Florida is facing a significant crisis in providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Over 20,000 Floridians are currently on a waitlist for essential home-based services, despite the state having…
The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act has been brought back to Congress in 2025. On April 1, 2025, Representatives Danny K. Davis (D-IL) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the bill…
Recently, significant changes to Medicaid programs have affected families enrolled in the iBudget Waiver and other Medicaid services. If you or a loved one relies on Medicaid for health services,…
I’m pleased to announce that I am appointing Secretary Shevaun Harris, who has been leading the Florida Department of Children and Families, to become the new Secretary of the Agency…
I’m writing to express my frustration with the recent changes in Florida Medicaid and share some insights that might help you if you’re facing a similar situation. Florida Medicaid has…
The 2024 report by the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) highlights a severe crisis in the Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce, essential for assisting individuals with intellectual…
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…
What is Medicaid?Medicaid EligibilityApplying for MedicaidAdditional Available ServicesApplication TimeframeRenewalMedicaid Gold CardMedicaid RedeterminationHow to File ComplaintsHealth Care Facility ComplaintsHealth Care Provider ComplaintsMedicaid Fraud and Abuse ComplaintsStatewide Medicaid Managed Care ComplaintsCivil Rights…
NBC Nightly News reports that millions of low-income and disabled people are loosing their Medicaid health benefits as states re-examine who qualifies for the Program. Many healthcare advocates are saying…
Saturday, August 2, 2025
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Melbourne Auditorium, 625 East Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne, FL
Weekly, Beginning Saturday, June 7, 2025 2:00 PM AMF Leesburg Lanes, 2813 West Main Street, Leesburg, FL
New for the 2025 BOWLING SEASON! One Special Olympics Bowling team in Sumter County with two locations -Spanish Springs Lanes and Leesburg Lanes. Coaches will be sharing the roster from each location. YOU MAY NOT ATTEND BOTH LOCATIONS.
What to Wear: Red Special Olympics Shirt & black shorts
Weekly, Beginning Saturday, June 28, 2025 3:00 PM Spanish Springs Lanes, 997 Alvarez Avenue, The Villages
New for the 2025 BOWLING SEASON! One Special Olympics Bowling team in Sumter County with two locations -Spanish Springs Lanes and Leesburg Lanes. Coaches will be sharing the roster from each location. YOU MAY NOT ATTEND BOTH LOCATIONS.
What to Wear: Red Special Olympics Shirt & black shorts
Weekly, Beginning Tuesday, July 1, 2025 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Homestead Pickleball Courts, 6227 Meggison Road, The Villages
Villages Identification Required
What to Wear: Red Special Olympics Shirt & black shorts, gym shoes, hat and sunglasses
Keep COOL! Bring cooling towels, neck wraps etc
The Special Olympics rules for Pickleball Skills will be followed.
Weekly, Beginning Wednesday, May 7, 2025 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Bradenton Pickleball Courts, 1300 Pinellas Place, The Villages Villages Identification Required
What to Wear: Red Special Olympics Shirt & black shorts, gym shoes, hat and sunglasses
Keep COOL! Bring cooling towels, neck wraps etc
The Special Olympics rules for Pickleball Skills will be followed.
Visit amazon.com/primeaccess and upload the required documentation
Qualifying EBT and government assistance recipients can save 50% on the monthly Prime membership.
Verify your eligibility for Prime Access by providing one of the following:
NOTE: The image should be legible. It must show the issue date (must be within the last 12 months) or the expiry date (must be valid), and the beneficiary name.
After you verify your card or document, you can receive a discount on Amazon Prime.
If you reverify your eligibility every 12 months, you receive the discount for up to four years from the date you sign up. We’ll send you an email when it’s time to reverify your document.
Unless you cancel your membership, at the end of the 4th year, you can sign up for a different Prime membership.
Thursday, March 20, 2025 
3:00 pm Zoom Webinar
The American Dream Employment Network (ADEN) invites Social Security disability beneficiaries to learn about the benefits of returning to work, and about the SSA work incentives that are in place to make that happen. Many beneficiaries have received misinformation about how returning to work will impact benefits, and therefore, may have decided it’s too risky to attempt. This event informs beneficiaries about resources that assist them in returning to work.
Live, virtual ASL interpreters and closed-captioning will be provided during this event.
Monday, April 7, 2025 
10:00 am – Noon Villages Public Library at Pinellas Plaza, 7375 Powell Road, Suite #100, Wildwood
Mom2Mom of The Villages hosts an event with guest speakers from the Department of Children and Families (DCF):
Learn about Medicaid, including:
Space is limited, so it’s for disabled and special needs adults and their caregivers. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and only those registered will be admitted.
Register by email on or before April 5, 2025, with Peg O’Malley. Include the names of attendees. You’ll receive an email confirmation.
Partners in Policymaking® (PIP) is a leadership training program that prepares adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, family members who have decision-making responsibility for their family member with intellectual and developmental disabilities (e.g., parent, sibling, grandparent), and legal guardians of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be effective advocates at the local, state, and federal levels. PIP teaches leadership skills and techniques to develop positive partnerships with elected officials, school personnel and other individuals who make policy decisions about services that you and/or your family use.
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 12 Noon Zoom Webinar
In this presentation, you’ll learn how ABLE accounts provide an opportunity to save tax-free without impacting eligibility for public benefits like Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid.
Presenters include: John Finch, ABLE United Director
Friday, February 14, 2025 12:00 AM Register
Join us for a healthy dose of Collaboration, Advocacy, Friendship, and Empowerment this June 13-15 in Orlando. The first step is to get registered, so circle Friday, February 14th in your calendar and remember to register.
As always, there’s no cost to attend the event for people with disabilities and their families.
We’re also once again offering Financial Assistance to cover the cost of hotel accommodation for a limited number of applicants selected by lottery. Make sure to check the box to request Financial Assistance when you register!
If you’ve been to The Annual Family Cafe, you know how transformative the three days of information, training, resources, and connection we offer can be.
If you haven’t, it’s time to find out!
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Zoom Meeting
Activating Change, in partnership with the National Human Trafficking of People with Disabilities Working Group, has developed an in-depth training for law enforcement on effectively identifying and responding to trafficking cases involving victims with disabilities. This webinar will introduce the training to the field, explore the barriers it is attempting to address, and preview how you can access the training.
Friday, January 24, 2025 6:30 PM Zoom Meeting
Nicole Grabner, from Brevard County, has organized an incredible three-part public speaking series for families and self-advocates with disabilities to help us prepare for the upcoming Florida Legislative Session .These classes are completely free. Let’s bring our voices together – one voice.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 6:00 PM Zoom Meeting
Nicole Grabner, from Brevard County, has organized an incredible three-part public speaking series for families and self-advocates with disabilities to help us prepare for the upcoming Florida Legislative Session .These classes are completely free. Let’s bring our voices together – one voice.
Monday , January 20, 2025 6:30 PM Zoom Meeting
Nicole Grabner, from Brevard County, has organized an incredible three-part public speaking series for families and self-advocates with disabilities to help us prepare for the upcoming Florida Legislative Session .These classes are completely free. Let’s bring our voices together – one voice.
Now through Friday , January 17, 2025 5:00 PM Online Survey
Every five years, as a part of the federal Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Block Grant, states are required to complete a comprehensive assessment of the needs, desired outcomes, and system capacity for the MCH populations, including children and youth with special health care needs. The results of this assessment are then used to establish the priorities that will guide the MCH activities for the next five years (2025-2030).
As an MCH stakeholder, we are asking for your input:
Completion of the stakeholder survey assists with updating Florida’s 5 Year MCH Action Plan. It will take approximately 10-15 minutes and must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Friday, January 17, 2025.
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 11:00 AM – Noon Webinar
This webinar will discuss the process for applying for the iBudget Waiver through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), including the various eligibility categories and the crisis application process.
After this webinar, participants will:
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 & Tuesday, January 14, 2025 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will offer a modified experience for individuals and families with disabilities and sensory sensitivities during the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild. Experience the Zoo like you’ve never seen it before! See over 50 different, hand-constructed illuminated lantern displays around the Zoo on a 3/4 mile path. Celebrate the art, beauty and wonder of traditional Asian lantern festivals.
Tickets must be purchased online. Limited tickets are available per night.
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 11:40 AM Webinar
About this presentation: This webinar empowers you to start earning what you’re worth without fear of losing your essential Medicaid services. Presented by the FL SAND Fellows, learn key information about the Working Peoples program and how you can start taking advantage of it immediately.
Attendees may submit questions to drbarnes@usf.edu.
Information & Accommodation: Closed Captioning is provided. If other accommodations are needed please contact event organizer, Denise R. Barnes, MA, FCIC Employment Coordinator at drbarnes@usf.edu or 813-974-1063.
Advance Registration: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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.
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 
12 Noon Zoom Webinar
Medicaid keeps families together and any cuts would be devastating to the millions of people who rely on it for essential health care and other disability services. It wouldn’t just take away health care, it would take away stability, independence, and the ability for individuals to live life on their terms. Kim Musheno, Senior Director of Medicaid Policy at The Arc of on what The Arc US is doing and how you can help.
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:
