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Community Supports

The Social Inclusion Project

Historically, students with Developmental Disabilities (DD), even those attending programs in inclusive settings, have not participated in the activities that occur beyond the academic school day.  Research clearly supports the benefits of inclusion for students with and without disabilities.  SIP results in positive educational and social outcomes for all students involved. The Social Inclusion Project provides a framework to support the vision of including students with developmental disabilities.

The Florida Center for Inclusive Communities is a partner with the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Florida Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, and Florida Inclusion Network and in the development success of the Social Inclusion Project (SIP). SIP focuses on creating social opportunities for students with and without developmental disabilities to interact in social activities that are already established in middle and high schools throughout Florida. If you would like to learn more about SIP or are interested in starting SIP at your school or in your district, contact Nila Benito at benito@fmhi.usf.edu . Please click here for the project replication manual.

Friends Learning You Need One World

Friends Learning You Need One World (FLY NOW), is a program that focuses on developing friendships between kids with developmental disabilities and typical children. The FLY NOW program has gained statewide support and recognition and is ready for replication in new communities.

Each FLY NOW program matches age-appropriate peer buddies for each child with a developmental disabilities. Program participants get together at least once a month for recreational activities such as sports games, swimming, or the movies. All FLY NOW activities emphasize the development of age-appropriate peer relationships, an appreciation for diversity, and most of all having lots of fun. If you are interested in learning more about FLY NOW, please contact Nila Benito at benito@fmhi.usf.edu

The Diagnostic Adaptive Behavior Scale

The Florida Center for Inclusive Communities is providing leadership in this project that focuses on developing an assessment instrument that will provide precise “diagnostic” information around the cutoff point where an individual is deemed to present “significant limitations” in adaptive behavior. The development of the Diagnostic Adaptive Behavior Scale (DABS) is critical in the area of diagnosis of intellectual/developmental disabilities and in the determination of eligibility for services and benefits. This five-year project involves collaborators from across the United States and Europe. Funding of this research is provided by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities http://www.aaidd.org Please contact Marc J. Tassé for more information at: mtasse@fmhi.usf.edu

Sexuality & Developmental Disabilities Across the Lifespan

• The subject of sexuality can be daunting. Add to the mix a physical or cognitive disability and you may find yourself feeling totally unprepared to deal with the subject matter.
  
  Staff from the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities have collaborated with the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council and University of Albany, Center of Intellectual Disabilities to create an easy to use workbook for families and educators of individuals with developmental disabilities.
  
  We are all sexual beings from the day we are born. Sexuality is the exploration of ourselves - our physical bodies, our emotions, our self-worth and image, and our interrelations with others. It is one of the most basic human instincts, and no matter what level our learning abilities, it is a natural part of being human to have the desire to discover what our bodies are all about.
  
  This Instructional Manual and Resource Guide are designed to help educators and family members assist individuals with developmental disabilities in their exploration of self and sexuality.
  
  Click here for the Educator Sexuality Workbook in English
  Click here for the Educator Sexuality Workbook in Spanish
  Click here for the Parent Sexuality Workbook in English
  Click here for the Parent Sexuality Workbook in Spanish