Ability1st, Center for Independent Living of North FL

*Core services for persons with disabilities including independent living skills training, information and referral to other relevant organizations, and peer support including a weekly mental health support group *Durable medical equipment loans such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, shower chairs and disposable medical supplies (incontinence products) for low income persons with disabilities; special funding available for the purchase of equipment for those living with paralysis, there may be a wait list depending on the type of equipment needed *Home Modification Program provides home improvements necessary to eliminate health, safety and architectural barriers including wheelchair ramp construction, halfsteps, handrails, widening doorways and replacing a bathtub with a walk-in shower *FTRI Amplified Phones (free) for persons with hearing or speech loss; beginning and intermediate American Sign Language classes open to any adult in the community *Youth Transition: High School High Tech (HSHT) gives youth ages 14-22 with all types of disabilities the opportunity to explore jobs or post-secondary education leading to technology-related careers; open to youth from Leon, Gadsden or Wakulla counties, activities include career counseling and workshops, industry and campus tours, summer internships, and community service projects *Assistance in applying for social security benefits for persons with dual diagnosis (mental health and/or substance abuse disabilities)

Services: ADA Implementation Assistance, Daily Living Aids, Health/Disability Related Support Groups, Home Barrier Evaluation/Removal Services, Independent Living Skills Instruction, Medical Equipment/Supplies, Mobility Aids, Prosthetic Devices, Youth Employment Programs

Advanced Driving Systems (ADS)

*Specializes in customized vehicles for persons with disabilities through contracts with the State or direct orders *May be able to build, convert or order equipment to allow disabled individuals to drive a mechanical vehicle such as a van *Lifts for loading wheelchairs, small steering device/brakes for those with limitations in the use of legs or arms, reclining lift chairs, power chairs and 3 or 4 wheel scooters are available

Services: Daily Living Aids, Mobility Aids

Alexander Graham Bell Assn/Deaf/Hard of Hearing

*Maintains listening and spoken language resource websites for parents, professionals, teens and adults with hearing loss; offers free six-month membership for parents *Helps families, health care providers and education professionals understand childhood hearing loss and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention *Support advocacy, education, research, and financial aid programs for Infants & toddlers, Preschool age children, school age children, and children looking to advance in the Arts & Sciences

Services: Fundraising and Resource Development Support, General Health Education Programs, Health/Disability Related Support Groups, Hearing Augmentation Aids, Speech Therapy

ALS Association Florida Chapter, The

*Promotes awareness and understanding of ALS (commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) and the work of the ALS Association by providing up-to-date information and education materials to ALS patients, caregivers, researchers and members in the healthcare field *Information pamphlets, newsletters, research symposiums, and speakers bureau *Regional care coordinators may assist with getting needed services *Available services vary by county; possibilities include health care and insurance advocacy, medical transportation, medical equipment and assistive technology, respite and home care, and support groups

Services: Health/Disability Related Support Groups, Medical Equipment/Supplies, Medical Information Services, Mobility Aids, Respite Care

CapTel Captioned Phones

*CapTel Caption Telephones are for persons who have difficulty hearing and/or understanding on the phone *Phones are free for those who qualify and are devised under provisions of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) *These landline phones come with large screens with text display so that the user can read what is being said on the other end *Eligibility: must have certification of hearing impairment by a hearing professional, a physician, PA, RN, licensed social worker, or VA representative *Website has certification form and information about CapTel phones *Free phones require internet and a land line, however, low cost accommodations can be made for persons without land line and/or internet *Interested persons may call Outreach Educator for more information and to request a phone

Services: Assistive Technology Equipment, Assistive Technology Information, Hearing Augmentation Aids

Curbside Wig Service

*Service for persons with wigs due to medical conditions that cause hair loss or baldness, located inside a full service salon; free consultations; wigs may be brand new or used *Offers curbside drop off for refreshing, trimming, shampoo and restyling wigs, but for persons who wish to come inside, it is an oncology friendly environment *Prices vary according to type of wig, synthetic or human hair; price ranges vary from $35 to less than $100

Services: Wigs

Disability Rights Florida

*Statewide designated protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities in the State of Florida *Information and referrals *Investigates complaints of abuse, neglect and rights violations *Negotiation and mediation support *Equal access to public and private venues *Does not cover anything that is not DIRECTLY RELATED to an individual's disability *Helps with assistive technology *Call or go on line for intake *Serves the entire state of Florida

Services: Advocacy, Assistive Technology Equipment, Consumer Complaints, Disability Rights Groups, Representative Payee Services, Specialized Information and Referral

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

FL Cares

*Not for profit who builds ramps, half steps, grab bars, and other accessibility home adaptations for older adults or persons with disabilities to create or improve access to their homes *Uses a sliding scale to determine if the client holds any payment responsibility, but will not let financial issues bar the way for those in need *Funded by churches, agencies and community groups

Services: Daily Living Aids, Home Barrier Evaluation/Removal Services, Mobility Aids

Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology, Inc

*Promotes access, information, funding sources and demonstrations for assistive technology devices along with services for Florida residents with disabilities, their family members, caregivers, providers and agencies (including device demonstrations, skills training, information and assistance) *For qualifying persons, offers device loan and financial loan programs; exchange, reutilization, refurbishing and recycling of equipment *Searchable online classifieds for assistive technology on website *Regional Demonstration Centers available in Pensacola, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Winter Park, Land O' Lakes, Ft.

Services: Assistive Technology Equipment Repair, Assistive Technology Information, Daily Living Aids, Mobility Aids