What is JCIL?
Hope, Training, Self Respect, Encouragement, Possibilities, Solutions, Freedom.....
JCIL was established in 1996 and is part of a nationwide network of non-profit organizations operated by people with disabilities for people with disabilities. Independent Living is a way of life and a way of thinking about life. It is being in control of your life.
The Jackson Center for Independent Living is a community based, nonresidential, consumer controlled program of services designed to enable persons with disabilities to achieve maximum independence and fully participate in all aspects of
community life.
JCIL was established in 1996 and is part of a nationwide network of non-profit organizations operated by people with disabilities for people with disabilities. Independent Living is a way of life and a way of thinking about life. It is being in control of your life.
The Jackson Center for Independent Living is a community based, nonresidential, consumer controlled program of services designed to enable persons with disabilities to achieve maximum independence and fully participate in all aspects of
community life.
Spring Craft Class
Tuesday, April 2, 2026
2pm- 33 Federal Drive
Welcome spring by creating your own decorative bird house.
ASL interpreters will be available
Registration is required and class size is limited
To register visit: www.j-cil.com/birdhouse.html
Tuesday, April 2, 2026
2pm- 33 Federal Drive
Welcome spring by creating your own decorative bird house.
ASL interpreters will be available
Registration is required and class size is limited
To register visit: www.j-cil.com/birdhouse.html
ADA Rights Workshop
Saturday, Feb 28, 2026
1-3 PM. JCIL Annex
Evening ASL 1 classes beginning April 21, 2026
8 weeks of instruction
23 Federal Drive, Jackson, TN
$40 per person
For information contact Kathy at 731-668-2211 or email: [email protected]
Our ASL instructor for the spring evening classes is Judi Ann Pate.
Judi Ann Pate has over 26 years of experience in Deaf Education and American Sign Language instruction. She is Deaf and a native ASL user who brings both professional knowledge and lived experience to her work. She holds several degrees, including a master’s degree from University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is licensed in Deaf Education, bilingual education, ASL instruction, and educational administration.
Judi Ann taught ASL for more than 15 years at Austin Community College and Riverside Community College. She has also worked as a Deaf interpreter in police and hospital settings, helping support communication access in real-world situations. Throughout her career, she has worked with schools, agencies, and community groups to improve services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and has provided training on communication access and ADA-related practices.
In addition to her professional work, Judi Ann is a parent of a deaf child with vision needs, which further strengthens her commitment to language access, advocacy, and inclusive education.
She is passionate about sharing ASL and Deaf culture with the community and creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences for her students.
8 weeks of instruction
23 Federal Drive, Jackson, TN
$40 per person
For information contact Kathy at 731-668-2211 or email: [email protected]
Our ASL instructor for the spring evening classes is Judi Ann Pate.
Judi Ann Pate has over 26 years of experience in Deaf Education and American Sign Language instruction. She is Deaf and a native ASL user who brings both professional knowledge and lived experience to her work. She holds several degrees, including a master’s degree from University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is licensed in Deaf Education, bilingual education, ASL instruction, and educational administration.
Judi Ann taught ASL for more than 15 years at Austin Community College and Riverside Community College. She has also worked as a Deaf interpreter in police and hospital settings, helping support communication access in real-world situations. Throughout her career, she has worked with schools, agencies, and community groups to improve services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and has provided training on communication access and ADA-related practices.
In addition to her professional work, Judi Ann is a parent of a deaf child with vision needs, which further strengthens her commitment to language access, advocacy, and inclusive education.
She is passionate about sharing ASL and Deaf culture with the community and creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences for her students.