Support Agencies
- Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida
222 SW 36th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32607, (352) 378-7474; (352) 372-3443 (TTY); (352) 378-5582 (fax); 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
The Center assists persons with disabilities through advocacy, information, referral, peer support, and independent living skills education. The Center also provides employment services and interpreting services.
- Disability Affairs Cabinet
Student Government, University of Florida, Room 305 Reitz Union, P. O. Box 118505, Gainesville, FL 32611-8505; (352) 392-1665 (ext. 305). The Disability Affairs Cabinet works closely with the Disability Resource Center to increase campus and community accessibility and awareness. Our main responsibilities include the Annual Disability Issues Forum, Disability Student Assembly, Recruitment for Special Olympics, and Wheelchair Basketball as well as coordinating activities in the community to benefit students with disabilities. Our mission is to: (1) educate the student body, faculty, and staff, as well as the community; (2) establish programs which make campus life better for students with disabilities; and (3) extend a helping hand to organizations for people with disabilities in the community through the students at UF. For questions, contact 392-1665, ext. 305; email disability@sg.ufl.edu; or go to www.sg.ufl.edu/branches/executive/cabinets/disAbilityAffairs.aspx.
- State of Florida Division of Blind Services
417 S.W. 8th Street Gainesville, FL 32601; (352) 955-2075; toll free (800) 443-0908; Fax (352) 955-2382; Web: www.state.fl.us/dbs. The Division ensures that people of all ages in the state who have visual impairments can live independently and achieve their goals. The Division assists individuals who have serious eye conditions, and offers financial aid, vocational counseling, reader services, and other services, depending on need.
To determine eligibility, contact the agency in your home town.
- Florida Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (VR)
417 S.W. 8th Street Gainesville, FL 32601; (352) 955-2075; toll free (800) 443-0908; Fax (352) 955-2382; www.state.fl.us/dbs/job_seeker/vr.shtml. The goal of vocational rehabilitation (VR) is to help individuals achieve or maintain employment consistent with their unique strengths, abilities, concerns, and interests. For students to be eligible, they must have a visual impairment in both eyes and require vocational rehabilitation services to find or keep a job. For information, contact the VR office in your community.
- Social Security Administration Programs
1610 NW 23 Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32605; 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday; (800) 772-1213; (352) 375-4178; TTY: (352) 375-6198. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to blind and disabled individuals with low income. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program allows workers and eligible dependents to receive monthly cash benefits during a period of disability. For information, contact your local Social Security Administration office. Also, go to: www.socialsecurity.gov.