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Read more about the article Jean’s Story

Jean’s Story

  • Post published:October 25, 2024
  • Post category:Socialization/Workshops

I was at my breaking point, feeling hopeless and overwhelmed, trying to secure full Medicaid coverage for my son, Collin. He had a $1,000 monthly cost-share (like a deductible) with…

Continue ReadingJean’s Story
Read more about the article Rhondaโ€™s Story

Rhondaโ€™s Story

  • Post published:October 25, 2024
  • Post category:Socialization/APD

Sometimes, all it takes is talking to someone, hearing otherโ€™s stories, or attending an Advancing Families & Individuals Needing Services (AFINS) workshop to feel motivated and take action. I had…

Continue ReadingRhondaโ€™s Story
Read more about the article Our First Buddy Cruise Adventure

Our First Buddy Cruise Adventure

  • Post published:October 13, 2024
  • Post category:Socialization/Down Syndrome

Kevin and I just got back from our first Buddy Cruise, and it was amazing! We spent eight days at sea on the Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas, along…

Continue ReadingOur First Buddy Cruise Adventure
Read more about the article Neurodiverse Students Start 2024-25 School Year At Local College

Neurodiverse Students Start 2024-25 School Year At Local College

  • Post published:August 29, 2024
  • Post category:Socialization/Education

Beacon College, a private nonprofit college in Leesburg, Florida, is the first accredited institution of higher learning to award bachelor's degrees exclusively to students with dyslexia, ADHD, or other specific…

Continue ReadingNeurodiverse Students Start 2024-25 School Year At Local College
Read more about the article The Villages Special Needs Community

The Villages Special Needs Community

  • Post published:August 13, 2024
  • Post category:Socialization/Workshops/Newcomers

Welcome to The Villages Special Needs Community. Here you will find support groups, socialization groups, and activities for special needs residents, and their caregivers, of The Villages and surrounding area.…

Continue ReadingThe Villages Special Needs Community

Join The Villages S.T.A.R. Program

  • Post published:June 12, 2024
  • Post category:Socialization

The Special Talents Aquatics w/Reeves (STAR) is designed with our special needs adults living in The Villages with their parents or independently. All developmental disabilities are welcome to participate. No…

Continue ReadingJoin The Villages S.T.A.R. Program

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Newsletter Archive

  • Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day
    February 7, 2025
  • Happy New Year!
    January 1, 2025
  • Transitions Life Center Visit
    December 1, 2024
  • Exciting APD News
    November 5, 2024
  • Important APD Changes
    October 1, 2024
  • Encouraging iBudget Waiver News & CDC+ Information
    September 1, 2024
  • APD is Processing iBudget Waivers
    August 1, 2024
  • AFINS Website is Now Live
    July 2, 2024
  • AFINS Website is Now Live
    July 1, 2024
  • AFINS Introduces Advocacy Awareness Newsletter
    June 3, 2024

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My Special Place Forum & Housing Update

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Thursday, June 19, 2025
๐Ÿ•• 6:00 – 8:00 PM
๐Ÿ“ Lake Miona Recreation Center, Defender Room
๐Ÿง Hosted by John Langan during his monthly AACID meeting
๐Ÿง‘๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿ’ป Zoom Option – Meeting ID: 869 9774 5749, Passcode: 715271

You’re Invited: Parent/Caregiver Forum & Housing Update

Please join the My Special Place Board for an important Parent/Caregiver Forum and Housing Update.

My Special Place has recently gained new momentum with an expanded Board and a renewed commitment to our mission: to create safe, high-quality residential housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in The Villages and surrounding communities.

At the Forum, you’ll receive an update on our progress and learn how you can get involved. Most importantly, we welcome your input and ideas as we work together to understand and meet the needs of your special loved ones.

Open to the public

Special Olympics Bowling Season 2025

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Saturday, August 2, 2025
๐Ÿ•š 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
๐Ÿ“ Melbourne Auditorium, 625 East Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne, FL

More Information

Special Olympics Bowling Season 2025

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Weekly, Beginning Saturday, June 28, 2025
๐Ÿ•š 3:00 PM
๐Ÿ“ 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

  • There are no bowling fees
  • Special Olympics rules for Bowling Skills will be followed
  • Volunteers are always needed. Certification is not required to volunteer.
  • Sumter County Special Olympics is seeking certified bowling coaches. If interested, click the “Become a Certified Bowling Coach” below to register for the upcoming certification training at Spanish Springs Lanes on May 25, 2025 at 1:00 PM.
Email Special Olympics Sumter With Questions
Become a Certified Bowling Coach

Special Olympics Pickleball Season 2025

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Weekly, Beginning Tuesday, July 1, 2025
๐Ÿ•š 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
๐Ÿ“ Homestead Pickleball Courts, 6227 Meggison Road, The Villages
๐Ÿ†” 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.

Click to Email Your Question

2025 – 2026 FDDC Partners in Policy Making Open Enrollment

Partners in Policymakingยฎ (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.

More Information
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