Family Network on Disabilities

Family Network on Disabilities Respect,
Independence,
Knowledge
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As school routines begin again, now is the time to review essential school bus safety with your child. Review the S.A.F....
08/05/2025

As school routines begin again, now is the time to review essential school bus safety with your child. Review the S.A.F.E. steps: Stay five steps back, always wait until the bus stops, face forward in the seat, and Exit carefully after checking for cars.

Helping your child stay focused while studying can be tough, especially with screen distractions. ChatGPT’s new Study Mo...
08/05/2025

Helping your child stay focused while studying can be tough, especially with screen distractions. ChatGPT’s new Study Mode provides a calm, focused environment where students can organize their thoughts, ask follow-up questions, and keep track of notes, all in one place. Learn more about how this tool can support learners at home: https://t.co/7ZndVHx2OF.

Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is here! From August 1 through August 11, families can save on essential scho...
08/01/2025

Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is here! From August 1 through August 11, families can save on essential school supplies, clothing, and more without paying sales tax. This is a great time to stock up on items your child needs for the new school year. Many learning aids and some electronics are also included.

For a complete list of approved tax-free items, visit:
https://buff.ly/EQEEwna

Concert venues nationwide are making meaningful changes to welcome fans with sensory processing needs better. Live Natio...
07/31/2025

Concert venues nationwide are making meaningful changes to welcome fans with sensory processing needs better. Live Nation has partnered with KultureCity to certify 25 of its venues in the U.S. and Canada as sensory-friendly spaces. These locations now offer staff trained to support individuals with invisible disabilities and features like quiet zones, sensory bags, and clear signage. With more venues set to join the initiative this fall, families will have greater access to live music experiences that are more comfortable, accessible, and supportive for everyone. Learn more about the venues available at - https://buff.ly/3IMH3JE.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated guidance on how pediatricians should evaluate children with global develo...
07/31/2025

The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated guidance on how pediatricians should evaluate children with global developmental delay or intellectual disability. The new report emphasizes early use of genetic testing, which can provide crucial insights for diagnosis, therapy, and family planning. Despite its importance, recent research shows that children covered by Medicaid are significantly less likely to receive this recommended testing. Families are encouraged to speak with their child’s doctor about developmental concerns and available diagnostic options, especially if delays are noticed. Early answers can lead to earlier support. Have you ever discussed genetic testing or developmental evaluations with your child’s doctor?

Florida is currently facing dangerously high temperatures, with over 130 million people nationwide under heat alerts. Fo...
07/29/2025

Florida is currently facing dangerously high temperatures, with over 130 million people nationwide under heat alerts. For families with children with disabilities, it’s especially important to take extra precautions during this heat wave. Try to avoid going outside during the hottest parts of the day and find indoor alternatives when possible. Be sure everyone stays well hydrated with plenty of cold water, and avoid drinks that may contribute to dehydration. Children with disabilities may have a harder time recognizing or expressing signs of heat exhaustion, so keep an eye out for symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or nausea. Check out our tips for staying cool and aware, which can help prevent heat-related illnesses during these extreme conditions.

As the new school year approaches, don’t forget to schedule your child’s eye exam. Vision problems can affect learning, ...
07/28/2025

As the new school year approaches, don’t forget to schedule your child’s eye exam. Vision problems can affect learning, behavior, and confidence in the classroom. Florida’s Vision Services program helps identify and address these issues early so students can see clearly and succeed. Regular screenings can catch problems before they interfere with schoolwork. Learn more about available services here:
https://buff.ly/cAj6z3g.

With Florida heat rising, we want to ensure everyone stays safe. Family Network on Disabilities has some tips from NPR t...
07/25/2025

With Florida heat rising, we want to ensure everyone stays safe. Family Network on Disabilities has some tips from NPR to help you stay cool and healthy.

Major retailers like Walmart, CVS, and Sam’s Club are teaming up with Starbucks and the American Association of People w...
07/24/2025

Major retailers like Walmart, CVS, and Sam’s Club are teaming up with Starbucks and the American Association of People with Disabilities to improve accessibility in retail spaces. Through a new partnership called The Access Coalition, these companies are adopting design standards prioritizing physical access, sensory-friendly environments, and employee accommodations. By rethinking how stores are built and operated, they are working to ensure that more people can comfortably and confidently access goods and services.

A new chapter in competitive sports is beginning for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Insp...
07/24/2025

A new chapter in competitive sports is beginning for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Inspire Soccer League is the first national, year-long soccer league in the U.S. designed specifically for athletes with IDD. Launching this August in Colorado Springs, the league will feature four teams and grow in the years ahead. With support from the U.S. Soccer Federation and local pro clubs, athletes will compete at professional stadiums, representing their home cities on a national stage. Learn more about this great initiative at - https://buff.ly/HvYcOlf.

This past weekend, Family Network on Disabilities celebrated 40 years of service and the grand opening of our new office...
07/22/2025

This past weekend, Family Network on Disabilities celebrated 40 years of service and the grand opening of our new office. We are honored to have reached this milestone with the support of families across Florida. Thank you for standing with us, sharing our resources, and helping us grow. We look forward to continuing this journey together.

Caregiving is one of our society's most essential yet overlooked forms of service. A new PBS documentary, Caregiving, sh...
07/22/2025

Caregiving is one of our society's most essential yet overlooked forms of service. A new PBS documentary, Caregiving, shines a light on the experiences of paid and unpaid caregivers nationwide. Executive produced by Bradley Cooper and directed by Chris Durrance, the two-hour film follows six caregivers through deeply personal journeys while exploring the broader history and growing demand for care in the United States. The film will be available to stream on PBS - https://buff.ly/b4klQvM.

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Family Network on Disabilities

Family Network on Disabilities (FND) was founded in 1985 by a group of parents of children with disabilities who came together for mutual support and information-sharing. FND is a grassroots organization for persons with disabilities and their families that is family-centered and family-driven.