Resources
Spectrum Resources
The CAFE TA Center
The CAFÉ TA Center is a program of The Family Café, a cross-disability organization that has been connecting individuals with information, training and resources since 1998. The Center is supported by SAMHSA to operate one of its five national technical assistance centers; providing technical assistance, training, and resources that facilitate the restructuring of the mental health system through effective consumer directed approaches for adults with serious mental illnesses across the country.- Florida Youth Council
The Florida Youth Council is a group of youth and emerging leaders (age 15-30) with disabilities or special health care needs that live in Florida. We are a program of The Family Café.
The FYC is all about getting youth and emerging leaders involved in self-advocacy, peer mentoring and other activities that will improve the quality of life for youth and emerging leaders with disabilities in Florida. The program provides a means for youth and emerging leaders to decide what issues are important to their generation, to express those issues in their state and local communities, and to develop strategies to solve them.
- The FAAST Northwest Regional Demonstration Center at The Family Cafe
The Family Café is proud to partner with the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology, Inc. (FAAST) to house the FAAST Regional Demonstration Center (RDC) for Northwest Florida.The focus of this project is to provide greater access, knowledge and training as it relates to assistive technology for those residing in the northwest region of Florida. It will serve people in Gulf, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison and Taylor counties. The northwest region includes a large rural area, with multiple low population density counties. For those residing in those areas, assistive technology can be particularly essential. It connects them with resources, allows them to interact remotely, and facilitates their mobility. The Family Café looks forward to addressing the unique challenges that families in those rural areas face.
The Family Café Regional Demonstration Center provides a variety of services, including:
- AT Assessments
- AT Evaluations
- Device Demonstrations
- Device Loans
- Refurbish Repair of Equipment
- Presentations
- Info & Assistance
- Trainings
Jesse Hansen serves as Northwest Florida RDC Coordinator. Jesse has a wealth of technical knowledge and experience, having worked for more than seven years in the field of computer and device repair, diagnostics and maintenance. In that capacity, he has also had the opportunity to assess the needs of individual users, and to train groups in the use of various technology. If you or anyone you know is in need of any of the services that we will now offer as the Family Café Northwest Regional Demonstration Center please contact us so we can provide those services that our community needs. Jesse can be reached directly at jhansen@familycafe.net.
The Family Cafe has put together resources to help you have your voice heard, with a focus on our state legislature and their annual session. You can find those resources in the FROM section of our site here.
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The Division of Disability Determinations (DDD) is responsible for making decisions regarding the medical eligibility of Florida citizens applying for disability benefits under the federal Social Security and Supplemental Security Income programs.
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The Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System provides diagnostic, instructional, and technology support services to district exceptional education programs and families of students with disabilities.
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The DBS mission is to: Ensure blind and visually impaired Floridians have the tools, support and opportunities to achieve success.
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Information and resources about health insurance for infants, children and teens in Florida.
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This program, which is funded through the Centers for Disease Control and housed with the University of Florida, exists to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of Floridians of all ages living with disability.
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The Florida Commission on Human Relations is the state agency charged with enforcing state civil rights laws concerning the protected classes of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status and familial status.
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This Florida DOE Bureau includes programs such as Dropout Prevention and Academic Intervention, Parent Involvement, Safe and Drug Free Schools, Community Learning Centers, Faith and Community-Based Outreach.
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A summer reading program which provides parents with information about actively reading with their children during the summer months.
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This agency is responsible for implementing policy in the areas of workforce development, welfare transition, unemployment compensation, labor market information, early learning and school readiness.
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ATEN’S mission is to assist in the enhancement of student outcomes through provision of information, training, and technical support in the area of Assistive Technology.
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The Primary Mission of the Agency is to Support Persons with Developmental Disabilities in Living, Learning and Working, in All Aspects of Community Life.
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This program provides children with special health care needs with a family-centered, managed system of care.
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A site where you may access information about health and wellness, long-term care, community-based care, projects and publications. We are constantly updating our materials to reach our goal of providing the most recent information available.
