For your convenience we have compiled a list of government agencies, charities, grand roots organizations, corporations, and professionals that advocate for or provide services for special needs residents of The Villages. This is a working list so be sure to review it regularly.  To help you find the service that best suits your needs the list is searchable, sortable and filterable.

Services List

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Category		Agency/Organization Name	Acronym	Contact	Brief Description

Category		Agency/Organization Name	Acronym	Contact	Brief Description
Adaptive Equipment		Advanced Vehicle Modifications Mobility	AVM	352-622-4467	AMV specializes in the modification, service, and maintenance of wheelchair vehicles.
Adaptive Equipment		Mobility Express	ME	800-918-7433	Mobility Express sells and services wheelchair accessible vans.
Advocacy		American Association of People with Disabilities	AAPD	202-521-4316	As a national disability-led and cross-disability rights organization, we work to increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities.
Advocacy		Disability Belongs	DB	202-517-6272	Disability Belongs is a diverse, disability-led nonprofit that works to create systemic change in how society views and values people with disabilities, and that advances policies and practices that empower people with disabilities to have a better future. Our mission is to fight stigmas and advance opportunities so people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community.
Advocacy		Easter Seals Florida	ES	407-629-7881	Easterseals is leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities, families and communities by enriching education, enhancing health, expanding employment, and elevating community.
Advocacy		Family Café	FC	888-309-2233	The Family Café exists to provide individuals with disabilities and their families with an opportunity for collaboration, advocacy, friendship and empowerment by serving as a facilitator of communication, a space for dialogue and a source of information.
Advocacy		Family Care Councils of Florida	FCC	800-470-8101	The mission of the Family Care Councils (FCCs) of Florida is to educate and empower individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, partnering with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, to bring quality services to individuals with dignity and choice.
Advocacy		Florida Developmental Disabilites Council	FDDC	800-580-7801	We affect policy and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and their supports through education, advocacy and partnerships.
Advocacy		Florida Self-Advocacy Central	FSAC	Contact Us	Florida Self-Advocacy Central is a bridge connecting self-advocates with vital communication, education, and events intended to encourage and support their self-advocacy efforts, their families, and all persons with disabilities across the state of Florida.
Advocacy		Florida Self-Advocates Network’D	FLSAND	Contact Us	Florida Self-Advocates Network’D is a statewide association of self-advocates led by self-advocates that exists to support advocacy efforts at the local, grassroots level and to provide a united voice for statewide issues and topics that are important to self-advocates and all persons with disabilities in Florida.
Advocacy		Florida’s DD Waitlist Campaign	DDWAITlist	813-974-2011	The Florida DD Waitlist Campaign aims to raise awareness of this issue to Florida legislators and the general public by using social media to advocate for increased funding to serve the individuals on the waiting list.
Advocacy		Southeast American Disability Act Center	SEADA	800-949-4232	We provide information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Advocacy		Special Needs Guidance Group	SNGG	Contact Us	The Special Needs Guidance Group is a team of professionals with years of experience in the special needs community. Our roles are both professional and personal. While we specialize in the Florida Medicaid Waiver, we also offer advice and guidance about many other resources for your child.
Advocacy		The Arc of Florida	ARC	850-921-0460	Working with local, state, and national partners, The Arc of Florida advocates for local chapters, public policies, and high quality supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be fully included in all aspects of their community.
Advocacy		United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties	UWLS	352-787-7530	United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties seeks to create long-lasting change and sustainability in our communities by addressing our greatest needs in the areas of HEALTH, ECONOMIC MOBILITY, AND EDUCATION — providing opportunities to improve the quality of life.
Autism Support		Center for Autism & Related Disabilities	CARD	813-974-2532	The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities provides support and assistance with the goal of optimizing the potential of people with autism and related disabilities.
Autism Support		UF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities	UF CARD	352-265-2230	The University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UF CARD) provides support and assistance with the goal of optimizing the potential of people with autism and related disabilities.
Autism Support		University of Central Florida Center For Autism and Related Disabilities	CARD	407-823-6001	Our primary service is to provide individualized, direct consultative assistance to individuals with autism and related disabilities in Central Florida and their families. Other services include technical assistance and consultation, professional training programs, and public education activities.
