Columbia
District Resources

Columbia County resources related to the transition of students with disabilities are provided in multiple categories in the box to the right. Some resources may be included in more than one category.

Local Agency Resources

Agency for Persons with Disabilities
Sheryl Dick-Stanford | Sheryl.Dick-Stanford@apdcares.org  
(352) 955-5768    
Supports persons with developmental disabilities (intellectual disabilities, down syndrome, spina bifida, autism, cerebral palsy and Prader-Willi syndrome) in living, learning and working in their communities

Children’s Medical Services (CMS) - Gainesville
(352) 334-1300 | (800) 334-1447
Stephanie Cox, Team Coordinator | stephanie.cox@flhealth.gov
Offers programs for children and young adults with special needs including health services, child protection and safety, child and family information, early intervention and child development and newborn screening provided by highly qualified physicians, nurses, social workers and other healthcare providers

Department of Children and Families
Patricia Medlock, Regional Director Circuit 8
(904) 723-2000 | 866-762-2237
Provides information and/or services for adoption, child care, family safety, financial assistance, foster care, refugee services and mental health

Division of Blind Services - Gainesville District Office
Madeline Davidson
(352) 955-2075 | (800) 443-0908
Provides services to persons who are blind, have severe visual impairments and have disabling conditions that make it difficult to read regular print including early-intervention education to children from birth to 5 years of age, a school-to-work transition program, independent living services, job opportunities in food service and Braille and talking book library services

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation - Unit 07A
Barbara Harrington, Supervisor | barbara.harrington@vr.fldoe.org
(386) 754-1680
1389 Hwy 90 West, Suite 105, Lake City, FL 32055
Works with people who have physical or mental disabilities to prepare for, gain, or retain employment and find meaningful careers.

Florida Center for the Blind
(352) 873-4700 I casemanager@flblind.org
1411 Northeast 22nd Avenue, Ocala, FL
Florida Center for the Blind serves all age groups with individualized training appropriate to each individual’s goals: helping babies develop all their senses, children attain optimal academic success, teens gain independence and prepare for higher education and vocational success, working age adults gain skills that level the playing field for return to work, and older adults acquire essential skills to maximize independence in daily activities.