CIL Disability Resource Center
FAAST Gulf Coast
Regional Demonstration Center
CILDRC
Fall
2014
Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc.
Regional Distribution Center
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADA CELEBRATION A HUGE SUCCESS!
President…………….James Hicks
President Elect…..….Chris Walker
Secretary ...................Kathy Wilks
Treasurer............... John Bouchard
Past President.....Arthur Nunamaker, Sr.
For the past 14 years during the month of July, CIL
Disability Resource Center (CILDRC) has celebrated the
passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to
commemorate (in the words of George Bush) “the world’s
first comprehensive declaration of the equality of people
with disabilities and evidence of America’s leadership
internationally in the cause of human rights”.
Gilmartin receives
On July 24th, 2014, CILDRC hosted Northwest Florida Rich
Joe Oldmixon Award
Celebrates! ADA Celebration and Awards Luncheon
at East Brent Baptist Church Family Life Center in Pensacola, Florida.
Senator Greg Evers served as Master of Ceremonies and over 150 people
attended to hear our guest speaker Escambia County Commissioner Grover
Robinson, who described the ADA as a “gift of opportunity” for people with
disabilities.
Proclamations were made by Escambia County Commissioner Gene
Valentino and Pensacola City Councilwoman Sherri Myers.
The prestigious Joe Oldmixon Award for Outstanding Service to People with
Disabilities was presented to Rich Gilmartin, Executive Director of Gulf Coast
Enterprises, Inc. who has devoted 37 years to promoting employment for people
with disabilities. Escambia County Supervisor of Elections David Stafford was on
hand to make the presentation.
Rebecca Adkins, Director of Disability Student Services at Pensacola State College
was presented with the 2014 Spirit of CIL Award in recognition of her efforts to
provide accommodations and services to facilitate educational access for college
students with disabilities. Lisa Newsom made the presentation.
CILDRC Volunteer of the Year was presented to Jennifer Perry-Breen in
recognition of 412 hours of volunteer service over the previous 12 months.
BOARD MEMBERS
Kathy Breeden
Jerry Cloud
David Ellis
Carrie Finale
Judy Hicks
Debbie Horak
Susan Pritchett
Arnold Rosenbleeth
Bill Simmons
STAFF
Executive Director
Office /Fiscal Mgr
Advocacy Outreach
Admin Assistant
Frank Cherry
Debbie Stanwood
Sherri Myers
Neshida MurdockKlein
FAAST Prog Coord
Cheri Hofmann
ILS/AT Specialist
LaVesta Feagin
FTRI Program Coord
Diana Tift
FTRI Program Spec
Susan Foster
IL Specialist
Don Risavy
IL Specialist
Danny Broxson
Okaloosa/Walton
Counties Coordinator Brett Robinson
FTRI Outreach
Montressa Boulware
Inside this issue:
Escambia County Commissioner
Grover Robinson
Spirit of CIL Award winner Rebecca
Adkins and presenter Lisa Newsom
CILDRC Volunteer of the Year
Jennifer Perry-Breen
ADA Celebration (Cont) .. Page 3
Cherry’s Corner …….….. Page 3
FTRI-Keep Florida Connected .. Page 2
FAAST News ….…………… Page 5
Thanks to Volunteers …... Page 5
Donor Hall of Fame ……. Page 5
New Staff Members ……. Page 5
Business Spotlight ……... Page 5
Gift Opportunity ……….. Page 8
CILDRC Info …………... Page 8
Fall 2014
CIL Disability Resource Center
Page 2
ADA Celebration (continued from page 1)
The ADA Ambassador for People with Disabilities Award was presented to Joe Denmon, Behavior Technician at Lacey
A Collier Snoezelen (SNOO-zu-len) Complex at Escambia Westgate School. Joe works hard to ensure that families
across our community knows of the Snoezlen Complex’s existence; he is a passionate advocate of making sure the
results that staff and students are experiencing at the Center are shared with visitors from around the world.
Special thanks to our donors East Brent Baptist Church, Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, Beef-O-Brady’s Nine Mile
Road, Bonefish Grill, Carmike Cinemas, Coach-N-Four Restaurant, Cracker Barrel, Ever’man Natural Foods, Golden
Corral, Oops Alley, The Fish House, Vallarta’s Mexican Grill, Publix Super Markets, Sam’s Club, Escape Wellness
Spa, Target Stores, Walmart Superstores and Wind Creek Casino and Hotel.
Also a HUGE thanks to our volunteers! Without their support, our event never would have happened: Wayne and
Susan Foster; Chaplain Scott Morton and CID UNIT Corry Station; NAS Pensacola-Navy and Marine personnel;
Young Marines of Pensacola; and Dr. Dale Patterson, Tom McAlister, Laverne Williams, J.J. Smith, Kevin Brunicarde
and Allen Morgan from East Brent Baptist Church.
Escambia Commissioner Gene
Valentino and Frank Cherry
Senator Greg Evers (C) and Pensacola City
Councilwoman Sherri Myers
Spirit of CIL Recipient Rebecca Adkins
Antoinette and Brett Robinson
Artie Nunamaker and Diana Tift
Lumon May, Chairman, Escambia County
Commission and Frank Cherry
David Stafford, Escambia
Supervisor of Elections
Michael Allen and Frank Cherry
Jamie and Danny Broxson
Janeen and Jennifer Perry-Breen
Pensacola City Councilwoman
Sherri Myers and Frank Cherry
Senator Greg Evers
Assistant County Administrator Larry Newsom,
Lisa Newsom and Warren Jernigan
CILDRC Volunteer Recognition
Escambia Commissioner Gene Valentino
and Dean Kirschner
CILDRC staff members Neshida MurdockKlein, Diana Tift and Lavesta Feagin
Fall 2014
CIL Disability Resource Center
Page 3
Cherry’s Corner
People with Disabilities have a Voice in County Government
Escambia County
Assistant Administrator
Larry Newsom
Several years ago, Sherri Myers, Frank Cherry, Warren Jernigan and Jim and Barbara Mayall
began approaching county officials with the idea of creating an disability advisory committee
on people with disabilities to assist Escambia County in its efforts to better serve citizens with
all types of disabilities. In late 2013, Escambia County Board of Commissioners authorized
the establishment of the Escambia County Disability Awareness Committee (ECDAC).
In early 2014, the ECDAC was finally formed with the assistance of Assistant Escambia
County Administrator Larry Newsom. The Committee has met three times and has already
addressed many issues, including accessibility improvements to the County’s website www.myescambia.com,
the amounts for fines being charged for violating handicap parking regulations, inaccessible bus benches and
bus stops, building accessibility and accessibility of toilet facilities at Escambia County boat ramps. James
Henkel, who serves on the Committee, has been researching all of the Escambia County Ordinances pertaining
to persons with disabilities.
The ECDAC meets quarterly and has an open forum period for members of the public to provide comments
regarding any concerns relevant to people with disabilities. The public may also speak on any agenda item.
It’s time for you to speak out and voice your opinion about any issue related to people with disabilities!
Can you think of ANY issue that would make your life better to live independently in Escambia County?

Improve City Bus Transportation, ECAT?

Improve para transit Transportation, First Transit?

Improve Handicap Parking?

Improve access to restaurants, doctor’s office, grocery store, hospital, banks, SSA Office, County
buildings, City buildings, recreational parks?

Improve access to playground equipment?

Improve access to Pensacola Beach?

Improve access to Pensacola Historical District?

Improve access to the Escambia County Website?

Improve access to City and County Officials?

Improve access to voting locations in Escambia County?

Improve access to ALL public events held in Escambia County and in the Pensacola City limits?

Increase the number of Volunteer Parking Enforcement Officers to monitor Handicap parking violations
by paying a stipend for lunch and gas for travel to and from volunteering?

Do you have any other issues or suggestions not listed above?
Persons interested in participating or knowing more about the ECDAC should contact Chairman, Warren
Jernigan, at (850) 477-8376 or Vice Chairman, Frank Cherry, at (850) 595-5566, frank@cil-drc.org.
Fall 2014
CIL Disability Resource Center
Page 4
FTRI Celebrates Grandparent’s Month:
Help Seniors with Hearing Loss, Keep Florida Connected
Five million seniors live in Florida. As a state famous for retirees, that number likely comes as no surprise. What
may surprise you, however, is that one of every three seniors you meet has some degree of hearing loss—among
the most common yet overlooked health challenges in the US.
September is Grandparent’s Month and the perfect time to reflect on our loved ones. While Florida has among the
highest percentage of citizens who are hard of hearing in the US—a large portion of which are seniors—we also
have tremendous resources in place to meet their needs. Unfortunately, many Floridians don’t realize these
resources exist.
For example, in 1991, Florida legislation established a nonprofit organization called Florida Telecommunications
Relay, Inc. (FTRI – www.ftri.org/free) to provide amplified telephones to qualified Florida residents for free.
FTRI makes it possible for those who are hard of hearing, speech challenged, deaf or deaf/blind to have the same
access to basic telephone services as everyone else.
While hearing aids may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of hearing loss, amplified telephones
are equally helpful. Not only do these phones boost incoming sound, but the audio can be customized through tone
control and other features for different degrees of hearing loss. To date, FTRI has served more than 502,670
residents and distributed over 1,000,000 pieces of equipment like amplified telephones.
Why is this critical? For starters, having difficulty hearing on the telephone is one of the first signs of hearing loss.
For people with children and grandchildren spread out across the US, phone conversations are vital to staying in
touch with loved ones and engaged with the world. A five minute phone call may seem insignificant to a
grandchild but it could be uplifting, joyous and day-changing to a grandparent.
Complicating things further, when grandparents or seniors have difficultly hearing on the telephone they may
withdraw and become isolated, which may increase additional health risks. It’s not simply a social benefit, phone
conversations are an essential lifeline to caregivers, doctors and family members.
Hearing loss amongst grandparents or seniors is
technology to help is also advancing, and qualifying for
a free amplified telephone with FTRI is simple.
Permanent Florida residents who are certified as having
hearing loss or speech disabilities can obtain amplified
telephones and other telecommunications equipment at
no cost at one of the 26 regional distribution centers
throughout the state. Furthermore, some of the centers
offer free hearing tests.
increasing more and more every day. The good news is
TROUBLE HEARING
OVER THE PHONE?
Florida Telecommunications Relay,
Inc. (FTRI) provides specialized telephone equipment
at no cost to Floridians with hearing loss or speech
If your grandparents, parents or friends are one of the disabilities. To qualify, you must be a permanent
more than three million Floridians with hearing loss, let Florida resident, at least three years of age and able
them know about resources like FTRI. Even if they’re to provide proof of hearing loss or speech disability.
not, pick up the phone and give them call. Either way,
you can make their day and help us all Keep Florida To learn more or to make an appointment, contact:
Connected. To learn more about this free amplified
CIL Disability Resource Center
telephone program, call CIL Disability Resource
Center, 850-595-5566 and ask to speak with Susan Fos3600 North Pace Boulevard,
ter; or FTRI Headquarters in Tallahassee at 800-222Pensacola, FL 32505
3448; or visit our website www.ftri.org/free.
James Forstall , Executive Director, FTRI , Inc.
877-245-2457 (toll free) - 850-595-5566 (V/TDD)
www.cil-drc.org
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fall 2014
CIL Disability Resource Center
Page 5
FAAST—ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY NEWS
Assistive Technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software, or product system that is used to
increase, maintain, or improve the function of individuals with disabilities.
The FAAST Device Loan Program located at CIL Disability Resource Center is a way for people with
disabilities of all ages to try out different assistive devices to best determine those most helpful for them and/
or enhance their ability to be independent.
There are nearly 2,000 pieces of various types of equipment in our inventory from low-tech devices (canes,
walkers, manual wheelchairs) to high-tech devices (communication boards and assistive listening devices).
FAAST also refurbishes/recycles/reutilizes certain used equipment when funding is available. This
equipment includes power wheelchairs and scooters, vehicle lifts and computers.
For more information on the FAAST program located at CIL Disability Resource Center, contact LaVesta
Feagin, 850-595-5566, extension 13.
CILDRC CONSUMER RECEIVES COMPUTER
Consumer Karl Colston recently received a refurbished computer workstation through the
CILDRC/FAAST computer refurbish/recycle program. The equipment will provide for
greater independence in his every day life by allowing him to be able to better communicate
with others and also improve his education through the use of the computer.
HELP AT HAND EMERGENCY DIALERS
Recently, we’ve assisted several senior consumers who reside at Ahepa 296 on Creighton
Road by issuing them Help at Hand Emergency Dialers units. CILDRC/FAAST Assistive
Technology Specialist LaVesta Feagin spent time with the consumers, one on one, taking
time to ensure each of them were able to clearly understand the directions for set up and
operation of the dialers. One consumer in particular, Mr. Gerald Durre (pictured at left) was
very happy he could set up the dialer himself. All of the consumers at Ahepa 296 enjoyed
the extra time and attention to their safety concerns.
New Item in CILDRC/FAAST Inventory
CILDRC now has a limited number of the DV8 Steerable Knee Walkers available for short-term loan to
eligible consumers.