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An independent commission housed administratively within the Florida Department of Transportation. The mission is to ensure the availability of efficient, cost-effective, and quality transportation services for transportation disadvantaged persons.
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The mission of the Family Care Council of Florida is to advocate, educate and empower individuals with disabilities and their families.
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This Department of Health program has the goal of providing all eligible residents who sustain a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury the opportunity to obtain the necessary services enabling them to return to their community.
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Provides information about a wide range of health and human services provided through the state of Florida.
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Welcome to AHCA. We are committed to providing the best quality service to the citizens of Florida. Whether you are a consumer, health care provider, health care practitioner, or researcher, you will find important and useful material.
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Florida’s Early Intervention Program is improving its service delivery system to better support infants and toddlers and their families – in places where they live, learn and play.
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The Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services administers programs for students with disabilities and for gifted students.
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State Emergency Response Teams (SERT) ensures that Florida is prepared to respond to emergencies, recover from them, and mitigate against their impacts. This website contains valuable information about how Florida residents and visitors to the state.
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To promote and protect the health and safety of all people in Florida through the delivery of quality public health services and the promotion of health care standards.
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This is the official website of The Office of the Governor of Florida.
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Florida’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program is committed to helping people with disabilities find meaningful careers. VR may assist with training, medical treatment, accommodations, and other services.
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Volunteer Florida believes that “strengthening Florida’s communities through volunteerism and service” is not just a mission statement; it’s a way of life.
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Florida Environmental Public Health Tracking Network: This web site provides health, exposure, and environmental hazard data that communities can use to improve their health.
Almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, yet only 10% of them receive treatment. This is why Addiction Group was founded.
Addiction Group is dedicated to help individuals suffering from substance abuse and prevent new cases through credible information and spreading awareness to as many as we can reach. Every fact-based piece of content is written by journalists or medical professionals.
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Able Eyes provides virtual walk-thru tours of the inside of public spaces for the purpose of accessibility (helping people) and marketing (helping businesses). This virtual tool is to help people make decisions and have wonderful experiences based on his/her own needs.
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The leading developer of reading technology for people with learning difficulties and those who are blind or visually impaired.
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An interactive guide to learning disabilities for parents, teachers and children.
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Our Mission is to improve the quality of life for all Floridians with disabilities, through advocacy and awareness activities that increase access to and acquisition of assistive services and technology.
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Games, songs, communication cards, print resources and information for individuals with special needs.
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This organization focuses on computer technology for people with special needs through its bi-monthly newspaper, annual international conference and extensive web site.
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The mission of ATIA is to serve as the collective voice of the Assistive Technology industry so that the best products and services are delivered to people with disabilities.
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ATEN’S mission is to assist in the enhancement of student outcomes through provision of information, training, and technical support in the area of Assistive Technology.
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ABLEDATA provides objective information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources to consumers, organizations, professionals, and caregivers within the United States.
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Enhanced Vision is a provider of information and vision enhancement products for people with low vision.
- supportcoordinators.com
We are here to help support coordinators, providers, families, & self advocates. - waiverprovider.com
WaiverProvider.Com is a directory of Medicaid Waiver providers. We provide detailed information about each provider including: services provided, areas covered, special skills, and experience. - The Very Special Arts Center
The purpose of the Florida Special Arts Center is to seek the promotion of the performing and visual arts as well as the fostering of creative expression for persons with developmental disabilities. - Best Buddies
- Special Olympics Florida
The mission of Special Olympics Florida is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities who wish to participate. - United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Central Florida
Serves children with all types of special needs, including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, speech delays, developmental delays and vision and hearing impairments through programs and services for children and their families. - Sunrise Community Florida
Non-profit organization provides a variety of services for people with disabilities in Florida, including adult day training, companion services, and in-home support services, an intermediate care facility for people with developmental disabilities. - Substance Abuse Services in Florida
Information on services and programs for residents of Florida that addresses substance abuse prevention and recovery. - Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society Chapter for Florida
MS Society contact information. Chapters encourage personal empowerment with employment counseling, family programs, volunteer opportunities, and advocacy issues. - Autism Society of Florida
An all-volunteer organization made up of parents and family members of individuals affected by an autism spectrum disorder, as well as professionals working in the field. - ARC Broward
Provides services for children and adults with autism, Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. Programs include supported employment, micro-enterprise coaching, early intervention, after school programs and respite care. - SBA of Central Florida
Promoting the prevention of Spina Bifida and enhancing the lives of all affected. - International Fibrodysplaisa Ossificans Progressiva Association (IFOPA)
The International FOP Association, or IFOPA, is a nonprofit support organization for families dealing with a rare genetic condition known as Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP). - ARC/Florida
- Spina Bifida Association of Florida of Jacksonville, Inc
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
At the heart of NAMI’s mission is our grassroots and the sharing of information with people with mental illness, their families, friends, mental health professionals, and the general public. NAMI strives to offer hope, reform and health to our America - Learning Disabilities Association of Florida (LDAF)
- Epilepsy Services Program
- Manasota BUDS (Bringing Up Down Syndrome)
- Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida
- Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization
- Brain Injury Association of Florida (BIAF)
- American Foundation for the Blind-National Literacy Center
- Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)
- Autism Recovery Network
- Autism Society of Florida, Inc
P.O. Box 970646 Coconut Creek, FL 33097 (954) 349-2820 - Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
P.O. Box 543 Pottstown, PA 19464 (484) 945-2101 - Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
8181 Professional Place, Suite 150 Landover, MD 20785 (301) 306-7070 (Phone) | (800) 233-4050 (Voice mail to request information packet) - Mesothelioma.net
Resources related to mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer usually linked to asbestos exposure. - Pulmonary Hypertension Association
The Pulmonary Hypertension Association provides connection, support and advocacy to people with pulmonary hypertension. - Autistic Self Advocacy Network
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. - CerebralPalsyGuidance.com
Cerebral Palsy Guidance was created to provide answers and assistance to parents of children with cerebral palsy. It covers cerebral palsy from all angles–from symptoms, causes, and treatment, to daily living information, such as communication and transitioning to adulthood articles. - Birth Injury Lawyers
The birth injury attorney team at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group has dedicated its time to helping parents of injured children fight for their rights after a mistake was made by a negligent physician, nurse, or medical assistant. - Mesothelioma Hub
Mesothelioma Support for You and Your Family, Education. Treatment. Legal Advice. Hope. - Cerebral Palsy Guidance
At CPG, our information goes well beyond that of most other resources. These topics include but aren’t limited to medicine, lifestyle, socio-economics, behavioral, education, human rights, culture and more.
- Just Walkers.com
Whether you need long-term mobility help or just temporary movement assistance, JustWalkers features products to meet all your needs. Walkers range from simple, lightweight, standard models to heavy-duty, wheeled or knee walkers. Knee walkers are great for situations in which an ankle or foot problem prevents weight bearing and give the arms a break from using traditional crutches. Our wide selection of rolling walkers (rollators) includes those with three or four wheels, locking brakes and baskets. Many feature a flip-down seat for resting or for sitting while being transported.
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Easter Seals provides services to children and adults with disabilities and other special needs, and support to their families.
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TJEEI is for the preparation and retention of exceptional student education teachers and related professional educators who serve children and adults with special needs.
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Our mission is to advance the quality of life, dignity, equality, self-determination, and freedom of choice of persons with disabilities through collaboration, education, advocacy, as well as legal and legislative strategies.
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The Central Directory has provided services to thousands of families and providers seeking advocacy, education, training, resource and referral, and information on disability services available in their communities.
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We at Parenting Special Needs, LLC, are making it our mission to provide parents of special needs children, of all ages and stages of life, both information and inspiration. Through Parenting Special Needs On Line Magazine, we’ve created a world that provides practical tips, shares life’s lessons, tackles the challenges and celebrates the joys, of one of life’s greatest gifts.
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When your home includes a child with autism, it’s important to maintain a safe and sensory-friendly home environment.
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The FCIC is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service or UCEDD.
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The national association for state housing, economic development, and community development agencies.
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Guides are available on their website. Application forms can be viewed and printed in using an Adobe Acrobat reader. Also posted on the website is a list of current RFPs.
