To empower persons with disabilities to live independently and participate actively in their community.

Rain didn’t dampen the spirits of over 200 people that came out to participate - See Photos

To empower persons with disabilities to live independently and participate actively in their community, to increase the public's awareness of disability issues, and to strengthen the community's capacity to fully meet the needs of its citizens with disabilities by actively involving staff, board and consumers in local and state systems advocacy on issues that impact the individuals across disability populations.

Ability1st is a non-profit, community-based agency that provides services to persons with all kinds of disabilities. We serve 6 counties, that include: Leon, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Gadsden, and Wakulla. Ability1st, formerly the Center for Independent Living of North Florida, is part of a nation-wide network that was founded by Ed Roberts. Roberts was a person with a disability who was also an advocate for persons with disabilities. Roberts spearheaded the Independent Living Philosophy, which provides the basic building blocks for all Centers for Independent Living.

All services provided by Ability1st comply with the Independent Living Philosophy. The Independent Living Philosophy is one in which consumers (not "clients or patients") participate in developing their goals and determine what actions are needed in orderto reach these goals. Staff provides support and assistance while working with consumers in achieving their goals. The services of Ability1st are voluntary and consumers make the ultimate decision as to what is needed to make their lives more independent. Ability1st services are available to all persons with disabilities and their families. Through our main office in Tallahassee, Ability1st serves 6 North Florida counties. We collaborate with other disability/consumer-focused organizations in our community.

Standing left to right: Casey Senesac, Dan Moore, Beth Dees, Leigh Anne Keller, Amber Stephens, Shenika Rogers, Dee Humose, Sheri Smith, Emily Kennelly, Elizabeth Woodsmall, Judith Barrett, Barbara Warren, Denise Roberts, Susan Henry, Pariciat Day, Ryan Solberger, Bruce Weaver, Steve Freddo, Steve Amnott, and Seated: Henry Flores

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