Monroe
District Resources

Monroe 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

Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)  
University of Miami - Nova Southeastern University
(305) 284-6563
card@psy.miami.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 of the Keys (CILK)  
(305) 453-3491
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 Care Council Florida  
Sandra Ames, Chairperson
(800) 470-8101
Assists in providing information and services to people with developmental disabilities and their families; also advised the (Agency for Persons with Disabilities) on the needs of self-advocates and their families

Family Network on Disabilities (FND) and the South Florida Parent Education Network (PEN)  
Rich La Belle, Executive Director | richlabelle@fndfl.org
(727) 523-1130 | (800) 825-5736
Ally Walford, Program Director
(727) 523-1130 | (954) 348-9181
Family Network on Disabilities, Inc. is a national network of individuals who have special needs, their families, professionals and concerned citizens, that collaborates (1) to ensure full access to family-driven support, resources and advocacy and (2) to serve families of children with disabilities, ages birth through 26.

Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST)  
Phone: (305) 243-5706
Fax: (305) 243-5706
SouthFLRDC@Faastinc.org
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)  
(305) 274-3501
Carmen Molinaris, Lead Curriculum Support Specialist/Human Resources Development | cmolinaris@dadeschools.net
Provides diagnostic and instructional support services to district exceptional student education programs and families of students with exceptionalities statewide.

Florida Inclusion Network (FIN)  
Alena McNew, FIN Facilitator | acarter@contactfin.com
(850) 645-7593 (Office)
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.

Keys Konnections
Elizabeth Coats, Support Coordinator | beth.coats@yahoo.com
(305) 295-6266
A Medicaid waiver service that supports and advocates for individuals by educating individuals, families and guardians and assisting them to access supports and services as needed.

Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens (MARC)  
(305) 294-9526
Provides support for housing, supported employment, training, education and medical and respite services for citizens with developmental disabilities throughout Monroe County.

Multiagency Network for Students with Emotional Disabilities (SEDNET) 
Dolores Vega, Project Manager | dvega@dadeschools.net
(305) 598-2436
SEDNET is devoted to facilitating the creation of a comprehensive "system of care" for high-risk students and students with emotional disabilities and their families.

Special Olympics
Ruth Holland | ruthholland@specialolympicsmonroe.org
(305) 292-7178
Provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities