Resources and Links
The World Wide Web is an amazing source
of information and help for people with
disabilities, their families, professionals, and the community as a whole. The accuracy and usefulness of information varies greatly. The list below consists of websites that CCDH staff use and find helpful. The descriptions come from the sites.
This list is not exhaustive. Initially, we have focused primarily on government agencies, and educational and informational resources. We will update the list periodically, so please check back.
National Resources
State Resources with local links
Miami-Dade Resources
Formerly the American Association of Mental Retardation, the AAIDD is an association run by and for professionals who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Two very good resources on Autism for both families and professionals.
A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health, Medline provides extensive information with an encyclopedia of medical and disability related topics, drug information, access to medical journal articles, and more.
Focusing on less common conditions, the NORD website features a dictionary of over 1000 disabilities and health conditions that affect small numbers of people.
The Center is a central source of information on disabilities in infants, toddlers, children, and youth; the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) law authorizing special education, No Child Left Behind (as it relates to children with disabilities); and research-based information on effective educational practices.
Learn more about this condition from an organization of families and professionals working together to promote and fund research, provide education, and offer support to enhance the quality of life of those impacted by Prader-Willi syndrome.
The Federal government’s site about information on Social Security benefits. On-line services include applying for benefits; replacing lost or damaged cards; changing address information; and finding a Social Security office. For information on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/index.htm.
Using the tools of education, advocacy, research, and service, the national organization and its affiliate chapters are dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with Spina Bifida.
Formerly known as the Association for Retarded Citizens, a national network of members and affiliated chapters working on behalf of those with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
A leading source of information about cerebral palsy, the site also includes information and news about other developmental disabilities and advocacy efforts nationwide.
STATE RESOURCES WITH LOCAL LINKS
The Automated Community Connection to Economic Self-Sufficiency is the Department of Children and Family’s online public assistance service delivery system enabling Floridians to apply for benefits on line. The site also has helpful links for seeking employment, child care, and emergency food assistance.
Information about hospitals, nursing homes, extended care, and other licensed facilities in Florida.
APD is the Florida agency responsible for providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities. This is an excellent source of information about all aspects of the program for people receiving services, individuals waiting for services, and professionals.
Local contact information:
A program of Florida’s Department of Health, CMS serves children who have serious or chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions that require extensive preventive and maintenance care beyond that required by typically healthy children. Eligibility for services is based on both medical and financial criteria.
Local contact information:
Housed within Children’s Medical Services, Early Steps offers early intervention services for families with infants and toddlers (birth to 36 months) who have developmental delays or an established condition likely to result in a developmental delay. Local offices coordinate with community agencies and other contracted providers for the delivery of needed supports and services. Find local contact information at: http://www.cms-kids.com/ContactUs/EIPdir.pdf.
Epilepsy Foundation of Florida
The site provides information about epilepsy and other seizure disorders, and services and supports available in the community.
A statewide network of families of children and young adults with disabilities and special needs. Through its Parent Education Network, site resources include online tutorials on disability-related topics.
The primary mission of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council is to promote innovative programs and practices designed to prevent developmental disabilities and improve the quality of life of individuals with such disabilities and their families.
A public reporting resource for individuals with developmental disabilities living in or moving to the State of Florida. The primary purpose of this Website is to help individuals with developmental disabilities find a provider that best meets their needs.
FDLRS is a special education support system for educators, parents, and professionals who work with children with exceptionalities. Both the website and local offices provide a wealth of information that is available to the public.
Local contact information:
An employment resource for businesses and people with disabilities, its mission is to enable individuals with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment. Click here to find local contact information.
Provides central access to all state agencies and services, including the state legislature.
CIL’s mission is to assist anyone with a disability to achieve and maintain an independent and self-determined lifestyle to the maximum extent possible. The majority of people managing, controlling and working at the Center are people with disabilities.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools Office of Special Education
The site provides information and extensive resources for students in special education classes and their families.
Within this website you will find information on the social services and programs provided by Miami-Dade County at over 65 locations.
Parents working with other parents who have children and adults with disabilities and/or special needs to provide information, training and support.
A coalition of nonprofit developers and their partners working to provide affordable housing. Provides a directory of South Florida housing programs.
Guide to Miami-Dade’s transportation resources for people with disabilities.
An online directory of a wide variety of services in Miami-Dade County including a section on disability and health services.
The special needs section of the Teach More/Love More website has a variety of resources to help families of children with disabilities connect, cope, and thrive.
The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County by making strategic investments in their future. The Children’s Trust encourages the inclusion of children with disabilities in all programs it funds.
United Way of Miami-Dade has a plan to achieve measurable outcomes in four main areas. The community plan, set forth by its volunteers and other community experts, is focused on helping kids and families lead successful lives, improving health and independence, responding to emergency and basic needs and encouraging neighborhood and civic involvement.
One of seven regional resource centers established by the Florida Legislature, services include family support, technical assistance and consultation, parent and professional training programs, and public education activities about autism and related disorders.