Local Resources « 211 Special Needs

2-1-1 Broward JAFCO Advocacy Connections Program

2-1-1 Broward in partnership with Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options (JAFCO) provides intensive case management services to help families in the special needs system navigate the continuum of care by referring, linking and advocating. Funded by Children’s Services Council and in partnership with JAFCO, parents and caregivers will now have access to an amazing new level of advocacy and support. Call 2-1-1 to learn more and reach the Special Needs Connections Hotline available from 8:00am-8:00pm Monday-Friday Did you like this? Share it:

2-1-1 Broward Help Me Grow

2-1-1 Broward provides a centralized telephone access point for connecting children and their families to services and care coordination, providing free developmental screenings and referrals to appropriate resources. Did you like this? Share it:

2-1-1 First Call For Help of Broward

Provides a “No Wrong Door” approach of entry into the Broward County System of Special Education and related services. 24/7/365 Helpline. The program offers more than basic information and referral services, including: providing an overview of the special needs system in Broward County, explaining how to access varying levels of services, identifying the caller’s primary and additional needs, matching the caller’s needs to existing community resources, Did you like this? Share it:

Broward Children’s Center – Special Needs Advocacy Program

Empowers parents/caregivers of children with special health care needs to advocate for their children. An advocate from the center will work one-on-one with parents to provide information, education and necessary tools. A special needs advocate from Broward Children’s Center will work one-on-one with parents to provide them with the information, education and necessary tools to offer their child the greatest quality of life, as well as academic success. Did you like this? Share it:

Autism Navigator Website

Autism Navigator is a unique collection of web-based tools and courses that uses extensive video footage to bridge the gap between science and community practice. Did you like this? Share it:

Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization

Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization Down Syndrome-Organization that offers many services for parents or individuals with Down Syndrome including: meetings and workshops designed to educate families on ways to improve and fulfill the lives of individuals with DS. Call or visit the website for more details. WEBSITE: www.bgcdownsyndrome.org Did you like this? Share it:

Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

Provides / monitors a variety of case management-related services for individuals with specific developmental disabilities through the Medicaid-Waiver service. Services include day training, supported employment, therapies, and residential services. Agency also assists in enrollment the Medicaid Waiver Program for Broward County residents through an intake procedure. Did you like this? Share it:

Broward County Schools – FDLRS / Child Find

Child Find assures that all children, ages 0 through 21, who have disabilities or special needs receive a free appropriate education. Child Find is the entry point for ESLS services for birth-to-five-year-old children and their families in Broward Countassiststs in locating, identifying, and obtaining services. Children’s Registry and Information System (CHRIS) is used for tracking and service coordination. Did you like this? Share it:

Center for Autism & Related Disabilities – CARD

UM-NSU CARD serves both children and adults of all levels of intellectual functioning who have autism, pervasive developmental disorders, autistic-like disabilities, dual sensory impairments, (deaf-blindness) or sensory impairments with other disabling conditions. Our primary focus is to provide individualized direct assistance through family support, technical assistance and consultation, parent and professional training programs, and public education activities as well as regular child play groups. Website: www.umcard.org/ Did you like this? Share it:

Broward Schools – ESLS Advisory Council

ESLS Advisory Council meets monthly to offer resources, assistance and information regarding ESLE (Formerly Exceptional Student Education / Special Education and Support) educational needs. The primary objective is to inquire, inform, and provide input on the effectiveness of educational programs and services for students with exceptionalities. We encourage parents of children in ESLS to attend and welcome your participation. Please note, childcare is not provided at these meeting but parents are welcome to bring your child under their care. Did you like this? Share it:

Center for Independent Living – Assistive Technology & Loan Closet

Provides consumers with the opportunity to try a variety of assistive technology, including hardware/software and low-tech assistive devices, which introduces them to information that can be applied to employment and home environment. Did you like this? Share it:

Center for Independent Living – High School/ High Tech

Enrichment program for high school students with disabilities. It is designed to develop career opportunities and provide activities that will spark an interest in high technology fields and to encourage students to pursue higher education. Did you like this? Share it:

Center for Independent Living – Information and Referral

Provides persons with disabilities (and community) with information about programs and services available in the community that can assist with independence and self-sufficiency. Did you like this? Share it:

Center for Independent Living of Broward, Inc. – Advocacy

Provides assistance to persons with disabilities regarding their civil rights under the American with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, along with self-advocacy and communications skills education programs. Did you like this? Share it:

AutismCares – Grant

AutismCares Family Support Award assists families affected by autism to cover costs associated with critical living expenses; housing, transportation, food, insurance premiums, prescriptions, funeral expenses, and other items on a case-by-case basis. Must complete application online for consideration. Assistance provided can not exceed $1,500 per family. Visit website to apply. Did you like this? Share it:

Pedi Stat – PPEC

Provides a medical daycare facility for medical fragile children. We offer physical, occupational (OT), speech, and respiratory care as well as transportation. Did you like this? Share it:

ARC – School of HIRE Education

Offers a transition from school to work program for young adults with disabilities. ARC provides rehabilitation, educational/ vocational training and employment, residential, medical and supportive services to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Did you like this? Share it: