Tessera

Family Network on Disabilities

@fndfl.bsky.social

FND is a Florida grassroots organization for persons with disabilities and their families that is family-centered and family-driven. www.FNDUSA.org

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Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 10h ago

We're still grateful to everyone who joined our FND Open House & 2026 Academic Summit on October 17! Thank you for a wonderful day of learning and connection. Follow us on all our socials, and join our email list, for more events, workshops, and family resources! #FloridaFamilies #SpecialEducation

Two women standing in an office, an older woman showing a tablet while a younger woman holds highlighted papers as they review documents beside a wooden table and blue paneled wall.

Guests mingle at an indoor open-house reception around two small tables draped in autumn leaf tablecloths with pumpkins, brochures, and a handbag display, while staff chat, hand out information, and point to a wall-mounted screen.

Autumn-themed community resource display: round tables with leaf-print cloths, small pumpkins and lantern centerpieces, informational disability-rights panels on the left, and an FND Trust Services information table under pendant lights.

A group of 18 FND staff members and colleagues smile for a photo at FND's state office in Clearwater during the October 17, 2026, Open House & Academic Summit. Four people sit on a beige couch while the others stand behind them, with fall decorations and an FND banner visible in the background.

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · yesterday

Our latest featured Short shares tips for helping children with disabilities prepare for dental visits. Watch, subscribe to FNDUSA, and explore more family resources! youtube.com/shorts/XsI6E... #DentalHealth #ParentingTips

Tips for Dental Visits with Children with Disabilities #BacktoSchool #DentalVisits #Shorts

Preparing for a dental visit can be easier when families know what to expect and plan ahead. This short video offers practical tips to help a child with a disability feel more prepared and…

youtube.com

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 3d ago

Missed FND's October 12 Facebook Live? Hear from Paralympian Dana Mathewson, the first American woman to win a Grand Slam wheelchair tennis title! Watch the recording: www.facebook.com/share/v/1KKJ... #Paralympics #WheelchairTennis

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 5d ago

The Road to Graduation begins Oct. 21! Join FND and Project 10 for the first session in this free 6-part Zoom series for families. Getting Started: Navigating the Road to Graduation 1:00 p.m. EST. Register: bit.ly/4hoRdFK #TransitionPlanning #FloridaFamilies

Flyer for “The Road to Graduation,” a free six-part virtual webinar series from Project 10 Transition Education Network and Family Network on Disabilities. The flyer features a smiling graduate in a wheelchair wearing a black cap and gown and holding a diploma. Sessions are held on Zoom at 1:00 p.m. EST. Dates and topics are: Oct. 21, 2026, Getting Started: Navigating the Road to Graduation; Nov. 18, Understanding Standard Diploma Pathways; Dec. 16, Courses, Accommodations, Assessments & Diploma Designations; Jan. 20, 2027, Planning Beyond the Diploma: Deferral & College/Career Readiness; Feb. 17, Tools for the Journey: Graduation and Transition Resources for Families; and March 17, Putting It All Together: A Family Roadmap to Graduation. Registration is available through a QR code or at bit.ly/4hoRdFK. The webinars are free and will not be recorded.

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · last wk.

USF’s Project iSEBA is preparing future special education teachers and school-based behavior analysts through interdisciplinary graduate training. Selected scholars can receive a $27,000 stipend. Learn more: www.usf.edu/education/ne.... #SpecialEducation #FloridaEducation

University of South Florida College of Education graphic showing a group of seven smiling students and educators standing together. Text reads, “USF students can receive up to $27,000 in funding while preparing for careers in special education.”

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · last wk.

Are you practicing safe online habits? FND is sharing quick tips to help families protect personal information, recognize online risks, and make safer digital choices. #OnlineSafety #DigitalSafety

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · last wk.

FND’s Open House & 2026 Academic Summit is almost here! Join us Oct. 17 in Clearwater for learning, free food, games for all ages, resources, and a first look at our new office. See the second image for the full agenda. #ClearwaterFL #FloridaFamilies Register: bit.ly/2026FNDOpenH...

Fall-themed invitation for Family Network on Disabilities’ Open House & 2026 Academic Summit on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 311 S. Missouri Ave., Clearwater, Florida. The graphic features palm trees, pumpkins, and a QR code for registration, with text highlighting food, games, information, and learning. FND Trust Services and Family Network on Disabilities logos appear at the bottom.

Agenda for FND’s Open House & 2026 Academic Summit on October 17, 2026. The schedule includes sessions from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on transition planning, early intervention, IEPs, parent-teacher communication, AI, dispute resolution, and other family education topics. A Spanish-language session on early intervention and transition tips is also listed. The agenda includes room locations, presenters, and event registration information.

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · last wk.

FND was rocking the Bilingual Autism & Inclusion Conference in Palm Beach! We loved connecting with families, educators, professionals, and community partners while sharing FND resources. #AutismResources #FloridaFamilies #PalmBeach

Welcome banner for the Bilingual Autism & Inclusion Conference (BAIC). The banner reads “Welcome / Bienvenidos” and “Empowering Minds. Building Inclusive Futures,” with Spanish text below. It highlights inspiring keynotes, bilingual workshops, practical strategies, community connection, and inclusion for all, and includes a QR code and event branding.

FND PEN director Nancy Torres and parent training coordinator Yalpri Ortega smile together for a photo at the Bilingual Autism & Inclusion Conference. Both are wearing blue conference lanyards, with one wearing a blue polo and the other a floral blouse.

Conference presentation screen displaying “Vendors & Community Partners” at the Bilingual Autism & Inclusion Conference. The slide includes logos for Autism in Black, Fast Tag, Tiny Steps Academy, S&S Accounting, Family Network on Disabilities, and Gallardo Jewelry, with the message “Together for Inclusion / Juntos por la Inclusión” at the bottom.

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 2w ago

Educators report that more young students are struggling with everyday skills such as tying their shoes, following directions, emotional regulation, and fine motor tasks. More than half reported declines in age-appropriate fine motor skills. Read more: www.edweek.org/teaching-lea... #EarlyLearning

Five young children work together on classroom activities around a table. They use colorful paper, pencils, and small containers while concentrating on their projects in a bright early-learning classroom.

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 2w ago

Join FND in Clearwater on Oct. 17 for our Open House & 2026 Academic Summit. Enjoy educational sessions, free food, fun for all ages, and a first look at our new office. From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. #ClearwaterFL #FloridaFamilies Register today at bit.ly/2026FNDOpenH...

FND agenda graphic for the Open House & 2026 Academic Summit on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 311 S. Missouri Ave., Clearwater, FL 33756. The schedule lists sessions from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in several rooms, including transition basics, early intervention, IEP and healthcare planning, middle school transition, parent-teacher conferences, dispute resolution, an AI interactive session, and Spanish-language transition and early intervention presentations. A QR code and “Register Now” button are included, along with FND and partner logos.

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 2w ago

Flooding and severe weather are affecting parts of Florida. Know your flood risk, have a plan, follow evacuation instructions, and move to safety early. Never drive or walk through floodwater or around barricades. www.floridadisaster.org/weather/haza.... #FloodSafety #FloridaWeather

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 2w ago

Tropical Storm Isaias is a reminder to check your hurricane plan. FND’s short video shares tips for emergency supplies, water, pets, and family preparedness. Watch, save, and share, and follow official weather updates. #HurricanePreparedness #FloridaFamilies

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 2w ago

FND was proud to join the FCC 13 Family Empowerment Day on Oct. 3. Soren Richardson represented PEN and PSN, connecting with families and sharing information about FND programs and resources. #FloridaFamilies #ParentResources #DisabilityResources

Photo of Soren Richardson standing behind an FND information table at the FCC 13 Family Empowerment Day. The table displays Family Network on Disabilities materials, brochures, resource flyers, pens, and other informational items. An FND banner is displayed behind the table.

