Resources, SNAP & PFSS-Flash special needs, florida, IEP, Trusts, Disabled, training, advocacy, SSI, Medicaid, Broward County, Florida, Special, Kids, Children, SNAP, SPecial Needs Advisory Partners

To submit a resource, please provide the name, business name, line of help, special needs sector it offers services to, costs involved, web site, phone number and a blurb describing their help in the community.

2-1-1 Broward (a non-profit organization) is a Free, Confidential, 24/7/365 Information and Referral and Crisis Helpline or all health and human resources in Broward County. The Special Needs Hotline and website connect parents and agencies to comprehensive resources for children and youth with developmental and physical disabilities. For assistance dial 2-1-1 or 954-537-0211 Website: www.211-broward.org/specialneeds.htm

The Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc. is a non-profit organization providing protection and advocacy services in the State of Florida. Their mission is to advance the dignity, equality, self-determination and expressed choices of individuals with disabilities. http://www.advocacycenter.org/

ARC Broward is a private, not-for-profit organization providing supports and assistance primarily to children and adults with mental retardation, autism, Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental disabilities. Incorporated in 1956, ARC Broward provides a continuum of supports to over 650 children and adults with disabilities and employs over 400 health-care, educational, and other professionals. For more information, please visit their website at www.arcbroward.com.

Autism Society of Florida P.O. Box 970646 Coconut Creek, FL 33097 Phone: 954-349-2820 Fax: 954-571-2136. For more information, please visit their website at www.autismfl.com.

The Baudhuin Preschool / Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies is an internationally recognized, model program for children with autism spectrum disorders. The program is offered in partnership with the School Board of Broward County. The school philosophy is that each child is unique in ability and learning style and their programs support these differences and capabilities one student at a time. Programs are designed for children aged 3-prekindergarten www.nova.edu/msi 954 262 6900

Best Buddies Florida impacts millions of people’s lives one friendship at a time. Best Buddies is a program in local schools where students with leadership qualities join with special needs students to form bonds of friendship. Activities, parties, and events are in place for them to engage in together as a group and an annual conference is also a big part of their programming each year. Best Buddies can help special needs students who feel isolated find encouragement and fun at school. Everyone needs a friend, especially people with intellectual disabilities. Volunteer, sponsor, and support Best Buddies today. www.bestbuddiesflorida.org to watch the video and learn more www.bestbuddiesnewyork.org

Broward Children’s Center The Broward Children's Center has many programs to help families with special needs loved ones'. Their respite program provides services to families in BROWARD county, who are NOT receiving respite services under another contract (med waiver or others) and who have children ages birth-21, who have a formal written diagnosis, for up to 120 hours of per year. Costs range between $0.25 - $6.00 per hour. An intake process is the first step in applying. They also offer support groups, Sibling groups, grandparent groups and more. Contact Linda Sachs, L.C.S.W., Director of Respite Care (954) 941 1228 x 112 or e-mail her at lindas@bcckids.org. Visit them online at www.bcckids.org.

Broward County Schools http://www.browardschools.com/ In the state of Florida, Exceptional Student Education, or ESE, is the designation for special education. At this site, you will find out about the services provided to the over 28,000 students with disabilities in the Broward County school system.

CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities): Please contact the CARD Center directly at 1-800-9-AUTISM and register to be added to their mailing list. CARD hosts many informative workshops and conferences, addressing a variety of issues and needs. http://www.umcard.org/

The Center for Independent Living of Broward is a non-profit organization whose mission is to offer assistance to people with disabilities in fulfilling the goals of independence and self sufficiency. The Center's professional staff includes several individuals with disabilities. We provide assistance to individuals with disabilities in learning to become self advocates, a skill critical to independence. This is accomplished through providing information on various civil rights laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. We also assist with communication skills, knowing what to ask and who to ask, writing letters, and conducting successful meetings. 4800 N. State Road 7, Suite 102, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33319 Voice: 954-722-6400, TTY: 954-735-0963 FAX: 954-735-1958, Toll Free: 888-722-6400

Children's Center for Development & Behavior provides customized therapy programs for children w/autism and related spectrum disorders. We specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis, CBAM (A form of discrete trial therapy), Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, multi-disciplinary assessments, behavior management plans, social skills programs and parenting workshops. Complimentary tours and consultations are welcome. Visit our website at www.childpsych.org or e-mail sgil@childpsych.org for more information. Call us at 954-745-1112 for more information. Susan Gil, V.P. Practice Development/Operations Children’s Center for Development & Behavior

Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale "King's Kids" celebrates how God made each one of us unique. We provide Christ's love to children with unique physical, cognitive, and emotional makeup through a hands-on supportive environment. We offer an adaptive program with interactive fun, education, and Bible teaching in a safe, clean, and controlled environment. We treat each individual as an individual by providing specialized care. Childcare for special needs is provided during services on Sundays at 10:15am, Saturdays at 6pm and Wednesdays at 6:30pm. We meet in the King's Kids room on the bottom floor in the New Discipleship Building. (Right across from the theatre.) If you are new to our program, please call ahead to discuss your child's needs and to set up a meeting time, either before or after service. Respite care is offered several times a month. Kids' Night Out - First Friday every month, 6:30 to 9:30pm RSVP is required to attend. Please call 954-315-7509 for more information. Signs of Life provides a personal worship experience within the deaf and hard of hearing community. We offer interpreted services on Wednesdays at the 6:30pm service and Saturdays at the 6pm service. We offer interpreted special events. We provide deaf socials and other special events. Reserved seating for the deaf and hard of hearing is in the first three rows on the west side of the Sanctuary. After the Wednesday service, we meet for fellowship in the Cafeteria. There is a deaf social on the second Sunday of every month, 5 to 8pm, in the Youth Building's HUB. (The northeast part of Calvary Chapel.) For more information, call Annie at 954-214-3181. www.calvaryftl.org

Coalition For Independent Living Options, Inc. (CILO): Their mission is to increase advocacy efforts with public & private entities to promote independence for people with disabilities. http://www.cilo.org/index.html

The Darrell Gwynn Foundation is an amazing organization dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals with spinal cord injuries and disabilities. Their fund raising efforts help aide research to cure paralysis and spinal cord injuries and bring quality of life resources like customized power wheel chairs to individuals in need. To find out how to make a donation to DGF or apply to recieve services that may include a power wheel chair, log on to www.DarrellGwynnFoundation.org or call (954) 792 7223 X 112 or e-mail them at info@darrellgwynnfoundation.org

Denise's List: Your #1 source for Autism related information in South Florida! E-mail Denise at deniseslist@yahoo.com to subscribe. This Listserv contains autism information of particular interest to the South Florida area and is distributed daily. This is a very active list generating 10-20 postings per day. Members exchange information on news, therapies, resources, advocacy, on just about anything concerning autism.

The Dan Marino Foundation The mission of The Dan Marino Foundation is to support integrated treatment programs for children with chronic illnesses and developmental disabilities, so they can lead healthier and happier lives. http://www.danmarinofoundation.org/index.html

Dr. Anja Kroell is a clinician and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with Behavior Analysis, Inc. BAI provides on-site state-of-the-art education and behavioral treatment services to children, adolescents, and adults. They have an Autism Treatment program and also provide in-home behavior services. For more information contact Dr. Anja Kroell, Psy.D., BCBA Board Certified Behavior Analyst ® Behavior Analysis, Inc. 8001 SW 36th Street, Suite 9 Davie, FL 33328 Phone: 954.577.7790 ext. 59/ Fax:954.577.7780 www.behavior-analysis.org

Easter Seals provides exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. Easter Seals provides comprehensive therapy to children birth-21 with special needs and also to the senior population diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. They have specialists on hand to work with special needs children on s/t, o/t, p/t and other therapies. Easter Seals South Florida, Broward County Broward 12701 West Sunrise Boulevard Sunrise, and FL 33323 www.southflorida.easterseals.com E-mail: info@sfl.easterseals.com Phone: 954 792-8772 Fax: 954 791-8275

ETC, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, is recognized by the Very Special Arts (VSA) of Florida as an innovative theater arts program for persons with disabilities and part of the Broward County Community Schools and the School Enrichment in Arts and Science (SEAS) Program. The program, under the direction of Debbie Lombard, is designed to teach theater to individuals of all ages with special needs and creates options for personal growth by exploring all the learning opportunities theater has to offer. Each individual class provides a setting for the involvement of the entire community. The class teaches techniques in improvisations, movement and music. With fun and easy exercises, the performers – who are comprised of many age groups have the opportunity to express ideas and feelings. The program enhances verbal skills, improves movement, builds self-confidence, and advances socialization while stimulating free thinking. Volunteers, known as shadows, are mostly high school students receiving community service hours and work along with the special needs students, both on and off the stage. The performers and shadows pick the themes and write the scripts for their end of the year performance. Most of the various sized classes meet once a week for a minimum of two hours. Exceptional Theatre Company, Inc. Ruben Levy, President 12663 NW 18th Manor Pembroke Pines, FL 33028 ph. 954443.0600 fax 954.443.0602 rubenlevy@etcsfl.org

Family Care Council (FCC) This web site is for people in the developmental disabilities community. It provides information for individuals and their families about requirements, procedures, and services affecting their lives. Their goal is to inform and educate; helping families and consumers to be better self advocates. With information accessible on this web site, the Family Care Council (FCC) enhances the partnership between the state, region and district with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) and the people they serve. http://www.fccflorida.org/

Family Network on Disabilities of Florida (FND)
Family Network on Disabilities of Florida, Inc. is a statewide network of families and individuals who may be at-risk, have disabilities, or have special needs. Their mission is to ensure through collaboration that Floridians have full access to family-driven support, education, information, resources and advocacy. To visit their website, please go to www.fndfl.org.

Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology, Inc. (FAAST)
FAAST envisions a seamless supportive partnership between Florida business and government to provide assistive technology products and services which will enable persons with disabilities to participate in independent living, education, work and recreation from birth to death. To visit their website, please go to www.faast.org

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council
The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council encourages and advocates opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities and their families, to enhance their quality of life within their communities. To visit their website, please go to fddc.org.

Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS)
FDLRS is a statewide program that provides services to special education students, their teachers and parents, and the community agencies serving them. Click http://www.co.broward.fl.us/library/fdlrs.htm

Florida Independent Living Council, Inc. (FILC)
FILC's purpose is to promote independent living opportunities for persons with disabilities throughout the state of Florida. This includes the promotion of a direct service philosophy that is consumer controlled and directed. http://www.flailc.org/

Florida Yellow Pages For Kids With Disabilities
A wealth of information designed in an intuitive way that helps individuals quickly find resources related to their specific interests. http://www.yellowpagesforkids.com/help/fl.htm

GRACA (Grandparents and Relatives of Autistic Children and Adults) Grandparents and other relatives and friends of individuals with autism who wish to participate in this group can contact Roz Bellman (abell64@juno.com) or Sylvia Cohen (Alsylco@aol.com) at (954) 577-4141.

Grottoes Of Broward (Children with Special Needs Dental Care) 954-782-9804 6278 N. Federal Highway, #221 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308 www.scgrotto.com Provides dental care for children under 18 years with special needs.

Horses and the Handicapped 954-974-2007 P.O. Box 273542 Boca Raton, FL 33427 Provides therapeutic horseback riding for physically, mentally and emotionally challenged children and adults at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek. Some scholarships are awarded to those who cannot afford services.

Giborim Camp Summer day camp program that serves mentally, physically, emotionally challenged and/or developmentally delayed children 3-21 years. Camp located at the JCC on a 40-acre campus with swimming pools, gymnasiums, lakefront, tennis courts and a/c buildings.

Jewish Family Service of Broward 954-370-2140 100 S. Pine Island Road, #230 Plantation, FL 33324 www.jfsbroward.org Provides child and family therapy, including adolescents with behavioral problems and testing for learning disabilities, gifted education, conduct and behavior problems, hyperactivity, emotional and social problems, and attention deficit disorders for children under 18 years.

Joe Di Maggio Children’s Hospital 954-987-2000 3501 Johnson Street Hollywood, FL 33021 Provides comprehensive pediatric care in a setting especially designed for children.

Just For Kids Academy 954-523-9489 1725 Davie Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312 . Provides childcare services to at-risk youth from 4 weeks - 13 years. Before and after school transportation to all elementary and middle schools is available. Offers summer and vacation camp programs for at-risk, economically disadvantaged children K-6 grade. An agency referral is required for all programs.

