Agency for Persons with Disabilities
The future can feel uncertain and overwhelming for families supporting individuals with disabilities. For families and professionals alike questions about resources, long-term planning, and navigating complex systems often bring a…
Guardianship is a strict way to help with decision-making. It should be a last choice. In Florida, people can ask if guardianship is still needed, and the law allows them…
Senate Bill 1758 was enacted into law on March 22, 2024 and took effect July 1, 2024. It introduces significant changes to Florida’s Medicaid program, focusing on expanding accessibility, efficiency,…
Sometimes, all it takes is talking to someone, hearing other’s stories, or attending an Advancing Families & Individuals Needing Services (AFINS) workshop to feel motivated and take action. I had…
MedicareMedicaid/Florida Department of Children & FamiliesLake CountyMarion CountySumter CountySocial Security AdministrationLake & Sumter CountyMarion CountyAgency for Persons with Disabilities There are many special needs programs available in Florida. We cannot…
What is CDC+?CDC+ TrainingCDC+ ConsultantCDC+ ApplicationCDC+ Supports and Services ProvidersCDC+ Purchasing PlanTransition to CDC+Additional Information What is CDC+? Consumer Directed Care Plus (CDC+) is a long-term care program alternative to…
Letter of ApprovalPrepare InterviewsInterview Waiver Support CoordinatorInterview Supports and Services ProvidersSuggested Interview QuestionsSuggested Interview Questions for Waiver Support CoordinatorSuggested Interview Questions for Supports and Services ProvidersSuggested Interview Questions for Personal…
The Florida iBudget Waiver program offers twenty-six (26) services that are grouped into eight (8) service categories, called service families, (most often referred to by their group numbers) with the…
Florida receives federal Medicaid matching payments to fund services provided in the iBudget Waiver program. Because there are not enough home and community-based services waiver slots to serve all eligible…
Webinar – Navigating the Justice System – People With Lived Experience
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
People with I/DD, brain injuries, and other disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions often come into contact with the justice system in various ways. This session will focus on ways to prevent involvement with the justice system. We will discuss various touch points in the justice system where support can be offered, ensuring individuals get the resources and understanding they need. Additionally, we will cover how to help them successfully reintegrate into society by connecting them with community resources and support networks.
Live captions and ASL interpretation are provided.
Webinar – Navigating the Justice System – Families of People With Lived Experience
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
People with I/DD, brain injuries, and other disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions often come into contact with the justice system in various ways. This session will focus on ways to prevent involvement with the justice system. We will discuss various touch points in the justice system where support can be offered, ensuring individuals get the resources and understanding they need. Additionally, we will cover how to help them successfully reintegrate into society by connecting them with community resources and support networks.
Live captions and ASL interpretation are provided.
Webinar – Navigating the Justice System – Clinical Professionals
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
People with I/DD, brain injuries, and other disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions often come into contact with the justice system in various ways. This session will focus on ways to prevent involvement with the justice system. We will discuss various touch points in the justice system where support can be offered, ensuring individuals get the resources and understanding they need. Additionally, we will cover how to help them successfully reintegrate into society by connecting them with community resources and support networks.
Live captions and ASL interpretation are provided.
Webinar – Navigating the Justice System – Direct Support Professionals
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
People with I/DD, brain injuries, and other disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions often come into contact with the justice system in various ways. This session will focus on ways to prevent involvement with the justice system. We will discuss various touch points in the justice system where support can be offered, ensuring individuals get the resources and understanding they need. Additionally, we will cover how to help them successfully reintegrate into society by connecting them with community resources and support networks.
Live captions and ASL interpretation are provided.
Theme: Partnership and Collaboration: Elevating Family Leadership
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 – Friday, January 31, 2025 | Embassy Suites by Hilton Altamonte Springs
We want to welcome Family Leaders, Self-Advocates, the Champions who support family-professional partnerships, and emerging professionals representing healthcare settings, community agencies and academic centers. We all share an understanding of and passion for family-professional partnerships that strengthen the systems that serve our children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHCN).
The phrase “children and youth with special healthcare needs” is broadly accepted wording that encompasses children and youth with disability, chronic illness and medical complexity. About 20% of children in the US are in this category.
During this two-day conference we will have the opportunity to network with one another. We will strengthen our leadership skills by learning together.
We look forward to welcoming you back if you have attended in the past and getting to know you if this is your first time attending.
Monthly Luncheon – Self Pay Event
Monday, December 16, 2024 | 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM | Breakfast at Tiffany’s, 112 South 5th Street, Leesburg
Join the Celebrate Differences support group for moms of children with disabilities. This a nurturing and empowering community where mothers can come together to share their experiences, receive emotional support, and gain valuable information to help them navigate the complexities of raising a child with special needs. Our group provides a safe and understanding space where moms can connect with others who truly understand their challenges and triumphs. This group often features guest speakers and other resources to further support the well-being of mothers and families.
Please RSVP to info@celebratedifferences.org by Dec 12th!
Holiday Gathering – Self Pay Event
Monday, December 16, 2024 | 5:45 PM | Belle Glade Country Club
Time for Friends to gather and enjoy the holidays. Please join us on Monday, December 16th at 5:45pm at Belle Glade Country Club for dinner. We look forward to seeing you.
Let Janey Chavez know by December 1st how many you are bringing so we can get a final headcount.
Webinar – Liberty Dental Part 2
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Be Smart, on December 18, will touch on navigating the system and finding dental resources in your community. Hear from a panel of (dentists/providers/experts) on ways to provide person centered approaches to serving those with I/DD and their dental needs along with health care decision-making.
Would you like to participate in a virtual focus group?
Focus groups will be facilitated virtually and you will need access to an internet-enabled device with video and audio capabilities. Focus group discussions will take up to 90 minutes. To participate you must:
