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Read more about the article Medicaid Managed Care

Medicaid Managed Care

  • Post published:February 14, 2025
  • Post category:Medicaid

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…

Continue ReadingMedicaid Managed Care
Read more about the article Misuse of Power of Attorney (POA): A Critical Concern

Misuse of Power of Attorney (POA): A Critical Concern

  • Post published:February 11, 2025
  • Post category:Guardianship/Legal/Trusts

The misuse of a Power of Attorney (POA) poses a significant risk, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as those with disabilities, cognitive decline, or aging-related issues. While many individuals believe…

Continue ReadingMisuse of Power of Attorney (POA): A Critical Concern
Read more about the article The Villages Charter School Opens Autism Center Amid Concerns Over Long-Term Housing Solutions

The Villages Charter School Opens Autism Center Amid Concerns Over Long-Term Housing Solutions

  • Post published:January 12, 2025
  • Post category:Autism/Education

In January 2025, The Villages Charter School in Florida inaugurated an Autism Center dedicated to educating students on the autism spectrum. Initially serving kindergarten through 5th grade, the center plans…

Continue ReadingThe Villages Charter School Opens Autism Center Amid Concerns Over Long-Term Housing Solutions
Read more about the article Self-Settled Special Needs Trust: Advantages and Disadvantages

Self-Settled Special Needs Trust: Advantages and Disadvantages

  • Post published:December 20, 2024
  • Post category:Trusts

A self-settled special needs trust (SNT) is often considered to preserve public benefits for individuals receiving personal injury settlements. However, this may not always be the optimal choice. Disadvantages of…

Continue ReadingSelf-Settled Special Needs Trust: Advantages and Disadvantages
Read more about the article The State of America’s Direct Support Workforce Crisis

The State of America’s Direct Support Workforce Crisis

  • Post published:December 20, 2024
  • Post category:Disability News/Medicaid

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…

Continue ReadingThe State of America’s Direct Support Workforce Crisis
Read more about the article Inclusive Air Travel: Supporting Passengers with Disabilities

Inclusive Air Travel: Supporting Passengers with Disabilities

  • Post published:December 19, 2024
  • Post category:Government/Transportation/Disability News/Disability Rights

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has commended the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for implementing comprehensive regulations to enhance air travel for passengers with disabilities. These new…

Continue ReadingInclusive Air Travel: Supporting Passengers with Disabilities
Read more about the article Become a Partners in Policymaking Participant

Become a Partners in Policymaking Participant

  • Post published:December 13, 2024
  • Post category:Uncategorized

The Partners in Policymaking (PIP) program - hosted by Florida Developmental Disabilities Council - offers advocacy training and skill-building workshops for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their family members,…

Continue ReadingBecome a Partners in Policymaking Participant
Read more about the article Challenging Inequality: Labor Department Pushes to End Subminimum Wage for Disabled Workers

Challenging Inequality: Labor Department Pushes to End Subminimum Wage for Disabled Workers

  • Post published:December 4, 2024
  • Post category:Disability News/Legal/Disability Rights/Government/Federal

For decades, workers with disabilities have endured an unjust reality: earning far below minimum wage because of an obscure legal loophole. However, change may finally be on the horizon. The…

Continue ReadingChallenging Inequality: Labor Department Pushes to End Subminimum Wage for Disabled Workers
Read more about the article Charting a Confident Future for Individuals with Disabilities

Charting a Confident Future for Individuals with Disabilities

  • Post published:November 24, 2024
  • Post category:Medicaid/APD/Social Security

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…

Continue ReadingCharting a Confident Future for Individuals with Disabilities
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Register For Classes

STRIVE WorldWIDE FREE Webinar Series 2025

🗓️ Tuesday, June 17, 2025
🕐 1:00 PM
🧑🏻‍💻 Webinar Series

STRIVE WorldWIDE; is a one-of-a-kind online educational program teaching independent living skills to individuals with intellectual disabilities. We invite new individual students, future agencies, programs and groups to join us for a free webinar learning experience with some of our course topics! Whether you are interested as a future student or an agency looking for a partnership – you’ll get examples of the learning experience, explore the online platform & more! Please share with your peers.

We offer Webinar Series for groups!

Pick topics from our course list and meet you & your group on zoom. Want to purchase a webinar for your classroom, program or company for continuous learning? Email CVeinotte@pslstrive.org to get set up!

Explore our website for More Information about STRIVE WorldWIDE! Our online courses and education program is one of a kind. Please, do not hesitate to reach out to me personally at CVeinotte@pslstrive.org, or call (207) 712-0048, with any questions!

Register Now For Free Webinar

My Special Place Forum & Housing Update

🗓️ Thursday, June 19, 2025
🕕 6:00 – 8:00 PM
📍 Lake Miona Recreation Center, Defender Room
🧍 Hosted by John Langan during his monthly AACID meeting
🧑🏻‍💻 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

27th Annual Family Café

🗓️ June 13-15, 2025
🕘 9:00 AM
📍 Hyatt Regency Orlando, 9801 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

Since 1998, The Annual Family Café has brought Floridians with all types of disabilities together for three days of information, training, and networking each June. With a great range of individual breakout sessions, a packed Exhibit Hall with hundreds of vendors, and a series of special events including Keynote speakers and The Governors’ Summit on Disabilities, The Annual Family Café offers attendees exposure to resources on a grand scale, unprecedented access to policy-making officials, and a chance to network with other individuals with disabilities and their families.

There is no registration fee for individuals with disabilities and their families.

All available Financial Assistance to cover the cost of accommodation at the Hyatt Regency Orlando has been distributed by lottery at this time.

More Information

Special Olympics Bowling Season 2025

🗓️ Saturday, August 2, 2025
🕚 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Melbourne Auditorium, 625 East Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne, FL

More Information

Special Olympics Bowling Season 2025

🗓️ 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

  • 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

🗓️ 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.

Click to Email Your Question

2025 – 2026 FDDC Partners in Policy Making Open Enrollment

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.

More Information
Apply Today

Online Registration Opens on Valentine’s Day!

🗓️ 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!

Register Friday, February 14th

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