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SPECIAL EQUESTRIANS RESOURCES

Disability Resource Directory

This Resource list is a directory for anyone who needs information about disabilities or about agencies who serve the disabled. Special Equestrians has provided therapeutic riding to Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties since 1987. The Disability Resource Directory is one more way that we choose to serve our community. If you have a disability resource to suggest to us, please send it to se@specialequestrians.net.

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Advocacy and Education
Agencies (local) that help Children with Disabilities
Agencies(local) that help Individuals with Disabilities
Angelman Syndrome
Aspberger Syndrome
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Autism
Blepharospasm (Dystonia)
Blindness & Visual Disorders
Brain Injury
Cerebral Palsy
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Coffin Lowry Syndrome
Deafness and Hearing Impairment
Developmental Disabilities
Diabetes
Down Syndrome
Epilepsy
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Growth Disorders
Heart Disorder
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Learning Disabilities
Legg-Perthes
Mental Retardation
Microcephaly
Multiple Sclerosis
Neurofibromatosis
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Parkinson's Disease
Schizencephaly
Stroke
Support Groups
Tourette Syndrome
Transportation for the Disabled
Wrist and Arm Injuries & Disorders

Advocacy and Education

Family Network on Disabilities of Florida Family Network on Disabilities of Florida is a statewide alliance of individuals with disabilities, special needs, or at-risk and their families. They provide family-driven support, education, information, and advocacy. The phone number is (800) 825-5736.

Florida Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities The Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc., is a non-profit organization providing protection and advocacy services in the State of Florida. The phone number is (800) 342-0823.

The Florida Directory of Early Childhood Services For additional information concerning children with disabilities and special health care needs call: 1-800-654-4440

We Connect Now is a website developed by a college student and is dedicated to uniting college students with disabilities in accessing higher education and employment issues. We Connect now gives students with disabilities the opportunity to join a virtual community with a voice on important issues. http://weconnectnow.wordpress.com

Agencies (Local) that help Children with Disabilities

Gabriel House The mission of The Gabriel House is unique, that is to rescue children who have been abandoned, discarded and who are in need of medical treatment.
16520 South Tamiami Trail 18251, Fort Myers, FL 33908
(239) 489-2663 • Fax: 239-489-0716 • e-mail: gabriel@gabrielhouse.org

IMPACT for Developmental Education IMPACT offers education, therapy and support to developmentally disabled children from birth to age give. (239) 851-1574

Agencies (Local) that help Individuals with Disabilities

Adonis Autism Center -The home offers full-time housing for six adults and a house parent. (239) 434-5134

Epilepsy Services of Southwest Florida - Information, education and referral about epilepsy; neurological services for people who have seizure disorders and do not have health insurance.
12734 Kenwood Lane Suite 28, Ft Myers, FL 33907
(239) 275-4838

Eyas Corporation - A group home for developmentally disabled women in Punta Gorda, Florida.
411 Scarlet Sage St., Punta Gorda 33955-1136
(941) 575-2255

Center For Independent Living of Southwest Florida Helping people with disabilities achieve independence and self-determination in their lives.
Lee County:
Fort Myers Carrell Corners, 3626 Evans Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239) 277-1447
Charlotte County:
Schoolhouse Square, 4300 King's Highway, Unit 402, Port Charlotte, FL 33980
(941) 766-8333

Good Wheels, Inc. - Coordinates and provides cost effective and reliable transportation to the disadvantaged, disabled, those working to gain economic self-sufficiency and the general public.
10075 Bavaria Rd. S.E., Fort Myers, FL 33913
(239) 768-6184, 1-800-741-1570, Fax: (239) 768-0334

Goodwill Industries of SW Florida -Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. builds lives families, and communities one job at a time by helping people with disabilities and barriers to employment discover and develop their full potential through work and career development services.
4940 Bayline Drive-Administrative office, N Ft Myers, FL 33917
(239) 995-2106, Fax: (239) 995-5868

LARC, Inc. - LARC promotes and provides opportunities for local people with developmental disabilities and their families. Their workshop programs help individuals with developmental disabilities achieve their maximum potential.
2570 Hanson St., Ft. Myers, FL 33901
(239) 334-6285 Fax: (239) 334-1736 e-mail: Leearc@earthlink.net
Bonita Springs office and fax: (239) 498-5520

Special Populations Center Special Populations is dedicated to assisting persons with developmental disabilities to foster independence, self-esteem, individual growth and interpersonal relationships.
400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33991
(239) 547-0579 • Fax: (239) 574-0426 e-mail: specialpopulations@capecoral.net

Visually Impaired Persons of SW FL Serving Southwest Florida since 1974, VIP provides independent living training and life-enhancing services for blind and severely visually impaired individuals. VIP offers low-vision services, assistive technology and social services blind and visually impaired individuals.
35 W Marianna Ave., N Ft Myers, FL 33903
(239) 997-7797 • Fax: (239) 997-8462 e-mail: information@vipcenter.org

Angelman Syndrome
Angelman Syndrome Foundation, Inc. Information and education abut Angelman Syndrome. Support for individuals with Angelman Syndrome and their families. The phone number is (800) 432-6435 or (630) 978-4245.

