---
title: The Center for Independent Living in Central Florida
description: There are great independent living centers across the country, but if you live in the Orlando area, The Center for Independent Living in Central Florida is the independent living center for you.
image: https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/IMG_9779.jpg
---

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# The Center for Independent Living in Central Florida

 Author: [Spinal Cord Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors)

 Publish Date: September 13, 2021

There are great independent living centers across the country, but if you live in the Orlando area, The Center for Independent Living in Central Florida is the independent living center for you. This independent living center helps people living in seven counties in Central Florida. They are Orange, Osceola, Seminal, Polk, Highlands, Hardee, and De Soto.

 

If you're not aware of what independent living centers do for people with spinal cord injuries, they are an oasis of disability information. If you have any questions related to living with your injury, ranging from finding caregivers to getting around your city using accessible transportation, an independent living center can help. They can also assist with helping you find employment, and they offer case managers.

 

What makes The Center for Independent Living in Central Florida special is their Foundations to Freedom program, a program that helps pay for home modifications for people with disabilities. This program is able to provide home modifications as well as adaptive equipment. To learn more about everything this program offers as well as other services provided by The Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, continue reading below.

 

## **Foundations to Freedom Program**

 

The Foundations to Freedom program provides home modifications and adaptive equipment that ensures individuals with disabilities have a safe and accessible home and a way to access the community around them. Modifications and adaptive equipment are at no cost to the clients, however, people may be placed on a waiting list to receive services. "The wait time could be 1 week to 4 months depending on a piece of equipment or scope of home modification," says Brittany Pilcher, Developments Director of The Center for Independent Living in Central Florida.

 

The home modifications include ramps, grab bars, widened doorways, raised toilets, roll-in showers, but ramps by far are the most requested item. "Last year we installed 103 ramps," adds Pilcher. "We build and install ramps 3ft up to 40 ft. Mobile or manufactured homes sit a few feet off the ground, this is an affordable housing option for individuals with disabilities and seniors on a fixed income however it is not the most accessible option for housing.

 

“Through it, we go on a RAMPAGE specifically building ramps with corporate partners and volunteer groups. RAMPAGE is the ‘act’ of building the ramp. Ramps are made of aluminum and take 4-8 volunteers to assist working 4-6 hours.” “Having a ramp that leads from the front door to the sidewalk makes the home accessible. We are able to install ramps for people who rent a house or mobile home as long as they have signed permission from the homeowner/landlord. We do not install ramps at apartments."

 

As for the equipment this program provides, it includes a doorbell flasher, flashing smoke alarm, an alarm clock with bed shaker, walkers, shower chairs, potty chairs, manual and electric wheelchairs, and power scooters. 239 pieces of durable medical equipment or assistive technology have been given out. Next to ramps, grab bars were the most requested item.

 

## **Other Services Offered**

 

The Center for Independent Living in Central Florida also offers an employment program called Aspire to Hire and it provides employment services. With securing employment an ongoing problem for people with disabilities across the country, this program has teamed up with the state of Florida’s Vocational Rehabilitation program to offer services like pre-employment skills training, self-advocacy, peer mentoring.

 

"Individuals with disabilities often find themselves in underpaid jobs or unemployed altogether, surviving only on disability benefits,” says Pilcher. “Disability should never be a barrier to having a job. Aspire to Hire assists job seekers in identifying, magnifying, and leveraging their unique abilities to find and maintain inclusive, competitive, and meaningful employment.

 

And lastly, they offer their Community Inclusion program, which is part of their Case Management services. Their Community Inclusion program helps people with disabilities find and use resources and services that are appropriate to meet their goals, regardless of ability. This program offices services like advocacy training, how to apply for benefits, transitioning from a facility to back home, navigating the community, and skills training

![IMG_9779](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_9779.jpg?width=6000&name=IMG_9779.jpg)

![DSC_1227](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DSC_1227.jpg?width=6000&name=DSC_1227.jpg)

![2430F9E6-714C-45BE-9164-7AF312AFADC9_1_105_c](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2430F9E6-714C-45BE-9164-7AF312AFADC9_1_105_c.jpeg?width=1024&name=2430F9E6-714C-45BE-9164-7AF312AFADC9_1_105_c.jpeg)

If you have a disability and are in need of home modifications or adaptive equipment, and you live in Central Florida, please call 407-623-1070 and leave a message with your full name, address, contact number, and what service you are looking for. Someone will return your call within 48 hours. Otherwise, you can reach out via email at info@cilorlando.org.

 

- Learn more: [https://www.cilorlando.org/events/rampage/](https://www.cilorlando.org/events/rampage/) 

- Follow The Center on Facebook

[https://www.facebook.com/Rampage-Center-for-Independent-Living-Central-Florida-140920365950207/](https://www.facebook.com/Rampage-Center-for-Independent-Living-Central-Florida-140920365950207/) 

**Topics:** Orlando, Orange, Osceola, Highlands, Hardee, De Soto, Independent Living in Central Florida, Seminal, oasis, ranging from finding caregivers, Other Services Offered

### Stay Updated on Advancements On Traumatic Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries

About the Author

#### Spinal Cord Team

 The authors of Spinalcord.com are made up of attorneys, those in the medical field, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Learn more about our team of authors including a brief biography that explains how they impact the SCI and TBI community. 

[Learn More About the Author](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors)

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### Spinal Cord Injury

- [Types of Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Secondary Complications](https://www.spinalcord.com/secondary-complications-after-sci-spinal-cord-injury)
- [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/signs-symptoms-of-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/prognosis-of-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer)

### Brain Injury

- [Types of Brain Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-traumatic-brain-injury)
- [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-traumatic-and-acquired-brain-injuries)
- [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms)
- [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-prognosis-for-tbi-abi)
- [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer)

### Finding Treatment

- [Physician Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-physician-directory)
- [Rehabilitation Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-hospitals-rehabilitation-directory)
- [Technology Advancements](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-technology-advancements)
- [Prevention](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-prevention)

### Legal Options

- [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer)
- [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer)
- [Types of Personal Injury Claims](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims)
- [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start)
- [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims)

#### [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us)

Spinal cord injuries are traumatic for patients and their families. They cause disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a lot of new information to navigate and understand. Our experts have collected everything in one place to help you learn more about your injury, locate doctors and treatment centers, find financial support, and get assistance navigating your next move.

[Learn More About SpinalCord.com →](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us)

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 The information provided by SpinalCord.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, see [ Disclaimer Policy.](https://www.spinalcord.com/disclaimer)

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{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "Article",
  "articleBody" : "The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic <A href=\"/spinal-cord-injury\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><SPAN style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spinal cord injury</SPAN></A>, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as <A href=\"//www.spinalcord.com/blog/contusion-vs.-concussion-understanding-the-difference\">a contusion.</A> Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.</P>\n\n<H2><STRONG>What Is a Spinal Contusion?</STRONG></H2>\n<IMG src=\"https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=300&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg\" alt=\"Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image\" width=\"300\" style=\"width: 300px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;\" srcset=\"https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=150&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg 150w, https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=300&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg 300w, https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=450&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg 450w, https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=600&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg 600w, https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=750&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg 750w, https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-Images/Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg?width=900&amp;name=Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image-min.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"/>\n<P>Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather<I><SPAN style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> unlike</SPAN></I> bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the<A href=\"/blog/contusion-vs.-concussion-understanding-the-difference\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”</A>a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.</P>\n<P>For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.</P>\n<P>A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of <A href=\"http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/nervous_system_disorders/spinal_cord_compression_134,13/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">physical symptoms</A> such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.</P>\n<H2><STRONG>Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For</STRONG></H2>\n<P>Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” <A href=\"http://www.healio.com/orthopedics/journals/ortho/2012-1-35-1/%7B7b1ed5f6-d6ca-435e-b69a-dba8a6d7c3c0%7D/spinal-cord-contusions\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">according to Dr. Wong</A>, an orthopedic physician.</P>\n<P>Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” <A href=\"http://www.aans.org/patient%20information/conditions%20and%20treatments/spinal%20cord%20injury.aspx\">(American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016)</A>. Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:</P>\n<UL>\n<LI>Spinal shock — or the &quot;loss of feeling or movement below site of injury&quot; <A href=\"http://www.columbianeurosurgery.org/conditions/spinal-trauma/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><I>(Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) </I></A>that can last between hours and weeks</LI>\n<LI>Loss of bladder or bowel function</LI>\n<LI>Difficulty breathing</LI>\n<LI>Muscle spasticity</LI>\n<LI>Difficulty understanding speech</LI>\n<LI>Problems with attention</LI>\n<LI>Memory challenges</LI>\n<LI>Heart rate and blood pressure problems</LI>\n</UL>\n<P>Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.</P>\n<P>Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.</P>\n<P>If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our <A href=\"/the-simplified-guide-to-understanding-a-spinal-cord-injury\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">guide to understanding a spinal cord injury</A>.",
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"description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.

What Is a Spinal Contusion?
Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image
Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.

For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.

A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.

Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For
Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician.

Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:

Spinal shock — or the loss of feeling or movement below site of injury (Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) that can last between hours and weeks
Loss of bladder or bowel function
Difficulty breathing
Muscle spasticity
Difficulty understanding speech
Problems with attention
Memory challenges
Heart rate and blood pressure problems
Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.

Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.

If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.",
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