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FDDC.org

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Direct Support Professionals are a lifeline for people living with developmental disabilities. They not only give them a seat at the table but help them to survive and thrive.

With Pay Fair for My Care, FDDC has created ways that Florida's most vulnerable citizens can educate the Florida Legislature on why they rely on direct support workers.

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We affect policy and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and their supports through education, advocacy and partnerships. EDUCATION & PUBLICATIONS ADVOCACY & LEGISLATIVE PLATFORMS PARTNERSHIPS & FUNDING REPORTS CALENDAR COUNCIL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czx53gVY5Nw Welcome to the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council where members and staff play a pivotal role in making things happen ...

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Lighting the Way -
Guardianship Online Course

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Website

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The I'm Determined project, a state directed project funded by the Virginia Department of Education, focuses on providing direct instruction, models, and opportunities to practice skills associated with self-determined behavior.

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Website

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Dreams can be a reality... if you have a plan.

Casey Life Skills is a free practice tool and framework for working with youth in foster care. It assesses independent living skills and provides results instantly. Learn more about Casey Life Skills

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Dreams can be a reality... if you have a plan. Casey Life Skills is a free practice tool and framework for working with youth in foster care. It assesses independent living skills and provides results instantly. Learn more about Casey Life Skills

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FERPA Resource

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Self-Determination Guide

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Website

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Legislation was recently enacted, and a court case was recently decided, both of which provide that students with disabilities are eligible for transition services until they turn 22. If your child is still in school, please contact your school district to request that they continue transition services until they turn 22. If your child turned 21 on or after July 1, 2019, and their special education services ended before July 1, 2023, they are likely eligible for compensatory services for services not received before their 22nd birthday. In order to access those services, please contact your school district or transition program to re-enroll your child or discuss compensatory services.

If the school refuses your request to re-enroll your student or refuses your request for transition services, please contact the Minnesota Disability Law Center at 1-800-292-4150.
For other questions related to transition programming or services, please contact PACER Center at [email protected] or 952-838-9000.
Schedule PACER's Count Me In puppet show

Help bring the message of disability awareness and social inclusion to young children! This age-appropriate show features child-sized puppets that capture children's attention and imagination. The show educates, entertains, and inspires young children to be kinder, more accepting, and inclusive to all kids, especially children with disabilities.
Schedule a show
Sat., April 27, 2024
Minneapolis Convention Center

Mark your calendars for PACER's Annual Benefit! Join us for a night of celebrating and supporting our mission of improving educational opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for children and young adults with disabilities and their families.

Join Survey Monkey Contribute today!

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PACER Center - Champions for Children with Disabilities

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PACER Center's mission is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and provide family programs.

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Self-Advocacy Plan

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Accommodations Guide

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Website

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Welcome to the Project 10: Transition Education Network website! It is constantly being updated, so check back often for new material. Please contact us with any suggestions, corrections, or ideas at project10@stpete.usf.edu.

The mission of Project 10: Transition Education Network, hereinafter referred to as "Project 10," is to assist Florida school districts and relevant stakeholders in building capacity to provide secondary transition services to students with disabilities in order to improve their academic success and post-school outcomes. Project 10 serves as the primary conduit between the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), specifically the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS), and relevant school district personnel in addressing law and policy, effective practices, and research-based interventions in the area of transition services for youth with disabilities.

Project 10 is currently focusing on four major initiatives outlined below: Capacity Building, Interagency Collaboration, Transition Legislation and Policy, and Student Development and Outcomes. The project also supports transition initiatives developed through the BEESS Strategic Plan 2018-2023.

Capacity Building

Project 10 will provide support for transition activities implemented through BEESS, specifically through the statewide development and implementation of evidence-based practices and alignment with general education initiatives. The Project will collaborate with others in identifying and implementing methods for improving the transition outcomes of youth with disabilities. Project 10 will provide training and technical assistance, including product development and dissemination, to assist school districts and other stakeholders in building capacity to implement secondary transition.

Interagency Collaboration

Project 10 will provide logistical support for developing and maintaining state and district level interagency activities. The project will also identify recommended practices in transition-related interdisciplinary and interagency collaboration and partner in collaborative activities.

Transition Legislation and Policy

Project 10 will provide training and technical assistance, including product development and dissemination, related to state and national legislation, State Board of Education Rule, and policy, including compliance requirements to transition stakeholders.

Student Development and Outcomes

Project 10 will provide training and technical assistance, including product development and dissemination, to transition stakeholders in the following areas: assessment and instruction; student-centered planning and self-determination; independent living, including recreation and leisure; postsecondary education and training; and career development and employment. Project 10 will support exemplary transition sites that model the use of evidence-based practices of student development in improving transition outcomes.

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Project 10: Transition Education Network

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Project 10 Transition Education Network mission, funding, training, and transition stakeholder support.

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Family Guide to Transition with Toolkit

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DOE FamilyGuide for Transition w Toolkit

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Family Guide to Transition

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Parent Tips for Transition Planning

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Transition Road Map

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Summary of Performance

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Extended Transition Programs

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Casey's Life Skill Assessment

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Transition Assessment Resource List

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Needs Assessment Tool

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National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT) Website

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National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT) Website

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Website

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NTACT:C | National Technical Assistance Center on Transition

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The Collaborative (NTACT:C) Supporting you to improve opportunities and outcomes for students and youth with disabilities

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Lighting the Way to Guardianship Manual

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FDDC Guardianship Family Manual Lighting the Way

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Lighting the Way to Guardianship Student Guide

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FDDC Lighting the Way Manual for Students

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Age Appropriate Transition Assessments

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Planning Ahead Manual

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Personal Information Summary Packet

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FDDC Personal Information Form from Planning Ahead Manual

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Parent Guide to Legal Rights

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Educator Guide to Legal Rights

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Developing Abilities and Restoring Rights Workbook for Individuals with Disabilities

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FDDC ManualWorkbook for Students Restoring Rights

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Developing Abilities and Restoring Rights Workbook for Professionals

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FDDC Manual for Professional-Restoring Rights

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Transition Planning with Guardianship Focus

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NRG Transition Planning with Guardianship Focus

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Bridge to Work Social Security Administration

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Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

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Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

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a.k.a. Med Waiver

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Click Here to view local resources
and events in your community!

Click Here for the WSC Scorecard.

Click Here for state resources
for people with disabilities.

News & Announcements

Click Here for information concerning COVID-19 for Families, Providers, and WSCs. Click Here for vaccine information and resources. For more information concerning COVID-19, be sure to visit the Florida Department of Health website and the CDC's website. Be sure to check out the CDC Toolkit for People with Disabilities.

ABLE United offers individuals with disabilities a smarter, safer way to save tax-free while maintaining the important benefits they rely on. You can schedule a 1:1 conversation with an ABLE United team member to get all of your ABLE-related questions answered through our ABLE United Office Hours. Also, you can watch a 10-minute recorded presentation in English and/or Spanish. Both options provide individuals interested in learning more about Florida's qualified ABLE program with what they need to open an account from home or educate those they serve on the benefits of an account.

Normally, ABLE United team members might have a chance to connect with you at an event or special presentation - and while we can't be together during this time, there are still ways for us to meet virtually. Schedule an exclusive webinar with an ABLE United representative specifically designed for your staff or those that you serve. Also, you can watch a 10-minute recorded presentation internally or externally in English and/or Spanish. Both options provide individuals interested in learning more about Florida's qualified ABLE program with what they need to open an account from home or educate those they serve on the benefits of an account.

The Disability and Health Program (DHP) is funded by a five-year grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The goals of the program are to include Floridians of all ages with disabilities in all the Department of Health's programs and activities for health promotion, disease prevention, wellness, and disaster preparedness. The DHP also works with individuals with disabilities, their families, their health care providers, other state agencies, and interested stakeholders to meet its goals. Learn More Here...

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities is looking for top quality employees. If you are interested, be sure to check out jobs.myflorida.com/go/Agency-for-Persons-with-Disabilities.

If you are an active duty military service member and are interested to learn more about applying for services, please read this PDF for more information on how to apply.

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APD - Agency for Persons with Disabilities - State of Florida

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Click Here to view local resources and events in your community! Click Here for the WSC Scorecard. Click Here for state resources for people with disabilities. News & Announcements Click Here for information concerning COVID-19 for Families, Providers, and WSCs. Click Here for vaccine information and resources.

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APD Services Pamphlet

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a.k.a. Voc Rehab

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Local Vocational Rehabilitation offices are open to the public following the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, local ordinances and landlord approval, if applicable. For information on offices that are open and to schedule appointments, call your local office.
VR Office Directory.
Information on meeting in an office.

Vocational Rehabilitation Orientation Video

Completing orientation is the first step on your journey with VR. Whether you found this orientation on your own, through a friend or you directed to this page by VR staff, this video will introduce you to VR and what you can expect as you navigate through the VR process.

Steps to Watching the Orientation Video

1. Three ways to view the Vocational Rehabilitation Orientation Video.

English

Spanish

ASL Version: This version is made for individuals who are Deaf and use sign language. It is presented without captions or a voice track. Click on the image below o watch the orientation video in ASL.

2. Download and complete the Attestation Form.
English Spanish
Large Print Letra Grande

3. Call your local VR representative.

4. Provide the signed form to your local VR representative who will store it in your case record.

About Vocational Rehabilitation

VR is a federal-state program that helps people who have physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. VR is committed to helping people with disabilities find meaningful careers. Our Mission is to help people with disabilities find and maintain employment and enhance their independence. Our Vision is to become the first place people with disabilities turn when seeking employment and a top resource for employers in need of qualified employees.

Examples of Vocational Rehabilitation Services:

Vocational Evaluation and Planning

Career Counseling and Guidance

Job Coaching

Job Placement

On-the-Job Training

Training and Education After High School

Job Site Assessment and Accommodations

Supported and Customized Employment

Assistive Technology and Devices

Medical and Psychological Assessment

Time-limited Medical and/or Psychological Treatment

In addition to the general customer employment program, VR has additional specific programs designed to help eligible people with disabilities become employed.

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Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

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Local Vocational Rehabilitation offices are open to the public following the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, local ordinances and landlord approval, if applicable. For information on offices that are open and to schedule appointments, call your local office. VR Office Directory.

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Work Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Website

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WIOA, Employment & Training Administration (ETA) - U.S. Department of Labor

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WIOA Youth Program Fact Sheet

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a.k.a. SSI (Supplementary Security Income)

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The United States Social Security Administration | SSA

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Official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration.

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Social Security Administration (SSA Disability)

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Social Security Administration (SSA Disability)

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a.k.a. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)

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The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.

Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need.

When you apply for either program, we will collect medical and other information from you and make a decision about whether or not you meet Social Security's definition of disability. Periodically, we will need updated information about your condition. You may receive a Disability Update Report (SSA-455). This form can now be completed online.

Use the Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool to find out which programs may be able to pay you benefits.

If your application has recently been denied, the Internet Appeal is a starting point to request a review of our decision about your eligibility for disability benefits.

If your application is denied for:

Medical reasons, you can complete and submit the required Appeal Request and Appeal Disability Report online.

The disability report asks you for updated information about your medical condition and any treatment, tests or doctor visits since we made our decision.

Non-medical reasons, you should contact your local Social Security Office to request the review. You also may call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, to request an appeal. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.

Report fraud, waste and abuse

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Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living (FACIL) facilitates collaboration among member Centers for Independent Living and other stakeholders, resulting in a unified statewide voice advocating for equal rights for people with disabilities.

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Legal Assistance

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Turning 18, Guardianship & Other Options

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Disability Rights Florida offers free and confidential services to Floridians with disabilities.

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Medicaid/EBT/Food Stamps

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Agency Resource Powerpoint