Community Resources
Here is where you can find a compilation of services in the Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, and Pinellas County areas!
Please submit registration forms to loryn.carpenter@beyondthespectrum.org. Thank you!
🐝BTS Community Resource Guide🐝
Here is our resource guide we created with various services and nonprofits for families and individuals affected by autism and related diagnoses. These are primarily offered in the Sarasota, Manatee, and Tampa Bay Area.
*Last Updated 7/12/2023*
Making an Impact Community Resource Guide
We are proud to be featured in this compilation of resources in the area!
Directory of Community Services - Family Network on Disabilities Manasota
Another great resource guide for the area courtesy of FND!
Navigating Your IEP - The Family Cafe
“Navigating Your IEP” will explain why your IEP matters, describe the steps involved in the IEP process, tell you about your legal rights and help you to be ready to take charge of your IEP meeting.
Project 10 Transition Education Network - Independent Living
The Independent Living Category provides information and resources for school professionals, students, and families regarding independent living options and strategies for students with disabilities.
The Red Book serves as a general reference source for the employment-related provisions of the Social Security Disability Insurance and the Supplemental Security Income Programs for educators, advocates, rehabilitation professionals, and counselors who serve people with disabilities.
Autism Support Groups - CARD USF
A collection of support groups located in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota Counties.
The Wallet Card
The Wallet Card Video is a free tool that explains when and how to use the wallet card.
It includes depictions of three different scenarios where the Wallet Card brings clarity to interactions between people with ASD and law enforcement.
Created by the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities UCEDD at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Inclusion Florida aims to provide practical resources for people with developmental disabilities in Florida. A great website for healthcare, employment, and community living opportunities.
Administration for Community Living
The Administration for Community Living was created so that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities.
Autism Shifts is an organization that provides specialized training, resources, and connection opportunities to people on the spectrum.
Bookshare is a website with customizable reading services for those affected by dyslexia, blindness, cerebral palsy, or other reading barriers.
Wrightslaw is a resource site for reliable information about special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation - FLDOE
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is a service for seeking employment opportunities for those with special needs in order to promote and support their independence.
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What is a Special Needs Trust?
An informative legal guide on everything you may need to know about special needs trusts.
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Creating a Sensory-Friendly Home
The modifications you can make to your home for those who struggle with sensory integration.
Resources for Children in Trauma
Here is a site with activities for children who may have been through traumatic experiences to help with emotional regulation and reflection.
Service Club of Manatee County
The Service Club of Manatee County serves children who reside in the county by raising and distributing funding for the benefit of those who are in need of food, shelter, clothing, health services, or educational services.
Dr. Valerie Roth, PsyD at Children's Psychological Services, LLC
We are fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with Dr. Val for mental health services at our school through the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation! She will be working closely with our students throughout the year to better assist them with positive reframing and overall mental wellness.
Traveling With People on the Spectrum
A useful article highlighting 10 common travel obstacles and tips for how to overcome them, a breakdown of the travel process and car/plane travel advice, entertainment ideas for during the trip, and tips for sensory processing disorder, courtesy of Bankrate.
A Guide to Dental Care for Children on the Spectrum
Take a look at this informative article detailing the ideal products, strategies, and dentist visit tips for those affected by autism and sensory sensitivities courtesy of Byte!
Empowering Children with ASD for Better Sleep
Here is a helpful article outlining some background information, causes, techniques, and tips for children with ASD affected by sleep issues.
Life Insurance Guide for Parents of Children with Disabilities
This is a useful guide pertaining to life insurance policies and financial planning for children with disabilities.
Here is an article for parents or guardians discussing when and how to start saving for college, and the different plans that are available for families.
College Planning Guide for Students with Learning Disabilities
Here is a guide for parents or guardians regarding accommodations for students with learning disabilities as well as how to navigate a college environment in-person or online.
50 Ways Forest and Outdoor Learning Experiences Benefit Child Development
Highlights the benefits of learning outside in nature.
Nationwide resource supporting students with apraxia diagnoses through scholarships, IEP navigation, and parent/community education.