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.

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 (5492647) 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
(813) 974-2532 I card-usf@usf.edu
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 (CIL) of Central Florida
Elizabeth Howe, Executive Director | ehowe@cilorlando.org
(407) 623-1070 ext. 5526
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

Devereux Florida Treatment Center 
(800) 338-3738 
Provides services to children, adults and families with special needs that derive from behavioral, psychological, intellectual or neurological impairments

Epilepsy Foundation of Central Florida
dgepilepy@aol.com
(863) 870-3414
Improves the quality of life of persons with epilepsy and reducing the incidence of onset

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 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 Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) 
Dr. Poinsetta Tillman | poinsetta.tillman@polk-fl.net 
(863) 647-4258 
Provides diagnostic and instructional support services to district exceptional student education programs and families of students with exceptionalities statewide

Florida Inclusion Network (FIN)
Bonnie Dupuis | bonnie.dupuis@polk-fl.net
(863) 508-1600
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’s Lions Camp
assiracneom@hotmail.com
(863) 696-1948 ext.12
Private, nonprofit camp that serves the needs of youth and adults with visual impairments and other challenging disabilities

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

Goodwill Self Sufficiency Job Cente - Adult Day Training 
(863) 701-1351
Provide opportunities to people with disabilities and disadvantaging conditions so that they may overcome barriers to employment, reach a higher level of independence and improve their lives

Multiagency Network for Students with Emotional Disabilities (SEDNET) 
Vacant - TBD
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
Cathy Tagliareni I cathytagliareni@sofl.org
(407) 617-9200
Provides year round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities