About the Webinar:
This presentation focused on IDEA-funded state projects that support outcomes for students with disabilities, who comprise 15% of Florida’s student population. Participants learned about the projects available to all Florida local educational agencies at no cost, including technical assistance, information for families, and professional learning for educators.
IDEA-Funded State Projects to Help Your Students with Disabilities
Presenter:
- Patricia Bodiford, Senior Educational Program Director: Instructional Support Services, Florida Department of Education
Date/Time: November 20, 2024
Conference: 2024 FL Charter School Conference
View The Recording:
Handouts / Slides:
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Session Summary
This presentation, "IDEA-Funded State Projects to Help Your Students with Disabilities," by Patricia Botsford, Senior Director of Instructional Support Services at the Florida Department of Education, highlights the array of free resources available to support students with disabilities in Florida. The session begins by emphasizing the Florida Department of Education's mission to provide a world-class education system for all students, including those with disabilities.
The presentation then introduces the various IDEA-funded state projects, previously known as discretionary projects, which offer an array of free services to schools, districts, and families. These projects cover a wide range of needs, including autism and related disabilities, visual impairments, learning resources, transition education, deaf and hard of hearing services, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and assistive technology.
The presentation provides detailed information about each project, including its purpose, services offered, and contact information. Specific projects highlighted include the Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS), Project 10 Transition Education Network, Clark Schools for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the Debbie University of Miami School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Multi-agency Network for Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities (SEDNET).
The presentation emphasizes the importance of collaboration between schools, districts, families, and state projects to effectively support students with disabilities. The presenter encourages attendees to familiarize themselves with the resources available and to reach out to the appropriate project for assistance.
Key takeaways for attendees include:
- There is an array of IDEA-funded state projects available to support students with disabilities in Florida.
- These projects offer a variety of free services, including technical assistance, professional learning, and family support.
- Schools and districts are encouraged to collaborate with these projects to meet the needs of their students with disabilities.
- The Florida Department of Education is committed to providing a world-class education system for all students, including those with disabilities.