Special Assistance Guide sponsored by the
We are known for our enthusiasm, infectious spirit, camaraderie, and commitment to serve others! A special part of our mission is to help children and individuals with special needs as we work to further advancement for all within our beautiful city. We work together on a number of different projects each year to benefit our youth and our community, touching thousands of people. https://miamirotary.org
Special Education
Gordon School
The Tikvah Center at the Gordon School is designed for children K - 5th grade who are diagnosed with Autism. This program focuses on academic development within an inclusive framework. The Tikvah Center's curriculum is meticulously crafted to cater to the unique needs of each student, fostering growth not only academically but also in social-emotional domains. To learn more contact our admissions director at admissions@gordonschoolmiami.org
Miami Learning Experience School
At Miami Learning Experience, individuals with special needs are seen, heard, and empowered. Every student or adult who walks through our doors finds a place of warmth, encouragement, and growth. Here, communication becomes possible, friendships are formed, independence is nurtured, and joy is found in everyday milestones. Our specialized programs are tailored to support each student’s growth, helping them develop their unique abilities and achieve their full potential.
5651 SW 82nd Avenue Road, Miami, FL 33143
305.275.5900 / mle@mleschool.org / www.mleschool.org
Miami-Dade County Head Start
Give your child a head start in learning and life! Miami-Dade County Head Start offers free, high-quality early education for eligible children from birth to age five in over 90 centers countywide. Enjoy full-day programs, nutritious meals, and specialized support for children with special needs. Apply today: HeadStartinfo@miamidade.gov or www.miamidade.gov/headstart
Broward Children’s Center
This nonprofit center offers a wide range of programs, including licensed home health care, medical daycare, developmental preschools for special needs and typical children, in-home and facility-based respite care, and more. It also offers social services referrals and counseling, education for medically complex children, medical transportation, and physical, occupational, and speech therapy. 200 SE 19 Ave Pompano Beach.
Phone: 954-943-7638 Website:www.bcckids.org
South Florida Autism Charter School
South Florida Autism Charter School provides education and therapeutic services to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) residing in Miami-Dade/Broward Counties, targeting students with communication deficits and/or behavioral challenges, and who may require training in self-help skills. The methodologies of B.F. Skinner’s Theory of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and Verbal Behavior (VB) are applied in conjunction with State Standards for students on a modified curriculum in order to provide the most effective individualized educational programs possible.
SFACS Co-located with RR Moton Elementary
18050 Homestead Ave, Miami, FL 33157
Phone: (305) 823-2700 OR 786-573-7020
Website: www.sfacs.org
Crystal Academy
Crystal Academy is a premier therapy center and school for children with autism and other developmental delays. Established by dedicated parents in 2009 and managed by professionals, our comprehensive services encompass ABA, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, music, and fitness clubs. The meticulously crafted school curriculum plans are customized to each student's needs and employ methods that effectively cater to their unique learning strengths. Each plan is thoughtfully designed to promote growth in language, science, math, art, music, theater, and community-based instruction.
Call for free Informal Placement Evaluations- FES- Unique Abilities and Most Insurance Plans are accepted.
107 Antilla Avenue, Coral Gables,
Phone: 305-567-5881
Website: www.crystalacademy.org
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Carpe Diem
Carpe Diem Academy offers in-home services, telehealth, and remote learning. Honored with the Step Up For Students Excellence Award, they provide education and therapy for children with disabilities. Donations support "Carpe Diem On Wheels," funding vans for accessible therapy and vocational programs.
Broward County Public Schools
Miami Dade Public Schools
Uplift Literacy
www. upliftliteracy.org
Support Organizations
Easter Seals
Easter Seals South Florida has been serving families for 79 years. Our mission is to provide exceptional services, education, and outreach so that children with disabilities can live, learn, work and play. We want every child in our Head Start, early education, and special education programs to reach their full potential.
Phone: (305) 325-0470
Email: EastersealsSouthFlorida@sfl.easterseals.com
Address: 1475 NW 14th Avenue, Miami, FL 33125
Parent to Parent
Parent to Parent of Miami is a community parent resource center for families who have children with disabilities that provides disability specific information, peer support, one to one coaching, educational workshops, community resources and advocacy in Miami-Dade County.
