In this inspiring episode of The Independent Life podcast, host Tony sits down with Dug Jones, the President of the Board of Directors at the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida (CILNCF). Dug shares his remarkable journey of resilience and purpose, starting with a life-changing spinal cord injury during high school football. This…

In this riveting continuation of The Independent Life, Tony and Dr. Steven Noll dive straight into the profound intersections of the disability rights movement with other civil rights struggles of the 1970s. They explore how people with disabilities fought for equality, accessibility, and independence, drawing inspiration from movements led by Afri…

In this compelling episode of The Independent Life, Tony sits down with Dr. Steven Noll, Ph.D, professor at the University of Florida's Department of History and advocate whose career spans decades of groundbreaking work in disability rights and education. Tony begins by recounting their first meeting at Gainesville's Sidney Lanier Center, where Dr…

In this special holiday episode of Disability Dojo, Executive Director Tony reflects on the journey of the Independent Life podcast, which began four years ago during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we step into this season of gratitude, Tony shares heartfelt insights about the incredible lessons, experiences, and perspectives gained fr…

In this heartfelt episode of The Independent Life, Tony welcomes his longtime friend, Mark Stewart—or as Tony and close friends call him, "Stew." Stew was recently diagnosed with ALS, a progressive and terminal neurological disorder. With courage and clarity, Stew shares his journey, reflecting on what it's like to process this life-altering diagno…

In this inspiring episode, David Sussman, board president of the Telluride Adaptive Ski Program, shares his remarkable journey through disability and adaptive sports. David reflects on his path to living life with radical acceptance and independence, highlighting how focusing on what he can control has allowed him to thrive. He discusses the pivota…

Kelsey Bell, Executive Director of Southwest Independence Center in Durango, Colorado, joins us on this episode to share her powerful journey of growing up with multiple disabilities and how she embraced her disability as part of her identity. She reflects on her experiences from elementary school through college, offering practical strategies for …

Tony is joined by Dr. Carol Lewis, a community health expert who recently conducted a transformative workshop for the CIL staff. The session emphasized the importance of mental health and wellbeing, particularly for those who dedicate their lives to serving others. Dr. Lewis shares practical strategies for promoting mindfulness, healthy sleep, nutr…

Dr. Jessica Kramer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Florida's College of Public Health and Health Professions. Her research focuses on collaborating with youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to create and evaluate rehabilitation products, developing community-based int…

Mark D. Bennett is the principal of Uniting by Design LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders build organizations that achieve outstanding results, uphold ethical standards, and adapt to change. After leaving the practice of law, Mark pursued graduate studies in counseling psychology and family therapy. He then became a full-time mediat…

In this enlightening episode of The Independent Life, Tony welcomes Jonathan Spoliansky, the insightful author of Happiness Is Key. Jonathan's breakthrough book offers a simple yet profound guide on living happily every day, emphasizing that happiness is not just a state of mind but a reflection of our actions and behavior towards others. Together,…

Tony sits down with Kimberly Richey, the Senior Chancellor for the Department of Education for the state of Florida. As the overseer of all public schools from K-12 to colleges, workforce development, and various statewide programs, Chancellor Richey has a profound impact on Florida's educational landscape. Kimberly shares how her mother, a dedicat…

Join us on this episode as we delve into the impactful world of AgrAbility, where agriculture meets accessibility. Two years ago, Florida welcomed its inaugural AgrAbility program, a collaborative effort spearheaded by The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida and The University of Florida, supported by a USDA grant. On this episod…

In this episode of The Independent Life Podcast, we delve into the world of assistive technologies and their profound impact on enabling independence for individuals with disabilities. Our guests, Eric Reed, Executive Director of FAAST (Florida Alliance For Assistive Services and Technologies), and Kailey Medlock, FAAST's Training & Community Devel…

In this compelling episode, we are joined by Victoria Giatanis, the Acting Director for Vocational Rehabilitation for the Florida Department of Education. Victoria's journey to this esteemed position is marked by her dedication to service and her role as a public servant. From her early days in teaching, where she championed exceptional student edu…

In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of CIL Day 2024, a pivotal event where Centers For Independent Living convene at the Capitol in Tallahassee to advocate for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities. Tony, reflects on this year's remarkable success, marked by increased engagement with senators and representatives, signaling …

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Christina Mills, the Senior Director of Inclusive Policy & Advocacy for Elevance Health, who has just returned from a transformative trip to Japan with JIL (Japan Independent Living). Christina shares her insights into disability history, paying tribute to the influential figure, Justin Dart, and explori…

In this reflective episode, Tony shares his thoughts on the past year, expressing gratitude for the milestones achieved by CILNCF and its role in fostering independence. But Tony, ever the visionary, isn't one to rest on laurels. He shares his philosophy of being pleased with where we are but never satisfied, always hungry for improvement—a sentime…

Welcome to another empowering episode of The Independent Life Podcast! In this episode, Tony engages in a refreshing conversation with David, the Executive Director of the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged. What makes this episode particularly special is the shared journey of Tony and David, both navigating the world with low vision a…

Welcome back to The Independent Life Podcast, where we dive into the stories of inspiring individuals who are making a difference in the world. In this episode, Tony engages in a powerful conversation with Jennifer Ungru, a passionate advocate driving change in healthcare accessibility and systemic transformation. She shares her dedication to ensur…

In this enlightening conversation, our guest, Darrick McGhee, a seasoned lobbyist for the Florida Association Center for Independent Living, unveils the the diverse facets of his life. Beyond the realms of political influence, Darrick is also a Pastor and a man of unwavering faith. Together, Tony and Darrick embark on an exploration of the distinct…

Join us as we sit down with Commissioner Gabriella Passidomo, recently reappointed to the Florida Public Service Commission by Governor Ron DeSantis. Commissioner Passidomo, a dedicated public servant, takes us through her journey from serving in the FPSC’s Office of General Counsel to becoming a crucial figure in ensuring Floridians have access to…

In this episode, we sit down with Jane Johnson, the dedicated CEO of the Florida Association of Centers For Independent Living (FACIL), representing all 15 centers across the Sunshine State. As Florida gears up for its upcoming legislative season, Jane takes us on a journey through the world of advocacy, legislation, and the power of collaboration.…

In this episode, we explore the vital systems that primarily serve vulnerable communities. We delve into the intricacies of these systems, from Medicaid and child protective services to housing and transportation. Our guest, Mary Mayhew, is tasked with overseeing these massive systems that impact the lives of hundreds of thousands, if not millions,…

Join Tony Delisle on this inspiring episode as he sits down with Cammeron Smith, a dedicated professional working at the CILNCF Gainesville office, focusing on paratransit services. Cammeron's remarkable work involves reaching out to the consumers to determine their need for paratransit services, breaking down the transportation barriers that hinde…

In this episode, we sit down with a true champion of health equity, Monica Simmonds, the Director of Health Equity Program Implementation for Walmart. But before we dive into the incredible work Walmart is doing, we rewind to a chance encounter that set the stage for a transformative partnership.Tony and Monica, who share a unique journey that bega…

Are you or someone you know in search of essential resources and services within your community to meet unique needs? If you're seeking affordable housing, medical assistance, transportation, social support, or ways to become more involved in your community, this episode is a must-listen! In this informative episode, we're delving into a remarkable…

In this captivating episode, we're joined by an inspiring individual who is making waves in the world of community engagement and empowerment. Ashlyn Michael, our Community Health Worker at The Center For Independent Living of North Central Florida, sits down with us to share her remarkable journey and shed light on the invaluable work she's been d…

Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with Sean, whose life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2003. From facing initial misdiagnosis to navigating insurance denials, Sean's journey sheds light on the harsh realities individuals with disabilities endure. Discover how he embraced optimism and empower…

On this episode, Tony is joined by Founder and CEO of Abilities Workshop, Jeanetta Bryant. Abilities Workshop is dedicated to serving families and caregivers to those with special needs so that they can be their best. If you have a child that has been diagnosed with Autism or another Special Needs Diagnosis, Abilities Workshop is here to help. They…

In this thought-provoking episode, we are joined by Sarah Catalanotto, as we delve into the remarkable work of Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) in the state of Florida. Join us as we explore the extensive programming AHEC offers to promote health and facilitate the learning of pre-health professionals, including medical doctors, nurses, occupat…

In this thought-provoking podcast episode, join hosts Tony Delisle and Vanessa Spero as they delve into the multifaceted world of disability. In their engaging webinar, they unravel the intricacies of disability - exploring the definition, synonyms, and positive language associated with the term "disability." Tony and Vanessa go beyond mere definit…

Join us on a thought-provoking journey as we delve into the world of community psychology and the significance of mobilizing and engaging the disability community. In this captivating podcast, we sit down with Dr. Mark Salzer, a renowned licensed clinical community psychologist and professor in the College of Public Health at Temple University. Dr.…

In our last episode, we had on Jonathan Pruden, Wounded Warrior Project’s® Special Advisor to the Chief of Staff for Warrior Care, who shared his journey of disability and finding purpose in supporting veterans with service-connected disabilities. As an Army veteran, Jonathan's firsthand experience as an IED casualty in Iraq led him to advocate for…

Join us on this episode as we dive into the inspiring story of Jonathan Pruden, Wounded Warrior Project’s® Special Advisor to the Chief of Staff for Warrior Care. This is the first of two parts where Jonathan shares his journey into disability and how he found his purpose in helping other veterans with service-connected disabilities. Jonathan Prude…

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we continue to pull the thread on community with Dr. Laura Guyer. As we emerge from the isolation brought by the COVID pandemic, we believe that reconnecting, re-engaging, and reuniting our community and the community of people with disabilities is more important than ever.Tony and Dr. Guyer met at the …

In this episode, we continue our conversation about the Florida AgrAbility project and talk about how important this program is to our farmers in Florida and to our community. If you haven't had a chance to listen to our previous episode on AgrAbility with Lindsey Head and Serap Gorucu, we highly encourage you to take a listen and learn about the W…

The National AgrAbility Project is a federally-funded program that aims to help farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities to continue working and living independently. The project is a collaboration between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and various universities across the country.The primary goal of th…

Advocating for the rights of people with disabilities is an essential step towards creating a more inclusive, equitable society. People with disabilities are often subjected to discrimination, lack adequate access to resources and services, and are underrepresented in the public sphere. Disability advocacy seeks to address these issues by amplifyin…

Self-Direction. Participant-Direction. Consumer-Direction. Regardless of what it is called in your state, these phrases represent a long term-care option for Medicaid eligible individuals and their families that puts them in control. If you or a loved one is an individual with disabilities, chronically ill, or simply aging, self-directed home care …

On this powerful episode, we are joined by husband and wife, Dr. Michelle Medeiros and Dr. Henry Medeiros. They join us on the podcast to share their journey as parents raising a child with disability, specifically through the educational system. Michelle and Henry vulnerably share their experience with learning how to navigate an educational syste…

Cheryl Russell shares her journey in discovering her own disability and her experience of being a parent with a disability. She is an IPE Advocate (Individualized Education Plan) for parents with students who have a disability in the school system. She helps parents and guardians with students with disabilities prepare for for the IEP Program, help…

Nancy Hardt is known for her dedicated commitment, demonstrated leadership, innovative approaches and proven impact on improving access to primary care health services and positive health outcomes of Florida’s at-risk populations. Her innovative approaches for positively impacting health outcomes in Florida include: data to action -- providing data…

This is a critical conversation and a center of gravity for why people should listen to this is that even though we may be over the pandemic, the pandemic is not over us. There are thousands of people who are dying every week due to COVID. We are currently entering into what is predicted to be a disruptive winter with COVID and other strands of vir…

On this episode, we present a panel discussion about disability identity. At a state conference .. Tony had the opportunity to moderate this panel discussion based on the topic of disability identity. This discussion is both critical and foundational to who we are as people; disability helps to really form our perspective of who we are and our plac…

And we are back! Tony kicks off Season 3 of The Independent Life by sharing his reflection and gratitude from when we first launched the podcast on Thanksgiving Day.. 2 years ago. Also sharing what you can expect from Season 3 - we’re going take a more intentional look at the independent life and how its impacting people with disabilities in variou…

Today we wrap up Season 2 of The Independent Life Podcast and what a season it has been! On today’s episode, Tony emphasizes the message on unity and the shared human condition that we call disability. He reiterates the thread we’ve pulled on throughout the podcast, of this idea that we can always work towards becoming better versions of ourselves;…

On our final dojo for the season, Tony wraps up his reflections on the remaining dojo episodes, N-Z, as he continues to share his takeaways on the threads we’ve pulled within these dojos. Let's always remain mindful as we continue traveling the road of becoming the best version of ourselves possible. Key Takeaways: 00:00:46 Need 00:04:54 Opportunit…