Photo of a presentation screen at the FCC 13 Family Empowerment Conference displaying a “Thank You Vendors!” slide. FND FL is listed among the participating vendors, along with the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities, Florida Voices for Health Advocacy Collaborative, and Harmony Living Health Care.

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 2w ago

October is ADHD Awareness Month. Greater understanding can help challenge misconceptions and create more supportive schools, workplaces, homes, and communities for people with ADHD. What do you wish more people understood about ADHD? #ADHDAwareness #Neurodiversity

Graphic for National ADHD Awareness Month in October. An orange silhouette of a child’s head appears inside a black circle, with a white awareness ribbon near the top of the head. Below, large black and orange text reads, “National ADHD Awareness Month October.”

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 2w ago

Last day for Prime Deals! Check out FND’s list of products that may support accessibility, independence, sensory needs, communication, and daily living. fndusa.org/blog/amazon-... #Accessibility #DisabilityResources

A mother leans over her daughter as they use a laptop together at a table. The child points toward the computer while the mother guides her, suggesting they are browsing or shopping online together.

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 2w ago

FND and Project 10 are hosting The Road to Graduation, a free 6-part Zoom series for families covering diploma pathways, accommodations, transition planning, and college and career readiness. Starts Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. EST. bit.ly/4hoRdFK. #SpecialEducation #TransitionPlanning

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 3w ago

FND created a Prime Deals guide featuring products that may support accessibility, independence, sensory needs, communication, safety, and daily living. #Accessibility #IndependentLiving Explore it: fndusa.org/blog/amazon-.... FND is not sponsored by Amazon.

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 3w ago

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Let’s celebrate people with Down syndrome and continue building schools, workplaces, and communities where everyone has opportunities to participate, contribute, and belong. #DownSyndromeAwareness #Disability #OctoberAwareness

Graphic recognizing October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month. A blue and yellow awareness ribbon appears on the left. On the right, large blue and yellow text reads, “October Down Syndrome Awareness Month.” Yellow and blue curved shapes decorate the top left and bottom right corners.

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 3w ago

Tickets are on sale for the 10th Annual Connecting the Dots Conference! Friday, October 16, 2026 | 8:30 AM–3:30 PM The Schultz Center, Jacksonville Join us for sessions, expert presenters, agency connections, and practical family takeaways. Register early: www.eventbrite.com/e/10th-annua...

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 3w ago

Need a quick IEP overview? This short animated video covers goals, services, accommodations, progress updates, transition planning, and how parents can participate in their child’s IEP team. #IEP #SpecialEducation #ParentResources

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 3w ago

Planning for life after high school? FND will be at the Transition Resource Fair at Palm Beach State College on Oct. 7 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Families can explore resources for education, employment, independent living, and more. fndusa.org/event/palm-b... #TransitionPlanning #DisabilityResources

A young man with Down syndrome and a woman stand at a Palm Beach State College resource table speaking with college representatives. The young man holds an informational brochure while smiling and talking with a staff member. Other attendees and resource tables are visible in the background.

Flyer for a free Transition Resource Fair supporting families of children with disabilities ages 12 to 22 as they prepare for life after high school, including education, employment, independent living, and community involvement. Events are scheduled for September 30, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Palm Beach State College’s Loxahatchee Campus, Room LGA 139, and October 7, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Worth Campus, Room PSD 108. Logos for the School District of Palm Beach County, Exceptional Student Education, and Palm Beach State College appear at the bottom.

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 3w ago

Central Florida families, the Family Care Council Area 13 Family Empowerment Conference is this Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Clermont City Center. Free admission, family connections, guest speakers, and community resources. #FamilySupport #DevelopmentalDisabilities

Free Family Empowerment Conference by Family Care Council Area 13 for parents and caregivers of children or adults with developmental disabilities offering connection, learning and resources — Saturday, Oct 3, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Clermont City Center.

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 4w ago

FND CEO Richard La Belle is in Texas, presenting at the National Association of State Directors of Special Education conference about Parent Training and Information Centers and their role in supporting families. #SpecialEducation #ParentSupport

FND CEO Richard La Belle speaks during a conference panel presentation. A large screen behind the panel displays a slide titled “Parent Training and Information Centers,” with information about IDEA funding, Community Parent Resource Centers, nonprofit parent organizations, and board membership requirements. Other panelists are seated nearby.

FND CEO Richard La Belle speaks at a conference podium wearing a suit, tie, glasses, and conference lanyard. He gestures with one hand while speaking into a microphone during his presentation.

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 4w ago

Join FND on Oct. 17 for our Open House and 2026 Academic Summit in Clearwater. Come for food, games, info, learning, resources, and connection. RSVP: bit.ly/2026FNDOpenH.... #DisabilityResouces #DisabilitySupport

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 4w ago

Bullying at school can be especially challenging for children with disabilities. This FND Tips for Families video shares practical steps for working with the school to support your child. #BullyingPrevention #SpecialEducation

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 4w ago

Public school or private school? This month on the FND PEN Podcast, Luz and Aileen share their personal experiences and the factors they considered when choosing a school setting for their children. Listen: app.smore.com/n/hqw2z-pen. #SpecialEducation #ParentPodcast

Promotional graphic for “RealTalk with FND” featuring a podcast microphone background and text inviting listeners to join hosts Luz and Aileen for conversations about disability stigma, special education in Florida, and parent support. The lower section shows a light box reading “New Podcast Episode” surrounded by podcast equipment, headphones, a keyboard, notebook, coffee cup, and plant.

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · 4w ago

FND is sharing a new Autism Society resource for families concerned about wandering. The toolkit includes rail safety guidance, emergency planning, identification tools, and prevention strategies. autismsociety.org/wp-content/u... #Autism #Safety

Promotional graphic for the Autism Society’s “Safety on the Spectrum” Safety Toolkit on rail safety and wandering. A young boy lies on the floor playing with a red toy train. A purple text box reads, “Safety Toolkit: Rail Safety and Wandering,” with the Autism Society and CN logos at the bottom.

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · last mo.

Florida is implementing Workforce Pell, which expands Pell Grant funding for eligible short-term career training programs that lead to recognized credentials and in-demand jobs. Learn more: www.fldoe.org/academics/ca.... #CareerEducation #WorkforcePell

Florida Department of Education graphic promoting Workforce Pell Grant funding. The image shows a person wearing a welding helmet while working, illuminated by a bright blue welding light. Large text reads, “Get Paid to Train,” with smaller text below stating, “with Workforce Pell grant funding.”

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · last mo.

FND POPIN spent the weekend with future early childhood educators at the College of Central Florida, sharing personal stories, answering questions, and talking about the family perspective. We loved seeing so many future educators ready to listen and learn. #EarlyChildhoodEducation #FutureEducators

FND staff member leads a classroom training while participants sit at tables listening and reviewing printed materials. Notebooks, handouts, water bottles, and other supplies are spread across the tables, with educational posters displayed on the classroom walls.

Group photo of FND staff and training participants gathered in a classroom. Several people are seated at tables with notebooks and materials while others stand behind them, all facing the camera. Educational posters and classroom displays are visible on the walls.

Family Network on Disabilities @fndfl.bsky.social · last mo.

This Motivation Monday, we are celebrating disability representation. “Love on the Spectrum” won the Emmy for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program, along with awards for casting and editing. #MotivationMonday #Autism

Promotional image for Netflix’s “Love on the Spectrum” showing four smiling cast members in separate portrait panels. The title “Love on the Spectrum” appears across the bottom of the image.