We can help parents learn about early intervention, early childhood, education, vocational training, employment, college opportunities, as well educate on the laws that protect the rights of children and adults with disabilities. Services are provided in English and Spanish and free of charge with the majority of the staff and board are comprised of parents of children with disabilities.
We know each child is unique, learns in different ways and has the potential to succeed. For children with disabilities, parents are an integral part of ensuring they receive the assistance needed.
Phone: (305) 271-9797 Email: info@ptopmiami.org
Website: http://www.ptopmiami.org/
Agency for Persons with Disabilities
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) works in partnership with organizations to provide services and support for customers with developmental disabilities. A person must live in Florida and have a developmental disability that occurred before the age of 18 to be eligible.
APD serves people with: Cerebral palsy, Down syndrome,Intellectual disabilities, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Severe forms of autism, Spina bifida
Website: https://apd.myflorida.com/
American Heart Association
Our Future is About Improving Yours
For over 100 years, the American Heart Association, along with our volunteers, supporters and collaborating organizations, has worked to build longer, healthier lives.
The American Heart Association is committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere, creating a vision for brighter tomorrows free from heart disease and stroke.
Website: https://www.heart.org
Early Steps
Early Steps provides early intervention services to children ages 0-3 born with a disability or developmental delay. These include Family Support/Training, Health/Nutritional/Vision/Translator Services, Occupational/Physical/Speech/Vision Therapy, Service Coordination, and Third Party Referrals. Evaluation is free, and services are covered by insurance or Part C funds. Once your child is deemed eligible you will receive the Individualized Family Support Plan with authorized services/guidance on what to do next.
Phone: (305) 929-8705
Website: www.benchmarkhs.com
Cortney Vega Sports Athletic Foundation
Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited, chronic blood disorder that affects approximately 100,000 Americans.
Sickle Cell Disease exists in many nationalities, including African Americans, and people with ancestors from South America, Saudi, Arabia, India, Turkey, Greece, Italy, the Caribbean, and Central America. In 1983, the federal government designated September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Cortney Vega Sports Athletic Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness of this life-long illness.
Best Buddies
Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society. Interested in being involved in South Florida? Phone: (305) 374-2233
Nathaniel’s Hope
Nathaniel’s Hope celebrates kids and adults with special needs, our VIPs, by equipping communities and churches to support VIP families. Join our FREE VIP Birthday Club and be celebrated! We also offer Buddy Break, a free respite care program, Make ‘m Smile, the biggest VIP party, and so much more!
Phone: (407) 857-822
5210 S Orange Ave
Orlando, FL 32809
Center for Autism & Related Disabilities
CARD (Center for Autism & Related Disabilities) is one of seven state-funded, university-based outreach and support centers in Florida dedicated to optimizing the potential of people with autism spectrum disorders, dual sensory impairment, sensory impairments with other disabling conditions, and related disabilities. CARD currently serves over 17,000 families in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties.
Agency for Health Care Administration
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Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization
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Cerebral Palsy Guide
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Children’s Medical Services
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Children’s Services Council
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Disability Rights Florida
www.disabilityrightsflorida.org
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Muscular Dystrophy Association
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The Advocacy Network on Disabilities
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The Children’s Trust
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Therapy Centers
Milieu Children’s Center
Milieu Children’s Center nurtures each child’s development through holistic pediatric habilitation. A multidisciplinary team—including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and educators—collaborates with families to create joyful, evidence-based, individualized plans. Serving children from birth to age 12, Milieu fosters cognitive, social-emotional, motor, and communication growth in a connected, compassionate environment.
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is South Florida’s only licensed specialty hospital exclusively for children. Nicklaus Children’s offers an array of pediatric specialty consultations, rehabilitation services, diagnostics, and walk-in urgent care services in locations throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin counties.
