Florida Disability Resources, Programs & Services

Disability services in Florida are designed to support individuals with disabilities by providing a range of programs and resources aimed at improving their quality of life. These services are crucial in helping individuals achieve greater independence, participate fully in their communities, and access essential resources. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2024 5,003,997 adults in Florida have a disability. This is equal to 29% or 1 in 4 adults in Florida.

Florida’s commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities is evident through its diverse array of services and programs. These include healthcare services, educational programs, employment support, and various forms of community assistance. Healthcare services ensure that individuals receive the medical care they need, including specialized treatments and access to necessary medical equipment. Educational programs are designed to support students with disabilities in public schools and higher education institutions, providing accommodations and specialized instruction to facilitate learning.

Employment support services are aimed at helping individuals with disabilities find and maintain meaningful employment. These services often include job training, placement assistance, and workplace accommodations. Community assistance programs provide support in areas such as housing, transportation, and recreational activities, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community life.

Florida also emphasizes the importance of accessibility, striving to make public spaces, transportation, and facilities more accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes implementing ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards in public buildings and providing accessible transportation options.

Disability agencies and service organizations play a critical role in delivering these services and advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities. These organizations are outlined below, offering a comprehensive guide to the resources available to Floridians with disabilities.

Florida offers a range of state and non-profit disability employment services to support individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining meaningful employment. These services include job training, placement assistance, and workplace accommodations. Here are some key organizations providing these services in Florida:

Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation provides employment services and counseling to individuals with physical or mental disabilities, assisting them in preparing for, obtaining, and retaining employment.

Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST) offers resources and support for individuals with disabilities, including employment-related assistive technology and training.

Disability Rights Florida advocates for the rights of individuals with disabilities, including access to employment opportunities and fair treatment in the workplace.

The Arc of Florida supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through various programs, including job training and employment support services.

CareerSource Florida provides workforce services to job seekers, including individuals with disabilities, through a network of career centers across the state.

Easterseals Florida offers job training and employment services to individuals with disabilities, helping them gain skills and find suitable employment.

These organizations play a crucial role in promoting employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, helping them achieve greater independence and integration into the workforce.

Florida is home to several centers for independent living and organizations offering disability housing assistance, providing essential services to individuals with disabilities to promote independence and community integration. Here are some notable ones:

Center for Independent Living of Central Florida offers various services, including advocacy, skills training, and housing assistance, to help individuals with disabilities live independently.

Disability Resource Center in Broward County provides resources and support for independent living, including housing assistance and accessibility modifications.

Abilities Inc. of Florida offers programs for independent living and housing support, helping individuals with disabilities achieve greater self-sufficiency.

Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida provides services such as advocacy, peer support, and assistance with finding accessible housing.

Space Coast Center for Independent Living assists individuals with disabilities in Brevard County with independent living skills and housing resources.

Jacksonville Center for Independent Living offers a range of services to support independent living, including housing assistance and advocacy for accessibility.

These organizations play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals with disabilities in Florida have access to the resources and support they need to live independently and integrate into their communities.

Florida offers a variety of state and non-profit organizations that provide assistive technology services to support individuals with disabilities. Here are some notable organizations:

Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST) offers a comprehensive range of assistive technology services, including device demonstrations, loans, and training to enhance the independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida provides assistive technology services alongside their other support programs, helping individuals with disabilities access the tools they need for greater independence.

Disability Achievement Center in Largo, Florida, offers assistive technology services and equipment loans to help individuals with disabilities achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.

Easterseals Florida provides assistive technology evaluations and training as part of their broader services to support individuals with disabilities across the state.

Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind offers specialized assistive technology services for individuals with visual impairments, including technology training and device demonstrations.

Ability1^st provides assistive technology services and other resources to individuals with disabilities in the Big Bend region of Florida, promoting independence and community integration.

These organizations are dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities in Florida have access to the necessary technology and resources to enhance their daily lives and achieve their personal and professional goals.

The Social Security Administration offers comprehensive information on disability benefits, including how to apply, eligibility requirements, and the types of benefits available. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. In Florida, SSI recipients are automatically eligible for Medicaid which provides health coverage to low-income individuals, including those with disabilities. Use the Social Security Field Office locator to find an office location near you or call toll-free: 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. If you’re deaf or hard of hearing and use TTY equipment, you can call their TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.

