Your Trusted Support Coordinators

Waiver Support Services in Central Florida are part of Florida’s Medicaid Waiver Program, designed to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The goal is to provide personalized services that promote independence, community integration, and improved quality of life.

Key Features of Waiver Support Services:

1. Individualized Support Plans (ISP): Each participant receives a tailored plan developed collaboratively by the participant, their family, and their Waiver Support Coordinator (WSC). The plan outlines goals and services based on the individual’s unique needs.

2. Wide Range of Services:

• Personal Supports: Assistance with daily activities such as grooming, bathing, meal preparation, and mobility.

• Respite Care: Temporary relief for primary caregivers.

• Supported Employment: Job coaching and placement services to help individuals secure and maintain employment.

• Behavioral Analysis: Professional support to address behavioral challenges and promote positive behavior.

• Transportation: Access to transportation for medical appointments, work, and community events.

• Therapeutic Services: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy as needed.

3. Eligibility:

• Participants must be diagnosed with a developmental disability such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida, or Prader-Willi syndrome, or must be diagnosed with an intellectual disability before age 18.

• Individuals must qualify for Medicaid and reside in Florida.

4. Role of the Waiver Support Coordinator (WSC):

Waiver Support Coordinators act as advocates and navigators for participants, ensuring access to the appropriate services and resources. They oversee the implementation of the ISP, monitor progress, and adjust services as needed.

 5. Central Florida Service Areas:The Central Region includes key counties such as Orange, Brevard, Seminole, Osceola, Polk, and Volusia. Service providers in these areas work collaboratively with families, local agencies, and community organizations to deliver high-quality support.Benefits of Waiver Support Services:• Encourages participants to live more independently.• Relieves caregiver stress through additional resources and support.• Fosters inclusion and active participation in community life.• Promotes skill development and self-sufficiency.

How to Apply for Services

To apply for waiver services in Central Florida, individuals can contact the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Regional Office or their local Medicaid office.

 The process involves an application, eligibility determination, and placement on a waitlist if immediate services are unavailable.

Resources and Contact Information:• Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD): https://apd.myflorida.com• 

Waiver Support Coordinator Search Tool: Available on the APD website.• 

Central Region Contact Numbers: Specific numbers for each county are listed on the APD Regional Office webpage.

By leveraging these services, individuals with developmental disabilities in Central Florida can achieve greater independence, meet personal goals, and thrive within their communities.