Location: 3100 SW 62 Ave Miami, FL 33155
Phone: 305-666-6511
Website: www.nicklauschildrens.org
Denali
Denali CRT is more than a clinic. We are a family of ABA therapy and mental health professionals with over 25 years of experience. Our mission is to provide treatment, training, and education that are both effective and respectful, always seeking the least restrictive approach to empower the people we serve.
We understand the richness that Florida's growing diversity brings to our community. Culturally, socially, and economically, and we embrace it as part of who we are.
Our commitment goes beyond therapy. We strive to help build a city that is fair, inclusive, and supportive for everyone. Guided by evidence-based practices, we tailor our care to each individual, with the goal of improving quality of life for people of all ages.
Phone: 305-602-0268
Website: www.denalibehaviorcrt.com
A1A Behavior Health
A1A’s core team has well over 50 years combined and dedicated proven experience in helping enhance the lives of our patients, families, and all that we service. We have utilized this experience to develop a positive patient care approach in order to achieve the goal of total and complete health. All treatment plans are customized for each individual patient and are based on detailed clinical assessment data, and successful processes. As a patient of A1A, you are part of our family and we remain committed to doing all in our power to achieve our mission of enhancing the quality of life of all patients, families, and all that we serve.
Phone: 305.224.1929
PediKidz
Unlock your Child's Full Potential with PediKidz
The period between birth and age three is crucial for a child's development, especially for those with complex medical conditions. At Pedikidz, our specialized multidisciplinary team provides the critical early intervention your child needs to thrive. Our program brings your child into a safe, stimulating, and healthy environment where they will grow and prosper.
Phone: (305) 596-0188!
Address: 7650 SW 117 Avenue, Miami, FL 33183
https://www.pedikidz.com/
iCare Behavior & Wellness
Empowering Children, Supporting Families: ICare Behavior and Wellness
At iCare Behavior and Wellness, we believe every child is unique. With over 7 years of experience, we specialize in behavior therapy and in-home support for children with special needs, including Autism, ADHD, Down syndrome and MORE! Our compassionate team helps families with daily life activities, ensuring a better future for your child. Visit our welcoming center today and discover the support you deserve. Because every child deserves to thrive!
Address: 7801 NW 37th ST STE LP-201 Miami FL 33195
Phone : 305-468-9899
Whispering Manes
Whispering Manes Therapeutic Riding Center is a Miami-based non-profit offering therapeutic horseback riding and horsemanship classes for individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. Their equine-assisted programs promote well-being, self-esteem, and healing through safe, supervised activities, empowering participants facing challenges such as Autism, Paralysis, PTSD, and Down Syndrome. Web: www.whisperingmanes.org/shoefairies2023.
Bright Minds Consulting
Bright Minds Consulting provides individualized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism, ADHD, and related needs. Their programs strengthen communication, social, and daily living skills. Families also access parent training, academic support, camps, and professional consulting, creating a supportive environment for each child’s developmental and educational success.
Applied Behavior Solutions
Applied Behavior Solutions delivers evidence-based ABA therapy and mental health services tailored to children with developmental or behavioral challenges. Their multidisciplinary team offers home, school, and clinic-based support, focusing on communication, independence, and positive behavior. ABS helps families navigate insurance, ensuring timely access to quality care and long-term progress
ABA Learning Center
ABA Learning Center delivers science-backed autism therapy grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Programs include one-on-one sessions with trained behavioral therapists, early intensive intervention (25–40 hrs/week for ages 18 months to 5 years), structured social skills groups (ages 5+), summer camp, parent coaching, behavioral plans, ASD assessments, and homework tutoring.
Cornerstone
Since 2019, Cornerstone Behavioral Analysis has provided high-quality ABA services, earning trust through lasting, meaningful progress and positive family feedback. In 2025, we launched a specialized learning center focused on real academic growth, offering personalized support that traditional schools often lack, ensuring no child is left behind.
https://www.cornerstone-cba.com/
Talking with Taylor
Talking with Taylor is a neurodiversity-affirming, ADHD-owned private practice, committed to building a more accessible world for all to thrive. Taylor Isaac, M.S., CCC-SLP is a Florida-licensed and ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist, specialized in services for communication (speech, language, Natural Language Acquisition for gestalt-language processors/majority of autistic children), executive functioning (behavior, self-regulation), and literacy (e.g., dyslexia, reading impairment) development. Therapy is highly individualized, strengths- and interest-based, comprehensive (e.g., including parent training), and engaging; thoughtfully designed for meaningful progress. Step-up scholarship accepted! Head to www.GetTalkingWithTaylor.com to schedule your free initial consultation. Let's get talking, today!
Talking with Taylor, LLC
Address: 1000 Brickell Ave, Suite 1100 /Miami, Fl 33131
taylorisaac@gettalkingwithtaylor.com
Phone: (201) 923-5507
Live Well Therapy Group
Provides compassionate mental health care across Florida, including individual, couples, child & adolescent, and family therapy. We also offer psychiatry, medication management, and psychological testing. Services are available in-person or online. We accept insurance and tailor care to support emotional growth, healing, and stronger relationships.
Phone: (786) 332‑4478
Email: info@livewelltherapygroup.com
Website: www.livewelltherapygroup.com
https://livewelltherapygroup.com/
Elevate Therapy Group
Offers compassionate ABA therapy to children and families across Florida. Services include home-, school-, and community-based care, plus parent training. Programs promote emotional growth, social skills, and independence. We accept most insurance plans, and step up scholarships. Your child’s development is our mission.
Miami – Kendall Location
8500 SW 92nd St, Suite 206, Miami, FL 33156
Phone (Call or Text): (786) 879‑9978
Email: info@elevatetherapygrp.com
https://elevatetherapygrp.com/
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
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Gigi’s Playhouse Miami
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Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida
Family Support
Home Heart Florida
Home Heart Florida helps families register for the Paid P​arent Caregiver program, provides all the required certifications for free; including 86 online hours of training, CPR classes and fingerprinting, and help caregivers of medically fragile children take over up to 8 paid hours of private duty nursing care per day.
Phone: 754-219-7273
Address: 1175 NE 125th Street, Suite 209
North Miami, Florida 33161
Health Channel
Recreational and Inclusive Activities
Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove has partnered with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), a global leader in online training and certification programs, to become designated as a Certified Autism Center (CAC). It is our goal to provide every family with an enjoyable and memorable visit to Discovery Cove, and we are proud to offer specialized services to guests with autism and other special needs.
Website: https://discoverycove.com/
Pérez Art Museum Miami
PAMM offers accessible entrances (plaza and group entry), elevators, and accessible parking. Services include ASL interpretation, audio-description tours, touch tours, large-print materials, and assistive listening devices. Personal care attendants enter free with advance notice; contact Visitor Services for arrival accommodations.
Kaseya Center
Kaseya Center offers sensory-friendly services through KultureCity, including free sensory bags, noise-canceling headphones, and a calming sensory room. Accessible seating, parking, and restrooms are available, along with assistive listening devices and sign language interpreters. Gate 3 serves as the main ADA entrance for drop-offs and access.
Best Day Foundation
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Parkland Buddy Sports
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Broward CountyPublic Parks
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Miami-Dade Public Parks
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Special Olympics
www.specialolympicsflorida.org
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Mission Fishin
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Parkland Buddy Sports
Autism
Autism Speaks
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Autism Society of America
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UM-NSU CARD
Diagnostic Centers
Potentiality Solutions
Provides diagnostic testing and therapy services to children as young as 18 months, adolescents, and young adults. Services are offered by a highly qualified licensed psychologist with expertise in autism assessment, certified in ADOS-2 administration. We offer neurodiversity-affirming services using a strength-based approach that empowers clients and their families.
​​https://potentialitysolutions.com/
Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System
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Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center
http://www.childrensdiagnostic.com
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Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Dan Marino Outpatient Center
Health Insurance
Las Madrinas de los Seguros
We are an Insurance Agency licensed in over 40 states, available every single day 365 days from 7 am to Midnight.
Our area of expertise goes from individual health plans such as Obamacare, Medicare, Life Insurance with Living Benefits, Group Employee Benefits, Indemnities, International & Travel Policies to Property and Casualty.
Phone:877-MADRINAS (877-623-7462)
Ambetter Health
Ambetter Health provides affordable, quality health insurance plans designed to support your unique needs. With a focus on preventive care, wellness programs, and essential benefits, Ambetter helps members stay healthy while managing costs. Offering a wide network of providers and personalized support, it’s health coverage you can count on.
Vision, speech, and hearing
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind is Florida's largest and oldest nonprofit serving the needs of the blind and visually impaired. Through education, training, research, and vision enhancement, Miami Lighthouse provides hope, confidence, and independence to people of all ages, transforming the lives of 90,000 blind and visually impaired people annually, from babies to seniors and their families. Our programs’ impact is statewide, national, and international.
Phone: (305) 856-2288
NSU Audiology Clinic
www.nova.edu/healthcare/hearingbalance
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Stuttering Foundation of America
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UM Audiology/Speech/Language Services
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Center for Hearing & Communication
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Florida Division of Blind Services
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Resources on amblyopia from the Florida Society of Ophthalmology:
https://www.mdeye.org/amblyopia
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American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus
Performing Arts
Area Stage
A neurodiverse performing‑arts program founded in 2014 by Executive Director Maria Banda‑Rodaz, The Inspire Theatre Project (ITP) offers an adaptive curriculum for students ages 5 through adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Through group and private classes in voice, dance, and acting—along with fully staged musical productions both on‑site and through community outreach, participants gain confidence, autonomy, and vital life skills. Serving over 350 student actors across South Florida, the program also sends trained coaches to partner schools to extend its reach.
Broward Center For the Performing Arts
The Broward Center offers "inclusive access" primarily through Sensory-Inclusive Performances, which feature adjusted sound, lighting, and special effects for audiences with sensory sensitivities, and through a range of Accessibility Services that include sign language interpretation, audio description, open captioning, wheelchair-accessible seating, and a sensory quiet room. They also have physical accessibility features like ADA-approved signage, handrails, automatic door openers, and accessible parking and restrooms.
Dentistry
American Pediatric Dental Group: Every Child Deserves a Comfortable Dental Experience
At our practice, children with special needs find understanding, patience, and care. We offer desensitization visits, private rooms, and sedation when needed, ensuring stress-free treatment. From autism to physical disabilities, every child deserves quality oral health. We accept all insurances—because comfort and access should never be barriers.
Toll Free: (844) 304-KIDS
WEBSITE: https://americanpediatricdental.com/
Hair Salon Services
Supercuts
At Supercuts we take pride in our ability to accommodate all of our customers’ needs. We have many years of experience working with children with disabilities both at our salons and at Nicklaus Children’sHospital. Our skilled stylists go above and beyond to make the experience comfortable, fun, and enjoyable.
Bereavement Support
Children’s Bereavement Center
http://www.childbereavement.org
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Eagles’ Haven
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Tomorrow’s Rainbow
EARLY INTERVENTION
Child Find
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Kapila Family Foundation Starting Right Program at NSU’s Mailman Segal Center
msc.nova.edu/autism-institute/starting-right.html
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Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Fetal Care Center
http://www.nicklauschildrens.org/fetalcare
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Sprout Behavioral Services
http://www.sproutbehavioralservices.com
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Sunrise Group
EATING DISORDERS
​MENTAL HEALTH
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Center for Individual & Family Counseling
Healing Arts Institute of South Florida
Henderson Behavioral Health
Mental Health Association of Southeast Florida
National Alliance on Mental Illness
NSU Pediatric Mental Health Care Services
https://nsuhealth.nova.edu/services/mental-health/pediatric-mental-health.html
SEDNET (Severe Emotional Disorders)
RESPITE CARE
ARCH National Respite Network
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Deliver the Dream
http://www.deliverthedream.org
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The Kidz Korner
TRANSITIONING TO ADULTHOOD
Access Plus at NSU’s Mailman Segal Center
http://www.nova.edu/accessplus
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Center for Independent Living
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Joshua’s Path
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Turning 18