Kids in Distress 954-390-7654 819 NE 26th Street Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33305 www.kidsindistress.org Clinic Services- Provides infant mental health, family reunification, adoption services, psychological and psychiatric evaluations, and individual and family therapy on-site or in the community. Developmental & Therapeutic Pre-Schools- Provides preschool for children 13 months - 5 years who are developmentally delayed with severe behavioral acting out issues, at-risk of abuse or neglect or victims of confirmed child abuse.

League For The Hard Of Hearing 954-731-7200 TTY: 954-731-7208 2800 W. Oakland Park Blvd., # 306 Oakland Park, FL 33311 www.lhh.org . Provides multidisciplinary services for deaf and hard of hearing clients including psychological assessments, counseling for children/adolescents and their families, case management, educational and summer camp programs. Offers audiology services, assistive listening devices for Florida residents with hearing difficulties, job counseling and placement, and specialized phone equipment at no cost.

Living Inclusively For Everyone, Inc. (LIFE) 954-817-4742 350 NW 84th Avenue, #211 Plantation, FL 33324 www.life-florida.org Provides recreational outings for young adults with developmental disabilities. Provides housing startup subsidy for supported living.

The Marian Center School and Services provides education and training to individuals with developmental disabilities from birth through adulthood. Situated on 50 beautiful acres in Miami Gardens, the Marian Center programs include a preschool, a school, an adult day program and a residential cottage. The center's mission is to "educate, train and serve persons with a developmental disability and assist them to wholeness, pursuant to the dictates of the Gospel and of the Church's call to love, charity and justice." www.mariancenterschool.org 305 200 8927

Michelle Decheona, M.S.W. Behavior Therapy, Program Consulting, Behavior Shadowing, Applied Behavior Analysis, Discrete Trial Therapy, Verbal Behavior, Natural Environment Training, & Comprehensive Psycho educational Evaluations, for children with Autism and related disabilities. Serving both Palm Beach & Martin County, FL. 772-781-9952 954-817-8371

National Alliance On Mental Illness (N.A.M.I.) Broward County Chapter 954-722-5445 965 RockIsland Road N. Lauderdale, FL 33068 Provides advocacy and education for family and friends of persons with mental illness

Nova Southeastern University 954-262-7300 3301 College Avenue Davie, FL 33314 www.nova.edu Provides information and referral, individual, family and group psychotherapy, parenting skills training, psychological testing and specialty programs.

NSU Hearing & Balance Center 954-262-7750 3600 S. University Drive Davie, FL 33328 Hearing Evaluation $50-Provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for newborns and children with hearing and balance disorders.

One Community Partnership (OCP)954-497-1432 4200 NW 16th Street, #502 Lauderhill, FL 33313 www.broward.org/onecommunity Six-year project to evaluate and redesign the existing array of children's mental health services into a comprehensive, coordinated System of Care that supports severely emotionally disturbed (SED) children, youth and their families, is culturally competent and is driven by family voices.

Our Children, Our Future954-929-7515 1909 Taylor Street, #504 Hollywood, FL 33020 www.ochild.orgn Provides outpatient individual, group and family therapy, and psychiatric and psychological services for children 3-21 years who are SED, ED or at-risk for emotional disorders

Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) ODEP is an agency within the U. S. Department of Labor. ODEP provides national leadership to increase employment opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities while striving to eliminate barriers to employment. http://www.dol.gov/odep/

Pembroke Pines Parks and Recreation Department: Join us and participate in many fun filled recreation programs that are available for youth and adults with special needs, programs for individuals with disabilities. Our main goal is to provide quality recreational opportunities for individuals with special needs. Current and planned programs include wheelchair sports, Special Olympic training, specialty camps, day programs and special events. Programs may be inclusionary, where current recreational programs are adapted and/or modified to provide access to individuals with disabilities. Contact Mary Wilson Palacios for more information. Mary Wilson Palacios, CTRS,CPRP Special Population Coordinator, City of Pembroke Pines, 501 S.W. 172nd Ave. Pembroke Pines, Florida 33029, V/TDD (954) 987-1741, Fax (954) 986-5046 www.ppines.com mpalacios@ppines.com

Parents Information & Resource Center (PIRC) 954-785-8285 www.pircinc.org 817 N. Dixie Highway, #101Pompano Beach, FL 33060 Provides outpatient counseling for mental health and substance abuse, referrals and assistance with basic family needs, and information and support for families that have a child in foster care or in jail. Offers anger management for children and adults and parenting classes.

