Individuals living with disabilities in Florida often rely on a wide range of programs and organizations that provide support with healthcare access, employment opportunities, independent living, assistive technology, transportation, and civil rights protections.
While many services are delivered locally through community organizations and hospitals, several statewide agencies and nonprofit organizations serve residents throughout Florida. These programs help individuals access essential services such as vocational training, advocacy, assistive technology, mental health support, and disability rights protections.
This guide highlights organizations and programs that operate across the entire state of Florida. Many residents also benefit from local disability resources available in their communities, including organizations located in cities such as Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale.
Advocacy and Civil Rights Organizations
Advocacy organizations help protect the rights of individuals with disabilities and promote equal access to housing, education, employment, healthcare, and public accommodations.
These organizations often provide legal advocacy, policy initiatives, and educational programs that help individuals understand and assert their rights.
Disability Rights Florida
2473 Care Drive, Suite 200
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (800) 342-0823
Website: https://disabilityrightsflorida.org
Disability Rights Florida is the state’s designated protection and advocacy organization. The organization provides legal assistance and advocacy for individuals with disabilities who face discrimination, abuse, neglect, or barriers to services.
Florida Developmental Disabilities Council
124 Marriott Drive, Suite 203
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 488-4180
Website: https://www.fddc.org
The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council works to improve services and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities through research, policy initiatives, and community programs.
The Arc of Florida
2898 Mahan Drive, Suite 1
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 921-0460
Website: https://www.arcflorida.org
The Arc of Florida supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy programs, public policy initiatives, and community partnerships across the state.
Family Network on Disabilities
2196 Main Street, Suite K
Dunedin, FL 34698
Phone: (727) 523-1130
Website: https://fndusa.org
Family Network on Disabilities provides information, training, and advocacy resources for families raising children with disabilities.
State Government Disability Programs
Florida residents may qualify for services and support through several statewide government programs designed to assist individuals living with disabilities.
Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)
4030 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 488-4257
Website: https://apd.myflorida.com
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities serves individuals with developmental disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida, and intellectual disabilities.
APD administers the Medicaid waiver program that supports individuals living independently in their communities.
Florida Division of Blind Services
325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 1114
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (800) 342-1828
Website: https://dbs.fldoe.org
The Division of Blind Services provides education, vocational rehabilitation, and independent living training for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Florida Department of Health – Disability and Health Program
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Website: https://www.floridahealth.gov
This program works to improve public health services and accessibility for individuals living with disabilities throughout Florida.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) – Florida Department of Elder Affairs
4040 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 414-2000
Website: https://elderaffairs.org
ADRC programs provide a single point of entry for long-term care services, caregiver support programs, and disability resources.
Employment and Vocational Programs
Employment programs help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment.
These programs may include vocational training, job placement services, and workplace accommodations.
Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
325 W. Gaines Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (800) 451-4327
Website: https://www.rehabworks.org
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation provides employment services, job training, counseling, and workplace accommodation support for individuals with disabilities.
Easterseals Florida
2010 Mizell Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32792
Phone: (407) 629-7881
Website: https://www.easterseals.com/florida
Easterseals Florida provides employment training, therapy programs, and community-based services for individuals with disabilities.
Goodwill Industries of Florida (Statewide Network)
Goodwill organizations operate across Florida through regional headquarters.
Website: https://www.goodwill.org
Goodwill provides employment training, job placement assistance, and vocational programs for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment.
CareerSource Florida
107 E Madison Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 921-1119
Website: https://careersourceflorida.com
CareerSource Florida coordinates workforce development programs and job placement services throughout the state.
Assistive Technology and Accessibility Resources
Assistive technology programs help individuals with disabilities gain access to equipment and tools that support independence and daily functioning.
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST)
2145 Delta Boulevard, Suite 200
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: (844) 353-2278
Website: https://faast.org
FAAST provides assistive technology demonstrations, equipment loans, and financial assistance programs for individuals needing adaptive devices.
Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI)
1820 E Park Avenue, Suite 101
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (800) 222-3448
Website: https://ftri.org
FTRI administers the Florida Telecommunications Access System, providing communication equipment for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or speech impaired.
SportsAbility Alliance / Florida Disabled Outdoors Association
3035 Eliza Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 201-2944
Website: https://www.sportsability.org
SportsAbility promotes accessibility and adaptive recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities across Florida.
Mental Health Support Programs
Mental health services are an important component of disability support, particularly for individuals living with chronic illness, trauma, or psychological conditions that affect daily functioning.
NAMI Florida
3948 3rd Street South, Suite 111
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Phone: (904) 323-4723
Website: https://namiflorida.org
NAMI Florida provides mental health education programs, advocacy initiatives, and peer support resources throughout the state.
Florida Behavioral Health Association
316 E Park Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 878-2196
Website: https://www.fbhap.org
The Florida Behavioral Health Association represents community mental health and substance-use treatment providers across Florida.
Thriving Mind South Florida
7205 NW 19th Street, Suite 200
Miami, FL 33126
Phone: (305) 858-3335
Website: https://thrivingmind.org
Thriving Mind funds behavioral health treatment programs and community mental health services across South Florida.
Crisis Resources
Immediate assistance is available for individuals experiencing mental health crises or other urgent situations.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Phone or Text: 988
Website: https://988lifeline.org
Provides confidential emotional support and crisis counseling 24 hours a day.
211 Florida Helpline
Dial 211
Website: https://www.211.org
211 connects individuals with local resources including housing assistance, mental health services, food programs, and crisis intervention support.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Phone: (800) 799-SAFE
Website: https://www.thehotline.org
Provides confidential support for individuals experiencing domestic violence.
Finding Local Disability Resources in Florida
While statewide organizations provide important programs and advocacy, many services are delivered through local community organizations, hospitals, and county programs.
Residents may wish to explore local disability resource guides in cities such as:
- Miami
- Orlando
- Tampa
- Jacksonville
- Fort Lauderdale
- Tallahassee
- Cape Coral
- Port St. Lucie
These local guides highlight community-based organizations, transportation programs, hospitals, and support groups available in those areas.
Disability Benefits and Financial Support
For many individuals living with serious medical conditions, maintaining employment may become difficult or impossible.
In these situations, federal disability benefit programs may provide essential financial support.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI provides monthly benefits to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but are unable to work due to a qualifying disability.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI provides benefits to individuals with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or over age 65.
Both programs have complex eligibility requirements involving medical evidence, work history, and functional limitations.
Assistance With Social Security Disability Claims
Individuals across Florida who are applying for Social Security Disability benefits often face a complicated process that may include initial applications, reconsiderations, and hearings before administrative law judges.
Disability Advocates Group assists individuals throughout Florida who are navigating the Social Security Disability process. The SSDI attorneys and advocates at the firm work with clients to gather medical documentation, understand eligibility requirements, and pursue disability benefits through each stage of the application or appeals process.
Individuals seeking additional information about disability benefits may wish to explore the firm’s educational resources or complete a free eligibility screening to determine whether they may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.