2-1-1 Big Bend, Help Me Grow

*Assists parents and caregivers with identifying children at-risk for developmental or behavioral disabilities, and connects them with community-based programs for health and developmental services *For more information or access to services, call 2-1-1 or (850) 617-6333, to chat or text your zip code to 898211

Services: Case/Care Management, Developmental Screening

Ability1st, Center for Independent Living of North FL

COVID-19 update, 8/14/2020: Appointments conducted by telephone only, no walk-in appointments *Core services for persons with disabilities including independent living skills training, information and referral to other relevant organizations, and peer support *Construction of wheelchair ramps or half-steps, durable medical equipment loans such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, shower chairs and disposable medical supplies (incontinence products) for low income persons with disabilities *Assistance in applying for social security benefits for persons with mental health or substance abuse disabilities *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 *Home Modification Program provides home improvements necessary to eliminate health, safety and architectural barriers.

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

Ability1st, Crime Victims Assistance (VOCA)

*Program for persons with a disability who have been a victim of a crime or have become disabled as the result of a crime *Disabilities can be physical or mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, etc.

Services: Advocacy, Crime Victim Support, Crime Victim/Witness Counseling, Health/Disability Related Counseling

ADA National Information Line

*ADA Information Line, division of the US Department of Justice, provides information about the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) for businesses, state and local governments, or individuals about general or specific ADA requirements and standards *Offers free ADA materials and information about filing a complaint *Calls are confidential

Services: Accessibility Related Standards/Legislation Compliance, ADA Implementation Assistance, Consumer Complaints

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

AHCA, FloridaHealthFinder.gov

*Updated information on AHCA licensed health care providers: health plans, hospitals, hospice providers, assisted living, nursing homes, physicians, prescription drug prices *Can call or search web site by type, name, county or general zip code area *Status of license of health care providers and agencies available *Report Medicaid fraud if found *Can file a complaint against a health care facility

Services: Consumer Complaints, Consumer Education, Consumer Fraud Reporting, Health Care Referrals, Hospice Care, Hospitals, Medicaid, Medicaid Fraud Reporting, Nursing Facilities

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

AMC, Sensory Friendly Films & Assistive Movie Going

*Sensory Friendly films provides opportunity for families to enjoy film in safe, accepting environment with with the lights up, sound down *Audience is invited to get up, dance, walk around, shout and sing *All Sensory Friendly Films take place 2nd and 4th Saturdays (family friendly, often 10am) and Wednesdays(mature audiences, usually 7pm) *Technology includes assistive listening, audio description, closed captioning, and wheelchair spaces with companion seating *Some wheelchair spaces may be available even if the show is sold out; be sure to ask the box office

Services: Autism Therapy, Recreational Activities/Sports

Apalachee Center, FL Assertive Community Treatment (FACT)

COVID Update: patients and staff are screened on entering the facility *Comprehensive community-based treatment program ONLY FOR persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses, significant functional impairments, and/or history of frequent hospitalizations, substance abuse, and inability to meet basic needs *Uses 24 hours a day/7 days a week approach *FACT Team consists of nurses, social workers, psychiatric ARNP, substance abuse treatment specialists, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and peer counselors *Team provides (1) direct provision or coordination of all medical care (both psychiatric and general), (2) help managing symptoms of illness, (3) immediate crisis response, (4) the most effective and appropriate anti-psychotic and anti-depressant medications (5) supportive therapy, and (6) practical on-site support in coping with life's day-to-day demands including (a) help obtaining financial entitlements and housing; (b) assistance with housing tasks so a person can live in regular housing alone or with a roommate; (c) help with learning how to socialize; (d) treatment for clients with co-existing substance abuse; (e) employment service and job placement; (f) assistance with legal issues; (g) support, education, and skill-teaching for family members

Services: Case/Care Management, Home Based Mental Health Services, Peer Counseling, Psychiatric Case Management, Psychiatric Medication Services, Substance Use Disorder Counseling