Bay
District Resources

Bay 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

Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) - Florida State University
Leigh VanderEls, Autism Consultant, Panama City Office | leigh.vanderels@med.fsu.edu  
(850) 215-4330 | (866) 863-0138 
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

Disability Resource Center (Center for Independent Living)
William Kennedy, Executive Director | william@cilncf.org  
(352) 378-7171 ext. 812 | (800) 265-5582 
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

Easter Seals Florida - Winter Park
(407) 629-7881 | (407) 629-7881 TTY 
Provides services to ensure that children and adults with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, play and meet their individual goals in their communities

Family Network on Disabilities of Florida (FNDFL) 
fnd@fndfl.org  
(727) 523-1130 | (800) 825-5736
Includes Parents of the Panhandle Information Network (POPIN); Parent Education Network (PEN); Transition, Independent Living, Employment & Support (TILES); Florida Parent Information and Resource Center (PIRC); Parents Educating Parents in the Community (PEP); and more

Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology (FAAST)
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 Learning Resources System (FDLRS)
Heidi Metcalf, Program Coordinator | metcalfh@leonschools.net  
(850) 638-6131 | (877) 873-7232 
Provides diagnostic and instructional support services to district exceptional student education programs and families of students with exceptionalities statewide

Florida Inclusion Network (FIN)
Faye Yongue, Program Coordinator | younguef@paec.org
(850) 638-6131 | (877) 873-7232
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

Goodwill Industries - Big Bend, Inc. - Main Facility
lbattiste@goodwillbigbend.com
(850) 576-7145 | (800) 955-8770 | (850) 576-5235 (TDD)    
Provides customized job training, employment placement and access to transportation, childcare and other services to people who have disabilities, lack education or job experience, or face employment challenges

SEDNET - Multiagency Network for Students with Emotional Disabilities  
Rusty Holmes, SEDNET Coordinator | rusty.holmes@paec.org
(850) 638-6131 ext. 2240    
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 Florida
Barbara Churchwell | bachurchwell@knology.net
(850) 874-0799
Provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities leading to their participation as productive and respected members of society and their communities

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of North Florida - Panama City
Kimberly McManus | kimberly.mcmanus@comcast.net 
(850) 769-7960
Advocates and provides services for adults and children with disabilities, including cerebral palsy, to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities.

Volunteers of America (VOA)
Lake City: (386) 754-9926 
Fosters life-long learning and inspires people to become contributing members of society by providing health, housing, training, education and employment services.

Volunteer Florida
info@volunteerflorida.org
(850) 921-5172
Provides numerous links to state and national volunteer organizations including AmeriCorps, the Corporation on National and Community Service, emergency management and disaster relief, disability inclusion and outreach and more.