“Those new protections are listed under a Florida law that took effect this week.
By Sabrina Maggiore, Charles Frazier, WFTV Channel 9 Orlando
Under the law, courts are now required to consider what’s known as “supportive decision-making agreements” before they place someone in legal guardianship, allowing people with disabilities to appoint helpers for certain jobs.”
Read full story
📺 ABC Broadcast
🕠 Saturday, February 22 @ 5:00 AM ET – WFTS Tampa-St. Petersburg
🕠 Saturday, March 1 @ 12:00 PM ET – WCJB Gainesville
🕠 Sunday, March 2 @ 5:00 PM ET – WJXX Jacksonville, Brunswick
🕠 Sunday, March 2 @ 5:00 PM ET – WFTV Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne
🕠 Sunday, March 2 @ 5:00 PM ET – WWSB Tampa-St. Petersburg (Sarasota)
🕠 Sunday, April 6 @ 12:00 PM ET – WZVN Ft. Myers-Naples
🕠 Sunday, April 6 @ 12:30 PM ET – WPBF West Palm Beach
Many caregivers for children or adults who are disabled or medically complex are exhausted and isolated. Their mental and physical struggle is a public health crisis that costs us all. The “Unseen” documentary gives an unfiltered, honest glimpse into their lives to enable a change for millions of caregivers and their families.
You can watch the ABC broadcast live on the dates and times listed above or click the button below to get a free personal / home viewing ticket to watch on your streaming device from February 20-23, 2025.
🗓️ 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.
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:
