woman in a wheelchair out in a field experiencing a feeling of freedom

About Disability Achievement Center

Since 1992, Disability Achievement Center has been serving people of all ages with disabilities in Pinellas and Pasco Counties. We are a consumer driven 501(c)3 not for profit resource center that serves people with all types of disabilities and their families at all stages of life. We are constantly growing, changing and seeking new ways to support your achievement.

We are all about practical, person centered achievement that puts your goals front and center through empowerment.

Respect, Choice, change are our core values. Respect for your goals. Offering all the choices you need to achieve, and change through your goals. It is all waiting for you to act by calling, clicking or coming in to visit the achievement team. We are waiting, where are you?

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) empower persons with disabilities to take charge of their lives and guide their own destinies, maximizing independence. CIL staff and consumers work together to remove barriers and prejudices in society so that all individuals can live and work and enjoy all that their communities have to offer. Fifty-one percent of the staff and boards of CILs are persons with disabilities; we are who we serve.

The Florida network of 15 Centers for Independent Living serve persons with all types of disabilities. CILs serve all ages from children to seniors. Every Florida county is served by this network, both urban and rural areas.

CILs are federally mandated under Section 725 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act as amended in 1998. They are funded with Federal Department of Health & Human Services, Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, grants and private donations. CILs are represented through the Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living (FACIL) as an advocacy and support organization.

Our Five Core Services

our staff working at a desk with one of our consumers in the foreground

Information and Referral Services

We have the answers to your questions and provide guidance to community resources.

one of our consumers driving a vehicle modified to accommodate his disability

Independent Living Skills

We offer individual and group training that enables you to live independently.

one of our consumers enjoying puppy day holding a small white puppy on his lap

Peer Mentoring

We encourage and facilitate sharing knowledge among individuals with similar life experiences.

man in a wheelchair sitting outside his apartment door in a hallway

Transition Services

The Center facilitates the transition of people with disabilities from nursing homes, hospitals, and other institutions to home and community based living, as well as the transition of youth with disabilities to higher education, the workforce and/or the community. This includes Diversion services that assist those who are at risk of entering an institutional setting.

man in a wheelchair shaking hands with an employer

Individual and Systemic Advocacy

We provide Individual Advocacy resources which include assisting persons with understanding the community and state services available and helping individuals determine how to gain access to such services that may be needed to help them gain or maintain community independence.

Systemic Advocacy

Throughout its history the Center has played an active part in systemic advocacy at the local, state and national levels. It has lead the way on issues as diverse as adaptive accessible technology, education, employment, healthcare, transition, transportation, and voting. Often times, the personal self advocacy of a consumer points the way for systemic advocacy.

one of our staff members helping one of our consumers with paperwork that will help her qualify for services

Apply for Assistance

The Disability Achievement Center is the best stop for your personal achievement goals. If living, learning, working and playing as independently as you choose are your goals then we are here to bring you all the choices you need.

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Support Our Work

Your financial support allows us to continue to work with individuals with disabilities and facilitate opportunities for them to make decisions, pursue activities of their own choosing, and be afforded every opportunity to be as self-sufficient as possible.

Donate Medical Equipment

Have equipment you would like to donate?

Click here to complete the donation form and arrange to drop off your donation today!

Respect, Choice, Change