DISABILITY CONFERENCE
MAY 15, 2026 | 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Holley Academic Center, 4750 Collegiate Drive, Panama City, Florida
SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS ACROSS THE LIFESPAN
2ND ANNUAL NORTHWEST FLORIDA DISABILITY CONFERENCE
Welcome to the Northwest Florida Disability Conference presented by Florida State University Panama City.
Our mission is to provide networking, community building, education, and resources for professionals, individuals and families of those with disabilities in and around the Northwest Florida region.
The theme for this year “Supporting Individuals Across the Lifespan.”
We have gathered a variety of experts and advocates to present on topics covering a range of disabilities and age groups to inform, discuss and connect with our community.
THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!
AGENDA
8:00 am Networking, Vendors & Continental Breakfast Holley Atrium & Rotunda
9:00 am Welcome & Acknowledgements wih Amy Polick & Morning Keynote with Bob Asztalos St. Joe Lecture Hall
10:00 am Breakout 1: St. Joe Lecture Hall
Title: Be Active and Understand the iBudget Waiver
Presenter: Dina Justice
Breakout 2: Holley B301 Classroom
Title: Reaching People with Disabilities through a National Health Promotion Infrastructure
Presenter: Bob Lujano
Breakout 3: Holley B302 Classroom
Title: Disability Discrimination: Your Rights, Your Role, Your Responsibilities! (20 Minutes)
Presenter: Darren Danté Bonner
Title: Building Special Needs Community in Bay County (20 Minutes)
Presenters: Karen Kirkland & Valerie Campbell
Breakout 4: Holley B312 Classroom
Title: A Place for Everyone (20 Minutes)
Presenter: Crystal Grey-Hewett
Title: RERC on AAC: Supporting Early Literacy & Communication Through Technology (20 Minutes)
Presenters: Andrea Barton-Hulsey & Michelle Therrien
11:00 am Lunch & Vendor Networking Holley Atrium & Rotunda
12:30 pm Breakout 1: St. Joe Lecture Hall
Title: Real Experiences, Real Impact: Perspectives from the Consumers We Serve (Panel)
Presenter: Nikki Dickens, EdD, BCBA
Breakout 2: Holley B301 Classroom
Title: Employment Services in Florida Vocational Rehabilitation: A Provider Perspective on Supporting Youth & Adults
Presenter: Keith Bourkney
Breakout 3: Holley B302 Classroom
Title: Beyond the Status Quo: A Survey of Communication Sciences & Disorders Students’ Confidence in Counseling Skills
Presenters: Billy Holden Allen & Timea Hyatt
1:30 pm
Breakout 1: St. Joe Lecture Hall
Title: Authentic Student Experiences with Disabilities (Panel)
Presenters: JR Harding; Kristen Mancinelli; Ashley Evans; Jilian Dirani
Breakout 2: Holley B301 Classroom
Title: Transforming Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities: Tools & Strategies for Educators, Administrators, & Families (20 Minutes)
Presenter: Janae Sherwood
Title: Person Centered Planning for a Young Adult Using AAC During Transition (20 Minutes)
Presenters: Michelle Therrien & Andrea Barton-Hulsey
Breakout 3: Holley B302 Classroom
Title: FSU’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Outreach and Computer-Based Literacy Programs (20 Minutes)
Presenters: Kristen Guynes; Carla Wood; Casey Guynes; Sydney Simon
Title: Lending an Ear to Caregivers & Camp Facilitators: Perceptions of a Summer Camp for D/HH Children (20 Minutes)
Presenters: Timea Hyatt & Billy Holden Allen
Breakout 4: Holley B312 Classroom
Title: Examining Literacy Skills in Children with Speech Sound Disorders: Preliminary Data from One Academic Year (20 Minutes)
Presenters: Kelly Farquharson
Title: The Literacy Link: Understanding Paraprofessionals’ Contributions to Preschool Learning (20 Minutes)
Presenter: Shaylyn King-St.Remy
2:30 pm Closing Keynote with Amy Polick, PhD, BCBA-D
St. Joe Lecture Hall
3:30 pm Announcements & Thanks
St. Joe Lecture Hall
TOPICS
MORNING KEYNOTE: FLORIDA AGENCY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES OVERVIEW
9:00 - 10:00 AM • St. Joe Lecture Hall
This presentation outlines key programs and services, including the iBudget Florida Waiver, Consumer Directed Care Plus (CDC+) and Individual and Family Supports, as well as initiatives like Hope Florida and the Florida Unique Abilities Partner Program.
Presenters & Contributors: Bob Asztalos
BE ACTIVE AND UNDERSTAND THE i BUDGET WAIVER
10:00 - 11:00 AM • St. Joe Lecture Hall
Be prepared. Be heard. Be counted. This presentation will cover the iBudget waiver and The Arc of Florida’s Awareness Initiative.
Presenters & Contributors: Dina Justice
REACHING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH A NATIONAL HEALTH PROMOTION INFRASTRUCTURE
10:00 - 11:00 AM • Holley B301 Classroom
People with disabilities continue to experience significant disparities in chronic disease risk and limited access to preventive, health-enhancing programs. The National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability is working towards expanding its national infrastructure to improve access to evidence-based, accessible health promotion programs and resources
DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION: YOUR RIGHTS, YOUR ROLE, YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES!
10:00 - 10:30 AM • Holley B302 Classroom
This presentation goes over how The Florida Commission on Human Relations identifies and helps eliminate unlawful discrimination in the workplace, housing and public accommodations. Come and be empowered learning about your rights and responsibilities concerning disability discrimination.
Presenters & Contributors: Darren Danté Bonner
BUILDING SPECIAL NEEDS COMMUNITY IN BAY COUNTY
10:30 - 11:00 AM • Holley B302 Classroom
The Special Needs Action Group (SNAG) began as two parents looking for options for their adult special needs children realizing they were not alone in our goals. This presentation will review the special needs communities in Jacksonville and Tallahassee with slides to explain in detail what options SNAG would like our community to have as well.
Presenters & Contributors: Karen Kirkland and Valerie Campbell
A PLACE FOR EVERYONE
10:00 - 10:30 AM • Holley B312 Classroom
Book clubs show great benefit to people on the autism spectrum, by giving both a social outlet and a chance to practice literacy skills, two areas that can be of significant difficulty for this population. This presentation will discuss the benefits of a book club, how to facilitate it in an inclusive manner and gives examples of successful real-world clubs.
Presenters & Contributors: Crystal Grey-Hewett
THE REHABILITATION ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTER ON AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION: SUPPORTING EARLY LITERACY AND COMMUNICATION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
10:30 - 11:00 AM • Holley B312 Classroom
This presentation will provide an overview of the mission and objectives of the newly funded RERC on AAC, supported by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. We will highlight two projects led by faculty in the School of Communication Science and Disorders at Florida State University.
Presenters & Contributors: Andrea Barton-Hulsey and Michelle Therrien
REAL EXPERIENCES, REAL IMPACT: PERSPECTIVES FROM THE CONSUMERS WE SERVE
12:30 - 1:30 PM • St. Joe Lecture Hall
Individuals with disabilities and their families often navigate multiple service systems, including healthcare, education, behavioral services and community supports. Despite this, their perspectives are frequently underrepresented in professional discussions. This panel features selfadvocates and family members sharing lived experiences across a range of services. Panelists will discuss what supported meaningful outcomes, what created barriers and how systems can better align with the needs and values of those they serve.
Presenters & Contributors: Nikki Dickens and Amy Polick
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES IN FLORIDA VOCATIONAL REHAB: A PROVIDER PERSPECTIVE ON SUPPORTING
12:30 - 1:30 PM • Holley B301 Classroom
YOUTH & ADULTS
This session provides a practical, real-world overview of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services from the perspective of an employment provider working directly with clients across Florida.
Presenters & Contributors: Keith Bourkney
BEYOND THE STATUS QUO: A SURVEY OF COMMUNICATION SCIENCES & DISORDERS STUDENTS’ CONFIDENCE IN COUNSELING SKILLS
12:30 - 1:30 PM • Holley B302 Classroom
This presentation will cover the results of a descriptive non-experimental, quantitative survey investigating counseling confidence in undergraduate senior and first-year graduate Communication Science and Disorders (CSD) students. The authors will discuss the importance of counseling skills in CSD contexts as well as its importance to other fields that serve disabled populations.
Presenters & Contributors: Billy Holden Allen; Timea Hyatt; Christopher Constantino (Advisor); Carla Wood (Advisor)
AUTHENTIC STUDENT EXPERIENCES WITH DISABILITIES
1:30 - 2:30 PM • St. Joe Lecture Hall
This presentation will feature 2 to 3 Florida State University students with disabilities who will share their genuine experiences in postsecondary education and campus life. They will discuss initiatives they have led to promote inclusivity on campus, including the Annual Disability Speaker Series, Goalball, a mentoring program and more. Attendees will gain insights into how these students navigate and overcome physical, academic and attitudinal barriers.
Presenters & Contributors: JR Harding; Kristen Mancinelli; Ashley Evans; Jilian Dirani
TRANSFORMING TRANSITION PLANNING FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: TOOLS & STRATEGIES FOR EDUCATORS, ADMINISTRATORS, AND FAMILIES
1:30 - 2:00 PM • Holley B301 Classroom
This engaging session aligns research and practice to address persistent challenges in transition planning for students with disabilities. Dr. Janae Sherwood will present evidence-based practices that move beyond compliance to create meaningful, student-centered transition experiences. Participants will reflect on existing practices, examine current research on self-determination and collaborative practices while gaining concrete tools for immediate implementation.
Presenters & Contributors: Janae Sherwood
PERSON CENTERED PLANNING FOR A YOUNG ADULT USING AAC
2:00 - 2:30 PM • Holley B301 Classroom
Young adults who use AAC often face significant barriers when transitioning from school to adult life, with limited evidence to guide post–school supports. This presentation shares a 7-month case study of a person-centered intervention supporting language, literacy, and selfadvocacy for a young adult AAC user transitioning out of school-based services. Attendees will gain practical insights into applying personcentered planning when supporting transition-aged youth who use AAC.
Presenters & Contributors: Michelle Therrien; Andrea Barton-Hulsey; Korrin Sheahan
FSU’S DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING OUTREACH AND COMPUTER-BASED LITERACY PROGRAMS
1:30 - 2:00 PM • Holley B302 Classroom
This presentation is an overview of FSU’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Outreach and Computer-Based Literacy Programs. Their primary mission is to serve the community, especially families who have deaf and Hard of Hearing children and some of the frequent offerings include familycentered ASL classes, language and literacy sessions, and social events. Learn about their offerings and their grant-funded computer-based literacy program, with special supports specific to DHH children.
Presenters & Contributors: Kristen Guynes; Carla Wood; Casey Guynes; Sydney Simon
LENDING AN EAR TO CAREGIVERS & CAMP FACILITATORS: PERCEPTIONS OF A SUMMER CAMP FOR DHH CHILDREN
2:00 - 2:30 PM • Holley B302 Classroom
This research study presents findings from a non-experimental, mixed methods survey that explored perceptions of caregivers of children who attended a Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing focused summer camp. Communication Science and Disorders graduate students who served as camp facilitators were also surveyed to acquire insights into camp implementation barriers and facilitators. Survey analyses revealed that both caregivers and graduate student facilitators viewed the camp experience positively, especially regarding social and emotional connections. Participants also identified areas of improvement to enhance the execution and success of this camp’s programming.
Presenters & Contributors: Timea Hyatt; Ashley Ippolito; Billy Holden Allen; Linda Sasser (Advisor); Carla Wood (Advisor)
EXAMINING LITERACY SKILLS IN CHILDREN WITH SPEECH SOUND DISORDERS: PRELIMINARY DATA FROM ONE ACADEMIC YEAR
1:30 - 2:00 PM • Holley B312 Classroom
This presentation will go over data from 67 English-speaking children with speech sound disorders from several local school districts during the 2024-25 academic year. Data was collected through a large battery of assessments examining a wide variety of literacy skills to help determine the level of variability within this population.
Presenters & Contributors: Kelly Farquharson; Sarah Weber; Chris Schatschneider; Mary Allison Moody; Lydia Kim; Alexis Moser; Katy Cabbage
THE LITERACY LINK: UNDERSTANDING PARAPROFESSIONALS’ CONTRIBUTIONS TO PRESCHOOL LEARNING
2:00 - 2:30 AM • Holley B312 Classroom
Paraprofessionals play a critical role in supporting young children’s access to learning in inclusive preschool classrooms, yet their contributions to early literacy development are often overlooked. This presentation explores how paraprofessionals support emergent literacy for young children, particularly those with disabilities, developmental delays and other learning needs. Drawing on current research and emerging findings, the session will highlight how workforce supports such as training, supervision and collaborative instructional planning can strengthen paraprofessionals’ instructional roles. Participants will gain practical insights into how paraprofessionals can serve as key partners in promoting inclusive, equitable early literacy experiences for all children.
