CASSELBERRY, Fla. – Music, laughter and games marked a special celebration at INSPIRE Central Florida on Thursday, as specialists and staff gathered for their Summer Fun Day celebration at the Casselberry facility.
The nonprofit organization, which serves about 100 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, transformed their daily learning environment into a summer paradise complete with bowling, cornhole, soccer and craft activities.
“Summer Party is about getting to gather with the family, with your friends, your parents, and the staff. Being together. We are one team. We are one big family,” said Robert Hill, a specialist at INSPIRE Central Florida.
Specialists, as the program participants are known, took part in various outdoor games and indoor activities, including making tie-dye crafts and decorating visors. The day’s festivities also featured treats like snow cones and sugar-free popsicles.
“We always try to come up with a fun theme and help celebrate something that’s coming up in the future,” said Lilly Continanzi, executive director of INSPIRE Central Florida. “These activities help them practice different life skills like socialization and waiting your turn. Things some of us take for granted.”
While Summer Fun Day showcased the organization’s lighter side, INSPIRE Central Florida’s mission focuses on helping adults with conditions such as autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy develop crucial life and employment skills.
The organization operates two cafes. One at the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and another at the Board of Commissioners building. where specialists gain hands-on work experience. They also run a woodshop and contract fulfillment program, providing paid employment opportunities.
“I think sometimes people underestimate this population,” Continanzi said. “Every day, they show us that they can accomplish everything that anyone else could. Sometimes even better!”
INSPIRE Central Florida welcomes community involvement through various volunteer opportunities.
“We always have volunteering opportunities if individuals want to come and do afternoon activities with them,” Continanzi said. “They love to play bingo and do crafts and dance and even sing karaoke.”
Those interested in volunteering or learning more about INSPIRE Central Florida can find the organization on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok under “inspirecfl.”