Special Needs

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Tens of thousands of children in Broward County are affected by some type of disability. Navigating the complex system of care for children with special needs can be overwhelming and frustrating. Parents and caregivers don’t know where to turn and sometimes give up. In response to the complex needs of these children and families, the 2-1-1 Special Needs Hotline was created to help their children reach their full potential.

WHAT IS THE 2-1-1 SPECIAL NEEDS HOTLINE?

The 2-1-1 Hotline for Children with Special Needs is Broward’s single source for information and referrals for children birth to 22 years of age with a developmental and/or physical disability. This specialized hotline focuses on helping parents, grandparents, caregivers, agencies, teachers, coaches, therapists, nurses and doctors who serve the needs of children with disabilities find support, answers and hope.

Highly skilled and specially trained counselors who are knowledgeable about special needs issues and services listen to the concerns of callers, provide them with information about services and present referrals to the most appropriate community resources available to best meet the unique needs of each child.

HOW CAN THE 2-1-1 SPECIAL NEEDS HOTLINE HELP?

Parents and caregivers of children with special needs can now easily and effectively navigate the complex maze of available social services designed to help in the care of their children with special needs. One simple phone call can provide answers to questions such as:

• I think my child may be having hearing problems. Where can I get testing?
• How can I learn more about my child’s disability?
• Where can I find a dentist or physician who serves children with special needs?
• Who can help me to understand what services my child is entitled to in school?
• Is there a support group that I can reach out to for my child’s disability?

These questions and many others can be answered and addressed through referrals from our Special Needs Hotline counselors.

SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES

In addition to calling 2-1-1, parents, caregivers and others who serve children with special needs can access information, resources and community provider website links online at:

>www.211-broward.org/specialneeds.htm

Funding for Special Needs Hotline provided by Children’s Services Council of Broward County

 

If you need more information or to find resources, call 2-1-1 or browse the Community Resource Database.