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Resources
Projects of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council have produced an array of materials on topics ranging from inclusive early education to supported living and employment programs. To meet the needs of diverse audiences, these resources are available in a variety of formats and media, including pamphlets, newsletters, resource guides, handbooks, training manuals, research reports, public education materials, audiotapes, and videotapes. Many are available in Spanish and alternate formats.
A videotape presentation about the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council is also available to anyone interested in learning more about the Council's work.
The following list includes the Council's newest or most requested products. Resources may be downloaded, if available, or ordered on-line.
Publications ordered by phone or on-line are mailed out once a month. There may be a week or more delay between when you place your order and when your materials arrive.
Publicaciones, Videos y Otros Recursos
Los proyectos del Concilio de Invalideces de Desarrollo han producido una serie de materiales de temas como la Educación Temprana Inclusiva, Programas de Apoyo para Vivir Independientemente y los Programas de Empleo. Estos recursos están disponibles en una variedad de formatos y medios de comunicación que incluyen folletos, boletines informativos, guías de recursos, panfletos, manuales de capacitación, materiales educativos, casetes y videos. Muchos de estos materiales están disponibles en español y en varios formatos alternos.
También tenemos a la disposición una presentación de video sobre el Concilio de Invalideces de Desarrollo para aquellos que estén interesados en el trabajo que el Concilio realiza.
La siguiente lista incluye los productos más recientes y más demandados por el público. Algunos de estos productos pueden ser transferidos electrónicamente desde la Internet o pueden ser pedidos directamente a nuestras oficinas.
Requests for Resources
To request a copy, free of charge, of any of these resources, click "Order Online".
Child Development
A Family Guide to Children's Mental Health Services and Supports.
This guide, published by the Mental Health Program Office in the Department of Children and Families, was designed to provide families with information they may find helpful in working with health care providers and others to find appropriate, evidence-based mental health services and supports for their family members.
A Viable Plan for the Sustainability of the Early Steps Program
Early Steps, the system in place to help children with developmental issues and the families that love and provide for them, specifically the Early Steps program, is facing funding shortfalls due, in part, to the economic downturn coupled with identification of a larger number of children in need of services. To proactively address the eminent threat to Early Steps, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council contracted with the Ounce of Prevention Fund to facilitate a strategic planning process and develop a viable plan for the sustainability of the Early Steps program.
Autism 4 Parents, Inc.
Autism 4 Parents is an organization working to help families living with Autism. Autism 4 Parents has programs to educate and inform parents and the community, including sensory integration directed by an occupational therapist, an Asperger's group directed by a psychiatrist, and Bruster's Buddies 4 Autism. For more information click here.
Count Me In: Resources for Early Childhood Inclusion
The Florida Expanding Opportunities for Early Childhood Inclusion Professional Development Workgroup has released “Count Me In: Resources for Early Childhood Inclusion”. The purpose of this compilation is to answer questions and provide general information to families and early learning providers on how to successfully include young children with disabilities in early childhood programs. Click here to view the compilation online. For additional information contact Katy McCullough at katy.mccullough@unc.edu or Lou Ann Long at lalong@centraldirectory.org.
Disability Awareness Through Language Arts and Literacy
Resources for Prekindergarten and Elementary School
This guide was created for educators and families to promote positive attitudes toward, and facilitate successful inclusion of, students with disabilities; increase respect and acceptance of individual differences; increase understanding of disabilities and related social issues; and facilitate the development of literacy and language arts skills through activities about disability awareness. To download a copy of the English version of the Guide click here. To download a copy of the Spanish version of the Guide, click here.
First Steps: A Guide for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities
One of the Developmental Disabilities Council's most popular publications, the revised edition of this guide for parents of children with developmental disabilities covers such topics as acceptance, services, and the rights of people with disabilities.
The publication is available both in Spanish and English, as well as in color and black and white (for ease of printing). Both versions of the publication are broken into chapters and the publications are only available in Acrobat Reader (PDF) format. Click here to download your copies.
We encourage you to view or download the First Steps publication in English or Spanish on our website. If you do not have computer access, please contact FDDC atwww.fddc.org, to request a hard copy.
NICHCY
The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) serves as a central source of information on disabilities in infants, toddlers, children, and youth. Resources include easy-to-read information on IDEA, the law authorizing early intervention services and special education, and State Resource Sheets, which connect families with the disability agencies and organizations in each state. For more information click here.
This website contains information on children with special needs and medical conditions, including a list of disabilities and medical conditions.
Community Living
A Place Where I Belong
A curriculum for assisting people with disabilities who want a home of their own. Designed for use by those who provide services to people with disabilities, particularly in rural areas. A companion workbook for people with disabilities provides lessons and activities to assist in the process of home ownership is also available. (2001)
Download Curriculum [PDF]Disaster Ready
This publication can help anyone prepare for a disaster, but includes specific information that is important for individuals with disabilities.
Finding a Home
This informational guide is useful to anyone with a limited income. It provides practical information on buying or renting a home.(1995)
Inclusion Now!
Information on including individuals with disabilities in education, business and the community.
Let's Go - A Guide to Getting Around Your Community in Florida
This publication provides county-by-county transportation information, including specific services available in each county, as well as contact information for the various agencies that manage transportation services in Florida. Click here to download a copy.
People with disabilities are people first. When speaking or writing about individuals with disabilities, it's important to accurately portray them as active, valued members of their communities. We can do this by using People First Language.
There's No Place Like Home
Pamphlet answers questions about obtaining safe, decent and affordable housing in a community setting. (2000)
Innovative Approaches for Increasing Transportation Options for People with Disabilities in Florida: A Transportation Feasibility Study Report
Produced by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council and the Able Trust, this publication explores innovative approaches for increasing transportation options for Floridians with disabilities. Unfortunately, there are no hard copies of the study report available.
Voting in Florida - A Guide for Citizens with Disabilities (2012 Update)
Voting is your right and responsibility as a citizen. If you vote, you can help select the national, state, and local officials who make laws, design programs, and decide how tax dollars are spent. The guide has forms for requesting an absentee ballot and a Florida Voter Registation Application. Click here to download a copy.
Education
A Teacher's Guide to Universal/Inclusive Education
This Guide provides additional context and specific assistance to teachers as they strive to increase universal education/inclusion for all students. Click here to download a copy.
An Administrator's Guide to Universal/Inclusive Education
This Guide provides additional context and specific assistance to administrators as they strive to increase universal education/inclusion for all students. Click here to download a copy.
Special Education Law and Advocacy Workshops
In August of 2010 The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council and Disability Rights Florida hosted a series of Special Education Law and Advocacy Workshops throughout the state. The DVDs of the workshops are available to you now at no charge. The three DVDs include Evaluation & IEP; Inclusion & Discipline; and Transition & Problem Solving. To order, click “Order Online”.
We no longer have any copies of the DVDs. You can download them off the website by clicking on "View Video" below.
Inclusion View Video
Discipline & IDEA View Video
Evaluations View Video
The IEP View Video
Transition View Video
Problem Solving View Video
State Board of Education Rules
The State Board of Education Rules are now on the Department of State’s newly created web site. Interested persons may search by rule, title, subject, statute number, and agency, and sign up for e-mail notification when a rule is proposed for amendment. The Web site is: https://www.flrules.org/default.asp.
The Department of Education has developed a new website to ensure that all stakeholders can request a rule development workshop and express their concerns relating to specific rules of the State Board of Education. Rules with final action can also be viewed. For more information go to https://app1.fldoe.org/rules/default.aspx.
Sexuality Across the Lifespan for Children and Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities
An instructional guide for Parents/Caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities. Click here to download the Parents/Caregivers Guide in English. Click here to download the Parents/Caregivers Guide in Spanish.
An instructional guide for Educators of individuals with developmental disabilities. Click here to download the Educators Guide in English.
Accommodations and Modifications
Booklet helps parents of students with disabilities understand two important features of special education: accommodations and modifications. (2000)
Employment
FYI Transition
The University of South Florida, in collaboration with the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, developed a website to provide information to students with disabilities and their families related to employment and transition. FYI Transition provides information and web-based learning on transition planning, career and post-secondary education planning, job development and support, career exploration, funding, work incentives, and more. FYI Transition is being maintained by the Training Resource Network, Inc., Dale DiLeo, with support from the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. For more information, click here.
Let’s Get Everyone to Work DVDs
The DVDS below may be downloaded.
Let’s Get Everyone to Work: Resource Toolkit for Students and Families
This 45-minute video explores strategies and approaches that lead to successful employment and greater independence for individuals with developmental disabilities. It focuses on the importance of having high expectations for employment and independence and using a person-centered transition process that reflects the interests and abilities of the individual, while developing a collaborative and creative support network. Also included are 12 personal stories of individuals with developmental disabilities who are successfully employed or participating in postsecondary education. You may order one DVD online and make as many copies as you wish. If you need additional copies, please download from the website.
Student Family Intro View Video
Amanda View Video
Antionette View Video
Chelsea View Video
Edwin View Video
Jason View Video
JJstudent View Video
Jonathan View Video
Kelsey View Video
Michael View Video
Misty View Video
Richard View Video
Shane View Video
Advice Parents View Video
Advice Students View Video
Career Exploration View Video
College Experience View Video
On The Job View Video
Person Centered View Video
Let’s Get Everyone to Work: Marketing Toolkit for Employers
This five-minute video highlights the benefits of hiring people with developmental disabilities and the support that is available to help your business and your employee succeed. Also included are 10 personal stories of individuals who have become super employees with the support of their families, schools, employers, co-workers and communities.
Employer Intro View Video
Amanda View Video
Antionette View Video
Edwin View Video
Jason View Video
JJEmpPs View Video
Jonathan View Video
KelseyPsEmp View Video
Misty View Video
Richard View Video
Shane View Video
Let’s Get Everyone to Work: Teaching Toolkit for Pre-Service Professionals
This 45-minute video explores the role of educators, rehabilitation specialists, social workers and other professionals in supporting successful employment and greater independence for individuals with developmental disabilities. It focuses on the importance of having high expectations for employment and independence and using a person-centered transition process that reflects the interests and abilities of the individual. Also included are 12 personal stories of individuals with developmental disabilities who are successfully employed or participating in postsecondary education.
Pre-Service Professionals Intro View Video
Amanda View Video
Antionette View Video
Chelsea View Video
Edwin View Video
Jason View Video
JJEmpPs View Video
Jonathan View Video
KelseyPsEmp View Video
Misty View Video
Richard View Video
Shane View Video
MichaelPsEmp View Video
PsCareerExp View Video
PsCollegeExp View Video
PsMakingIt View Video
PsOnTheJob View Video
The Changing Face of Benefits
The Changing Face of Benefits self-paced workbook was created to provide individuals, families, and professionals with basic information about Social Security Disability and Medicaid/Medicare benefits, information to support informed decision-making, and programs and services available to help people with disabilities move toward financial success. The Workbook can be accessed as a downloadable workbook (pdf).
The Changing Face of Benefits is also offered as a self-paced online course which can be found at www.floridabenefits.org. Successful completers of the online course may also apply for CEUs.
Health Care
Easing Your Stress
Easing Your Stress: Information for Caregivers of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, is an informative, user-friendly, evidence-based booklet written for caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities. In its 24 pages, caregivers learn:
• How the mind-body connect affects their response to stress
• How stress affects children,
• How other caregivers have learned to ease their stress,
• What resources are available, and
• How to identify approaches that will work for them. Click on the links below to view the booklets or download a PDF version.
Order Online [English]
Order Online [Spanish]
Health Insurance for Young Adults
Just The Facts: The 411 on Health Insurance for Young Adults Ages 18-30 in Florida is designed to help all young adults - including those with chronic health conditions or disabilities - identify, access, and maintain health insurance coverage that meets their needs. To view the document or download a PDF version, click here.
ADP Waitlist Survey [Final Report]
In this guide you will find that the purpose of this project was to survey a sample of individuals who are on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities' waiting list, who are living in their own homes or their families' homes, in order to gain a better understanding of their needs. (2008)
FloridaHATS
Florida Health and Transition Services (FloridaHATS) is a collaborative program of the Florida Department of Health, the Children’s Medical Services Network, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, and other partners throughout the state.
FloridaHATS’ mission is to ensure successful transition from pediatric to adult health care for all youth and young adults in Florida, including those with disabilities, chronic health conditions or other special health care needs. For more information click here.
Legal & Reference
Defendants with Retardation
This pamphlet explains how to diagnose retardation and protect the statutory rights of defendants with developmental disabilities. (1997 [rev.])
FDDC's Universal Education Position, Policy & Practice Statement
Universal Education, also referred to as inclusion, is an approach to education that creates learning environments which are inherently designed for diversity, making natural education settings accessible to all children, all together, all the time.
Florida Developmental Disabilities Council State Plan
The Council's goals, funding, and strategies for systemic change through the year 2016 are provided in this guide.
State Plan Goals and Objective 2012-2016
State Plan Blueprint 2012-2016
General Resource and Self-Help Guide for Children with Disabilities and their Families
The Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology has produced a comprehensive 96-page publication, “General Resource and Self-Help Guide for Children with Disabilities and their Families”. This guide includes up-to-date resource information with hyperlinks from the table of contents to the document, to appropriate cites, and to applicable federal/state laws, regulations and websites, making this resource guide user-friendly to navigate. To review this guide, go to www.faast.org/atr_trends.cfm.
Lighting the Way to Guardianship and Other Decision-Making Alternatives
This document provides accurate and timely information regarding guardianship and alternatives to guardianship for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, please seek the service of competent professional. Click here to download a copy.
Service Coordination
Great Resource on Disability Etiquette
Choosing and Planning Your Supports and Services
A resource guide for people who receive services through DCF/Developmental Disabilities Program. Large file 6MB. (1999)
Planning Ahead
Recently revised! A handbook for parents, family members and guardians of adults with developmental disabilities. Provides information that will help identify and plan the direction and future regarding the quality of life family members' desire. Personal information summary included to ensure the safety and happiness of a surviving family member with a disability. Click here to download a copy.
Promises Made... Promises Kept
A policy analysis resource guide of public services available to Florida residents with developmental disabilities (2003)
Download [Word]Working With Your Support Coordinator
This guide is designed for people who receive services through the DCF/ Developmental Disabilities Program, this workbook explains the support planning process, including how to select and work productively with a support coordinator. (1998)
Special Interest Publications
A Strategic Path Forward
The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, in collaboration with the Strategic
Path Work Group, contracted with the Human Services Research Institute to
develop A Strategic Path Forward , a plan for improving the state’s developmental disabilities service system.
Becoming a Member of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council
A brochure that explains how to apply for membership on the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council.
Disability Awareness Books
Click here to review disability awareness books recommended by the FDDC.
The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council 2011 Brochure
You can print a copy by clicking here, or call the Council at 1-800-580-7801 and request a copy.