Special Needs Resource Directory

1. The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

Agency for Persons with Disabilities Website

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is specifically tasked with serving the needs of Floridians with developmental disabilities.

2. Florida Health - Early Steps

Early Steps Website

Early Steps is Florida's early intervention system that offers services to eligible infants and toddlers, age birth to 36 months, who have or are at-risk for developmental disabilities or delays.

3. Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System

Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System Website

The Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) provides diagnostic, instructional, and technology support services to district exceptional education programs and families of students with disabilities.

4. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Website

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a federal-state program that helps people who have physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. VR is committed to helping people with disabilities find meaningful careers.

5. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Website

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a four-part (A-D) piece of American legislation that ensures students with a disability are provided with Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is tailored to their individual needs.

6. McKay Scholarship Program

McKay Scholarship Program Website

The McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program, provides scholarships for eligible students with disabilities to attend an eligible public or private school of their choice.

7. The Gardiner Scholarship Program

The Gardiner Scholarship Program Website

The Gardiner Scholarship is designed to provide the option for a parent to better meet the individual educational needs of his or her eligible child. The Gardiner Scholarship provides eligible students a scholarship that can be used to purchase approved services or products.

8. Special Transportation Service (STS)

Special Transportation Service (STS) Website

Special Transportation Service (STS) is a shared-ride public transportation service of Miami-Dade County in compliance with the complementary paratransit service provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

9. Voters with Special Needs

go to - Voters with Special Needs Website

Every voting location in Miami-Dade County meets Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards. Each one is equipped with a paper-based voting system that uses touchscreen and/or audio technology, which could help voters who have issues with their eyesight, trouble reading or disabilities.

10. Florida Department of Finance - MyMoney

Florida Department of Finance - MyMoney Website

The Department of Financial Services created the My Money Program to provide educational lessons for individuals with developmental disabilities and important resources for family members and caregivers. The My Money Program allows individuals to learn and practice financial skills at their own pace, using interactive games, activities and educational videos.