ADA 29th Anniversary Celebration Held in Pensacola

The Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida Disability Resource Center (CILDRC) celebrated the 29th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with a “Takin’ it to the Streets” awards and volunteer recognition luncheon at the Pensacola Yacht Club on July 26.

Sue Straughn with WEAR TV Channel 3 was the emcee for the event. Executive Director of CILDRC Carolyn Grawi expressed the importance of taking all the equal opportunity “holes” and making them “whole” by providing everyone access to all.   Deborah Stanwood was recognized for 20 years of dedication and service at the CILDRC as vital part of the team.

Pensacola Mayor Grover C. Robinson IV was the keynote speaker. He shared information on Project Universal Access making Pensacola inclusive for the whole family providing access to the beaches to all. Holley Mosely, a strong advocate for treatment options for children and adults, received the Joe Oldmixon Award for outstanding service to people with disabilities. Due to new treatment options, her daughter has been seizure-free for two and a half years. She has authored a book, “A Ray of Hope,” telling her story along with providing possible solutions and advice to parents of children with special needs.

The Spirit of the CIL Award was presented to the South Santa Rosa County Community by Robin Jones. Jones started by recognizing Berta Hurston, along with a group of volunteers at the Community Life United Methodist Church, who recognized a need in their community for activities and started providing respite for families caring for adults with special needs every Thursday. That program has grown to include an Encircle Life program offering quarterly dances and also sponsors the annual “Night to Shine.” The South Santa Rosa County Community support has grown to include The Arc Gateway, Inc. South Santa Rosa daily living skills program and the Miracle League of Santa Rosa county, along with many beach access improvements. Jones is proud of her community and extremely appreciative of the new options for adults with disabilities in their community.

President/CEO of Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers Dr. Sherry A. White recognized Brian P. Bell, Sr. as the Volunteer of the Year for his countless hours in volunteer board service utilizing his vast experience to provide invaluable support for fund raising efforts and helping establish community partnerships to further advance the independence of children and adults with disabilities. The event was a fundraiser for the CILDRC with 44 sponsors and auction donors supporting the CILDRC with their mission of promoting independence for people with disabilities.


The Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida Disability Resource Center celebrated the 29th Anniversary of the ADA with an awards and volunteer recognition luncheon at the Pensacola Yacht Club.