Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources
System (FDLRS)
A statewide organization providing
diagnostic, instructional, and technology
support services to district exceptional education
programs and families of students with
disabilities. Service centers include 19
centers that directly serve school districts
in the areas of Child Find, Parent Services,
Human Resource Development (HRD), and
Technology. In addition, the FDLRS Network
also includes 6 Multi-disciplinary
Centers who focus on in-depth evaluations
and several statewide projects offering specialized
services. fdlrs.org
Hillsborough County Government
Resources, Programs and information include:
Americans with Disabilities Act, Notice
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act,
Special Needs Disaster Assistance, Adaptive
Sports and Recreation (Camp Sparks,
County Special Olympics, Para Olympics
etc.), Service Animals, Special Needs Disaster
Assistance and more.
www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/government/
departments/ada
Polk County Resources
Inclusion Warm Line 863-733-9080 Early
Learning Coalition of Polk County 115 S.
Missouri Avenue, Suite 201 Lakeland, FL
33815. Technical Assistance is available to
assist parents, early education providers, and
the community in working with children who
may have unique or special needs. Technical
assistance and training is available on topics
such as: Child Development, Developmental
Screenings (for ages birth to five), Curriculum,
Environmental Adaptations, Laws and
Regulations (i.e., The Americans with Disabilities
Act), Activities and Planning, Social
and Emotional Health, Other Community
Resources. www.elcpolk.org
Special Needs Ministries
Churches often welcome all people, including
those with disabilities, into church life and
ministry. It’s a great place to get connected
in your community and to receive support.
Churches also often host respite programs like
Nathaniel’s Hope Buddy Break. Buddy Break
is a FREE Parents’ Day Out/respite program
where kids with all types of special needs
(VIP kids) have FUN while their parents get a
BREAK. www.nathanielshope.org/our-programs/
buddy-break for more information.
State & County Education
Serving as the single repository of education
data from school districts, state and community
colleges, universities, and independent
postsecondary institutions. Take the Exceptional
Education Parent Survey or view school
options with lists of McKay Schools, Gardiner
Scholarship Providers and other educational
choices. fldoe.org
The Family Café
The Family Café exists to provide individuals
with disabilities and their families with
an opportunity for collaboration, advocacy,
friendship and empowerment by serving as
a facilitator of communication, a space for
dialogue and a source of information.
familycafe.net
Tampa Bay Early Childhood — Summer/Fall 2020 3
/fdlrs.org
/www.elcpolk.org
/fldoe.org
/familycafe.net