Access


Transportation Services
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  • Jax Transportation Authority Paratransit: Connexion provides destination-to-destination shared public transportation for people with disabilities who are functionally unable to use fixed-route services for some or all of their transportation needs, and for people who are transportation disadvantaged (TD). 
  • ​JaxCare Wheelchair Transport: Our 24/7 non-emergency wheelchair, stretcher and ambulatory patient transport services in Jacksonville, FL, are easy to request and affordable.
  • Dial-A-Ride Service of Beaches Council on Aging: Transportation service service seniors and persons with disabilities in the Jacksonville Beach Communities for only $5 donation round-trip. 
  • Doctor's Direct Transportation: Handicapped transportation service in Jacksonville
    Address: 4495 Roosevelt Blvd # 304-214, Jacksonville, FL 32210
    Phone: (904) 683-0471
  • Florida Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged An independent agency responsible for the coordination of transportation services for older adults, persons with disabilities, persons of low income and children at risk.


​Durable Medical Equipment
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Picture
DSC_0787 by CWSC Panthers is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Education and Employment


Skills Training​ & Employment
  • The ARC Community Employment Program helps prepare and match adults with positions best suited to their abilities
  • ILRC Employment Services: The Independent Living Resource Center offers assistance in job training, placement, and retention. 
  • Florida Division of Vocational Rehab is a federal-state program that helps individuals with disabilities secure and keep employment.
  • Employment Webinars: Free online webinars on employment and self-advocacy by University of South Florida’s Florida Center for Inclusive Communities 
  • Career Source of Northeast Florida : A Disability Services Coordinator at CareerSource Northeast Florida can help you find your way through all of the complex levels of entitlement programs, the ADA and career guidance.
  • Jobs for Veterans The Jacksonville Military Veterans Coalition (JMVC) is committed to honoring military veterans and currently serving members of the National Guard and Reserve by facilitating career, business, and education opportunities in Jacksonville.
  • GinFL Services Inc. : Our mission is to provide services to individuals with severe disabilities through transitional employment and support services to enable them to work in an integrated work environment in NE Florida.

Transition from Pediatric to Adult Care
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  • UF Health Jax HATS Tool Kit: This Transition Toolkit was designed to provide a step-by-step approach to accessing resources that will help you with transition from pediatric care to adult care.
  • FYI Transition : Online courses in preparing to transition from student to adult life and getting a job
  • Transition QuickGuide on Health Care and Career Planning
  • St. John's County Transition Reference Guide has many helpful resources and information for young adults with and without disabilities transitioning into adult life.
  • Lifeskills Outreach Learning and Support Inc: Life skills development and transition into adulthood educational program for young people with autism and related development disabilities that focuses on the acquisition of functional life skills, vocational and occupational and self care skills necessary to become more independent and integrated in the community in which they live. 12443 Joda Ln E, Jacksonville, FL  32258.  (904) 705-8438

Personal Enrichment 
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  • ARC Xplore Program is a hands-on community experience designed to give adults the skills needed to succeed in life. Sessions range from six-to-12 weeks and cover topics including Fitness and recreation, Arts and Culture, Making, Getting Around Town/Transportation training and more!
  • Reading For Life Book Club
    Review books, short stories, or articles. Study guides provided before each month. Books announced 1-2 months in advance. Support provided for those with reading impairments along with adapted techniques such as books on tape and movies.
    Scheduled Meetings: third Thursday of each month, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
    Location: Neuro Recovery Center at Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital
    Contact: (904) 345-6812
  • Agency for Community Empowerment: The agency offers a wide range of person-centered mental health and life management services designed to foster independence and achievement for persons with disabilities. ACE assists the individual (including professionals in training) to learn new skills and build relationships which motivates them to take steps to improve their lives, remove barriers from the care and education they need, and create a productive and accountable connection with their community.

Community Involvement


Community Fitness Classes
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  • City of Jacksonville Adaptive Recreation Department: The City of Jacksonville Disabled Services Division is proud to partner with many local rehabilitation and non-profit agencies to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate in sports in our City Parks, compete against local and national athletes, and improve their quality of life and athletic ability across a wide range of sports and recreational activities. 
  • ​YMCA Adaptive Fitness Classes : Partnering with Brooks Rehab, YMCA offers Wellness Programs and fitness classes for people living with Brain Injury, MS, Parkinson's, and Stroke
  • Brooks Rehab Adaptive Recreation Programs: Brooks Adaptive Sports and Recreation is fortunate to have forged relationships with many community partners whose work benefits our participants and their families.  Please visit this page often as we will be showcasing a limited selection of upcoming Community Events that may be of interest to you!
  • City of Jacksonville  Fitness Classes with MS Society: MS Exercise class is a group fitness class tailored to those living with MS. The class is offered at The Brooks Family YMCA twice a week and is one hour long. During this fitness class, participants engage in various exercise approaches and techniques. 
  • oMS Yoga : Our mission is to awaken potential, empower confidence, and inspire possibilities, through yoga, in the lives of people living with Multiple Sclerosis.
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 Local Support Groups

  • ​The ALS Association Florida Chapter offers monthly educational and support group meetings for persons with ALS and family members. Group meets the first Wednesday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Southeast Regional Branch Library, (Meeting Room A), 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Contact Judie Benwick for more information at 888-257-1717 ext. 112.
 