Presenters & Contributors: Shaylyn King-St.Remy
TAKING CARE OF THE CARETAKERS – ADDRESSING OUR OWN WELL-BEING WHEN HELPING OTHERS
2:30 - 3:30 PM • St. Joe Lecture Hall
Working in mental and behavioral health is a very rewarding career, but heavy or complex workloads can lead to high-stress environments. Both mental health practitioners, and caretakers of clients, carry the weight of client well-being, and often the well-being of the helper or caretaker is overlooked. According to a survey from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing (2023), 9 out of 10 behavioral health workers experience burnout in their professional practice. Additionally, 65% of those surveyed have experienced increased caseloads, increased client severity, and increased pressures and fears that provider organizations will not be able to meet the demand for mental health and behavioral treatment in their communities. The purpose of this panel is to discuss burnout from the perspectives of both mental health professionals and caretakers, and emphasize strategies to help us all with our own well-being to do our best for ourselves and our clients.
Presenters & Contributors:
PRESENTER BIOS
HOLDEN ALLEN
Doctoral Student, FSU School of Communication Science and Disorders
Holden Allen is a second-year doctoral student in FSU’s School of Communication Science and Disorders serving under Dr. Carla Wood. His interests include counseling and professional preparation topics that enhance clinician readiness for serving disabled populations. As a member of the Disabled Community, he enjoys supporting professional familiarity with disabilities and assisting disabled populations in entering the field.
ROBERT “BOB” ASZTALOS Director, Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities
Bob Asztalos previously served as the Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and now serves as the Director of the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities. He previously served as the interim Chief Operating Officer for Medical Equipment and Supplies of America, a disabled veteran-owned small business that provides durable medical equipment to veterans on behalf of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He completed 29 years active and reserve service in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve, serving with shipboard and U.S. Marine Corps ground units. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Master’s Degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University. He serves on the Board of Directors of Ladies Learning to Lead and the Pines of Sarasota Rehabilitation & Senior Care Community.
ANDREA BARTON-HULSEY, P h D, CCC-SLP
Associate Professor, FSU School of Communication Science and Disorders
Andrea Barton-Hulsey conducts research to understand factors that support language and literacy development in individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Her work is inclusive of individuals who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems, and seeks to inform both theory and practice in reading instruction across the lifespan.
KEITH BOURKNEY
Founder and Executive Director, employU
Keith Bourkney founded employU, a Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to helping people with disabilities find meaningful employment and greater independence. Over the past 14 years, he has led the organization’s growth across much of the state while keeping a strong focus on service quality and real outcomes for the individuals, businesses, and communities employU serves.
DARREN DANTÉ BONNER
Educational Outreach and Training Coordinator, Florida Commission on Human Relations
A native of Fort Myers, Florida, Darren Danté Bonner is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University’s renowned School of Business and Industry, where he earned a B.S. in Business Administration. With nearly thirty years of experience in Civil Rights and Employment Law, Mr. Bonner has dedicated his career to advancing fairness and equal opportunity.
VALERIE CAMPBELL Co-Founder, SNAG
A local resident of Bay County specializing in occupational therapy for more than 35 years, Valerie Campbell specializes in pediatrics and special needs populations. She is the mother of a special needs 21-year-old adult. In Tennessee, Valerie was on the founding board for the special education parent teacher association in Shelby County. She co-founded the Special Needs Action Group.
EMILY “NIKKI” DICKENS, EdD, BCBA Director, FSU Early Childhood Autism Program
Emily N. Dickens, Ed.D., BCBA—“Nikki”—is the Director of the ECAP, a nonprofit clinic and community outreach organization. She is also faculty in the ABA program and serves as Program Coordinator for the master’s program in Organizational Management & Communication. Prior to returning to FSU PC in 2013, she worked as a Senior Behavior Analyst and chaired the Local Review Committee for the Developmentally Disabled Defendant Program. Dr. Dickens was the 2018 President of the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis and currently serves as Conference Director, following her leadership of the FABA Awards and Conference/Program Committees over the last decade.
