Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living

09/02/2026

Looking for a new career? Reno LaborFest is a great opportunity to actually try one out!

On Labor Day, local apprenticeship programs will offer hands-on demonstrations where you can explore different careers and get a feel for the work. Try a heavy equipment simulator, test out a virtual welder, bend conduit, and more. Apprenticeship programs represented include electricians, plumbers and pipefitters, laborers, sheet metal workers, painters, operating engineers, bricklayers and others.

For people with disabilities interested in exploring career options, this is a chance to learn more, ask questions, and discover possibilities you may not have considered.

💥 Reno LaborFest
💥 Monday, September 7 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
💥 Idlewild Park
💥 FREE and open to everyone!

Learn more: https://www.renolaborfest.com/

09/01/2026

🍂 Hello, September!

A new month brings new opportunities to connect, learn, set goals and keep moving toward greater independence.

September is also National Preparedness Month and National Service Dog Month, giving us even more reasons to talk about two things that matter to our community: being prepared for emergencies and recognizing the important role service dogs can play in supporting independence.

Throughout the month, NNCIL will continue sharing resources, opportunities and information to help people with disabilities live independently and participate fully in their communities.

Here’s to a great September!

08/31/2026

“Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.”
—Chinese Proverb

Progress doesn’t have to happen all at once. Learning a new skill, speaking up for yourself, trying something independently for the first time, or taking one small step toward a goal all count.

At NNCIL, we believe independent living is about having the opportunity, resources, and support to keep moving toward the life you choose, at your own pace.

Keep going. Small steps can take you a long way.

08/30/2026

This Thursday, September 3!

Nevada Deaf Senior Citizens Community Connection & Resource Hour! Looking for a fun way to connect with other Deaf seniors in our community? Join CSD Works Nevada for a morning of friendship, conversation, and fun!
📆 Thursday, September 3
🕙 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍 NNCIL - 999 Pyramid Way, Sparks, NV 89431
This free event is open to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind seniors (+55 preferred). Come laugh, socialize, and build connections with your community! Questions? Please contact [email protected]

08/28/2026

🔥 Wildfire conditions can change quickly. Know where to find reliable information.

The Nevada Office of Emergency Management / Homeland Security has created a 2026 Wildfire Information page with links to current fire information, evacuation updates, wildfire perimeter maps, road conditions and closures, air quality information, power updates, and recovery resources.

Having these resources bookmarked before you need them can make it easier to get accurate information during an emergency.

🔗 Find Nevada wildfire information and resources: https://www.oem.nv.gov/wildfire-info-2026/

Remember to follow instructions from local authorities if an evacuation warning or order is issued.

This page is updated as new wildfire information and resources become available. Conditions can change quickly. Please continue to follow local authorities and official incident sources for the most current evacuation, road closure and public safety information.

08/28/2026

Good advice from Northern Nevada Public Health.

08/28/2026

What does eating healthy have to do with living independently? A lot!
https://youtu.be/_7yoAo9FipQ?si=-HgiXRvq9B91mR3S

In this episode of Inspirations & Experts with Sofia Sanchez, Sofia talks with family physician and health advocate Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell MD,MS about simple ways to make healthier choices. Her advice: start with foods you already enjoy, add more colorful foods to your plate, set one achievable goal at a time, and don’t forget the water!

Then Sofia meets Tiana, a UNR student who loves to cook and dreams of becoming a baker. Tiana shares how she went from feeling nervous about college to finding her confidence, making friends, and enjoying life on campus.

Watch Healthy Starts & Sweet Dreams and learn more about meal planning and independent living skills at NNCIL.

We’re Hittin’ the Road with Nevada TRIP!
Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421E230026.

In this episode, Sofia talks with family physician and health advoc...

08/27/2026

Could your medication be affecting your vision?

Many medications have side effects, but you may not realize that some common prescription and over-the-counter medications can affect your eyes. Effects can range from dry eyes and blurred vision to increased eye pressure and, in rare cases, more serious vision problems.

AARP takes a look at 10 types of medications that may affect eye health and explains the symptoms to watch for.

One important takeaway: Make sure your eye doctor knows about all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you take, and talk with a healthcare professional if you notice changes in your vision. Don’t stop taking a prescribed medication without first talking with your provider.

Knowledge is an important part of advocating for your health and making informed decisions about your care.

Read more from AARP:
https://www.aarp.org/health/drugs-supplements/medications-that-harm-eyes/

From steroids to cancer drugs, some medications can harm your eyes. Learn the risks, the signs to watch for, and when to seek care to avoid lasting vision damage.

08/26/2026

🐾 Happy National Dog Day!

Today, we’re celebrating all the dogs who make our lives better, including the incredible service dogs who help people with disabilities live more independently.

Service dogs are more than companions. Depending on their training, they can help with mobility, guide people who are blind or have low vision, alert their handlers to important sounds or medical conditions, and perform many other tasks that support safety and independence.

National Dog Day is also a great opportunity to remember some service dog etiquette: when you see a service dog working, don’t pet, call to, feed or distract them without permission from their handler. The handler and their service dog are a team.

Learn more about service dogs, the important work they do, and how to respectfully interact with them in our blog, Unleashing Independence:
https://nncil.org/2023/12/29/unleashing-independence/