Resources

Formerly the American Association of Mental Retardation, the AAIDD is an association run by and for professionals who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Autism Resource Center

A resource on autism for both families and professionals.

A resource on autism for both families and professionals.

A resource on autism for both families and professionals.

A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health, Medline provides extensive information with an encyclopedia of medical and disability related topics, drug information, and access to medical journal articles.

Focusing on less common conditions, the NORD website features a dictionary of over 1,000 disabilities and health conditions that affect small numbers of people.

The national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome.

Learn more about this condition from an organization of families and professionals working together to promote and fund research, provide education, and offer support to enhance the quality of life of those impacted by Prader-Willi syndrome.

The Federal government’s site about information on Social Security benefits.Online services include applying for benefits; replacing lost or damaged cards; changing address information; and finding a Social Security office. For information on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/
ssi/index.htm

This page has information about qualifying for disability in the disability questions section.

Using the tools of education, advocacy, research, and service, the national organization and its affiliate chapters are dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with Spina Bifida.

Formerly known as the Association for Retarded Citizens, a national network of members and affiliated chapters working on behalf of those with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

A leading source of information about cerebral palsy, the site also includes information and news about other developmental disabilities and advocacy efforts nationwide.

Florida has an initiative to help link employers to job seekers who have disabilities. The Abilities Work Web Portal and Help Desk is designed to ensure that every Floridian can get a great job. The portal and help desk are designed to help employers recruit and hire more applicants with disabilities who are ready and able to work, and inform them of the available support that can help an individual succeed on the job.

The trust’s mission is to be a key leader in providing Floridians with disabilities opportunities for successful employment.

The Automated Community Connection to Economic Self-Sufficiency is the Department of Children and Family’s online public assistance service delivery system enabling Floridians to apply for benefits on line. The site also has helpful links for seeking employment, child care, and emergency food assistance.

Information about hospitals, nursing homes, extended care, and other licensed facilities in Florida.

APD is the Florida agency responsible for providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities. This is an excellent source of information about all aspects of the program for people receiving services, individuals waiting for services, and professionals. Local contact information:
Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, http://apd.myflorida.com/
region/southern/
Broward County, http://apd.myflorida.com/
region/southeast/

A program of Florida’s Department of Health, CMS serves children who have serious or chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions that require extensive preventive and maintenance care beyond that required by typically healthy children. Eligibility for services is based on both medical and financial criteria. This site also contains information on Early Steps – Florida’s Early Intervention Program. Early Steps offers early intervention services for families with infants and toddlers (birth to 36 months) who have developmental delays or an established condition likely to result in a developmental delay. Local offices coordinate with community agencies and other contracted providers for the delivery of needed supports and services.

The Down Syndrome Foundation started by families of individuals with Down Syndrome. The goal of the organization is to promote inclusion, understanding and acceptance by expanding opportunities for individuals, families and communities touched by Down Syndrome.

The site provides information about epilepsy and other seizure disorders, and services and supports available in the community.

FND is a statewide network of families of children and young adults with disabilities and special needs. Site resources include online tutorials on disability-related topics.

The primary mission of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council is to promote innovative programs and practices designed to prevent developmental disabilities and improve the quality of life of individuals with such disabilities and their families.

A public reporting resource for individuals with developmental disabilities living in or moving to the State of Florida. The primary purpose of this website is to help individuals with developmental disabilities find a provider that best meets their needs.

FDLRS is a special education support system for educators, parents, and professionals who work with children with exceptionalities. Both the website and local offices provide a wealth of information that is available to the public.
Local contact information:
Miami-Dade: http://fdlrs-south.dadeschools.net/
Broward: https://www.browardschools.com/Page/41040

An employment resource for businesses and people with disabilities, its mission is to enable individuals with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment.

Provides central access to all state agencies and services, including the state legislature.

Provides financial assistance to local families, whose children suffer developmental delays due to a neurological disorder and are in need of additional income to pay or supplement payment for the treatment and care of their child with special needs.

CIL’s mission is to assist anyone with a disability to achieve and maintain an independent and self-determined lifestyle to the maximum extent possible. The majority of people managing, controlling and working at the Center are people with disabilities.

Provides support and services to individuals with physical, sensory, social,emotional, and other disabilities.

The mission of the Down Syndrome Association of Miami is to educate the Miami-Dade community about Down syndrome and to promote positive acceptance of individuals living with Down Syndrome.

Easter Seals provides services, education, outreach, and advocacy so people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities.

The Mailman Center for Child Development is an academic center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine that addresses concerns of individuals with developmental disabilities and children with special health care needs through research, clinical service, training for professionals, parental workshops, and advocacy.

The site provides information and extensive resources for students in special education classes and their families.

Within this website you will find information on the social services and programs provided by Miami-Dade County at over 65 locations.

Brings ventilation assisted children and their families together in a fun, friendly, happy setting where they have an opportunity to socialize with their peers, experience the acceptance of the greater community, and engage in activities that will help them realize their full potential as families and as individuals.

Parents working with other parents who have children and adults with disabilities and/or special needs to provide information, training and support.

Shake-A-Leg is a water sports community center for adults and children with physical, developmental and economic challenges. Contact(305) 858-5550 Ext. 113 for more information.

Soccer Clinic for Children with Autism
Annual Ransom Everglades Soccer Clinic for Children with autism is a free clinic to be held at Ransom Upper School, Main Highway Coconut Grove. For more information please contact Marie Whitehurst at (305) 667-7925

Guide to Miami-Dade’s transportation resources for people with disabilities.

The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County by making strategic investments in their future. The Children’s Trust encourages the inclusion of children with disabilities in all programs it funds.

This is a multi-service agency for children and adults with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities. They offer home and center-based programs, advocacy, referral and information about resources for children with special needs.

United Way of Miami-Dade has a plan to achieve measurable outcomes in four main areas. The community plan, set forth by its volunteers and other community experts, is focused on helping kids and families lead successful lives, improving health and independence, responding to emergency and basic needs and encouraging neighborhood and civic involvement.

One of seven regional resource centers established by the Florida Legislature, services include family support, technical assistance and consultation, parent and professional training programs, and public education activities about autism and related disorders.