KELLY FARQUHARSON, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, F-ASHA Director, CLaSS lab & Professor, FSU
Dr. Kelly Farquharson directs the Children’s Literacy and Speech Sound (CLaSS) lab, which has a mission to help children with speech and language impairments achieve classroom success. Using implementation science, she also works to support school-based SLPs in the selection and sustainment of evidence-based practices. She is an ASHA Fellow and a Board Certified Specialist in Child Language. Find her on Instagram @classlab_Kelly, which has a popular weekly series called Phonetics Fridays.
CASEY GUYNES, PhD
Faculty, FSU School of Communication Science and Disorders
Casey, (sign name K-C), was born profoundly deaf and is a bilingual user of ASL and English. He is originally a teacher of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students, but for the past six years has been teaching American Sign Language fully online for K-12 students. He has experience working at residential schools for the deaf, public-school districts, colleges, early intervention and virtual learning. He completed his doctoral degree at Texas Tech University with the focus on virtual ASL education. In his free time, he enjoys everything related to the water such as boating, fishing, and scuba diving.
KRISTEN GUYNES, PhD
Director, DHH/ASL Educational Outreach Program
“Dr.K” is a full-time faculty instructor, teaching a rotation of six American Sign Language and related courses. Prior to this position, she worked with Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students in public schools for ten years, as an educational interpreter, DHH teacher, and coordinator for a public school DHH program. Her primary area of research expertise is educational sign language interpreting, but she also has interests in American Sign Language pedagogy and language development. She is also the Director of the DHH/ASL Educational Outreach Program.
JR HARDING, EdD
Senior Lecturer, FSU Herbert Wertheim College of Business
Dr. Harding is a ‘go-to’ leader within the disability community from both personal and professional experience. He has shaped national, state, and community public policy to advance the independence and self-sufficiency of persons with disabilities for 4 decades. He is a former 2x U.S. Presidential Appointee, 7x Florida Gubernatorial Appointee, and Author of two five-star books (Now What? & ADA Adventure). As a 2x quadriplegic, he strives to lead by example. He has contributed to peer-reviewed research articles and is frequently quoted and/or interviewed by the media on disability-related issues.
TIMEA HYATT
Doctoral Student, FSU School of Communication Science and Disorders
Timea Hyatt is a first-year doctoral student and graduate research assistant serving under Dr. Carla Wood in the School of Communication Science and Disorders at Florida State University, her alma mater. She is a licensed speech-language pathologist in Florida and Maryland. Her research interests include language and literacy outcomes in schools, support for students with disabilities in education settings, best practices for student clinicians, and the impact of pleasure reading.
DINA JUSTICE
Chief Operating Officer, The Arc of Florida
Dina Justice has more than 25 years’ experience in media planning and buying, market research and account service, as well as graphic design and design concept. Dina graduated from Florida State University with a B.S. in Communications and Advertising along with a minor in Business Administration, and owned her own marketing consulting company for 16 years. She has been with The Arc of Florida for the past 4 years and is currently the Chief Operating Officer.
SHAYLYN KING-ST. REMY
Doctoral Student, FSU School of Communication Science and Disorders
Shaylyn King-St. Remy is a PhD candidate in the Communication Science and Disorders program at FSU. Her research examines emergent literacy, language development, and contextual supports shaping outcomes for linguistically diverse and historically underserved populations. Prior to her doctoral training, she worked as a school-based Speech-Language Pathologist in Title I schools in Central Florida, supporting diverse learners and collaborating with educators.
KAREN KIRKLAND
Co-Founder, SNAG
Karen is a longtime Bay County resident and the business owner of Kirkland Insurance Agency. A board member of ARC of the Bay, she is the mother of 24-year-old special needs adult and the co-founder of the Special Needs Action Group.
BOB LUJANO, MS, PLY, ACTCP
Information Specialist, National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability
Bob Lujano is currently employed as an Expert Information Specialist at UAB for the School of Health Professions. Prior to that, Bob was employed at the Lakeshore Foundation, which is an official Olympic and Paralympic training site. Bob worked at LF for 25 years as a Recreation Coordinator, and then as an Expert Inclusion Specialist. He is an international public speaker who covers the topics of independence, faith, disability, leadership, competitive sports, the benefits of a healthy active lifestyle, diversity and inclusion.
AMY POLICK, PhD, BCBA-D
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, FSU Panama City
Amy S. Polick is a doctoral level board certified behavior analyst with 25 years of experience providing behavior analysis therapy services to children and adults diagnosed with developmental disabilities. As a behavior analyst, Dr. Polick has developed and overseen clinical behavioral treatment programs for clients in school systems, autism clinics, group homes, and vocational rehabilitative day treatment centers. She is the Development Director for the FSU Early Childhood Autism Program (ECAP), a Teaching Professor in the Psychology department, and a faculty member in the FSU Master’s Program in Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis. She teaches graduate courses in the Experimental Analysis of Behavior and Performance Management/Supervision, which emphasize essential skills for graduate students who wish to become BCBAs upon graduation. Her research focuses on best practices for teaching language and communication skills for children with autism, and her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals.
JANAE SHERWOOD, PhD
Researcher, Florida Center for Reading Research
Dr. Janae Sherwood is a distinguished special education researcher and practitioner with extensive experience spanning K-12 classrooms, school and district administration, and statelevel policy implementation. Her comprehensive background across multiple levels of the education system provides her with unique insights into the complexities of serving students with disabilities.
SYDNEY SIMON
Undergraduate Student, FSU School of Communication
Science and Disorders
Sydney is a senior at Florida State University from Miami, and the Research Assistant for the MAP-R project. She is majoring in Communication Science & Disorders to pursue a career in audiology. She serves as the Lead ASL Lab Assistant and has a leadership position in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Educational Outreach program.
MICHELLE THERRIEN, PhD
Associate Professor, FSU School of Communication Science and Disorders
Dr. Michelle Therrien directs the AAC Connect Lab. Her research focuses on building connections to support improved quality of life for individuals who use AAC. She is particularly interested in social interaction and friendship outcomes. Her current work seeks to improve friendship outcomes for people who use AAC through both technology development and changing SLP’s clinical practice.
CARLA WOOD, PhD, CCC-SLP
Professor and Director, FSU School of Communication
Science and Disorders
Dr. Wood’s expertise is in child language development and disorders with a specialty in language and literacy interventions for underserved students. She has had continuous federal grant funding since 2007 and has been a certified speechlanguage pathologist for over 25 years
RESOURCE GUIDE
AARP Driver Safety & “We Need to Talk” Program: A free online seminar that will help you determine how to assess your loved ones’ driving skills and provide useful tools. aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/we-need-to-talk
Aflac: Helps you take care of the expenses health insurance doesn’t cover, so you can take care of everything else. aflac.com
Agency for Persons with Disabilities: The Agency supports individuals with disabilities and their families in living, learning and working within their communities. apd.myflorida.com
Alcoholics Anonymous: A program designed to help people suffering with alcoholism. aa.org
AMAL: Program dedicated to improving quality of life by collecting and redistributing gently used medical equipment to individuals in need, increasing access to essential resources and supporting community health with compassion and dignity. amalpc.org
The Arc of the Bay: Provides supports and opportunities for people with disabilities to choose and participate in valued adult activities. bayarc.org
Big Bend Area Health Education Centers (AHEC): Health education provider that aims to promote partnerships to improve community health, focusing on underserved, rural and minority populations. bigbendahec.org
Bright Feats: Publication and platform for families and loved ones of those with special needs to find the resources they need to have optimal success with health improvements and independence. brightfeats.com
CareerSource Gulf Coast: A provider of customized employment and training solutions that facilitate economic prosperity in partnership with education, businesses, local governments and chambers of commerce. careersourcegc.com
Chemical Addictions Recovery Effort (CARE): A non-profit agency dedicated to providing prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery services to reduce the stigma of addiction and assist individuals to change unhealthy behaviors. care4000.com
Children’s Home Society of Florida Early Steps Program: A program designed to help families with children who have developmental delays navigate challenges and celebrate milestones. chsfl.org/services/for-parents/early-steps
Community Health & Rehabilitation: Provides patients with access to a full continuum of health care services. In addition to therapy and rehabilitative services, they provide skilled nursing services that include, but are not limited to post-surgical care, cardiac care, diabetes management, wound care, IV therapies and infection prevention and control. communityrehab.net
Disability Resource Center: A provider of services designed to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve independence and engage with the community.
