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Advocacy and Support Resources

Provider Name Provider Description Category Description Address City Location Description Location Phone Contact Contact Phone Provider Phone Provider EMail Provider URL
Agency for Persons with Disabilities State of Florida agency that supports persons with developmental disabilities in living, learning, and working in their community; Works in partnership with local communities and private providers to assist people who have developmental disabilities and their families; Provides assistance in identifying the needs of people with developmental disabilities for support and services 2639 N. Monroe St, Ste. 100-B 850-487-1992 apd_director@apd.state.fl.us www.apd.myflorida.com
Big Bend Transition Council Coalition of local agencies, service providers, and school district personnel that come together to coordinate services for youth with disabilities 2757 W. Pensacola St 850-487-7160 apdcares.org/area/2/docs/bbtc-spectrum-guide.pdf
Children's Medical Services (CMS) Hrs: 8am-5pm, M-F, except state holidays and weekends; Serves children ages Birth to 21 with special and/or chronic health care needs in Leon, Jefferson, Gadsden, Franklin, Wakulla, Madison, Liberty, and Taylor counties; Registered nurse and social work care coordinators manage comprehensive patient care plans for each child 2390 Phillips Rd 850-487-2604 www.cms-kids.com
Children's Medical Services (CMS) CMS Provider Management Data Site: Contains a listing of health care providers that are specifically qualified to meet the unique needs of children with special health and mental health care needs; For more information visit www.cmskidsproviders.com N/A 850-487-2604 www.cms-kids.com
Children's Medical Services (CMS) SHINE (Serving Hearing Impaired Newborns Effectively) Intervention Services, Hearing Impaired Program: Part of the Infants and Toddlers Early Intervention Program, Florida Department of Health; A component of Early Steps; Serves children ages Birth-3yrs who have diagnosed hearing loss N/A 850-487-2604 www.cms-kids.com
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Support is essential to recovery. One of the most helpful things one person can say to (or hear from) another is “I’ve been there.” Depression and bipolar disorder can be isolating illnesses, but DBSA has many ways to help connect you with others who have been there as well. DBSA offers both in-person and online support in several forms. 730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 501 Chicago IL 800-826-3632 www.ndmda.org
Down Syndrome Association of Tallahassee Inc Provides resource information and support for those with Down Syndrome and their family members and friends; Offers several social gatherings throughout the year; Hosts the annual Buddy Walk to raise awareness of Down Syndrome; Membership is free and open to the public. 2910 Kerry Forest Parkway D4-212 info@dsatallahassee.org www.dsatallahassee.org
Easter Seals of Florida Helps individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families; Offers a variety of services, from child development centers to physical rehabilitation and job training for people with disabilities 2010 Mizell Ave Winter Park 1-407-629-7881 info@fl.easterseals.com www.fl.easterseals.com
Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO) Employment Assistance Program: A free employment resource center offering interview preparation, employability skills workshops, coaching and mentoring, placement, and follow-up services. We assist people, with disabilities and without, in writing professional resumes, faxing applications, and job specific clothing; Offers free, hot meals to anyone in need each Saturday at the Shelter from 12-1pm and each Sunday at First Presbyterian Church from 12:30-1pm 702 W. Madison St. 224-3246 850-224-ECHO (3246) assistance@echotally.org www.echotally.org
Family Network on Disabilities of Florida First Florida Pooled Trust: Special needs trust for persons, Birth to Seniors, w/ disabilities; Allows those w/ disabilities of any age to retain access to their assets and still qualify for govt. benefits, such as Medicaid or SSI; Allows persons w/ disabilities to choose what services/products they wish to receive, rather than being told what they can receive; We will explain all the financial options that are available, and help you decide which ones are right for you and your family. Family Network on Disabilities State Office, 2196 Main St., Ste. K Dunedin Richard La Belle, Trust Administrator 1-800-825-5736 847-0010 www.fndfl.org
Family Network on Disabilities of Florida A statewide network that, through collaboration, ensures that Floridians have full access to family-driven support, education, information, resources, and advocacy; Serves families of children with disabilities 541 E. Tennessee St, Ste. 103 847-0010 www.fndfl.org
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology The Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology released a comprehensive 113-page publication, Employment Resources and Self-Help Guide for Individuals with Disabilities. This employment resource guide includes up-to-date resource information with hyperlinks from the table of contents to the document to appropriate cites to applicable federal/state law, regulations and websites, making this guide user-friendly and easy to navigate. To review this guide, go to: www.faast.org/atr_trends.cfm. Assists people with disabilities to finance assistive technology and to find accessible housing; Employment Resources and Self-Help Guide for Individuals with Disabilities. This employment resource guide includes up-to-date resource information with hyperlinks from the table of contents to the document to appropriate cites to applicable federal/state law, regulations and websites, making this guide user-friendly. www.faast.org/atr_trends.cfm. 3333 W Pensacola Street 487-3278 faast@faast.org www.faast.org
Florida Department of Children and Families Adult Service of DCF, Leon/Jefferson Counties: Dedicated to protecting vulnerable adults from further abuse, neglect, or exploitation and enabling disabled adults to remain in the community 2639 N Monroe St, Ste. 100-A 487-2271 850-414-5093 www.dcf.state.fl.us
Florida Department of Children and Families ACCESS Florida (Automated Community Connection to Economic Self-Sufficiency): Public assistance system; For more information visit, http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/ess/ N/A 1-866-762-2237 850-414-5093 www.dcf.state.fl.us
Florida Department of Education Division of Blind Services: Provides training and resources so individuals who are blind or visually impaired are fully integrated into society; Offers 5 programs including: Blind Babies for ages 0-5, Children's Program for school-aged children, School to Work for students at least 14 yrs. of age, Vocational Rehabilitation for those able to work, and Independent Living; For more info visit, www.dbs.myflorida.com Atkins Building, 1320 Executive Center Dr, Ste. 201 1-800-504-6609 www.fldoe.org
Florida Department of Health Division of Disability Determination: Responsible for making decisions regarding medical eligibility of Florida citizens applying for disability benefits under the federal Social Security and Supplemental Security Income programs and state Medically Needy program. 4025 Esplanade Way, Ste. 110 487-1363 www.doh.state.fl.us/family/childhealth/index.html
Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. A non-profit organization supporting innovative initiatives that demonstrate new approaches to enhance the independence, productivity, inclusion, and self-determination of individuals with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life 124 Marriott Dr, Ste. 203 488-4180 admin@fddc.org www.fddc.org
Florida Directory of Early Childhood Services (Florida Central Directory) A statewide information and referral system for families, service coordinators, and other professionals who work with children and youth, birth to 21, who are at risk for developmental delays, have a disability, and/or special healthcare needs 2807 Remington Green Circle Lou Ann Long 487-6301 (850)487-6301 lalong@centraldirectory.org www.centraldirectory.org
Florida Disabled Outdoors Association A non-profit organization working to enrich lives through accessible inclusive recreation and active leisure for all 2475 Apalachee Pkwy, Ste. 205 201-2944 info@fdoa.org www.fdoa.org
Florida Disabled Outdoors Association SportsAbility: The premier, annual event that features both indoor expo and a vast assortment of outdoor opportunities for people with disabilities along with their families and friends; Promotes the active living of people with disabilities; Participation is encouraged regardless of age or ability level; Hosted in multiple cities throughout Florida 2475 Apalachee Pkwy, Ste. 205 201-2944 info@fdoa.org www.fdoa.org
Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation An employment resource for businesses and people with disabilities 2002 Old St. Augustine Rd, Bldg. A 245-3399 www.rehabworks.org
Florida Independent Living Council, Inc. A council promoting independent living opportunities for persons with disabilities throughout the state of Florida 1416 N Adams St 488-5624 www.flailc.org
Florida State University L.L. Schendel Speech and Hearing Clinic: Diagnostic-evaluation and management services by speech-language pathologists and audiologists Regional Rehabilitation Center, 127 Honors Way 644-2238 www.fsu.edu
Florida State University L.L. Schendel Speech and Hearing Clinic: Diagnostic-evaluation and management services by speech-language pathologists and audiologists Regional Rehabilitation Center, 127 Honors Way 644-2238 www.fsu.edu
Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. Provides specialized telephones to Florida residents that have hearing loss and speech disabilities at no cost 1820 E Park Ave, Ste. 101 1-800-222-3448 outreach@ftri.org www.ftri.org
