Medicaid Managed Care
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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,…
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…
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…
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!
Thursday, June 12, 2025
2:00 PM
Webinar Series
Love it or hate it, we all use money. But what is it and how do we know where to spend it? This course will cover the basic principles of money. You will have the opportunity to practice everyday money tasks and choices.
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!
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
5:00 PM
Webinar Series
Your brain is like a muscle, and it can get stronger with exercise just like the rest of your body! Using games, puzzles, and interactive scenarios you will learn how to exercise your brain to increase your memory, boost your mental flexibility and problem-solving skills, decrease your distractions, and more. Let’s get our brains in tip-top shape!
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!
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
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.
Saturday, August 2, 2025
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Melbourne Auditorium, 625 East Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne, FL
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.
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.
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!
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