Polk
District Resources

Polk 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
Jeannette Estes, Central Region Manager 
(407) 245-0440
Supports persons with developmental disabilities (spina bifida, autism, cerebral palsy, Prader-Willi syndrome and mental retardation) in living, learning and working in their communities

Brain & Spinal Cord Injury Program
David Johnson, Senior Case Manager
(863) 295-5993
This program is administered by the Florida Department of Health. Services may include: case management, acute care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, transitional living, assistive technology, home and vehicle modifications, nursing home transition facilitation, long-term care supports for survivors and families through contractual agreements with community-based agencies

Children’s Medical Services - Florida 
(850) 245-4200 | cms_central_office@doh.state.fl.us
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
Sharron Washington, Regional Director
(407) 317-7000 I (800) 300-4323
Provides information and/or services for adoption, child care, family safety, financial assistance, foster care, refugee services and mental health

Division of Blind Services
Nancy Brown, Supervisor | Nancy.Brown@dbs.fldoe.org
(863) 499-2385
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 
Nahir Rosado Ortiz, Area Supervisor
(863) 680-5534 
Works with people who have physical or mental disabilities to prepare for, gain, or retain employment and find meaningful careers

Lighthouse for for the Blind and Low Vision
Tampa Office: (813) 251-2407
1106 West Platt Street, Tampa, FL 33606
Winter Haven Office: (863) 299-3633
206 Avenue D NW Winter Haven FL 33881
tlh@lighthouseblv.org
Lighthouse for the Blind and Low Vision (LBLV) provides training and other services that are designed to help each person served to maximize his or her independence, including, if applicable, enhancing prospects for gainful employment. Programs tailored to the needs of individuals of all ages include Early Intervention, Children’s Program, Transitions for Teens and Independent Living for Adults. All services are provided at no charge to the individual. All direct services are provided by staff trained in visual impairment and rehabilitation programs for the blind. Rehabilitation Engineering services are provided Statewide by LBLV Assistive Technology Specialists to help blind or visually impaired individuals maintain their existing employment through the use of assistive technology and devices.

Social Security Administration - Polk County
(877) 604-9387
Administers retirement, Medicare, disability benefits and Social Security cards for the federal government

ServiceSource
(703) 223-9331 
Helps people with disabilities obtain and maintain employment. Clients must be at least 16 years old, work ready, with proof of their disability. The employment services and vocational evaluation services are contracted and usually accept referred customers from Vocational Rehabilitation.