drcpc.org
Disability Rights Florida: The designated protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities in the state of Florida. disabilityrightsflorida.org
Early Childhood Autism Program at FSU Panama City (ECAP): The only non-profit ABA program in the Panhandle to provide in-home and inclinic services for children diagnosed with (or presenting symptoms of) developmental delays or disabilities, including: autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome and cerebral palsy. pc.fsu.edu/ecap
employU: Program designed to create inclusive workforces for people with disabilities and other underserved populations through education, empowerment and advocacy. employu.org
Encompass Health Rehab Hospital: An inpatient rehabilitation facility offering programs and services to help patients regain their independence after injuries or illnesses. encompasshealth.com/locations/panama-city-rehab
Family Network on Disabilities (FND): Resource program for helping families of children with disabilities. fndusa.org
Florida Panhandle Golf Therapy Alliance, Inc: A non-profit that provides golf therapy for PTSD veterans and provides instruction to Special Olympics golfers. flpanhandlegolf.org
FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD): Provides individuals with autism or related disabilities, their families and professionals who work with them with free consultation, resources and educational support to build knowledge, infrastructure, sustainability and capacity within the community. fsucard.com
The Florida Center for Early Childhood: Provider of therapeutic services, early education and healthy development for children in southwest Florida. thefloridacenter.org
Florida Community Care: Offers a variety of tailored Medicaid services, including Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) and Long-Term Care (LTC). fcchealthplan.com
FSU Office of Accessibility Services: Creates an environment of success through the provision of academic, housing, dining and other accommodations at FSU.
Tallahasee: dsst.fsu.edu/oas Panama City: pc.fsu.edu/students/sas
FSU Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance & Engagement: Responsible for advancing and monitoring the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity, Sexual Misconduct and Americans with Disabilities Act policies and initiatives. hr.fsu.edu/sections/equal-opportunity-compliance-engagement
Future Pathways: Job readiness, independent living and social skills training for teens and adults with disabilities in the Tallahassee area. futurepathwaysfl.com
GCSC Student Accessibility Resources: Aims to create a fair and inclusive learning environment through specific educational accommodations and support services guided by the Americans with Disabilities Act at Gulf Coast State College. gulfcoast.edu
Goodwill Industries - Big Bend, Inc: Non-profit that aims to provide education, career services and support for individuals, helping families prosper within the Big Bend. goodwillbigbend.org
Helping Hands Alliance, Inc: A non-profit organization committed to assisting families of disabled individuals with Pro Se Guardian Advocacy. hhadisability.org
Lays Insurance Agency: Sells health insurance and represents Florida Blue for under 65 and Humana and UHC for Medicare. laysinsuranceagency.com
Legal Services of North Florida: Advocates for improved quality of life through high-caliber civil legal assistance for those unable to otherwise access such services. lsnf.org
Manifest Prosthetics & Orthotics: Prosthetics manufacturer and clinic providing custom prosthetics built for comfort, function, and mobility. manifestpo.com
NWF Health Network: Provides high-quality child protection and behavioral health services to children, adults and their families within their communities through a managed network of accredited providers. nwfhealth.org
Regenaskin Solutions : Medical Service Organization that coordinates access to advanced wound care solutions for individuals and care teams across all care environments. regenaskin.com
The Salvation Army Dometic Violence Program: Provides safe shelters, counseling and resources for survivors of domestic violence, empowering them to rebuild their lives free from abuse. salvationarmyusa.org/domestic-violence/
Special Olympics Bay County: A global sports movement for individuals with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training and competition in Olympic-type sports. specialolympicsflorida.org/northwest
SportsAbility Alliance: A non-profit organization that works to enrich lives through accessible, inclusive recreation and active leisure. sportsability.org
Team Adaptive: Premier dealer of wheelchair accessible vans and mobility aids in the region, specializing in high-quality Braun conversions. teamadaptive.com
University of Choice Initiative at FSU: Provides students with disabilities the opportunities and resources they need to be successful at FSU and beyond. facebook.com/uocfsu
OUR SPONSORS
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!