Roadmap to Family Resources
Department of Health: Early Steps
Serves ages: 0-36 Months
The Early Steps program provides early intervention services to infants and toddlers with, or at risk for, developmental disabilities or delays. Services include screenings, therapies, assistive technology, and other supports that help families advocate for their child and develop an individualized plan that grows with them.
Supports and Services:
Early Intervention Supports
Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapies
Hearing and Vision Services
Developmental screenings
Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP)
Contact Information:
Website: Florida Early Steps
Phone number: 1-800-218-0001
Agency for Persons with Disabilities
Serves ages: 3-5 Years
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities helps to support individuals with disabilities as young as age 3 and throughout their lifespan in providing supports and supplemental funding to families for evaluations, and services that include medical, social, behavioral, therapeutic, and more.
*For Medicaid recipients ages 3-21, APD collaborates with the Florida Medicaid program to help individuals access various supports and services.
Supports and Services
Social, Behavioral, Medical, Residential, and Therapeutic services
Daily Living Skills
Transportation
Employment
Medical and Nursing services
Additional Medicaid Waiver Services
Contact Information
Website: Agency for Person with Disabilities
Phone number: 1-866-APD-CARES (1-866-273-2273)
Department of Education – Florida Public School System
Serves ages: 3-22 Years
The Florida public school system provides support for individuals with disabilities through its Exceptional Student Education (ESE) programs. Every eligible child with a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) receives an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) which outlines specialized supports and services to meet needs and goals.
Supports and Services
Individualized supports, accommodations and specialized services relating to student success and educational achievement
Evaluations and Reevaluations
Development of Individualized Educational Plans (IEP)
Contact Information
District Exceptional Student Education Directors Contact Information: BEESSsupport@fldoe.org
Website: https://fldoe.org/academics/exceptional-student-edu/staff/ese-directors.stml
Family Empowerment Scholarship Unique Abilities
Serves ages: 3-22 Years
The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities gives families of students with disabilities, starting at age 3, access to expanded education options tailored to each student’s learning needs. Eligible students with an IEP or qualifying diagnosis may use the scholarship for tuition, transportation, online programs, tutoring, learning materials, and other approved services.
Supports and Services
Scholarship funds directed where students need it most including tutoring, transportation, materials, college savings accounts, and more
Contact Information
District Exceptional Student Education Directors Contact Information: https://www.stepupforstudents. org/scholarships/uniqueabilities
Phone Number: 1-877-735-7837
Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System
Serves ages: 3-22 Years
Funded through the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Diagnostic Learning Resources System serves students with disabilities, their families, educators, and school districts statewide by providing diagnostic and support services through community-based centers. Families can also receive information, training, and support to help them advocate for their children’s education.
Supports and Services
Evaluations and Reevaluations
Caregiver Training
Contact Information
District Exceptional Student Education Directors Contact Information: www.fdlrs.org
Phone Number: 1-386-312-2265
Local Area Listing: www.fdlrs.org/find-a-center
Project 10: Transition Education Network
Serves ages: 12-22 Years
Project 10: Transition Education Network assists Florida school districts and relevant stakeholders to provide technical assistance and advisory services in a multitude of areas such as capacity building, interagency collaboration, specified Legislation and Policy, and Student Development and Outcomes.
Supports and Services
Research
Technical Assistance
Advisory Services
Contact Information
Website: www.project10.info
Agency for Persons with Disabilities – Unique Abilities Partner Program
Serves ages: 14+ Years
The Florida Unique Abilities Partner Program recognizes businesses that employ individuals with disabilities or support organizations that promote independence. The program also offers training, job matching, and connections to resources such as the Unique Abilities Tax Credit, workforce partners, and education resources.
Supports and Services
Recognition Program
Job Seeker and Employer Training and Resources
Connection to job placement
Contact Information
Website: https://apd.myflorida.com/unique/
Phone Number: 1-850-488-4257
Department of Education – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Serves ages: 14+ Years
Beginning at age 14, students with disabilities connect to the Department of Education’s (DOE) Vocational Rehab (VR) services for Pre-Employment Transition Services. These services offer students with disabilities an early start at career exploration and preparation for adult life. Adults with disabilities also find employment and training support through VR.
Supports and Services
Supportive Services including Job Readiness and Matching
Work-based learning experiences
Self-advocacy and peer mentoring
Postsecondary education counseling
Contact Information
Website: www.rehabworks.org
Phone Number: 1-800-451-4327
Local Area Listing: http://www.fdlrs.org/find-a-center
CareerSource Florida
Serves ages: 16+ Years
CareerSource Florida supports job seekers age 16 and older, workers, and employers by connecting individuals to employment, training, and career advancement opportunities. Employers can access recruitment and workforce development services, while job seekers can search jobs, post résumés, and find training resources.
Supports and Services
Job skills and career development
On the Job Training
Youth Employment Programs
Credential Obtainment
Recruitment and Job Matching
Contact Information
Website: www.careersourceflorida. com
Local Area Listing: http://www.careersourceflorida. com
Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities
Serves ages: 18+ Years
The Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities supports Floridians with intellectual and developmental disabilities transitioning from high school through the Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program. The Center partners with higher education institutions statewide to administer scholarships and provide grant funding for participating programs.
Supports and Services
Scholarship Opportunities
Grant Funding
Contact Information
Website: www.fcsua.org
Phone Number: 1-407-823-5225
Department of Children and Families
Serves ages: All Ages
The Department of Children and Families serves Floridians at every stage of life, from newborns to senior citizens. Floridians served through DCF can receive public assistance benefits such as food, cash, and Medicaid health insurance. DCF also supports Floridians through Child and Family Well-being services as well as Mental and Behavioral Health.
Supports and Services
Employment
Public Assistance Services
Child and Family Wellbeing services
Mental and Behavioral Health Services
Contact Information
Website: www.myflfamilies.com
Phone Number: 1-850-487-1111
Agency for Health Care Administration
Serves ages: All Ages
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) serves and oversees the state’s Medicaid program and contracts with managed care organization to provide direct services to eligible recipients.
Supports and Services
Medicaid Services
Licenses Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare Data Share
Contact Information
Website: ahca.myflorida.com
Phone Number: 1-877-254-1055
