ESE provides, supports, and monitors services for Students with Disabilities (SWD) and Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA/504). The mission of the ESE Department is to ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate educational services leading to increased student achievement and successful post-school outcomes.
Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)
Division of Blind Services (DBS)
Florida Association of of Center for Independent Living (FACIL)
Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities (FCSUA)
Vocational Rehabilitation
Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)
APD works with local organizations and private providers to support people who have developmental disabilities and their families in living, learning, and working in their communities. APD identifies the service needs of people with developmental disabilities, and those individuals may receive social, medical, behavioral, residential, and/or therapeutic services.
In order to be eligible for services from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), an individual must have a developmental disability (as defined in section 393.063(12), Florida Statutes), which occurs prior to age 18 and constitutes a substantial handicap that can reasonably be expected to continue indefinitely. Disabilities served by APD include:
Intellectual disabilities (Full Scale IQ of 70 or below)
Severe forms of autism Spina bifida cystica or myelomeningocele
Cerebral palsy
Prader-Willi syndrome
Down syndrome
Phelan-McDermid syndrome or
Individuals between the ages of 3-5 at high risk for a developmental disability.
**APD has a waitlist, apply in elementary school!
VR is a federal-state program that helps people who have physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. VR is committed to helping people with disabilities find meaningful careers and enhance independence. Services can include: Job coaching and placement, career counseling and guidance, supported and customized employment, medical and psychological assessment, assistive technology and devices.
Contact your Secondary Resource Teacher to get assistance with referring students to VR.
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Flyer
Pre‐Employment Transition Services (Pre‐ETS) are provided through Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and serve students ages 14-21 who are in high school or are enrolled in training or education after high school. Students must have an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan demonstrating a condition that interferes with preparing for, getting, or keeping a job. Pre-ETS include: career exploration counseling, work readiness training, self-advocacy training, postsecondary educational counseling and community-based work experiences.
Traditional Vocational Rehabilitation Flyer (English), Application
Traditional Vocational Rehabilitation Flyer (Spanish), Application
The School-to-Work Services Transition Program consists of a group of services that are provided by DBS and local partners on an individualized basis for students eligible to receive services under an individual education plan (IEP). Services are determined based on each individual client’s needs. Types of services that may be provided are:
Assessment - Includes a comprehensive evaluation in orientation and mobility, adaptive daily living skills, assistive technology, low vision needs, functional assessments, vocational evaluation, and job readiness.
Information and Referral - Provides specific information to an individual or group which aids them in securing assistance and collateral services which they are entitled to and from which they may benefit.
Assistive Technology - Trains an individual or group to use adaptive devices and technology for communications and daily living needs including computer, keyboarding, access software, screen readers, note takers, closed circuit televisions, accessible cell phones and other devices.
Counseling Services - Provides counseling to address psychological and social issues related to vision loss.
Job Readiness - Includes resume preparation, interview training, appropriate hygiene and grooming training, accessing transportation, and time management training. Services also include simulated job tasks to enable the individual to adjust to work or provide a work experience.
Job Coaching - Provides on-site instruction to enable a participant to perform the assigned job related activities.
CILO is a private non-profit, client-directed civil rights organization for children and adults with all types of disabilities. CILO works with individuals with disabilities to develop goals and independent living skills.
FCSUA Supports Florida College and Career Transition (CCT) Clubs that will help students with intellectual disabilities prepare for and access Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Programs across Florida.
The mission of 2-1-1 is to connect people to services 24 hours a day by understanding their individual, emotional, financial and community needs and to support the health & human services system as a whole.
Project 10: Transition Education Network is Florida’s statewide discretionary project supporting the secondary transition of youth with disabilities.Project 10’s primary charge is to assist school districts in providing appropriate planning and timely transition services and programs to assist youth with disabilities in their transition to adulthood.
The full-service career centers are staffed with career coaches and consultants who are dedicated to serving first time, experienced and professional job seekers. U.S. military veterans and persons with disabilities receive priority of service at each CareerSource Palm Beach County career center.
Florida HATS - Florida Health and Transition Services
FloridaHATS is a program of Florida Department of Health, Children’s Medical Services. Our mission is to ensure successful transition from pediatric to adult health care for all youth and young adults in Florida, including those with disabilities, chronic health conditions or other special health care needs
JFS provides services to individuals with disabilities of all faiths. The Levine Life Planning Program offers education, advocacy, future planning, consultation and emotional support to people with disabilities, their parents, adult children, siblings and caregivers.
FAU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) provides expert consulting, training and support, at no charge, for people with autism and related disabilities, their families, employers, and the professionals, community and governmental agencies serving them.
At Autism After 21, our job is to open doors and minds so that young adults on the spectrum can confidently shift their perspectives, define their next steps, find their people and soar into their dreams.
Sea Turtle Adventures' mission is to conserve local populations of sea turtles, educate the public and provide nature-based programs and life skills training to adults with disabilities. The iCARE program is a program designed for adults (18+) with disabilities.
Offering One-to-One Friendship, Integrated Employment, Leadership Development and Inclusive Living programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Florida.
ARC offers programs that provide a continuum of care for a lifetime. Options are available to address a variety of needs for infants, children, teens, adults and families. The Career Transition Program assists individuals 18 and older with developmental disabilities become independent and involved in the community through hands on learning experiences and employment services.
HabCenter serves adults with lifelong developmental and intellectual disabilities. The Center provides a full-day program of comprehensive services (including mental/behavioral health, job training and placement, and educational and recreational activities) to enable clients to maximize their potential and live with fulfillment and joy. Client-centered programs include: Supported vocational training, comprehensive behavioral education and support services and Programs in Education, Arts and Recreation (PEAR)
5601 Corporate Way Suite 402
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
561-421-2494
951 Broken Sound Pkwy NW #200
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-421-5305
Passionate Care Adult Day Training Center is a community-based service that provides a safe, caring and productive environment for members in need of daily support. With a primary goal to promote independence and personal growth, our program offers an extensive range of educational based and hands-on activities that focus on life skills, socialization, and community integration.
Jewish Association of Residential Care (JARC)
JARC programs include residential homes and apartments, community case management and employment training.
2500 Quantum Lakes Drive
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
561-752-8824
Florida MENTOR’s Adult Day Training programs offer a wide variety of structured activities, social interaction and skill-building opportunities that enrich the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The center-based day programs create an atmosphere that offers structure and excitement for program participants who look forward to seeing their friends and staff members each day.
ELS for Autism Adult Services Programs
Els Adult Program services provide lifespan instruction to help adults successfully transition to all aspects of life by providing programs in Employment and Community Programs, Independent Living, and Recreation & Leisure.