In Florida, there are several state and non-profit organizations that provide financial assistance specifically for individuals with disabilities. Here are some key resources:

The Division of Workers’ Compensation, part of the Florida Department of Financial Services, provides resources and support to ensure compliance with Florida’s workers’ compensation laws, assisting injured workers, employers, healthcare providers, and insurers.

Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation offers financial support for individuals with disabilities to help cover costs related to education, training, and job placement services, aimed at enhancing employability and independence.

Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) provides various financial assistance programs, including the iBudget Florida, which offers financial support for individuals with developmental disabilities to help cover the costs of services that enhance their living conditions and community integration.

United Way of Florida offers financial assistance and support programs for individuals with disabilities through various local initiatives aimed at improving quality of life and ensuring access to necessary resources.

Florida Lifeline Assistance provides discounted phone and internet services to low-income individuals, including those with disabilities, to ensure they remain connected to essential services and support networks.

These organizations provide crucial financial assistance to help individuals with disabilities in Florida access the resources they need for a better quality of life and greater independence.

Florida offers a variety of disability transportation services to help individuals with disabilities travel independently and access essential services. Here are some key options available in the state:

ACCESS LYNX is Central Florida’s Regional Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) service for individuals with disabilities in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. It provides door-to-door transportation services for those who cannot use regular fixed-route bus services due to disabilities.

Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged (CTD) is a state agency that coordinates transportation services for individuals who are transportation disadvantaged due to disability, age, or income. The CTD works to ensure these individuals have access to efficient and cost-effective transportation services.

Resource Center for Disability Solutions (RCDS) offers free transportation services for individuals with mobility issues. The service provides clean, reliable vans and helps reduce the stress and confusion of locating transportation services.

Sunshine Health provides transportation services for members who have no other means of transportation. This includes rides to medical appointments and other essential services, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access necessary care and support.

St. Johns County Council on Aging offers paratransit transportation services for individuals with disabilities within St. Johns County. This includes door-to-door service for ambulatory and wheelchair-bound passengers and door-through-door service for stretcher passengers.

These transportation services are designed to improve mobility and accessibility for individuals with disabilities, helping them lead more independent and connected lives.

In Florida, several organizations provide specialized child care services for children with disabilities. Here are some notable options:

Florida’s Early Learning Coalition offers inclusive child care programs that accommodate children with disabilities, ensuring they receive the support and services needed for their development.

The Arc of Florida provides a range of services, including early intervention and child care, for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They work to ensure children receive appropriate care and support in inclusive settings.

Easterseals Florida offers child development centers that provide inclusive early education and intervention services for young children with disabilities, helping them reach their full potential.

United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida provides comprehensive early intervention and child care services for children with a variety of disabilities, focusing on inclusive environments that promote development and learning.

These organizations are dedicated to providing quality child care and early education services tailored to the needs of children with disabilities, ensuring they have the best possible start in life.

Florida offers a variety of recreational services tailored for individuals with disabilities. Here are some notable options:

Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy.

Miracle League of Palm Beach County offers children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball in a safe and enjoyable environment, regardless of their abilities.

Adaptive Sports and Recreation Association provides sports and recreational opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities. They offer programs like wheelchair basketball, rugby, and adaptive climbing.

Shake-A-Leg Miami focuses on using the marine environment to improve the health, education, and independence of children and adults with physical, developmental, and economic challenges through sailing and water sports.

Camp Challenge operated by Easterseals Florida, offers recreational camp experiences for children and adults with disabilities, providing activities like swimming, arts and crafts, and nature exploration in a fully accessible environment.

SportsAbility Alliance promotes active lifestyles for people of all abilities through accessible recreation programs, events, and advocacy.

These organizations provide valuable opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage in recreational activities, fostering physical health, social interaction, and personal growth.

Florida offers various support groups tailored for individuals with disabilities, providing them with valuable resources and a sense of community. Here are some notable disability support groups in the state:

NAMI Florida (National Alliance on Mental Illness) provides support groups for individuals with mental health conditions and their families, offering a safe space to share experiences and receive support.

The ALS Association Florida Chapter offers support groups for individuals living with ALS and their families, providing emotional support, resources, and information about living with the disease.

Autism Society of Florida provides support groups for individuals with autism and their families, offering resources, advocacy, and a community of support to enhance their quality of life.

Spina Bifida Association of Central Florida offers support groups for individuals with spina bifida and their families, providing education, advocacy, and support to improve their quality of life.

These support groups play a crucial role in providing emotional support, resources, and a community for individuals with disabilities and their families in Florida.

In Florida, several organizations provide housing assistance specifically for individuals with disabilities. These programs are designed to help individuals with disabilities find and maintain accessible and affordable housing. Here are some notable options:

Florida Housing Finance Corporation offers a range of housing programs to support individuals with disabilities, including rental assistance and funding for the development of affordable housing that meets accessibility standards.

Ability Housing provides affordable and supportive housing solutions for individuals with disabilities and other special needs. They work to ensure residents have access to the services they need to live independently.

Housing Opportunities Project for Excellence (HOPE), Inc. focuses on ensuring equal housing opportunities for all individuals, including those with disabilities. They provide education, advocacy, and assistance in finding accessible housing.

Disability Rights Florida offers assistance with housing issues, including advocating for accessible housing and addressing discrimination in housing for individuals with disabilities.

Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida provides legal assistance and advocacy for individuals with disabilities facing housing challenges, including issues related to accessibility and fair housing rights.

These organizations are dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities in Florida have access to safe, affordable, and accessible housing options.

Florida offers various disability education services designed to support individuals with disabilities in their academic pursuits and personal development. Here are some key organizations and services:

Florida Department of Education – Bureau of Exceptional Student Education provides statewide leadership and support for exceptional student education programs. They offer resources, professional development, and technical assistance to ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate educational services.

Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) supports students with disabilities, their families, and educators by offering diagnostic, instructional, and technology services. FDLRS also provides professional development and parent services to improve educational outcomes.

The Learning Disabilities Association of Florida offers support and resources for individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and educators. They provide advocacy, information, and training to help individuals with learning disabilities succeed in school and beyond.

University of South Florida St. Petersburg – Student Disability Services offers accommodations and support services to students with disabilities, ensuring equal access to educational opportunities and promoting an inclusive campus environment.

These organizations play a crucial role in enhancing the educational experiences and outcomes for individuals with disabilities in Florida, providing the necessary resources and support for their academic and personal growth.

In Florida, various organizations provide healthcare services specifically tailored for individuals with disabilities. These services aim to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive comprehensive and accessible healthcare. Here are some notable disability healthcare services available in the state:

Kaiser Permanente offers a wide range of healthcare services, including specialized programs for individuals with disabilities. Their services include routine medical care, specialist consultations, and support for managing chronic conditions.

Ultimate Medical Academy provides healthcare education and services, focusing on training healthcare professionals to better serve individuals with disabilities. They also offer healthcare resources and support for students and the community.

University of Miami Health System provides specialized medical services for individuals with disabilities, including comprehensive care for developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and chronic health conditions.

Florida Department of Health offers a variety of programs and services for individuals with disabilities, including medical care, rehabilitation services, and health education to promote wellness and manage health conditions effectively.

These organizations are dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities in Florida have access to high-quality healthcare services tailored to their specific needs.

In Florida, there are several vocational training programs specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. These programs provide training, resources, and support to help individuals gain the skills needed for employment. Here are some notable options:

Autism Partnership Foundation offers the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) training, a 40-hour course that prepares individuals to deliver behavior-analytic services under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Kaiser Permanente provides vocational rehabilitation services that include job training and placement assistance for individuals with disabilities. These services aim to help individuals find and maintain employment.

Southern New Hampshire University offers various online courses and certifications, including programs designed to support individuals with disabilities in acquiring new skills for the workforce.

Goodwill Industries of South Florida provides job training and employment services for individuals with disabilities, helping them to develop work skills and find suitable employment opportunities.

These organizations play a crucial role in enhancing the employability and career prospects of individuals with disabilities in Florida, providing them with the necessary training and support to succeed in the workforce.

In Florida, several organizations provide mental health services specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. These services aim to support mental well-being and address the unique challenges faced by this population. Here are some key mental health services available:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Florida offers support groups, educational programs, and advocacy for individuals with mental health conditions and their families, providing essential resources and community support.

Kaiser Permanente provides comprehensive mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and support for managing mental health conditions. They offer tailored programs to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Mental Health America of Northeast Florida offers various mental health services, including peer support, counseling, and educational programs aimed at improving mental health outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

UF Health provides specialized mental health services through their Psychiatry and Psychology departments, offering therapy, medication management, and support for individuals with disabilities dealing with mental health issues.

These organizations are dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources and care to lead fulfilling lives.

In Florida, several organizations provide specialized vision services for individuals with disabilities. These services aim to support people who are blind or visually impaired by offering a variety of programs and resources to help them live independently and improve their quality of life. Here are some notable vision services available:

Florida Division of Blind Services offers comprehensive support including vocational rehabilitation, independent living skills training, and a Braille and Talking Book Library. They serve individuals of all ages, from infants to seniors, providing essential tools and resources to help them achieve their goals.

Hope Florida, managed by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, provides one-on-one support through Hope Navigators. These navigators assist individuals in identifying personalized goals, removing barriers, and developing plans to thrive, including accessing community-based vision services.

Sunrise Community provides a range of services for individuals with disabilities, including those with vision impairments. They focus on promoting independence and community integration through various support programs tailored to the needs of visually impaired individuals.

Beyond Vision offers services for people who are visually impaired or blind, including independent living skills training, assistive technology support, peer support groups, and advocacy. Their goal is to help individuals maintain their independence and quality of life by providing necessary training and resources.

These organizations are dedicated to supporting the visually impaired community in Florida, ensuring they have access to the necessary services and resources to live fulfilling and independent lives.

In Florida, several organizations provide specialized hearing services for individuals with disabilities. These services aim to support those with hearing impairments by offering a range of programs and resources to enhance their quality of life and ensure they have access to necessary auditory support. Here are some notable hearing services available:

Florida Department of Health – Children’s Medical Services offers a variety of services for children with special health care needs, including hearing assessments and treatment. They provide support for families and coordinate care to ensure children receive comprehensive hearing services.

Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) provides free specialized telecommunications equipment to Florida residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind, or speech-impaired. This service ensures that individuals can communicate effectively through the telephone.

Hearing Loss Association of America – Florida Chapters offers support and resources for individuals with hearing loss. They provide educational programs, advocacy, and community support to help individuals manage their hearing impairment.

Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center provides a range of services, including hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings, and speech therapy. They aim to improve communication abilities and enhance the quality of life for individuals with hearing impairments.

These organizations are dedicated to supporting individuals with hearing disabilities in Florida, ensuring they have access to the necessary services and resources to live fulfilling and independent lives.

In Florida, several organizations offer specialized speech and language services for individuals with disabilities. These services aim to support communication skills and improve the quality of life for those with speech and language impairments. Here are some key providers:

Florida Department of Health – Children’s Medical Services provides comprehensive speech and language services for children with special health care needs, including assessments, therapy, and family support to ensure effective communication development.

Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center offers speech and language therapy for individuals of all ages. Their services include evaluations, individualized therapy plans, and specialized programs to address a variety of communication disorders.

University of Miami – Department of Speech-Language Pathology provides diagnostic and therapeutic services for speech, language, and swallowing disorders. They offer a wide range of programs tailored to meet the needs of individuals with different communication challenges.

Easterseals Florida offers speech therapy services as part of their comprehensive support for individuals with disabilities. Their programs are designed to help improve communication skills through personalized therapy sessions.

These organizations are dedicated to providing high-quality speech and language services, ensuring that individuals with communication disorders in Florida receive the support they need to enhance their communication abilities and overall quality of life.

Florida offers a variety of autism services to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. Here are some key organizations providing these services:

Autism Partnership Foundation provides a comprehensive Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) training program, which is a nationally recognized paraprofessional certification in behavior analysis. This training supports individuals with autism by implementing behavior plans and collecting data to improve outcomes.

Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) at the University of South Florida offers support and services for individuals with autism and their families. CARD provides individualized consultation, training, and resources to enhance the lives of those with ASD.

Autism Society of Florida offers advocacy, education, and support for individuals with autism and their families. They provide various programs, including support groups, educational workshops, and community outreach.

Easterseals Florida offers a range of autism services, including early intervention, therapy, and educational support. Their programs are designed to help individuals with autism reach their full potential through personalized services and support.

These organizations are dedicated to providing essential services and resources to individuals with autism in Florida, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.