Jean’s Story
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…
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…
Sometimes, all it takes is talking to someone, hearing otherโs stories, or attending an Advancing Families & Individuals Needing Services (AFINS) workshop to feel motivated and take action. I had…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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
๐๏ธ Saturday, August 2, 2025
๐ 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
๐ Melbourne Auditorium, 625 East Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne, FL
๐๏ธ Weekly, Beginning Saturday, June 28, 2025
๐ 3:00 PM
๐ 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
๐๏ธ Weekly, Beginning Tuesday, July 1, 2025
๐ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
๐ Homestead Pickleball Courts, 6227 Meggison Road, The Villages
๐ 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.
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.