Resources
The internet is a remarkable resource for people with disabilities, their families, professionals, and the community as a whole, but the accuracy and usefulness of information varies greatly. The list below consists of websites that The Advocacy Network on Disabilities staff uses and finds helpful. This list is not exhaustive and will be updated regularly.
Disclaimer: We do not endorse any provider. The information displayed below was provided by each agency. It is very important that you call or visit to carefully evaluate which best suits your needs.
NATIONAL RESOURCES
American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)
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 Society of America and Autism Speaks
Two very good resources on Autism for both families and professionals.
Medline
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, access to medical journal articles, and more.
National Organization for Rare Disorders
Focusing on less common conditions, the NORD website features a dictionary of over 1000 disabilities and health conditions that affect small numbers of people.
Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA)
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.
Social Security Administration
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.
Social Security and Disability Resource Center
This page has information about qualifying for disability in the disability questions section.
Spina Bifida Association
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.
The ARC of the United States
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.
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)
A leading source of information about cerebral palsy, the site also includes information and news about other developmental disabilities and advocacy efforts nationwide.
STATE RESOURCES WITH LOCAL LINKS
Abilities Work Web Portal and Help Desk
Florida has launched a new initiative to help link employers to job seekers who have disabilities. According to Governor Scott, the Abilities Work Web Portal and Help Desk is designed to ensure that every Floridian can get a great job. I would like to thank everyone involved with the Abilities Work Web Portal and Help Desk for making employment a reality for many more Floridians. Connecting Floridians with disabilities to employers benefits everyone, and we must continue working each day to make sure everyone who wants a job can have one.” 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.
ACCESS Florida: Florida Department of Children and Families
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.
Agency for Healthcare Administration
Information about hospitals, nursing homes, extended care, and other licensed facilities in Florida.
Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)
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
Children’s Medical Services
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.
Local contact information: Miami Regional Offices
Early Steps – Florida’s Early Intervention Program
Housed within Children’s Medical Services, 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. Find local contact information at: http://www.cms-kids.com/ContactUs/EIPdir.pdf.
Epilepsy Foundation of Florida
The site provides information about epilepsy and other seizure disorders, and services and supports available in the community.
Family Network on Disabilities of Florida (FND)
A statewide network of families of children and young adults with disabilities and special needs. Through its Parent Education Network, site resources include online tutorials on disability-related topics.
Florida Developmental Disabilities Council
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.
Florida Developmental Disabilities Resources Providers Search
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.
Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS)
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 and Monroe: http://fdlrs-south.dadeschools.net/
Broward: http://academics.browardschools.com/ESE_SSS/Florida-Diagnostic-Learning-Resource-System
Florida’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
An employment resource for businesses and people with disabilities, its mission is to enable individuals with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment. Click here to find local contact information.
State of Florida
Provides central access to all state agencies and services, including the state legislature.
MIAMI-DADE RESOURCES
ACT4ME
Provides financial assistance to pay or supplement the cost of therapies, equipment, or treatment for local families with children who have developmental delays due to a neurological disorder.
Center for Independent Living of South Florida (CIL)
With services primarily for 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.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools Office of Special Education
The site provides information and extensive resources for students in special education classes and their families.
Miami Dade County Department of Human Services
Within this website you will find information on the social services and programs provided by Miami-Dade County at over 65 locations.
Parent to Parent of Miami Inc.
Parents working with other parents who have children and adults with disabilities and/or special needs to provide information, training and support.
South Florida Community Development Council: Affordable Housing
A coalition of nonprofit developers and their partners working to provide affordable housing. Provides a directory of South Florida housing programs.
Special Transportation Services
Guide to Miami-Dade’s transportation resources for people with disabilities.
Switchboard of Miami Directory of Services
An online directory of a wide variety of services in Miami-Dade County including a section on disability and health services.
Teach More/ Love More
The special needs section of the Teach More/Love More website has a variety of resources to help families of children with disabilities connect, cope, and thrive.
The Children’s Trust
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.
United Way of Miami-Dade
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.
University of Miami/Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD)
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.
