Roadmap to Resources
The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities is committed to ensuring that individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) are supported, empowered, and positioned for success. To help achieve this, we encourage families and caregivers to explore this program roadmap, designed to raise awareness of the many resources available to Floridians with IDD. This guide provides a high-level overview of state programs and includes links to access additional information and next steps. For further assistance, please contact our Call Center at 1-866-APD-CARES (1-866-273-2273). Our team is here to help connect you with the supports you need.
Deparement of Health: Early Steps Serves ages: 0-36 Months |
Supports and Services
|
Overview The Early Steps program provides early intervention services to infants and toddlers with, or at risk for, developmental disabilities or delays. Services include screenings, therapies, assistive technology, and other supports that help families advocate for their child and develop an individualized plan that grows with them. |
Contact Information Website: Phone number: |
Agency for Persons with
Disabilities Serves ages: 3-5 Years |
Supports and Services
|
Overview The Agency for Persons with
Disabilities helps to support
individuals with disabilities as
young as age 3 and throughout
their lifespan in providing
supports and supplemental
funding to families for
evaluations, and services that
include medical, social,
behavioral, therapeutic, and
more. |
Contact Information Website: Phone number: |
Department of Education
– Florida Public School
System Serves ages: 3-22 Years |
Supports and Services
|
Overview The Florida public school system provides support for individuals with disabilities through its Exceptional Student Education (ESE) programs. Every eligible child with a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) receives an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) which outlines specialized supports and services to meet needs and goals. |
Contact Information District Exceptional Student Website: |
Family Empowerment
Scholarship Unique
Abilities Serves ages: 3-22 Years |
Supports and Services
|
Overview The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities gives families of students with disabilities, starting at age 3, access to expanded education options tailored to each student’s learning needs. Eligible students with an IEP or qualifying diagnosis may use the scholarship for tuition, transportation, online programs, tutoring, learning materials, and other approved services. |
Contact Information District Exceptional Student Phone Number: |
Florida Diagnostic &
Learning Resources
System Serves ages: 3-22 Years |
Supports and Services
|
Overview Funded through the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Diagnostic Learning Resources System serves students with disabilities, their families, educators, and school districts statewide by providing diagnostic and support services through community-based centers. Families can also receive information, training, and support to help them advocate for their children’s education. |
Contact Information District Exceptional Student Phone Number: Local Area Listing: |
Project 10: Transition
Education Network Serves ages: 12-22 Years |
Supports and Services
|
Overview Project 10: Transition Education Network assists Florida school districts and relevant stakeholders to provide technical assistance and advisory services in a multitude of areas such as capacity building, interagency collaboration, specified Legislation and Policy, and Student Development and Outcomes. |
Contact Information Website: |
Agency for Persons with
Disabilities – Unique
Abilities Partner Program Serves ages: 14+ Years |
Supports and Services
|
Overview The Florida Unique Abilities Partner Program recognizes businesses that employ individuals with disabilities or support organizations that promote independence. The program also offers training, job matching, and connections to resources such as the Unique Abilities Tax Credit, workforce partners, and education resources. |
Contact Information Website: Phone Number: |
Department of Education
– Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation Serves ages: 14+ Years |
Supports and Services
|
Overview Beginning at age 14, students with disabilities connect to the Department of Education’s (DOE) Vocational Rehab (VR) services for Pre-Employment Transition Services. These services offer students with disabilities an early start at career exploration and preparation for adult life. Adults with disabilities also find employment and training support through VR. |
Contact Information Website: Phone Number: Local Area Listing: |
CareerSource Florida Serves ages: 16+ Years |
Supports and Services
|
Overview CareerSource Florida supports job seekers age 16 and older, workers, and employers by connecting individuals to employment, training, and career advancement opportunities. Employers can access recruitment and workforce development services, while job seekers can search jobs, post résumés, and find training resources. |
Contact Information Website: Local Area Listing: |
Florida Center for
Students with Unique
Abilities Serves ages: 18+ Years |
Supports and Services
|
Overview The Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities supports Floridians with intellectual and developmental disabilities transitioning from high school through the Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program. The Center partners with higher education institutions statewide to administer scholarships and provide grant funding for participating programs. |
Contact Information Website: Phone Number: |
Department of Children
and Families Serves ages: All Ages |
Supports and Services
|
Overview The Department of Children and Families serves Floridians at every stage of life, from newborns to senior citizens. Floridians served through DCF can receive public assistance benefits such as food, cash, and Medicaid health insurance. DCF also supports Floridians through Child and Family Well-being services as well as Mental and Behavioral Health. |
Contact Information Website: Phone Number: |
Agency for Health Care
Administration Serves ages: All Ages |
Supports and Services
|
Overview The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) serves and oversees the state’s Medicaid program and contracts with managed care organization to provide direct services to eligible recipients. |
Contact Information Website: Phone Number: |