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A diverse statewide organization committed to putting an end to homelessness and improving the conditions of persons living without shelter.
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Includes information from the Division of Housing and Community Development.
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A statewide membership organization whose mission is to act as a catalyst to bring together housing advocates and resources so that all Floridians have a quality affordable home and suitable living environment.
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The Clearinghouse provides public access to data about housing needs and supply, subsidized rental housing, household demographics in Florida communities and much more.
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Contains extensive information on HUD programs, regulations, deadlines, and upcoming events. Free Web Access to HUD Documents is available through the Client Information and Policy Service.
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The Duvall Home provides quality residential care and day training programs for adults with developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Autism and Cerebral Palsy.
Micro-Enterprises are small businesses that are owned and operated by persons with disabilities. A micro-enterprise can provide an individual with a disability with a source of income, as well as a meaningful way to participate in society.
The Family Café is proud to support micro-enterprise by providing qualified businesses with complimentary space on our Exhibit Hall during The Family Cafe.
Our organization is also pleased to promote a variety of micro-enterprises through our website year-round.
This section of the site will provide you with information about a number of micro-enterprises. We encourage you to give them your business, and join us in supporting the many positive outcomes that result from engagement in micro-enterprise.
If you operate a micro-enterprise and would like The Family Café to promote your business here on our website, please contact our office at (850) 224-4670 or e-mail us at info@familycafe.net. In order to qualify, your business must be owned and operated by an individual with a disability, have fewer than five employees and generate annual revenue of $35,000 or less.
The Micro-Enterprises Partners from The 21st Annual Family Café Were:
| Advance My Baby |
| ALECS |
| Assistive Communications Technologies |
| Autism Art |
| Avon |
| Baci Bandanas |
| Brower Gals Boutique |
| Cute Kitties |
| David’s Global Community Development Corporation |
| Doggy Delights by Allison LLC |
| Edify Essential Oils |
| Fixing Boo Boo |
| F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Down Syndrome West Florida |
| Gardens of Life |
| Handwriting Repair/Handwriting that Works & James Williams |
| Hugs of Florida, Inc. |
| Jewelry by Jeanné |
| Jewels by Peaches |
| Karla’s Kookies |
| Kiera Nicole LLC/Kiera Nicole Cosmetics |
| Lanno Sweet Shop |
| Loggo Kidd Designs |
| Maria “Lalita” Tooley Massage |
| Marion County Disability Advocate |
| Matriarch Consulting |
| Melissa’s Honeybee Meadow |
| MM Fitness LLC |
| National Down Syndrome Academy |
| Noni’s Intelligent Braid |
| Orange Elephant Art, LLC |
| Perler.Crazy.Creations |
| Raquel Beautiful |
| Reaching New Horizons for Autism, Inc. |
| Reenie’s Breads |
| Relaxed Vacations |
| Scotty’s Cause |
| Shop Therapy Works |
| Southern Creations Face Painting |
| Spencer’s Sensory Shop |
| Stacy K Designs |
| Sunshine State Superkids |
| Team Streater Seminars and Services |
| The Chocolate Spectrum |
| The Pretzel Spot |
| Thomas Moon – Author |
| Tom Halvorsen DBA – As Disabilities Challenges |
| Xceptional Xcessories |
| Zealous Women Inc. |
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Extensive resource library of sites and topics that have been identified by special education teachers as being the most relevant issues faced in the field.
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The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the United States government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.
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Wheelchair Vans of America offers a full line of rentals for people with disabilities including Handicap Accessible Vans, Scooters, Manual and Power Chairs.
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The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
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Directory of mental health treatment facilities and support services in the state.
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A list of Independent Living Centers (ILCs) in the state of Florida. ILCs provide people with disabilities with advocacy and support services, including assistance with employment, housing and living skills.
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The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is known internationally as an organization committed to ensuring quality and professionalism in the manufacturing and installation of safe and reliable mobility equipment.
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The U.S. Department of Labor’s welfare to work site contains links to sites for policy discussions and recent news about the implementation of welfare reform at the Federal, State, and local levels.
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The leading North American expert in providing professionals, educators, policy makers, and families with education, training, and information on mental health issues relating to persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
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CEC is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted.
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A coalition of approximately 100 national disability organizations working together to advocate for national public policy that ensures the self determination, independence, empowerment, integration and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities.
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The Access Board is an independent Federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities.
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The Social Security Administration (SSA) Ticket to Work program is employment support available to people with disabilities under the SSI and SSDI programs.
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A national technical assistance consortium working to support states, jurisdictions, and others to improve services and results for young children with disabilities and their families.
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Your source for information about employment and youth with disabilities.
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The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), a 501(c)3 organization, is a unique federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare “orphan” diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them.
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An independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress on issues affecting 54 million Americans with disabilities. NCD is composed of 15 members appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
- National Organization on Disability (NOD)
It’s ability, not disability that counts. -
A small independent press striving to produce readable, accessible, user-friendly books and resources about full inclusion in school, work, and community. This site provides access to information on inclusion, books, videos and other resouces.
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This site has a list that contains the telephone numbers and Internet addresses of federal agencies and other organizations that provide information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
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The place to find up-to-date information on all issues facing the nation.
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This resource from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) offers an overview on Medicaid, who qualifies, and what it can cover.
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The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is the only non-regulatory federal agency that promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities.
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Sleep is a major issue for many adults and children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recent studies suggest that up to 80% of young people with ASD also have difficulty falling and/or staying asleep at night. The incidence rate of sleep problems and disorders is also high among adults with ASD, particularly those who are classified as ‘low-functioning’. Lack of sleep can exacerbate some of the behavioral characteristics of ASD, such as hyperactivity, aggression, and lack of concentration. As a result, people with ASD who have a hard time sleeping may struggle at work or in their classroom.
This guide looks at some of the most common sleep issues among adults and children with ASD, as well as some suitable treatment options and tips for managing ASD and sleep on a regular basis.
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Sleep problems are common among children and adults with autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While those with autism spectrum disorder or ADHD may be more commonly affected by sleep disorders and other sleep challenges, a lack of sleep can exacerbate symptoms of autism or ADHD. However, with healthy sleep habits and treatment, sleep problems and the daytime challenges they present may be alleviated or eliminated.
This guide looks at some of the most common sleep issues among adults and children with ASD, as well as some suitable treatment options and tips for managing ASD and sleep on a regular basis.
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Resources related to the transition of students with disabilities to post-secondary education and employment are now available for all 67 counties in the District Resources area of the Project 10 website.
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Florida’s Transition Project goal is to help communities develop a systematic approach to transition through looking at administrative procedures, the concerns and needs of families with young children using early intervention services.
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Also known as the Florida Governor’s Alliance for the Employment of Citizens with Disabilities, there mission is to be a key leader in providing Floridians with disabilities successful opportunities for employment.
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This agency is responsible for implementing policy in the areas of workforce development, welfare transition, unemployment compensation, labor market information, early learning and school readiness.
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The mission of our organization is to strengthen communities through volunteer service.
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The Social Security Administration (SSA) Ticket to Work program is employment support available to people with disabilities under the SSI and SSDI programs.
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This national project provides training, information and materials to parent center staff across the country who are helping the families of youth with disabilities learn about transition, independent living and vocational rehabilitation services.
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The U.S. Department of Labor’s welfare to work site contains links to sites for policy discussions and recent news about the implementation of welfare reform at the Federal, State, and local levels.
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If your house needs modifications because of a disabled child, or you’re looking for ways to create a space where your child with a disability can lead a safe and happy life, this guide will help. We’ll discuss the most common impairments and adaptations that can be made for every situation.
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Angelwish.org was created in 1999 with the mission to provide the public with an easy way to grant wishes to the millions of children that are living with HIV/AIDS around the world. Infected or affected by the disease, their opportunities for a “normal” childhood are virtually impossible
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Children’s Wish will fulfill the favorite wish for any child not expected to reach age 18. Each wish, truly the child’s own, must be completed while the child is healthy enough to fully enjoy it.
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