Family Network on Disabilities of Florida

The Parent Education Network (PEN) Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), is the Parent Training Information (PTI) center for Southeast and Central Florida of Florida (Broward, Indian River, Lake, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, and St. Lucie counties.). These PTI services help to ensure that parents of children with the full range of disabilities have the training and information they need to prepare their children for not only school but to be able to lead productive, independent lives to the fullest extent possible. PEN offers free help and information to families of students with disabilities and the professionals that serve them. The main focus is on the educational needs of students with disabilities.

The Parent Support Network (PSN) Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), is the Parent Training Information (PTI) center for the West Coast of Florida Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, and Sumter counties;. These PTI services help to ensure that parents of children with the full range of disabilities have the training and information they need to prepare their children for not only school but to be able to lead productive, independent lives to the fullest extent possible. PSN offers free help and information to families of students with disabilities and the professionals that serve them. The main focus is on the educational needs of students with disabilities.

The Parents Offering Parents Information and Networking (POPIN) Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), provides parent training and information (PTI) services to the Panhandle of Florida, Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Marion, Nassau, Okaloosa, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Seminole, St. Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties. These PTI services help to ensure that the parents of children with the full range of disabilities have the training and information they need to prepare their children for not only school but to be able to lead productive, independent lives to the fullest extent possible. POPIN offers free help and information to families of students with disabilities and the professionals that serve them. The main focus is on the educational needs of students with disabilities.

The Family STAR project assists families of children with special health care needs to make informed decisions about their child's healthcare. Understanding the health care system is a difficult task for many of us. Family Star provides training on understanding the service and health care systems, transitioning from pediatric to adult health care services, and helps families understand their rights and options. The Family STAR project also assists youths with special needs by providing youth leadership and mentoring, technical assistance and resources. Another source of support is offered through the Parent to Parent Support Group program. This program is part of a national organization supporting families touched by disability, special health care needs, or mental health issues. The program matches support parents with referred parents as closely as possible, based on several criteria. These conditions help build relationships and help parents share their feelings and experiences in a positive manner.