For Continuously Updated Information on Workshops/Conferences and Much More, Go to FDLRS

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

(updated as of January 19, 2016)

For continuously updated information on workshops/conferences and much more, go to FDLRS Parent Services website at .

February 2016

Family Retreat – Spina Bifida

Sponsored by Deliver the Dream Foundation – for families who have a child with spina bifida.

When: Feb. 5-7, 2016

Where: The Florida FFA Leadership Training Center, Haines City, FL

For more information, go to or call (888)687-3732 or email

Parent University

The school district of Pinellas County is having a series of workshops aimed at helping parents to assist and enhance their child’s learning. Childcare available for students in K through 5th grade for those who preregister.

When: Saturday Feb. 6 from 8am to noon

Where: Countryside High School, 3000 SR580, Clearwater

To register, go to or call (813)274-0968.

Sensory Friendly Film – Kung Fu Panda 3

Provides families with varying abilities the opportunity to enjoy a family friendly film where kids can be kids in a safe and accepting environment.

When: Saturday Feb. 6 at 10am

Where: Cobb Theatres-Countryside 12, 27001 US Hwy. 19N, Clearwater

Where: Cobb Theatres-Grove 16, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel

Low Tech and High Tech Tools for Infants and Toddlers

This workshop will show you some easy low tech ideas to help your developing infant or toddler by using everyday and recycled items around your home. We will also share some of the ideas and fascination of using high-tech tools (such as the iPad) with your child; in addition to the cautions and concerns with overuse of these items.

When: Wednesday Feb. 10, 2016 from 6 to 7:30pm

Where: All Children’s Hospital-East Lake Outpatient Care Center, 3850 Tampa Rd., Palm Harbor

Please RSVP to Paula Keyser at (727)767-6705 or .

Pizza with the Professionals – It’s All About Therapy

Sponsored by the Autism Center at All Children’s Hospital.

When: Thursday Feb. 11, 2016 from 6:30 to 8pm

Where: All Children’s Education & Conference Center, 701 4th St. South, St. Petersburg

RSVP to (727)767-2886

Low Tech and High Tech Tools for Infants and Toddlers

When: Friday Feb. 12, 2016 from 3 to 4:30pm

Where: New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills

Please RSVP to Paula Keyser at (727)767-6705 or .

Night to Shine

Invitation-only prom event for people with special needs sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Invitations extended through host churches throughout the United States.

When: Friday Feb. 12, 2016 from 6 to 9pm

Where: Harborside Christian Church, 2200 Marshall St., Safety Harbor

When: Friday Feb. 12, 2016

Where: Trinity New Life, 11134 Challenger Ave., Odessa

Call (727)858-7206.

Great Connections for Children with Special Needs and their Families

Great Explorations will close to the general public, modify lights and sounds, and provide a “cool down” room for families on the second Sunday of the month.

When: Sunday Feb. 14, 2016 from 10am to noon

Where: Great Explorations Children’s Museum, 1925 4th St. North, St. Petersburg

Cost: $5 per person (free for members)

Visit for more information.

Low Tech and High Tech Tools for Infants and Toddlers

When: Tuesday Feb. 16, 2016 from 4 to 5:30pm

Where: Regency Park Branch Library, 9701 Little Rd., New Port Richey

Please RSVP to Paula Keyser at (727)767-6705 or .

Guardian Advocacy: A Parent’s Perspective

Presented by Diane Sare-parent and Barbara Shannon-school psychologist. This workshop will supply both instruction and materials on how to file and gain Guardian Advocacy of an Adult Dependent with Development Disabilities in Pinellas County. Discussion will also assist in understanding the legal and medical ramifications to consider when a student reaches the age of 18.

When: Thursday Feb. 18, 2016 from 6 to 7:30pm

Where: Hamilton Disston (cafeteria), 5125 11th Ave. S., Gulfport

To register, contact Barbara Shannon at or (727)669-1220, ext. 2032.

Navigating Support in Higher Education for Students with ASD

Presented by Claire Schutte, PsyD, BCBA-D, as part of the Autism Research Institute sponsored webinar series.

When: Wednesday Feb. 18, 2016 from 1 to 2pm

Game and Movie Night

Grab your friends and come out for a fun night of games. We will also have an area where you can watch a movie. This is a fun, safe, social activity for individuals with disabilities aged 18 and up.

When: Friday Feb. 19, 2016 from 7 to 9pm

Where: Tarpon Springs Community Center, 400 South Walton Ave., Tarpon Springs

Cost: $5 per person

Contact Ashley Friend-Harter at (727)942-5628, ext. 2 or for more information.

Low Tech and High Tech Tools for Infants and Toddlers

When: Wednesday Feb. 24, 2016 from 6 to 7:30pm

Where: All Children’s Hospital-Pasco Outpatient Care Center, 4443 Rowan Rd., New Port Richey

Please RSVP to Paula Keyser at (727)767-6705 or .

The Apraxia 1010 Parent Seminar

This free workshop provides an overview of childhood apraxia of speech specifically for parents and caregivers.

When: Thursday Feb. 25, 2016 from 6 to 9pm

Where: Great Explorations Children’s Museum, 1925 4th St. North, St. Petersburg

You must register to attend at or contact Rachel Anderson (727)204-5170 for more information.

2016 Disability Awareness 5K Walk & Roll and Family Fun Run

Welcome serious runners, casual walkers, and more! ALL of the funds raised from this event are used to send Hernando County students to enrichment programs over the summer.

When: Saturday Feb. 27, 2016 at 8am

Where: West Hernando Middle School, 14325 Ken Austin Pkwy, Brooksville

For more information contact Rebecca at (352)797-7022.

Parents United with Leaders, Students, and Educators (PULSE) Conference

This is a free conference with over 50 breakout sessions for students with disabilities, their families, educators and more.

When: Saturday Feb. 27, 2016

Where: Freedom High School, 2500 Taft Vineland Rd., Orlando

For more information contact or (407)256-4212.

Just Behave! Understanding the Behavioral Challenges of Students with ASD to Foster Behavioral Change through the Use of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) for Social Skills Development and Instruction

Presented by Susan Stokes, M.A., CCC-SLP, ED. Autism for all audiences.

When: Monday Feb. 29, 2016 from 8am to 3:30pm

Where: Holiday Inn & Suites, 5905 Kirkman Rd., Orlando

For more information, visit

March 2016

Low Tech and High Tech Tools for Infants and Toddlers

When: Tuesday March 1, 2016 from 6 to 7:30pm

Where: All Children’s Hospital Education and Conference Center, 701 4th Street South, St. Petersburg

Please RSVP to Paula Keyser at (727)767-6705 or .

Pasco County Schools ESE District Advisory Committee

Composed of parents, teachers, administrators, and community representatives. Focus is to share information, brainstorm ideas, discuss concerns, and provide input on current ESE initiatives.

When: Wednesday March 2, 2016 from 6 to 8pm

Where: Odessa Elementary School, 12810 Interlaken Rd., New Port Richey (in Media Center)

For more information, contact Nina Gregory at or call (727)774-2630.

Low Tech and High Tech Tools for Infants and Toddlers

When: Thursday March 3, 2016 from 1 to 2:30pm

Where: Land O’Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes

Please RSVP to Paula Keyser at (727)767-6705 or .

Sensory Friendly Film – Zootopia

Provides families with varying abilities the opportunity to enjoy a family friendly film where kids can be kids in a safe and accepting environment.

When: Saturday March 5 at 10am

Where: Cobb Theatres-Countryside 12, 27001 US Hwy. 19N, Clearwater

Where: Cobb Theatres-Grove 16, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel

Family Retreat – Autism Spectrum Disorder

Sponsored by Deliver the Dream Foundation – for families who have a child with an autism spectrum disorder or a related disability.

When: March 11-13, 2016

Where: Cerveny Conference Center, Live Oak, FL

For more information, go to or call (888)687-3732 or email

Great Connections for Children with Special Needs and their Families

Great Explorations will close to the general public, modify lights and sounds, and provide a “cool down” room for families on the second Sunday of the month.

When: Sunday March 13, 2016 from 10am to noon

Where: Great Explorations Children’s Museum, 1925 4th St. North, St. Petersburg

Cost: $5 per person (free for members)

Visit for more information.

Low Tech and High Tech Tools for Infants and Toddlers

When: Tuesday March 15, 2016 from 6 to 7:30pm

Where: Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Dr., Largo

Please RSVP to Paula Keyser at (727)767-6705 or .

Neurodiversity in ASD

Presented by Manuel Casanova, M.D., as part of the Autism Research Institute sponsored webinar series.

When: Wednesday March 16, 2016 from 1 to 2pm

Pinellas County Schools ESE Advisory

Welcomes parents, students, community agencies, school, and district staff who are interested in exceptional student education in Pinellas County Schools to discuss various topics.

When: Wednesday March 16, 2016 from 6 to 8pm

Where: Pinellas Administration Building, 301 4th St. SW, Largo (Room B-213)

RSVP to Tracy McMannus at (727)588-6062 or

Don’t Forget Siblings – They Need Help Too!

Presented by Kelly Barnhill, MBA, CN, CCN, as part of the Autism Research Institute sponsored webinar series.

When: Wednesday March 23, 2016 from 1 to 2pm

April 2016

An Introduction to the Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Presented by Alan Gutierrez, MS, RD, LD, as part of the Autism Research Institute sponsored webinar series.

When: Thursday April 7, 2016 from 1 to 2pm

Great Connections for Children with Special Needs and their Families

Great Explorations will close to the general public, modify lights and sounds, and provide a “cool down” room for families on the second Sunday of the month.

When: Sunday April 10, 2016 from 10am to noon

Where: Great Explorations Children’s Museum, 1925 4th St. North, St. Petersburg

Cost: $5 per person (free for members)

Visit for more information.

Nina Harris Community Outreach Fair

All are welcome to come and meet with local and state agencies, support groups, financial/health providers, recreation groups, etc. that service those with disabilities.

When: Tuesday April 12, 2016 from 6:30 to 8pm

Where: Nina Harris Exceptional Student Center (Hallway), 6000 70th Avenue, Pinellas Park

Pizza with the Professionals – Challenging Behaviors

Sponsored by the Autism Center at All Children’s Hospital.

When: Thursday Apr. 14, 2016 from 6:30 to 8pm

Where: All Children’s Education & Conference Center, 701 4th St. South, St. Petersburg

RSVP to (727)767-2886

Utilizing Students’ Interests to Teach Social Skills

Presented by Amanda Tami, LPC, BCBA, as part of the Autism Research Institute sponsored webinar series.

When: Thursday April 21, 2016 from 1 to 2pm

Family Retreat – Down Syndrome

Sponsored by Deliver the Dream Foundation – for families who have a child with Down syndrome.

When: April 22-24, 2016

Where: The Florida FFA Leadership Training Center, Haines City, FL

For more information, go to or call (888)687-3732 or email

Sensory Friendly Film – Ratchet & Clank

Provides families with varying abilities the opportunity to enjoy a family friendly film where kids can be kids in a safe and accepting environment.

When: Saturday April 30 at 10am

Where: Cobb Theatres-Countryside 12, 27001 US Hwy. 19N, Clearwater

Where: Cobb Theatres-Grove 16, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel

May 2016

Hydration: How Much is Enough?

Presented by Alan Gutierrez, MS, RD, LD, as part of the Autism Research Institute sponsored webinar series.

When: Friday May 6, 2016 from 1 to 2pm

Great Connections for Children with Special Needs and their Families

Great Explorations will close to the general public, modify lights and sounds, and provide a “cool down” room for families on the second Sunday of the month.

When: Sunday May 8, 2016 from 10am to noon

Where: Great Explorations Children’s Museum, 1925 4th St. North, St. Petersburg

Cost: $5 per person (free for members)

Visit for more information.

Practical Strategies for Building a Healthy Meal Plan

Presented by Kelly Barnhill, MBA, CN, CCN, as part of the Autism Research Institute sponsored webinar series.

When: Wednesday May 11, 2016 from 1 to 2pm

Pasco County Schools ESE District Advisory Committee

Composed of parents, teachers, administrators, and community representatives. Focus is to share information, brainstorm ideas, discuss concerns, and provide input on current ESE initiatives.

When: Wednesday May 11, 2016 from 6 to 8pm

Where: Odessa Elementary School, 12810 Interlaken Rd., New Port Richey (in Media Center)

For more information, contact Nina Gregory at or call (727)774-2630.

Pinellas County Schools ESE Advisory

Welcomes parents, students, community agencies, school, and district staff who are interested in exceptional student education in Pinellas County Schools to discuss various topics.

When: Wednesday May 18, 2016 from 6 to 8pm

Where: Pinellas Administration Building, 301 4th St. SW, Largo (Room B-213)

RSVP to Tracy McMannus at (727)588-6062 or

Nutrition and Adolescents

Presented by Kelly Barnhill, MBA, CN, CCN, as part of the Autism Research Institute sponsored webinar series.

When: Thursday May 19, 2016 from 1 to 2pm

Family Retreat – Blood Disorder

Sponsored by Deliver the Dream Foundation – for families who have a child with a blood disorder.

When: May 20-22, 2016

Where: The Florida FFA Leadership Training Center, Haines City, FL

For more information, go to or call (888)687-3732 or email

Sensory Friendly Film – The Angry Birds Movie

Provides families with varying abilities the opportunity to enjoy a family friendly film where kids can be kids in a safe and accepting environment.

When: Saturday May 21 at 10am

Where: Cobb Theatres-Countryside 12, 27001 US Hwy. 19N, Clearwater

Where: Cobb Theatres-Grove 16, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel

June 2016

Overview of the DSM-5 Changes to the Diagnosis of ASD

Presented by Claire Schutte, PsyD, BCBA-D, as part of the Autism Research Institute sponsored webinar series.

When: Thursday June 2, 2016 from 1 to 2pm

Law Enforcement Issues and ASD

Presented by Kimberly Taylor, J.D., as part of the Autism Research Institute sponsored webinar series.

When: Wednesday June 8, 2016 from 1 to 2pm

Pizza with the Professionals – Transition to Adulthood/Guardianship

Sponsored by the Autism Center at All Children’s Hospital.

When: Thursday June 9, 2016 from 6:30 to 8pm

Where: All Children’s Education & Conference Center, 701 4th St. South, St. Petersburg

RSVP to (727)767-2886

Family Retreat – Death of a Loved One

Sponsored by Deliver the Dream Foundation – for families who have experienced the death of a loved one.

When: June 10-12, 2016

Where: The Florida FFA Leadership Training Center, Haines City, FL

For more information, go to or call (888)687-3732 or email

Great Connections for Children with Special Needs and their Families

Great Explorations will close to the general public, modify lights and sounds, and provide a “cool down” room for families on the second Sunday of the month.

When: Sunday June 12, 2016 from 10am to noon

Where: Great Explorations Children’s Museum, 1925 4th St. North, St. Petersburg

Cost: $5 per person (free for members)

Visit for more information.

18th Annual Family Cafe

Over 160 breakout sessions addressing a wide range of disability-related topics, from information on specific disabilities to financial management, youth issues, special education, assistive technology, and more. Last year almost 9,000 attended this free conference.

When: June 10-12, 2016 (registration opens Feb. 14, 2016)

Where: Hyatt Regency, 9801 International Dr., Orlando (407)284-1234

For more information, go to or call (888)309-2233.

Effects of Medical Experiences on Early Development

Presented by Jeanna Hill, M.S., CCLS, as part of the Autism Research Institute sponsored webinar series.

When: Thursday June 16, 2016 from 1 to 2pm

Sensory Friendly Film – Finding Dory

Provides families with varying abilities the opportunity to enjoy a family friendly film where kids can be kids in a safe and accepting environment.

When: Saturday June 18 at 10am

Where: Cobb Theatres-Countryside 12, 27001 US Hwy. 19N, Clearwater

Where: Cobb Theatres-Grove 16, 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel