University of Central Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)
We are excited to announce our partnership with the University of Central Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)!!
At CARD, their mission is to “educate and empower individuals and families throughout the lifespan by providing support, assistance, and awareness within the community, with the goal of optimizing the potential of all individuals with autism and related disabilities; and to provide training that enables professionals to deliver evidence-based treatments to achieve optimal outcomes.”
When my son was first diagnosed in 2014, UCF CARD was a wealth of information for me in learning how to best help and understand my child and his diagnosis. I attended several of the parent training classes they offered and it is there that I first learned helpful strategies to support him in his day to day executive functioning challenges. They also taught me about breakdowns that could potentially occur in the educational setting so I knew what to look for and how to advocate for my child in those scenarios. These courses came at a time when I was completely overwhelmed and unsure of where to start in helping my child.
They are committed to providing families and area professionals with the tools they need to best help individuals with Autism and related disabilities. The University of Central Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities provides services within the geographical region that includes Orange, Lake, Osceola, Sumter, Brevard, Volusia, and Seminole Counties.
CARD is founded on the strong belief that:
• All people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, have the right to live as full participants in society.
• All people have the right to be treated with dignity and understanding.
• People with disabilities are members of families. All families have strengths and capacities and have the right to be treated with sensitivity and respect, and as integral members of a person's system of support.
• People with autism and related disabilities have the right to be regarded as individuals who need services and supports that are based on their unique characteristics
For more information, you can call 407-823-6011. Visit their website here to find out more about their services and view the calendar of events.
Christina Marinelli
Community Outreach Coordinator, EMT-B and Parent Advocate
christina@collaborativecorner.org