Disability News		Disability Scoop	DS	Contact us	Disability Scoop is the premier source for developmental disability news.
Down Syndrome Support		Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida	DSACF	407-478-5621	We change what’s possible for people with Down syndrome through programs that propel children and adults with Down syndrome toward their full potential, resources to support families at every stage of their life, and advocacy to promote inclusion and protect the rights of people with Down syndrome.
Employment		DIVE-VRT	DIVE-VRT	(813) 974-2840	The University of South Florida (USF) Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling (CRMHC) program, in collaboration with USF LAUNCH, VRG Learning Institute, USF Innovative Education, and USF Research Technology, has been funded through the Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) (Award: H421F240044) to carry out the demonstration project, Delivering Innovative Vocational Education through Virtual Reality Technology
Employment		Association of People Supporting Employment	APSE	301-279-0060	The only national membership organization to focus exclusively on inclusive employment and career advancement opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Employment		employU	eU	(407) 598-0202	We protect workers, promote diversity and enforce the law. OFCCP holds those who do business with the federal government (contractors and subcontractors) responsible for complying with the legal requirement to take affirmative action and not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In addition, contractors and subcontractors are prohibited from discharging or otherwise discriminating against applicants or employees who inquire about, discuss or disclose their compensation or that of others, subject to certain limitations.
Employment		Vocational Rehabilitation	VR	352-630-6203	Our mission is to help people with disabilities find and maintain employment and enhance their independence.
Federal Agency		Americans with Disability Act	ADA	800-514-0301	The ADA is a law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination.
Federal Agency		Social Security Administration	SSA	800-772-1213	We administer retirement, disability, survivor, and family benefits, and enroll individuals in Medicare. We also provide Social Security Numbers, which are unique identifiers needed to work, handle financial transactions, and determine eligibility for certain government services.
Federal Agency		U.S. Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs	OFCCP	904-351-0551	We protect workers, promote diversity and enforce the law. OFCCP holds those who do business with the federal government (contractors and subcontractors) responsible for complying with the legal requirement to take affirmative action and not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In addition, contractors and subcontractors are prohibited from discharging or otherwise discriminating against applicants or employees who inquire about, discuss or disclose their compensation or that of others, subject to certain limitations.
Federal Agency		USA.gov	USA	844-872-4681	USA.gov helps you locate and understand government benefits, programs, and information.
Financial		Able United National Resource Center	AU	888-524-2253	The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act authorizes states to create tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities.
Financial		National Disability Institute	NDI	202-296-2040	We are the first national nonprofit committed exclusively to financial education & empowerment for people with disabilities.
Healthcare		Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services	CMS	800-633-4227	CMS serves the public as a trusted partner and steward, dedicated to advancing health equity, expanding coverage, and improving health outcomes.
Healthcare		Chapter	Chapter	855-900-2427	We’re optimizing Medicare through greater choice and clarity, while minimizing cost and complexity. Because the other side of 65 should be your best chapter yet.
Healthcare		Florida Family Leaders Network	FFLN	352-273-8508	The Florida Family Leader’s Network is a family-professional partnership comprised of family, youth, and professionals all of whom are committed to serving children and youth with special healthcare needs.
Healthcare		Florida Shine Program	SHINE	800-963-5337	The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program provides health insurance information and free, unbiased, and confidential counseling assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers.
Healthcare		Florida Voices for Health	FVH	Contact Us	We are a coalition of community organizations, businesses, and individuals working to create a health care system that works for every Floridian.
Healthcare		FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA	FreeD.O.M.	352-421-5510	FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA is a mobile clinic that provides free dental care, optical care, and medical care for uninsured and under-insured Marion County residents.
Healthcare		Transition Life Consultants Services	TLCS	352-322-0576	TLC Services is an innovative, unique organization utilizing the professional knowledge and skills of 20+ retired, volunteer social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, drug/alcohol counselors and psychologists to provide groups, education, training and one-on-one counseling services to underserved and/or indigent seniors.
