, life situation and interests.
For a PDF copy of our employment brochure Click Here. (employment01.pdf 131kb)
Specialized Telecommunications Equipment
As a regional distribution center for Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI), we provide specialized telecommunications equipment to qualified residents of Florida who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf /blind, or speech impaired.
If you're a person with a hearing or speech impairment, you may get frustrated trying to use the telephone. Maybe you have family members who live far away and it's difficult to talk to them over the telephone. Let us help you reopen those lines and discover communication freedom.
We also offer specialized ring signaling devices. This equipment is provided to residents who qualify at no charge.
Core services
Information and Referral
Providing information with regard to disability related issues as well as referrals to resources in the community. Through our intake specialist, information and referral is made to a variety of resources. We help to identify affordable as well as accessible housing in the community.
Advocacy
Individual consumers are assisted in learning self-advocacy skills. CIL staff impacts the local community by raising the awareness of public issues affecting the lives of people with disabilities. Consumers learn self-advocacy skills through our monthly Consumer Advocacy Committee. Topics include local systems advocacy and current legislative issues. Training is provided in Grassroots Advocacy, communication with elected and appointed officials, and Internet resources.
If you are interested in self advocacy or in being an advocate for people with disabilities, tell us about your interest by submitting a Consumer Advocate form. CLICK HERE for more information.
Independent Living Services for the Deaf
Empowering consumers who are deaf and hard-of-hearing to make informed choices and to gain a better understanding of the resources available in their communities, schools, and homes.
Peer Support
Offering individuals, couples, families, and groups a means of sharing and understanding disability issues affecting daily living. Consumers meet on a one-on-one basis to discuss disability related issues with staff with disabilities. If requested, we will meet with family members as well.
Home and Vehicle Modifications
Assisting people with disabilities in making arrangements for home and vehicle modifications and equipment. Our home and vehicle modification services provide funding for qualified individuals with disabilities to improve access in their home or vehicle. Services may include building ramps, widening doors, bathroom remodeling, and hand controls. Also provided are smoke detectors and doorbell signalers for the deaf.
Skills Training
Offering workshops and individual instruction in basic independent living skills and providing information about community resources. Sign language class for parents of deaf children, budgeting, time-management, public transportation, assistive technology and other independent living skills.
