Outside Agency Resources
Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) APD supports individuals with unique abilities and their families in living, learning and working within their communities by creating multiple pathways to possibilities. APD offers a wide range of social, medical, residential, and behavioral services. In order to be eligible for services from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), an individual must have a developmental disability (as defined in section 393.063(12), Florida Statutes), which occurs prior to age 18 and constitutes a substantial handicap that can reasonably be expected to continue indefinitely. APD also maintains the Florida Navigator to provide information to individuals with developmental disabilities, caregivers, and professionals about specific services available through the state of Florida.
Division of Blind Services (DBS) The DBS website states that transition activities are coordinated among a team that consists of the student, parent(s) or caregiver(s), educators, service providers, and friends. The transition must promote movement from school to post-school activities. The activities can include instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school, adult-living objectives, functional vocational evaluation, and the acquisition of daily living skills when needed.
Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living (FACIL) FACIL is a statewide membership organization whose mission is to strengthen the capacity of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) to support community living and independence for Floridians with disabilities. FACIL provides a statewide voice in support of Independent Living to the Florida Legislature, state and local governmental agencies and other human service organizations and enhances the public’s understanding of the vital role CILs play in the lives of Floridians with disabilities.
Florida Center For Students with Unique Abilities (FCSUA) FCSUA is charged with managing the Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program (FPCTP) application and approval process. FCSUA supports the development and approval of FPCTPs and provides initial and continuing grants to universities, state colleges, and technical colleges. FCSUA also disseminates information to students with disabilities and their families on programs, services, and support across the state and administers student scholarships to attend FPCTPs.
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) VR helps people who have disabilities get or keep a job. VR is committed to helping people with disabilities find meaningful careers. VR Provides Transition Youth Services beginning at age 14. Students with disabilities can connect with VR for Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) through the school transition staff, guidance counselor, or self-referral. Every student (ages 14-21) with a disability has the opportunity to participate in Pre-ETS. This includes: Job exploration counseling, postsecondary educational counseling, self-advocacy training and peer mentoring, work readiness training, and work-based learning experiences.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal programs that assist people with disabilities.
An ABLE United account is a way for Floridians to save and care for their loved ones with disabilities without losing benefits.