Aspberger Syndrome
Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support (O.A.S.I.S.) Information about what is Asperger Syndrome and resources such as books on the subject.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
One A.D.D. Place This informative and well-organized web site includes a wide variety of articles, papers, FAQs, Internet resources, etc. on all aspects of ADD/ADHD.

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (CH.A.D.D.) The web site of this national organization includes selected articles from the its magazine and fact sheets on children and adults with ADD, parenting and school issues, legal rights, and treatment, as well as information about the organization.

National Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) This excellent web site includes general information about ADD, research, treatment, coaching, books, family issues, legal areas, schools, support groups, women, work, sections for children and teens, and much more. The phone number is 484-945-2101.

National Resource Center on AD/HD – About AD/HD Contains information such as, what is AD/HD, myths & misunderstandings, causes and pathophysiology, and the Science of AD/HD. The phone number is (800) 233-4050.

Autism
Autism Speaks Autism Speaks is dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder.
Website: www.autismspeaks.org
Walk Website: www.walknow.org
Phone: 866-441-6227
E-mail: swflorida@autismspeaks.org

Autism Society of America ASA is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families and the professionals with whom they interact. The phone number for the Autism Society of America is (800) 328-8476. The chapter for Southwest Florida is in Fort Myers, FL. The phone number is (239) 768-0723.

Blepharospasm (Dystonia)
Worldwide Education and Awareness for Movement Disorders-Dystonia This section of the We Move web site provides an overview of dystonia, FAQs, a list of advocacy/support organizations, and more.

Blindness & Visual Disorders
Awesome Library - Blindness and Visually Impaired A wealth of information on blindness and visual impairment.

Florida Families of Children with Visual Impairments FFCVI is a group created by Florida parents for Florida parents to focus on the unique needs of families with blind or visually impaired children, including those with other disabilities. The phone numbers are: (386) 677-7760 and (813) 926-0122.

Visually Impaired Persons of SW FL Serving Southwest Florida since 1974, VIP provides independent living training and life-enhancing services for blind and severely visually impaired individuals. VIP offers low-vision services, assistive technology and social services blind and visually impaired individuals.
35 W Marianna Ave. N Ft Myers, FL 33903
(239) 997-7797 Fax: (239) 997-8462 e-mail: information@vipcenter.org

Brain Injury
Brain Injury Resource Center A service of Head Injury Hotline - Providing Difficult to Find Information about Head Injury since 1985. The phone number is (206) 621-8558.

MedlinePlus: Head and Brain Injuries MedlinePlus will direct you to information to help answer health questions. MedlinePlus brings together authoritative information from NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy United Cerebral Palsy's mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through an affiliate network.

When Your Child Has Cerebral Palsy A good overview from KidsHealth.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
MedLinePlus: Chronic Fatique Syndrome MedlinePlus will direct you to information to help answer health questions. MedlinePlus brings together authoritative information from NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

Coffin Lowry Syndrome
National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Coffin Lowry Syndrome Information Page Contains information about what Coffin Lowry Syndrome is, the treatment for it, the prognosis, and the research. The phone number of NIH (Neurological Institute) for medical questions or general information is (800) 352-9424 or (301) 496-5751.

Deafness and Hearing Impairment
Deafness and Hearing Loss Fact Sheet 3 A publication of the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities on deafness and hearing loss

Awesome Library - Deaf and Hearing Impaired A wealth of information and resources on deafness and hearing impairment.

Developmental Disabilities
LARC, Inc. - LARC promotes and provides opportunities for local people with developmental disabilities and their families. Their workshop programs help individuals with developmental disabilities achieve their maximum potential.
2570 Hanson St., Ft. Myers, FL 33901
(239) 334-6285 • Fax: (239) 334-1736 e-mail: Leearc@earthlink.net
Bonita Springs office and fax: (239) 498-5520

Eyas Corporation - A group home for developmentally disabled women in Punta Gorda, Florida.
411 Scarlet Sage St., Punta Gorda 33955-1136
(941) 575-2255

Special Populations Center Special Populations is dedicated to assisting persons with developmental disabilities to foster independence, self-esteem, individual growth and interpersonal relationships.
400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33991
(239)547-0579 Fax: (239) 574-0426 e-mail: specialpopulations@capecoral.net

Understanding Developmental Disabilities This section of the Seguin Services web site includes a good overview of developmental disabilities and history of people with developmental disabilities in the U.S.

Diabetes
Children With Diabetes - The online community for kids, families, and adults with Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association - The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association conducts programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, reaching hundreds of communities. Find out what is happening in your area.

Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome Health Issues - The home page of Len Leshin, M.D., a pediatrician and father of a child with Down Syndrome, features the author's essays and related health articles, and a huge, well-organized list of links. An excellent site for parents.

National Down Syndrome Society - A comprehensive source on Down Syndrome.

Epilepsy
Epilepsy Foundation of America The Foundation's web site offers a wealth of information and resources for individuals with epilepsy and their family members, health care providers, researchers, and the general public. In addition to information about the organization, visitors will find consumer information, current news and publications, the latest research, a kids club, and more.

General Information About Epilepsy An overview of epilepsy from the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Branch Part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Birth Defects, Child Development, and Disability and Health, this site includes information about FAS, surveillance activities, prevention activities, secondary conditions, publications, and links.

Fibromyalgia
Questions and Answers About Fibromyalgia This fact sheet from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases answers basic questions about what fibromyalgia is, how many people have it, what causes it, and how it is diagnosed and treated. Current research and additional resources are also included. The Institute also has a separate publication on Fibromyalgia Research.

Growth Disorders
The Magic Foundation for Children's Growth This web site offers a wide variety of informational brochures about various aspects of children's growth disorders and treatments; a kids' page and information about the organization are also included.

Heart Disorders
American Heart Association This comprehensive web site is packed with information about the heart, warning signs, family health, and stroke. If you can't find what you want by browsing, check the helpful "Heart and Stroke A-Z Guide." There's also a wealth of information for professionals.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute This federal web site is an authoritative resource for consumers and professionals. The health information section is packed with resources and publications. There is also information about scientific resources, research funding, clinical trials, and other resources for scientists and practitioners.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
About Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) This website by the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders includes pages on characteristics and treatment of IBS.

Learning Disabilities
LD Online An interactive guide to learning disabilities for parents, teachers, and children.

Legg-Perthes
National Osteonecrosis Foundation – Legg-Perthes Disease Detailed informational brochure. The phone number for the National Osteonecrosis Foundation is (410) 532-5985.

Mental Retardation
The ARC Formerly the Association for Retarded Citizens, the ARC is the country's largest voluntary organization committed to the welfare of children and adults with mental retardation and their families. Its web site is packed with useful information and resources, including FAQs, legislative newsletters, reports and other publications, local resources, links, and more. The phone number is (301) 565-3842.

Microcephaly
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke – Microcephaly Information page Contains information about what Microcephaly is, if and how it can be treated, the prognosis, and the research. The phone number of NIH (Neurological Institute) for medical questions or general information is (800) 352-9424 or (301) 496-5751

Multiple Sclerosis
National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) This extensive web site includes information about multiple sclerosis, including definitions, glossary, diagnosis, medications, treatments and therapies, daily living, and research; access to information in other languages; and information about the organization and its local chapters.

Multiple Sclerosis: Hope Through Research This brochure from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) provides an excellent overview of MS, its causes, course, diagnosis and treatment. Also available on the NINDS site is a list of Multiple Sclerosis Research Centers.

Neurofibromatosis
NF, Inc. NF, Inc. is a national, tax-exempt, charitable organization whose mission is to create a network of support for those affected by NF, through education, advocacy, and coalitions, and by supporting research for treatments and a cure. Here is the web address for NF, Inc. http://www.nfinc.org

Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
What is obsessive-compulsive disorder? A concise fact sheet from the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Parkinson's Disease
The Mulligan Foundation The Mulligan Foundation is a non-profit organization which was founded "to provide medical research and quality of life information on Parkinson's disease to individuals affected by the disease, their families, friends, and caregivers."

Schizencephaly
National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke-Schizencephaly Information Page - Contains information about what Schizencephaly is, the treatment for it, the prognosis, and the research. The phone number of NIH (Neurological Institute) for medical questions or general information is (800) 352-9424 or (301) 496-5751.

Stroke
National Stroke Association (NSA) A national nonprofit organization whose mission is "to reduce the incidence and impact of this life-threatening medical condition," NSA provides education, services and community-based activities in prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and recovery. Its web site includes information for consumers and professionals, including regional chapters and stroke centers.

Support Groups
Fort Myers News-Press - The Fort Myers News-Press has an extensive listing of support groups, their times and dates. It is kept up-to-date and it is a great way to get information on support groups in our community. If you do not live in Fort Myers, check your local newspaper for support group listings.

Tourette Syndrome
MedlinePlus: Tourette Syndrome MedlinePlus will direct you to information to help answer health questions. MedlinePlus brings together authoritative information from NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

Transportation for the Disabled
Good Wheels, Inc. - Coordinates and provides cost effective and reliable transportation to the disadvantaged, disabled, those working to gain economic self-sufficiency and the general public.
10075 Bavaria Rd. S.E., Fort Myers, FL 33913
(239) 768-6184, 1-800-741-1570, Fax: (239) 768-0334

Wrist and Arm Injuries & Disorders
MedlinePlus: Wrist and Arm Injuries and Disorders MedlinePlus will direct you to information to help answer health questions. MedlinePlus brings together authoritative information from NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.