Rescare Premier Residential Home This beautiful home in South West Ranches meets the needs of individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury. The home has room for 8 residents and has availability at this time. Residents come to Rescare Premier to rehabilitate and live in an enviornment where their needs are met in a private intimate and skilled care alternative housing setting. 24 hour care and a nurturing environment means the world to the residents and their families. For a tour, information on placing a loved one with traumatic brain injury as a resident contact Shannon ResCare Premier 12981 S.W. 52nd St. 954.252.8711

Senior Volunteer Services 954-484-7117 4701 NW 33rd Avenue Oakland Park, FL 33309 www.seniorvolunteerservices.org Volunteers 55+ years tutor one-on-one and mentor disadvantaged children 0-18 years in schools, daycare centers, hospitals, developmental centers and juvenile justice centers.

Smith Community Mental Health Center 954-741-0291 601 S State Road 7 Plantation, FL 33317 Provides psychological testing and evaluation and medication management for children, and an after-school program for children 6-13 years, including violence prevention and character development through martial arts training for severely emotionally disturbed, emotionally handicapped or at-risk youth.

Special Olympics 954-486-7464 5101 NW 21st Avenue, #440 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 www.sobc.org Oversees county sports training and competition for developmentally disabled children 8+ years. Provides training through schools and individual programs.

Spectrum Programs 954-781-4405 450 E. Atlantic Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33060 www.spectrumprograms.com Community Based Children’s Services Program Working closely with the Broward County School Board, provides services in the home and in school to help children with behavioral problems, mental health issues and/or substance abuse issues to each their potential.

South Florida Fragile X Resource Group Fragile X Syndrome is the #1 inherited cause of mental retardation. Symptoms of Fragile X include mental impairment, attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity, anxiety and unstable mood, autistic-like behaviors, and long face, large ears and flat feet. If your child exhibits some of these characteristics, you may want to have your child checked for Fragile X Syndrome. Support group meetings for families affected by Fragile X Syndrome take place a few times a year. For more information, please call Randy Green at (954) 433-5413 or email her at mathmattx123@yahoo.com.

Special Olympics Florida
Special Olympics is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people eight years of age and older with developmental disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. http://www.specialolympicsflorida.org/default.aspx

SPEC (Support for Parents of Exceptional Children): SPEC is a support group for families of children on the autism spectrum. The format is simple: we get together to talk about our kids, share information and ask questions of more experienced parents. On a typical night we might talk about schools, issues with extended family, recent accomplishments, difficult behaviors, effective interventions, and upcoming events in the community. We also have an info sheet with a glossary of terms and resources for families of newly diagnosed kids. Everyone is welcome! Contact Laura House at ljhouse@asabroward.org or 954 893 5553 for more information.

The Weston Miracle League A buddy ball team where athletes of all ages and abilities with special needs can play baseball in a safe and encouraging environment. For more information on the league, practice times, games and other information on how to support them visit them online at www.westonmiracleleague.com. Call (954) 437 1140. Practice and games are at Rose G. Park, 901 NW 208th Ave, Pembroke Pines, FL

Time To Sign, Inc. is dedicated to supporting effective and meaningful communications for children, families, care givers, and businesses by teaching American Sign Language in a fun and educational way. Time to Sign, Inc. has established a team of sign language service providers throughout the United States. We teach children, early childhood education professionals, families, adults and businesses American Sign Language (ASL) in a fun and educational way through the use of songs, games, stories and activities. Lillian Hubler, our founder, is an dynamic educator who has taught over 20,000 early childhood educators Sign Language. She leads our wonderfully talented team of service providers who come from varied backgrounds such as: early childhood educators, sign language interpreters, deaf educators, speech and language pathologists, and elementary educators. To contact Time to Sign: www.timetosign.com, contact@timetosign.com, 211 Fourth Avenue, Indialantic, FL 32903, (321) 726-9466, or fax (321) 726-9467.

YMCA Of Broward County 954-334-9622 1830 W. Broward Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312 www.ymcabroward.org Inclusion Child Care Program -Provides inclusive before and after-school childcare for children with mild to severe disabilities. Staff to child ratios as low as 1 to 2, as needed and offers inclusion opportunities for children with disabilities to work and play alongside their typically developing peers.