NATIONAL
The Arc of the United States:
The Arc is one of the largest and oldest advocacy organizations for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They provide a wide range of services and support. You can explore their offerings on their website: https://thearc.org
Autism Society of America:
This organization focuses on supporting individuals with autism and their families. You can explore their offerings on their website: https://autismsociety.org
National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS):
NDSS is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with Down syndrome. You can explore their offerings on their website: https://ndss.org
Special Olympics:
Special Olympics is a global organization that provides sports training and competition opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. You can explore their offerings on their website: https://www.specialolympics.org
Best Buddies International:
Best Buddies creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You can explore their offerings on their website: https://www.bestbuddies.org
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP):
UCP focuses on advancing the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. You can explore their offerings on their website: https://ucp.org
National Fragile X Foundation:
This organization provides support and resources for individuals and families affected by Fragile X syndrome. You can explore their offerings on their website: https://fragilex.org
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD):
AAIDD is a professional organization that promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You can explore their offerings on their website: https://www.aaidd.org
STATE OF FLORIDA
The Arc of the Florida:
The Arc of Florida is the state chapter of The Arc of the United States. They offer advocacy, support, and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You can find more information on their website: https://www.arcflorida.org/
Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC):
FDDC is a federally-funded organization that works to promote the inclusion, independence, and self-determination of individuals with developmental disabilities. You can visit their website here: http://www.fddc.org/
Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD):
APD is a state agency in Florida that provides various services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. You can learn more about their programs and services on their website: https://apd.myflorida.com/
The Dan Marino Foundation:
The Dan Marino Foundation focuses on empowering individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. They offer a range of support and programs. You can find their website at: https://danmarinofoundation.org/
Easterseals Florida:
Easterseals provides a variety of services to individuals with disabilities, including those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. They have multiple locations in Florida. You can explore their services and find a local affiliate on their website: https://www.easterseals.com/florida/
Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (Florida ARF):
Florida ARF represents and supports organizations that provide services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You can find more information on their website: https://floridaarf.org/
Florida Autism Society:
The Florida Autism Society provides information, support, and resources for individuals and families affected by autism. You can explore their offerings on their website: https://www.floridaautism.org/
TAMPA BAY
The Arc Tampa Bay:
The Arc Tampa Bay provides a wide range of services and support for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the Tampa Bay area. You can find more information on their website: https://thearctbfoundation.org/
MacDonald Training Center:
MacDonald Training Center offers services and programs that empower individuals with disabilities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. You can visit their website for more information: https://macdonaldcenter.org/
PARC, Inc:
PARC is a nonprofit organization that serves people of all ages with developmental disabilities and their families. They offer various programs and services. You can explore their offerings on their website: https://www.parc-fl.org/
The Learning Experience Academy:
The Learning Experience Academy is a school that provides educational and therapeutic services to children with developmental disabilities. Visit their website for more details: https://www.learningexperienceacademy.org/
Tampa Bay Support Coordination:
Tampa Bay Support Coordination is an organization that assists individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in accessing services and resources in the Tampa Bay area. You can find more information on their website: http://www.tbscares.com/
PARENTS
The Arc:
The Arc provides a wealth of resources for parents, including guides, webinars, and local chapters that can offer support and advocacy. Their website is a valuable starting point: The Arc
National Parent Center on Transition and Employment:
This organization provides information and resources to help parents and caregivers support their children in transition to adulthood. Visit their website
Parent to Parent USA:
This network connects parents of children with disabilities to provide support, information, and resources. They have a directory of state-specific organizations that can offer assistance. Parent to Parent USA
Family Voices:
Family Voices is a national grassroots network that provides resources and support for families of children with special health care needs. You can find information and resources on their website: Family Voices
Wrightslaw:
Wrightslaw is an excellent resource for parents looking for information on special education law and advocacy. They offer books, articles, and training resources: Wrightslaw
Autism Speaks:
For parents of children with autism, Autism Speaks offers a variety of resources, including toolkits, community support, and information on research and services: Autism Speaks
Special Needs Alliance:
The Special Needs Alliance is a national organization of attorneys who focus on special needs planning. Their website includes articles and resources for parents: Special Needs Alliance
Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs):
These centers are funded by the U.S. Department of Education and provide parents with training and information on the special education process. Each state has its PTI, and you can find your local center through the Center for Parent Information and Resources.
Local Support Groups:
Many areas have local parent support groups or organizations that provide a sense of community and resources for parents of children with disabilities. You can often find these through an online search or by reaching out to larger national organizations.
