Empowering People with Disabilities for Over 20 Years!
Independent Living and advocacy by, and for, people with disabilities.
Welcome To CIL Gulf Coast
Welcome to the Center for Independent Living of Gulf Coast website! Our mission is to offer assistance to people with disabilities in fulfilling their goals of independence and
self-sufficiency. See how our work is changing lives!
Welcome to the Center for Independent Living of Gulf Coast website! Our mission is to offer assistance to people with disabilities in fulfilling their goals of independence and
self-sufficiency. See how our work is changing lives!
News and Events
Michael Pierce Tribute
Michael Pierce, a dedicated advocate for Florida’s Gulf Coast residents with disabilities, succumbed to his long battle with cancer on April 24, 2020. Despite having the disease, he worked tirelessly to help individuals with disabilities get the assistance they needed to become more independent.
While working as a broadcast journalist, Michael started advocating for people with disabilities in his community. As such, he joined the Center for Independent Living of Gulf Coast (CILGC) to further his advocacy efforts.
As the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Advocate for the CILGC, he used his own visual impairment to self-advocate and loved doing so for others.
While working as a broadcast journalist, Michael started advocating for people with disabilities in his community. As such, he joined the Center for Independent Living of Gulf Coast (CILGC) to further his advocacy efforts.
As the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Advocate for the CILGC, he used his own visual impairment to self-advocate and loved doing so for others.
Michael was not afraid to use his being blind as an advocacy tool. During his tenure he provided an information session to 70 Lee County Property Managers. The information helped people learn about Service Animals and ADA rights of renters and buyers.
His passion for advocacy helped him mentor a group of men with disabilities. He taught the men how to advocate for the things they wanted to do. With his help, the group organized their own support group. Additionally, the group also organized social events in their community.
Michael was a well-respected advocate and gentleman in the community, and he will be missed.
Michael was a well-respected advocate and gentleman in the community, and he will be missed.
Florida Senate COVID-19 Resources
The Florida Senate has put together several resources to help Florida residents during the coronavirus. Please click on the link below to view them.
The Florida Senate has put together several resources to help Florida residents during the coronavirus. Please click on the link below to view them.
| covid_resource_guide_4.15.20_florida_senate_covid19_constituent_resources_guide.pdf |
FAQ's About COVID-19 and Spinal Cord Injuries
The Center for Independent Living of Broward would like those with spinal cord injuries to know that there is information for you regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19). For more information about diagnoses, risk factors, symptoms and how it can linger on surfaces, please click on this link.
The Center for Independent Living of Broward would like those with spinal cord injuries to know that there is information for you regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19). For more information about diagnoses, risk factors, symptoms and how it can linger on surfaces, please click on this link.
CareerSource Florida Network
For those needing job assistance in Southwest County, please call CareerSource Southwest at
800-557-3242. You may also go to their website at the CareerSource SouthWest Florida website.
They can help with the following issues:
For those needing job assistance in Southwest County, please call CareerSource Southwest at
800-557-3242. You may also go to their website at the CareerSource SouthWest Florida website.
They can help with the following issues:
- Job Matching
- Job Coaching
- Training
CIL Gulf Coast Staff works remotely: Office Closed
In the interest of health concerns for our consumers, staff, and members of the community, CIL Gulf Coast will be closed. However, staff will be working remotely to serve our community. Additionally, due to the rising number of coronavirus cases and deaths, we are taking extra precautions to protect the health and safety of staff and consumers.
Our staff will continue checking emails, and we will do everything we can to assist individuals with urgent matters in a timely manner.
Thank you everyone for helping our communities stay safe and healthy.
Be well,
CIL Gulf Coast
In the interest of health concerns for our consumers, staff, and members of the community, CIL Gulf Coast will be closed. However, staff will be working remotely to serve our community. Additionally, due to the rising number of coronavirus cases and deaths, we are taking extra precautions to protect the health and safety of staff and consumers.
Our staff will continue checking emails, and we will do everything we can to assist individuals with urgent matters in a timely manner.
Thank you everyone for helping our communities stay safe and healthy.
Be well,
CIL Gulf Coast
COVID-19 Resources
