8th Annual Connecting the Dots Conference

Please join us for our 8th Annual Connecting the Dots Conference.

Doors Open at 8:00 am

The Annual Connecting the Dots Conference, hosted by Family Care Council Area 4, represents a multi-agency collaboration focused on addressing the unique needs of individuals and families impacted by intellectual and developmental differences (IDD), early developmental delays, medical complexities, and related disabilities. Through this annual community outreach, we guide families toward their next steps, help them prepare for the future, provide up-to-date information, answer questions, and equip them with essential knowledge.

Family Care Council Area 4 is committed to uplifting families in our region through community partnership and collaboration. No matter where you find yourself on this journey, our conference will provide you with essential information, valuable resources, and an opportunity to explore options that may enrich the lives of your family and loved one. Join us in Connecting the Dots for a better today, tomorrow, and future.

In 1993, the Florida Legislature created the Family Care Councils of Florida. Each Family Care Council is comprised of families walking this path together and the individuals who motivate their participation. Our mission is to educate and empower individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, partnering with our community and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, to bring quality services to individuals with dignity and choice.

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We are honored to welcome our keynote speaker, Director Taylor Hatch, Agency for Persons with Disabilities.

The conference offers three subsequent breakout sessions with a variety of topics, such as:

• Healthy living strategies
• Navigating the APD Medwaiver
• Medicaid, Medicare, & Waiver services
• State and Government Services
• Sibling support
• Caregiver support
• Transition
• Behavior supports
• Future planning and Guardianship
• Youth mental health
• Financial strategies
• Exceptional Education (EE)
• Communication skills for those with limited verbal skills
• Early Intervention
• Advocacy
• Middle Childhood
• Innovation

A screening of the powerful documentary “UNSEEN” will take place at this year’s conference.

An impressive lineup of community resource agencies and providers will be exhibiting to provide families with valuable access to information and services.

Childcare is NOT available for this event.

Accommodations:

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront (3.9 miles away)

1201 RiverPlace Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207

Reservation:  833-304-1375

Hotel Website

Directions from Hotel to Schultz Center

• Mention the 8th Annual Connecting the Dots Conference for a discounted rate of $139 per night with complimentary overnight self parking

If ASL services or other accommodations are needed, please indicate on your registration.

Scholarships:

Limited Scholarships are available by contacting the Organizer at the following email address: connectingthedotsjax@gmail.com Subject Line: Scholarship

Active Duty Military Scholarships are available (ID required at event check-in), inquire at connectingthedotsjax@gmail.com Subject Line: Military

Please let us know in your correspondence, if you are a: parent, caregiver, guardian, provider, educator, veteran, or active duty military and what you hope to gain by attending the Conference.

Sponsored by: Family Care Council Area 4/Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), ConnectAble Jax, UF -Jax CARD/ FDLRS-MDC, The Morris Center, City of Jacksonville Disabled Services, Soundwave Music Therapy, The Arc Jacksonville, The Arc of the St. Johns, Family Network on Disabilities, Parents Offering Parents Information and Networking (POPIN), Eagle Strategies, Bright Feats Northeast Florida, PossAbilities Plus, and the Maxwell Fane Foundation, Comcast, Developmental Learning Center, Able United, MassMutual SpecialCare, DiFranza Law, and FDLRS CROWN.

Useful Links

Family Care Council Area 4

Agency for Persons with Disabilities

UF-Jax CARD/FDLRS-MDC

ConnectAble Jax

City of Jacksonville Disabled Services

The Morris Center

The Arc Jacksonville

The Arc of the St. Johns

Family Network on Disabilities (FND)

Parents Offering Parents Information and Networking (POPIN)

Bright Feats Northeast Florida

Eagle Strategies

PossAbilities Plus

Developental Learning Center

Able United

Soundwave Music Therapy

MassMutual SpecialCare

FDLRS Crown

DiFranza Law