Florida Disability Resources and Advocacy Organizations
Scroll down for links to government agencies and disability rights organizations in Florida. They may be able assist you with:
- disability advocacy
- home health services
- home care
- nursing aide services
- Medicaid
- accessing other community resources to help people with disabilities.
Many of these organizations work to address the unique needs associated with different disabilities, including but not limited to physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, and mental illness. Others focus on issues such as access to housing and legal assistance based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you live in Florida and are a person with a disability, learning about state-specific resources to support people with disabilities can help you advocate for yourself. If you are a friend, family member, or caregiver of a person with disabilities in Florida, these resources can help you in supporting your loved one.
Note: this website attempts to use people first language and thus uses the term "person with a disability" rather than disabled or handicapped.
We hope you will check out the rest of OlmsteadRights.org to learn about critical rights of people with disabilities.
Protection & Advocacy Organization
The Florida state disability protection and advocacy (P&A) agency is Disability Rights Florida (DRF). DRF is part of the nation's federally-funded P&A system. It provides help to people with disabilities in Florida to expand and defend their rights, including supporting self-advocacy groups and legal assistance. DRF is part of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)
ADRCs are the main points of access for long-term supports and services for older adults and people with disabilities, including home health care and assistive technology.
Legal Services Organizations
These organizations provide free legal assistance for low-income individuals, including help with accessing Social Security and Medicaid benefits.
- Florida Legal Services, Inc.
- Florida Senior Legal Services
- Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
- Legal Services of North Florida
- Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association
- Florida Rural Legal Services
- FloridaLawHelp.org
- Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc.
- Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc.
- Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc.
- Northwest Florida Legal Services
- Gulfcoast Legal Services
- Legal Aid Foundation Tallahassee
Other Disability Advocacy Organizations
These organizations protect and advocate for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities.
- Florida Center for Inclusive Communities
- Florida's Voice on Developmental Disabilities
- The Arc of Florida
- Family Care Council Florida
- Family Network on Disabilities
State Medicaid Agency
Learn about and apply for Medicaid services in Florida.
Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)
The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) helps remove barriers to independent living for people with disabilities and works to increase necessary supports and services. It is part of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).
Other State and Non-Profit Agencies
These agencies provide help for people with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Disability services are often free or low-cost.
- Florida Department of Health
- Florida Department of Children and Families
- Florida Disability and Health Program
- Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living
- Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Bright Expectations - Florida Department of Health
- Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology
- Services to Floridians with Disabilities - Department of Education
Crisis Services
Crisis intervention and counseling for people who are in need of immediate help or need someone to talk to. If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional distress, these agencies are ready to offer free and confidential help. Common concerns include but are not limited to mental illness, suicide, intellectual or developmental disability, physical disability, substance abuse, grief, sexual assault, and family violence.
- Florida Suicide Hotlines
- Florida Suicide Prevention Coalition
- Suicide Prevention - Florida Department of Health
- Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
- Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, Inc. (SPARCC)
- Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV)
- Crisis Hotline of Central Florida
- Switchboard Miami
- Personal Enrichment Through Mental Health Services
Services for Senior Citizens
Free or low-cost resources and disability services for senior citizens and their loved ones to promote successful community living.
- Florida Department of Elder Affairs
- Florida Area Agencies on Aging
- Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
- Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program
- Community Care for the Elderly (CCE) Program
- Home Care for the Elderly (HCE) Program
- Florida Senior Legal Services
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
- Respite for Elders Living in Everyday Families (RELIEF)
- Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP)
- Aging Well
Regional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center
Provides information, training, and guidance on disability access and Florida disability services. One of 10 regional centers in the ADA National Network.
Developmental Disabilities Services
These agencies address the specific needs of people with developmental disabilities. They advocate for community inclusion and access to Florida disability services.
- Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc.
- Florida Developmental Disabilities Resources Website
- Agency for Persons with Disabilities
- Familial Dysautonomia Waiver
- iBudget Waiver
- Florida's Voice on Developmental Disabilities
- The Arc of Florida
- Family Care Council Florida
Mental Health Services
These agencies address the specific needs of people with mental illness and promote mental health. Some agencies offer free or low-cost group counseling and education programs.
- Mental Health - Florida Department of Children and Families
- State Mental Health Planning Council of Florida
- Florida Council for Community Mental Health
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Florida
- The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida
- Mental Health Florida
- Mental Health America of East Central Florida
- Mental Health America of Northeast Florida
- Mental Health Association of Central Florida
- Mental Health Association of Southeast Florida
Physical Disabilities Services
Free or low-cost Florida disability services for people of all ages, including physical therapy, access to employment and education, support for independent living, and assistive technology.
- Adult Cystic Fibrosis (ACF) Waiver
- Familial Dysautonomia Waiver
- Model Waiver (age 20 and younger)
- Project AIDS Care Waiver
- Florida Division of Blind Services
- Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology
Traumatic Brain Injury Services
Information and resources for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and their loved ones.
- Brain Injury Association on Florida
- Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Waiver
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program - Florida Department of Health
- Florida Brain Injury Support Groups
Addiction and Substance Abuse Services
Information and resources for people with substance abuse and their loved ones.
- Substance Abuse - Florida Department of Health
- Substance Abuse - Florida Department of Children and Families
- Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association (FADAA)
Low-Income Housing Services
Information and tools for locating affordable housing and access to public housing.
- Florida Low Income Housing
- Florida Housing Search
- Florida Housing Coalition
- Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse
- Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Rental Help Florida
- Florida Rent Assistance Programs
- Coalition of Affordable Housing Providers