Goodwill Industries of the Big Bend Goodwill Big Bend Career Training Center: Helps people with disabilities and other barriers to employment, find jobs 300 Mabry St 850-576-7145 www.goodwillbigbend.com
Leon Advocacy and Resource Center Provides services and support to enhance the effort of community in creating a place where all persons are valued and contributing members 1949 Commonwealth Blvd 422-0355 larc@leonarc.com www.leonarc.com
Lighthouse of the Big Bend A non-profit agency assisting people who are visually impaired or blind, to achieve a maximum level of independence in their lives. Free services: adjustment counseling, information and referrals, and education. Individual instruction and classes are available to help you adapt to losing your vision: employment skills, daily living techniques, communication, leisure activities, computer skills, support groups, and early intervention. 3071 HIghland Oaks Terrace 850-942-3658 www.lighthousebigbend.org
March of Dimes, NW Florida Division Improves the health of babies while striving to prevent birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality through research, community services, education, and advocacy 1990 Village Green Way, Ste. 3 850-422-3152 www.marchofdimes.com/florida
Mental Health America With over a century of advocacy, public education, and the delivery of programs and services, Mental Health America is the country's leading nonprofit dedicated to helping all people live mentally healthier lives. 2000 N. Beauregard Street, 6th Floor Alexandria VA 800-969-6642 www.nmha.org
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Talk to someone you trust who has experience in mental health- a doctor, nurse, social worker, or religious counselor. If there is a university nearby, its departments of psychiatry or psychology may offer private and/or sliding-scale fee clinic treatment options. Check the Yellow Pages under 'mental health,' 'health,' 'social services,' 'crisis intervention services,' 'hotlines,' 'hospitals,' or 'physicians' for phone numbers and addresses. In times of crisis, the E.R. doctor at a hospital. 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 8184, MSC 9663 Bethesda MD 866-615-6464 www.nimh.nih.gov
Parent to Parent of the Capital Area A support group that gathers once a month to provide an opportunity for families to gain knowledge and confidence by sharing their experiences with others N/A 414-1735 ptparent@freenet.tlh.fl.us www.freenet.tlh.fl.us/Parent_to_Parent
Pediatria Healthcare for Kids Pediatria Healthcare is an innovative provider of day healthcare services and private duty in-home nursing. Our company is led by a team of skilled pediatric healthcare professionals, focused on delivering clinical services that promote the ultimate level of wellness for medically fragile children, while educating and strengthening the entire family. Children with complex medical problems are cared for by our highly skilled nursing professionals. 1236 Blountstown Hwy, Park 20 W., Bldg. 5 701-3920 www.pediatriakids.com
Prevent Blindness Florida Promotes a continuum of vision care through advocacy, research, screening, awareness, public health, and professional education 1112 E Kennedy Blvd Tampa 1-800-817-3595 www.preventblindnessflorida.org
Pyramid Studios, Inc. Seeks new ways to engage those with severe disabilities by providing an environment in which they can find excitement and meaning; Provides them opportunities to become full participants in their communities. Call 513-1733 for more information. 349 E. Lafayette St 671-1690 www.pyramidinc.org
Pyramid Studios, Inc. Pyramid Inc. Studios: Arts program, in tandem with a curriculum of computer and literacy training, peer counseling and skill-development classes, and physical-nutritional and behavioral assistance. Call 513-1733 for more information. 1770 Thomasville Rd 513-1733 671-1690 www.pyramidinc.org
Respect of Florida Helps to employ Florida citizens with disabilities, reducing their dependence on welfare and the need for costly institutionalization 2475 Apalachee Pkwy, Ste. 205 877-4816 www.respectofflorida.org
Special Olympics Leon County A year-round sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities, ages 8 and older 317 E. Call St 850-597-9265 www.sofl-leon.org
Starlight Children's Foundation Helps seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear, and isolation through entertainment, education, and family activities 4300 N University Dr, Ste. F-101 Ft. Lauderdale 1-954-318-2178 www.starlight-florida.org
Sunrise Community Provides people with disabilities with assistance and support 1830 Buford Ct 922-5630 info@sunrisegroup.org www.sunrisegroup.org
Tallahassee Developmental Center An intermediate care facility for individuals with developmental disabilities located in Tallahassee, Florida; TDC is owned by Pensacola Care, Inc. 455 Appleyard Dr 575-0619 tdc@pensacolacare.org www.pensacolacare.org/tallahasseedevelopmentalcenter
The ABLE Trust Provides grant money to Florida nonprofit organizations for programs, services, education, training, or other activities leading to employment of persons with disabilities 3320 Thomasville Rd, Ste. 200 224-4493 www.abletrust.org
The Arc of Florida Nonprofit charity whose mission is to improve quality of life for those with developmental disabilities; Works with local, state, and national partners and advocates for those with various developmental disabilities to be fully included in all aspects of their community; Also works to reduce the incidence of and eliminate the consequences of developmental disabilities through education, awareness, research, advocacy, and support of families, friends, and the community 2898 Mahan Dr, Ste. 1 921-0460 arcflorida@gmail.com www.arcflorida.org
The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (formerly NARSAD, the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression) is committed to alleviating the suffering of mental illness by awarding grants that will lead to advances and breakthroughs in scientific research. 60 Cutter Mill Road, Suite 404 Great Neck NY 516-829-0091 info@bbrfoundation.org www.bbrfoundation.org
The Family Cafe Provides info to persons w/ disabilities and their families; Hosts an annual conference, The Annual Summit on Disabilities, that serves as a clearinghouse of info by providing an environment where families can connect w/ peers, service providers, and public entities to find out about services available to them; Also produces an annual publication, The Question & Answer Book, that is created by soliciting questions from conference attendees. Questions are then distributed to relevant state agencies and collates the responses in a reference guide. Also operates a website designed to provide info and networking opportunities to visitors; Also has a network of volunteers, Delegates, who receive special leadership training at the annual conference and act as resources and representatives in their home communities Provides info to persons w/ disabilities and their families; Hosts an annual conference, The Annual Summit on Disabilities, that serves as a clearinghouse of info by providing an environment where families can connect w/ peers, service providers, and public entities to find out about services available to them 1332 N. Duval Street 850-224-4670 info@familycafe.net www.familycafe.net
United Cerebral Palsy of Tallahassee Advances independence of sufferers by teaching work and daily-living skills, and provides assistive technology, therapy, counseling, and residency services 1830 Buford Ct 850-878-2141 www.ucp.org
Workshop for Adult Vocational Enrichment (WAVE) Provides social activities, a day program, and a performing chorus for the developmentally disabled PO Box 20044 412-9279 www.waveonline.org
Ability 1st, Center for Independent Living Serves Leon, Wakulla, Gadsden, Jefferson, Madison, and Taylor counties; Committed to collaborating with other disability-focused organizations to empower persons with disabilities to live independently and participate actively in their community 1823 Buford Ct 850-575-9621 ability1st@ability1st.info www.ability1st.info
Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc. Advances the quality of life, dignity, equality, self-determination, and freedom of choice of persons with disabilities through collaboration, education, and advocacy, as well as legal and legislative strategies 2728 Centerview Dr, Ste. 102 850-488-9071 info@advocacycenter.org www.advocacycenter.org
Advanced Driving Systems Provides customized vehicles and equipment for disabled and handicapped individuals, like scooters, power-chairs, and reclining lift chairs 662 Capital Circle NE 850-671-2300 ads99@aol.com www.advanceddrivingsystems.com
Big Bend Transit - Leon Big Bend Transit offers rides to individuals in the Big Bend area who do not have transportation. 2201 Eisenhower St 850-574-6064
Big Bend Transit - Jefferson Big Bend Transit offers rides in the Big Bend area who do not have transportation. (Also serves parts of Madison County) 290 West Dogwood Street Monticello (850) 997-1323 850-574-6064
Dial-A-Ride Provides transportation throughout the city to those determined to be disabled within eligibility guidelines est. by the Americans With Disabilities (ADA), or to senior citizens 60 yrs plus; Applications at StarMetro office; Hrs: Weekdays/Saturdays: 6:00am-10:30pm; Sunday: 9:00am-6:40pm; Holiday Schedules; Fares: One-way: $2.50; Dial-A-Ride Fare Card (10 rides): $25; or download an application (PDF). Fax completed form to 850-891-5143 StarMetro, 555 Appleyard Dr 891-5200 891-5199 www.talgov.com/starmetro/dialaride.cfm
Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged Ensures the availability of efficient, cost-effective, and quality transportation services for transportation disadvantaged persons 605 Suwannee St, MS-49 1-800-983-2435 www.dot.state.fl.us/ctd
Sessaly Rose Transit Company 1839 S. Monroe St, Ste. B 222-8232