Healthcare		Tri-County Senior Outreach Services	TCSOS	352-551-1260	We are healthcare advocates. Our unique services enrich the lives of seniors and their caregiver families by aiding in navigation of easy access to high-quality, affordable services and finding the correct providers in the Marion, Lake and Sumter County region. We help individuals age in place, in their own communities with Planning, Advocacy and Care Coordination, In-Home Services, Meals on Wheels, Transportation, Wellness Centers and Personal Health Education.
Healthcare		Waiver Provider	WP	727-841-8943	WaiverProvider.Com is more than a directory of Florida medicaid waiver providers. We also bring you the latest news and information to help People that are Developmentally Disabled & Senior Citizens as well.
Independant Living		Center for Independent Living	CIL	352-368-3788	The mission of the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida is to empower people with disabilities to achieve their goals for independence.
Independant Living		Magnify	Magnify	407-892-6078	We provide residential, employment, youth transition, life skills development, and advocacy services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Central Florida.
Independant Living		Master Caregivers	MC	352-366-8931	At Master Care-Givers, our mission is to help every child and adult with disabilities discover the athlete within themselves. We aim to achieve this by encouraging physical activity, providing essential care, and fostering greater independence in their daily lives.
Independant Living		Transitions Life Center Ocala	TLC	352-877-8728	Transitions Life Center is a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to provide a safe, caring and enriching community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At Transitions Life Center, individuals with intellectual disabilities strengthen independence, build friendships, expand their world and grow in faith.
Independent Living		Family Care Givers	FC	(352) 307-8044	Family Care Givers is a non-profit nurse registry that has been serving Floridians across 16 counties for over 18 years. We refer skilled, reliable caregivers who offer specialized home care services at affordable rates. As a non-profit, any income beyond operations helps fund support for at-risk children and families. By choosing our services, you’re contributing to a cause that makes a lasting difference.
Independent Living		Gentle Sunrise Independent Caregiving Services	GS	(954) 254-1034	Gentle Sunrise will give you peace of mind to know that someone can be there when you can’t always be present for a loved one. Our compassionate and high-quality home care services provide a sense of relief and at-home comfort you need.
Legal		Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates	COPPA	Contact Us	COPAA’s mission is to protect and enforce the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities and their families. Our primary goal is to empower marginalized community members to secure high quality educational services and to promote excellence in advocacy.
Legal		Disability Rights Florida	DRF	800-342-0823	We protect the civil rights of people with disabilities in Florida.
Legal		Disability Rights Today	DRT	404-541-9001	Disability Rights Today is your source for in-depth discussion on important court cases that shape the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Legal		Gray Robinson Attorneys	Lobbyists	Contact Us	GrayRobinson is a multidimensional team of professionals providing integrated legal, lobbying, and regulatory services to leading and emerging businesses, state and local governments, industry stakeholders, and entrepreneurs nationwide. We are agile, adaptable, and fully embedded to deliver results at the local, state, and federal levels.
Legal		Special Assistance Network	SAN	407-294-6270	The Special Assistance Network is a nationwide nonprofit organization that assists families with third-party administration of their Special Needs Trusts.
Legal		Special Needs Alliance	SNA	Contact Us	The Special Needs Alliance is a national organization comprised of attorneys committed to the practice of disability and public benefits law. Individuals with disabilities, their families and their advisors rely on the SNA to connect them with nearby attorneys who focus their practices in the disability law arena.
Legal		Community Legal Services	CLS	(800) 405-1417	We provide no-cost legal services to the most vulnerable in Central Florida and help them protect their families, health, and livelihood.
Legislation		New Disabled South	NDS	Contact Us	The Plain Language Policy Dashboard is a project of New Disabled South. The dashboard breaks down complex legislation into plain language, making it easier to understand and making it more accessible. The goal of this dashboard is to have plain language versions of bills in states across the Southern United States.
Safety		Florida Special Needs Registry	FSNR	850-245-4444	The Florida Department of Health, in coordination with its county health departments and each local emergency management agency in the state, developed a registry for persons with special needs to register with their local emergency management agency to receive assistance during a disaster. The statewide registry provides first responders with valuable information to prepare for disasters or other emergencies.
Safety		The Villages Public Safety Department	TVPSD	352-205-8280	Among the many services provided The Villages Public Safety Department will change the batteries in your home smoke detectors free of charge. They do not make appointments and you must have new batteries on hand before you request this service.
Socialization		Building Blocks Ministries	BBM	352-536-9264	Building Blocks Ministries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that builds lives by encouraging others to dream, empowering them to believe in themselves and engaging them in the community to achieve their dreams.
Socialization		Gigi’s Playhouse	GPH	847-885-6149	We change lives through the consistent delivery of free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community, through a replicable playhouse model.
Socialization		Nurturing Spirit Association	NSA	352-989-1207	Our focus is on improving the quality of life of adults with developmental disabilities. We seek to develop strong relationships with the community, through collaboration. Whether it’s participating in group exercises, taking a dance class, or recreational activities. We strive to help adults with developmental disabilities stay active and acquire life skills such as cooking, riding a bus, using a computer, and forming peer relationships. Through community outings individuals can gain enrichment experiences in arts, music, and special experiences.
State Agency		Agency for Persons with Disability	APD	352-330-2726	APD supports individuals with unique abilities and their families in living, learning and working within their communities by creating multiple pathways to possibilities.
State Agency		Elder Options	EO	800-262-2243	Elder Options is the state-designated area agency on aging (AAA), Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC), and Helpline. We are charged with administering state and federal grant-funded programs and providing direct services to benefit elders, people with disabilities, and their informal caregivers in a 16-county Planning and Service Area (PSA) in North Central Florida.
State Agency		Florida Department of Children & Families	DCF	850-487-1111	Working in partnership with local communities to protect the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal and family recovery and resiliency.
State Agency		Florida Department of Environmental Protection	FDEP	850-245-2118	The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship, protecting our air, water and land.
State Agency		Florida Department of Health	FDH	850-245-4444	The Florida Department of Health provides health related information to Florida residents.
State Agency		Florida Department of Revenue	FLDR	850-488-6800	Florida Department of Revenue tax (disabled homeowner homestead exemption) and child support administration.
State Agency		Florida Division of Blind Services	FDBS	(850) 245-0300	We are here to help blind and visually impaired Floridians achieve their goals and live productive and independent lives. Our services cover all ages from babies to senior citizens. We also offer Employer Services, the Braille and Talking Books Library, and the Business Enterprise Program.
State Agency		Florida League of Cities	FLC	800-342-8112	The League’s mission is to serve the needs of Florida’s cities and promote local self-government. We support local voices making local choices to protect and enhance Florida’s communities.
Technology		Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology	FAAST	844-353–2278	FAAST is a program designed to provide assistive technology to Floridians with disabilities and their loved ones. This program offers a range of activities, including device loans, demonstrations, reutilization, and training, to ensure Floridians have access to the latest in assistive technology.
Technology		KEVADVOTECH	KEVADVOTECH	Contact Us	KEVADVOTECH is a welcoming forum for the Special Needs community and their extended support team to come together to openly share and discuss the daily challenges we face. Through a variety of special interest topics and shared personal stories, we will shine a spotlight on technology as we explore and examine current solutions or dream for solutions that have not yet been invented to help solve our most complex challenges.
Technology		Universal Service Administration Company	USAC	800-234-9473	The Universal Service Fund helps communities and people across the U.S. stay connected to the information, resources, and care they need with accessible, affordable, and reliable high-speed internet connectivity.
Transportation		Lake County Transit	LCT	352-323-5733	The Lake County Office of Transit Services provides safe, efficient, cost-effective mobility solutions that enhance the quality of life by connecting Lake County residents and visitors to a variety of health, educational, employment and social opportunities within the County and throughout the region. LakeXpress is a public fixed route system and Lake County Connection provides shared ride, door-to-door, pre-scheduled paratransit services for eligible individuals whose disability or transportation disadvantaged status prevents use of the fixed route system.
Transportation		Marion County Transit	MCT	352-620-3071	We provide public transportation that offers riders a high-quality safe, reliable, and efficient para-transit experience.
Transportation		Sumter County Transit	SCT	352-568-6683	Sumter County Transit’s mission is to ensure all citizens of Sumter County professional, efficient and cost-effective transportation services. Sumter County Transit will provide safe, clean, comfortable, and economical transportation and be alert to citizen needs and to prepare for those needs in a timely manner. Disadvantaged Program, door to door or route deviation services, must apply for them by completing a short eligibility application.

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