  •  ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Lou Gehrig’s Disease Support Group Scheduled Meetings: first Saturday of each month, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Location: St. Vincent’s Hospital Southside-Auditorium C (first floor), 4201 Belfort Rd. (at Intersection of J. Turner Butler Blvd.), Jacksonville, FL 32216. Contact: Judie Benwick, MSH, MPH, Care Coordinator, The ALS Association, Florida Chapter (Toll-free) (888) 257-1717, ext. 112 or (Jacksonville) (904) 688-0886.
 
  •  Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia Education Series and Caregiver Support Group Scheduled Meetings: first Thursday of each month from noon to 1:30 p.m. Location: Mayo Clinic Florida, Cannaday Building, Kinne Auditorium, room 1107. 4500 San Pablo Rd., Jacksonville, FL. Call: (904) 953-6523 or email MCJMemoryDC@mayo.edu
 
  • Brain Injury Support Group Inpatient Brain Injury Group (Understanding Brain Injury). Scheduled Meetings: Monday-Friday, 3:00-3:30 p.m. Location: Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital, 2nd floor day room (2104). Contact: Therapy Manager, (904) 858-7789; Program Assistant (904) 858-7650
 
  • Brain Aneurysm & AVM Support Group Scheduled Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of every month, 6:00-7:30 p.m.Location: WJCT News Station; 100 Festival Park Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32202  Contact: Charu Raheja charu@niekrofoundation.org
 
  • Caregivers Support Group explores the rewards and challenges of caring for a loved one. We are a monthly support group for family members and caregivers of neurology patients, meets the second Tuesday of each month from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the UF Health Jacksonville Tower I, 580 West 8th St., first floor, Blue Room. Join us as we look to encourage each other, share information, experiences and provide resources to help better care for our loved ones. For more information, call Crystal Adams, MSW, at 904-244-9969 or email Crystal.Adams@jax.ufl.edu.
 
  •  Complex Regional Pain Syndrome  Scheduled Meetings: every 3rd Thursday of each Month, 6:00 p.m. Location: Brooks Rehabilitation Healthcare Plaza 3901 University Blvd. S., Jacksonville, FL 32216 (conference room) Contact: Anita Davis (904) 345-7259 or Anita.Davis@brooksrehab.org
 
  • Epilepsy Support Group, a monthly support group for seizure/epilepsy patients, caregivers and the community. The group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month—January through October—from 6 to 8 p.m. at the UF Health Jacksonville Tower I, 580 West 8th St., second floor, Mason Room. For more information, call 904-244-9970.
 
  • Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets every other month beginning in January on the first Thursday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the UF Health Jacksonville Tower II, 580 West 8th St., tenth floor, Banquet Room. All community patients, caregivers and families are welcome to attend free of charge. These are physician-directed educational sessions that address all aspects of multiple sclerosis care and research. For more information, contact Adam Chaifetz DC, MSCS, MS program coordinator, at 904-244-9538.
 
  • Myasthenia Gravis Support Group, a monthly support group for Myasthenia Gravis patients and their families, meets on the first Saturday (every even month) from 1 to 3 p.m. at the UF Health Jacksonville Tower II, 580 West 8th St., first floor, Blue Room. For more information, call 904-244-9922.​
 
  •  Memory Loss Support Group Scheduled Meetings: 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Location: Council on Aging RIVER HOUSE, 179 Marine St., St. Augustine, FL 32084. Call: Paulette Kozlowski RN, (904) 209-3674
 
  • Parkinson Support Group, meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (holiday schedules may vary) on the UF Health Jacksonville campus in the Towers, 580 West 8th St. Signs will be posted at the entrance indicating which conference room and directions. For information, please call 904-244-9719.
 
  • Parkinson’s Disease and Related Diseases Education Series Support Group Scheduled Meetings: first Wednesday of each month from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Location: Mayo Clinic Florida, room 1107 in the Cannaday Building4500 San Pablo Rd., Jacksonville, FL. Call: (904) 953-6523 to confirm or for more information.
 
  • Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group meets on the second Saturday of odd months (January, March, May, July, September, and November) from 10-11:30 a.m. at the UF Health Jacksonville at the Towers, 580 West 8th St. Signs will be posted at the entrance indicating which conference room and directions. For more information, please call 904-244-9719.
 
  •  “Savvy Caregiver” Support Group Location: St. Johns County COA Coastal Community Center, 180 Marine St., St. Augustine. Call: Paulette Kozlowski RN, (904) 209-3674 for more info or to register.
 
  • Spinal Cord Injury Support Group, a monthly support group, meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the UF Health Jacksonville campus in the Learning Resource Center, 553-1 West 8th St., first floor, Birch-Cherry Room. Buffet lunch provided. For more information, call 904-244-4427.
 
  • Stroke Busters, a monthly support group for stroke patients and their families, meets on the third Thursday of every month (except December) from 10 a.m. to noon at UF Health Jacksonville Tower II, 580 West 8th St., tenth floor, Banquet Room. A free lunch is provided. For more information, call 904-244-9971
 
  • Stroke Sense Education Series This is a monthly educational series for stroke survivors and their families. First Tuesday of each month 11 a.m. to noon Mangurian Building Room 1602 of Mayo Clinic of Florida  Information: 904-953-2903 Jessica Talbot or email flastrokesupportgroup@mayo.edu
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  •  Brooks Rehabilitation Support Group (for those living with a Disability and their family and friends). Everyone is welcome to come to share and provide support. Scheduled meetings: last Thursday of each month, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Location: Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital. Contact: Rita Tomi (904) 345-6823 or Alice Krauss (904) 910-9738 
  

Funding and Assistance


Grants and Financial Assistance
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  • COJ Nonprofit Gateway for Grants and Assistance: The Office of Grants and Compliance works to obtain federal, state and private funding to increase the City of Jacksonville's capacity and capability to provide services to residents.​
  • Grants For Housing To Serve Persons With Developmental Disabilities: Florida Housing Finance Corporation: Florida Housing’s evaluation process for competitive development applications includes the extent of funds from local and other sources used to leverage these grant funds; employment opportunities and supports that will be available to residents of the housing; a plan for residents to effectively access community-based services, resources, and amenities; and partnerships with other supportive services agencies.
  • FAAST New Horizons Loan Program : Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology offers low interest loans available for vehicle modification, telework business loans to get you back in the workplace, assistive devices, and home modification.
  • The ACCESS (Automated Community Connection to Economic Self Sufficiency ) Florida Program helps to promote strong and economically self-sufficient communities by providing food, cash and medical assistance to individuals and families on the road to economic recovery.​
  • Able Trust supports individuals, non-profit organizations and vocational rehabilitation programs throughout Florida with fund-raising, grant making and public awareness of disability issues. Able Trust offers grants to individuals in a variety of areas including equipment needed for employment and employment assistance that could not be provided by an agency of the State of Florida or in emergency situations. Individual grants for on-the-job accommodation average $2,000-$3,000.
  • Ability Housing of Northeast Florida provides quality, affordable, community-inclusive housing for individuals and families at risk of homelessness and adults with disabilities. Fulfilling this mission is provides the most essential element of success for any person – a safe, stable place to live; a place of their own to call home.

​​Prescription Drug Assistance
  • GoodRx : GoodRx is a startup company which operates a free-to-use website and mobile app that tracks prescription drug prices and offers drug coupons throughout the United States.
  • ​Walmart $4 Prescription List : Walmart offers $4 30 day supply of many generic medications, and 9 day supply for just $10. No insurance necessary. Use this link to search for your medication in their database, sorted by diagnosis.
  • Publix Pharmacy Free Medication Program offers select meds for free! Publix also has a 90 Day Supply  for only $7.50 Med List for the next best thing to free medication. 

Additional Local Assistance 
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  • Connectable Nonprofit Directory: Northeast Florida has a strong community network of nonprofits that serve as a unique, positive system of care for those with IDDs.
    For more information about local nonprofits that work with people with IDDs, search for nonprofit that meets your needs or review the comprehensive list here.
  • City of Jacksonville Disabled Services: The overall goal of the Disabled Services Division is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by addressing, researching and attempting to resolve the many barriers they encounter. ​
  • Agency for Persons with Disabilities Northeast Office
    3631 Hodges Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32224
    Phone: 1-844-766-7517
  • The MS Society North Florida Chapter The Society offers many programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Find resources in your area to learn, connect, and get support. 
  • JT Townsend Foundation JTTF is dedicated to providing hope to the community of people living with disabilities by offering financial assistance for adaptive equipment and services that will improve their quality of life.
  • Blake Bortles Foundation The quarterback of the Jacksonville Jaguars established the Blake Bortles Foundation to give back to the Jacksonville and Oviedo communities, providing opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They partner with the ARC to support their Summer LIFE Experience Program and provide scholarships.
  • Community-Care Giving
    Free confidential service for St. Johns County residents and families to help assess your needs and provide access to services
    ccg@stjohnscoa.com (904) 209-3674
    Free six week training program for caregivers

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*This website was created using a variety of sources including the online resources listed, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition*