DOE, Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Svcs

*Over two million books and magazines in Braille and in digital format available for loan *Digital format for persons unable to read, hold a book, or are dyslexic *Reading materials sent to and from customers via postage-free mail; services provided at no charge *Materials in Spanish available *Alternate method available through Audible Reading Download (BARD) *Call or apply on-line and place requests electronically

Services: Library Services, Visual/Reading Aids

DOE, Division of Blind Services, District 2

*Services to blind or visually impaired persons, or those with an illness which could cause blindness; some based on economic need *Children birth to 5: parent education, counseling, mobility training, social, sensory and cognitive development *School age children: family counseling, case management, educational experience and information *Youth at least 14: school to work programs involving daily living skills, self advocacy, work experience, and assistive technology *Adults (18-65): rehabilitation, counseling, medical eye assistance, vocational rehabilitation and job placement *Seniors (65+): non-vocational rehabilitation, counseling and daily living skills training *Braille and Talking Book Library services and referrals to community services for all ages

Services: Assistive Technology Information, Case/Care Management, Eye Care, Health/Disability Related Counseling, Independent Living Skills Instruction, Vocational Rehabilitation

Down Syndrome Association of Tallahassee (DSAT)

*Serving North Florida and South Georgia to provide information, education, support and resources to families who have children with Down Syndrome *Gives financial support to families with cost of speech, physical, occupational and music therapy through scholarships to families for tutoring, education, mentoring, recreational and medical purposes including assessment and planning *Member outreach including workshops, social gatherings, an online lending library, a newsletter, an annual calendar, emergency assistance, “Tribe Time” mothers’ group; and Down Syndrome Buddy Walk

Services: Health Care Referrals, Health/Disability Related Support Groups, Medical Care Expense Assistance, Medical Information Services, Special Education Plan Development

Early Learning Coalition of NW Florida

*Information and referral for child care, after school programs, developmental assessments, early intervention for children with special needs, school readiness programs, and Voluntary Pre-K *Toll-free number and two regional offices serve seven county area *Parents can register for VPK and Child Care Assistance at www.

Services: Child Care Centers, Child Care Expense Assistance, Early Intervention for Children With Disabilities/Delays, Extended Child Care, Pediatric Developmental Assessment, Preschools

Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend

*Child Care program that provides tuition assistance to young children that allows them to be in a safe, conducive learning environment to prepare them to enter the school system allowing parents to work, knowing their children are in a positive educational environment; voluntary Pre-kindergarten: approved list of providers *Parents may register for VPK and apply for the School Readiness program for child care assistance online or call for assistance; Trained counselors can assist callers in choosing programs that best fit their child's and family's needs including other services in the Whole Child network such as Food Stamps *Parents may apply online for child care assistance; if eligible, they will be placed on a waiting list and notified when funds are available *Free screening for hearing and vision can be requested by emailing resources@elcbigbend.

Services: Child Care Centers, Child Care Expense Assistance, Eye Screening, Hearing Screening, Pediatric Developmental Screening, Preschools

Elder Care Community Council of Franklin County

*Programs at Holy Family Senior Center, 203 Dr Fred Pumphries St, Apalachicola, 32320 *Free lunch for seniors five days per week, open 10am-2pm *Activities, classes and events planned *Volunteers offer assistance in the following Neighbor Helping Neighbors programs: *Friendly Visitor: a consistent presence and emotional support to a senior one hour per week *Respite Care: assuming duties for caregivers who need a break *Handyperson: assist seniors with odd jobs and basic home repairs

Services: Congregate Meals/Nutrition Sites, Dementia Management, Friendly Outreach Programs, In Home Assistance, Respite Care

Elder Care Services, Emergency/Short Term Care

*Emergency assistance for seniors *Emergency food pantry open 9AM-5PM and can be used once per month for three days worth of non-perishable foods; Farmers Market coupons for discounted purchases once per year in Spring *Adaptive equipment available for loan: wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, bedside commodes, canes and other items as available * Home health aides, Meals on Wheels, and transportation available to qualified individuals * Emergency eHeap (electric) assistance for seniors as funding allows; agency funds are renewed the first of each month and are available until they are depleted

Services: Food Pantries, Food Vouchers, Local Transportation, Medical Equipment/Supplies, Utility Service Payment Assistance

Elder Care Services, In-Home/Community Based Services

*Care managers assess assistance needs, develops care plans, then locate, arrange, and monitor services *Provide relief to caregivers of Alzheimer patients and general respite care *Provide homemakers to help with light housekeeping tasks *Provide personal care assistance with bathing, dressing and grooming

Services: Activities of Daily Living Assessment, Case/Care Management, Dementia Management, In Home Assistance, Respite Care

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Tallahassee

*Comprehensive physical rehabilitation hospital; programs treat brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, orthopedic, pain management, fibromyalgia, arthritis, functional restoration, pulmonary, amputations, Parkinson's, and more *Referrals accepted from physicians, health professionals, patients, and family *Evaluations made in hospital or patient's home prior to admission *Health related support groups available: Stroke and Kidney Smart, Call for days and times

Services: Condition Specific Rehabilitation Services, Health/Disability Related Support Groups

Endometriosis Association Online

*Information about endometriosis educating public and conductingand promoting medical research *General questions and answers available viaphone, website, or e-mail at support@endometriosisassn.

Services: General Health Education Programs, Medical Information Services