Knee walker can be steered for increased maneuverability.
Ideal for individuals recovering from foot surgery, breaks, sprains,
amputation and ulcers of the foot.
Deluxe lever brake ensures safety.
Tool free height adjustment
8" casters are ideal for indoor/outdoor use.
Loans will made on a first come/first serve basis to consumers who can provide a physician’s prescription.
For more information contact LaVesta Feagin, 850-595-5566, extension 13.
Fall 2014
CIL Disability Resource Center
Page 6
Special Thanks To Our Volunteers
Allen Morgan
Antoinette Robinson
Arnold Rosenbleeth
Arthur Nunamaker, Sr.
Ashley Potter
Bill Simmons
Carrie Finale
Cheri Hofmann
Chaplin Scott Morrison &
Family
CID UNIT Corry Station
David Ellis
Debbie Horak
Diana Tift
Eric Dupre’
Gail Gardner
James Hicks
J. J. Smith
Jennifer Perry-Breen
Judy Hicks
Janet Cherry
Jerry Cloud
John Bouchard
Kathryn Walsh
Kathy Wilks
Kevin Brunicarde
Laverne Williams
Lisa Newsom
NAS Pensacola
Packy Mitchell
Sabrina Lovette
Shekeena Knott
Tom McAlister
Wayne & Susan Foster
Susan Pritchett
Susan Rainwater
Young Marines of Pensacola
CILDRC LOVES
VOLUNTEERS!
If you have the time and a
passion for helping, we can find
something for you to do! We need help
answering phones, greeting consumers
and performing other basic office skills
(folding brochures and stuffing envelopes).
If you think you may be interested,
contact Danny Broxson, Volunteer
Coordinator at CILDRC, 850-595-5566,
extension 33 to request an interview!
CILDRC Donor Hall of Fame
Organizations
Beau Rivage Resort
and Casino
Beef O’Bradys-Nine Mile Road
Big Top Bingo
Bonefish Grill
Carmike Cinemas
CID UNIT Corry Station
Coach-N-Four Restaurant
Cracker Barrel
D.W. McMillan Foundation
East Brent Baptist Church
Escape Wellness Spa
Ever’man Natural Foods
Golden Corral
Oops Alley
Publix Supermarkets
Sam’s Club
Society of the Debutante
Charity Cotillion
The Fish House
Vallarta’s Mexican Grill
Walmart Superstores
Wind Creek Casino and Hotel
Individuals
Equipment Donations
Fred Kelley
Thomas Mauney
Betty Norwood
Don and Jan Risavy
Sam and Inez Beck
W. J. McElwain
Nancy Doss
Evelyn Drain
Vera Kancifer
Vonnie Kirk
Bobbi Rasmussen
Frank Reno
Carolyn Glynn
Frances Torkelson
George Lambert
Marie Rhodes
Ruthe Rose Estate
Barbara S. Smith
Glenn Roberts
In Memory of
William Grant Tucker
Nels & Abbie Offerdahl
Panorea Ruston
Patrick & Sheryl McClellan
Peggy Ives
Don & Vicki Rider
Teresa Levin
Jane McMillan
Diane & Peter Mistich
George & Melissa Clayton
DID YOU KNOW?
The term “center for
independent living’
means a consumercontrolled, communitybased, cross-disability,
nonresidential private
nonprofit agency designed and operated within a local
community by individuals with
disabilities and provides an array of
independent living services?
CIL Disability Resource Center
Fall 2014
Page 7
MEET SOME OF OUR NEWER STAFF MEMBERS:
My name is Neshida Murdock-Klein and I am the new Administrative Assistant with CIL
Disability Resource Center, striving to live up to the standard set forth by Ms. Rita Hurd,
who retired in May 2014. In this role, I am responsible for coordinating all aspects of
Quality Assurance including proofreading, editing, inventory and all other duties assigned
by the Executive Director. As a Certified Medical Assistant, I have developed excellent
customer service skills that directly reflect the caring heart and helpful disposition I have
become to appreciate about myself. Hailing from the great state of California, I adopted
Florida as a second home and am elated to be surrounded by people who show the true
meaning of ‘Southern Hospitality’. Me and my husband of 14 years have four beautiful
children, two of which have special needs; therefore, I feel blessed to be able to work with such a knowledgeable staff, in a God-Friendly environment from which I learn new ways to bless others on a daily basis.
My name is LaVesta Feagin and I am the Independent Living and Assistive Technology
Specialist for the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST) - Gulf
Coast Regional Demonstration Center (GCRDC) located at the CIL Disability Resource
Center (CILDRC). I perform Assistive Technology device training and demonstrations as
well as peer counseling and case management, information and referrals, and training in
basics tasks that lead to living a life of independence. I also conduct outreach to the
community and attend various exhibits, training events and meetings where I demonstrate
assistive technology and network with different agencies and groups to encourage more
participation in the FAAST program.
When I’m not working at the center, I volunteer at the Woodland Community Center on Berkley Drive in
Pensacola, Florida, helping younger women to realize their full potential and to strive for success. I have lived
in the Panhandle my whole life and have respectively been the caretaker for many of my friends and relatives
with disabilities. I have a passion for knowledge and for helping others to reach their full potential. I am
genuinely excited about being a part of the CILDRC and FAAST Gulf Coast Regional Demonstration Center
team. I am even more thrilled about what the future holds because I am now working in a job that aligns with
my passions.
SPOTLIGHT ON ACCESSIBLE BUSINESSES IN OUR COMMUNITY!
These businesses have made it easier for people with disabilities to access their goods
and services. People with disabilities appreciate you!
3001 E. Cervantes, Pensacola
4970 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
4525 Mobile Highway, Pensacola
CIL Disability Resource Center
3600 North Pace Boulevard
Pensacola, Florida 32505
Voice/TDD: 850-595-5566
Fax: 850-595-5560
WEBSITE: http://www.cil-drc.org/
www.cil-drc@cil-drc.org
The CILDRC Mission
To assist individuals with
disabilities achieve their goals
for independence
34 Years of Promoting
Independence for
people with disabilities
Give the Gift of Caring
Yes, I want to help the CIL Disability Resource Center continue to
advocate for individuals with disabilities in our community.
Enclosed is my tax deductible gift of:
______$100 ______ $50 ______$25 ______Other
Please make checks payable and mail to CIL Disability Resource
Center, 3600 North Pace Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32505.
Name:
________________________________________
Address:
________________________________________
City:
_________________ State _____ ZIP_________
On behalf of our consumers, thanks for caring!
CIL Disability Resource Center
3600 Pace Boulevard
Pensacola, FL 32505
CILDRC
Services of the CIL Disability Resource Center are
sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education; State
of Florida Department of Education-Division of
Vocational Rehabilitation; the Florida Alliance of
Assistive Services and Technology; local businesses
and individual contributions.
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Pensacola, FL
Permit No. 920