General Resources
ABLE ACT Florida ABLE accounts are here! Floridians with Down syndrome and other disabilities can now open an ABLE Account. This is great news for the average family that up until now has been unable to save money for their child’s future due to limitations and an adverse impact on government benefits. Another great source of information about individuals with disabilities and asset building is: NDI Real Economic Impact website.
ADOPTION INFORMATION These websites provide information for those considering adopting a child who has Down syndrome:
National Down Syndrome Adoption Network
Arise
Reeces Rainbow
ADVOCACY Disability Rights Florida has the mission to advance the quality of life, dignity, equality, self-determination, and freedom of choice of persons with disabilities through collaboration, education, advocacy, as well as legal and legislative strategies.
Florida Developmental Disabilities Council has the mission to advocate and promote meaningful participation in all aspects of life for Floridians with developmental disabilities.
DELIVER THE DREAM RETREATS Deliver the Dream is a Florida organization that helps families experiencing a serious illness or crisis in their lives by offering annual retreats, free of charge, so they can relax, enjoy time together, forge new friendships and create support groups with other families dealing with the same illness/crisis.
DISABILITY.GOV U.S. federal government website for information on disability programs and services nationwide. The site connects people with disabilities, their families and caregivers to helpful resources on topics such as how to apply for disability benefits, find a job, get health care or pay for accessible housing.
DISABILITY RESOURCES fiscal and general resources for parents of children and adults with disabilities.
DOWN SYNDROME SUPPORT GROUPS IN FLORIDA Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization, Gigi’s Playhouse Miami, Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida, Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville, Fun Coast Down Syndrome Association, Manasota Buds
211 HELPLINE PALM BEACH COUNTY The mission of the 211 Helpline Palm Beach/Treasure Coast is to connect people to services 24 hours a day by understanding their individual emotional, financial and community needs and to support the health & human service system as a whole.
RESPITE SERVICES A variety of agencies provide services for families. To learn more, please click HELP.
ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE Adopt a Family can provide financial and support services
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION Palm Tran is a low-cost transportation option for persons with disabilities living in Palm Beach County. Click the link or call 1-877-930-4286.
TRAVEL The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) launched TSA Cares, a new helpline number designed to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions, prior to getting to the airport. Travelers may call TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.
VIDEOS THAT PROMOTE AWARENESS
NDSC More Alike Than Different Documentary
Programs
Information and Support
"Talk Abouts"
Educates families through workshops, structured support groups, Face Book support groups and telephone and in-person consultations
Best Start
Newborns through Pre-K
Offers new parents information, education, connections, support and programs
The Family Education Program
Children and Teens
Gives parents the tools to navigate their children’s educational and life issues while kids work on their reading, math, social and life skills
Educational Advocacy
Ages 2 ½ to 22
Provides families with an experienced advocate free of charge to help manage IEPs, classroom placements and more so that children can thrive in a learning environment tailored to their needs.
The Exceptional Educators Program
Trains classroom teachers, paras, school administrators and school district staff to be the most effective educators for children with Down syndrome.
Adult Enrichment Programs
Ages 18+
Encourages adults to continue to learn and create through activities that develop social skills, literacy, self-advocacy and a healthy lifestyle
Without Walls
Parties and Outings around Palm Beach County.
Because sometimes you just want to have fun!
The DownRight ExtraOrdinary Walk
Committed to raising community awareness of the abilities of people with Down syndrome for over a quarter of a century!