Sumter
District Resources

Sumter 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.

Student/Family Resources

The Able Trust
info@abletrust.org
(850) 224-4493 (Voice/TDD) | (888) 838-2253
Supports non-profit vocational rehabilitation programs throughout Florida with fund-raising, grant making and public awareness of disability issues with the goal of assisting Floridians with disabilities in achieving employment

Aktion Club
aktionclub@kiwanis.org
(800) KIWANIS ext. 390
A community-service group for adult citizens who live with a disability that provides opportunities for developing initiative and leadership skills, serving the community, integrating into society and demonstrating the dignity and value of citizens living with disabilities

AmeriCorps/ Volunteer Florida - Tallahassee
info@volunteerflorida.org
(850) 921-5172
Provides opportunities to meet community needs through one or two-year service commitments to community and national nonprofits. Participants learn collaboration, communication, leadership and other life skills while earning a modest living allowance with health and education benefits

Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) - University of South Florida
Dr. Terry Daly | ucfcard@mail.usf.edu
(407) 737-2566
Provides information and consultation to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities as well as instruction and coaching to families and professionals through a training and assistance model

Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida
William Kennedy, Executive Director | william@cilncf.org
Gainesville: (352) 378-7474
Ocala: (352) 527-8399
Toll-Free: (800) 265-5724
Provides information and referral services, advocacy, independent living skills training, peer counseling and support for persons with significant disabilities who seek independence and self-reliance

Family Network on Disabilities
Rich La Belle, Executive Director | richlabelle@fndfl.org
(727) 523-1130 | (800) 825-5736
Network of individuals who may be at-risk, have disabilities, or have special needs and their families, professionals and concerned citizens; programs include Parents of the Panhandle Information Network (POPIN); Parent Education Network (PEN); Transition, Independent Living, Employment & Support (TILES); Florida Parent Information and Resource Center (PIRC); and Parents Educating Parents in the Community (PEP)

Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (F.A.A.S.T.)
faast@faast.org
(850) 487-3278 | (888) 788-9216
Provides advocacy and awareness activities that increase access to and acquisition of assistive services and technology including a loan program to try out assistive technology (AT), assistance with purchasing AT, an emergency AT fund and information on affordable housing

Florida Inclusion Network (FIN)
Aliya Killion, Facilitator | akillion@coedu.usf.edu
(813) 558-5416
Provides learning opportunities, consultation, information and support to educators, families and community members to promote all students learning together in a welcoming environment that incorporates integrated services, supports and curricula that are effective and research-based

Florida Youth Leadership Forum (FYLF)
info@abletrust.org
Innovative, intensive four-day leadership training program for rising high school juniors and seniors with disabilities that explores personal leadership, academic and career planning, etiquette, technology innovations, disability law, networking and more

Multiagency Network for Students with Emotional Disabilities (SEDNET)
Sarah Merchant | merchant_s@hcsb.k12.fl.us 
(352) 797-7022 ext. 245
Enhances the system of care for families and students with emotional disabilities through facilitation, collaboration and direct intervention, as well as research and development, with a network of key stakeholders

Special Olympics
Doug Shiok | dougshiok@specialolympicssumter.org
(352) 633-8440
Provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities