Summary of Services
- Statewide support for families of children and individuals with disabilities
- Training and educational workshops on disability-related topics, rights, and services
- Peer-to-peer information sharing and networking
- Support for healthcare decision-making and care coordination
- Workshops and Trainings (Complimentary)
- Parent support groups and leadership development
- Assistance with establishing and managing: Individual Special Needs Trusts, National, and family pooled trusts
- Financial assistance for Florida residents with disabilities (ages 18–24)
Empowering Families with Knowledge to Advocate for Children with Disabilities
Founded in the 1980s by parents of children with disabilities, the Family Network on Disabilities (FND) remains committed to strengthening families and improving outcomes for individuals with disabilities. FND supports families through Parents Offering Parents Information and Networking (POPIN), the Parent Support Network (PSN), the Parent Education Network (PEN), Family STAR, the Parent-to-Parent Program, Special Needs Trust Administration services, and the Jan LaBelle Scholarship Program.
While the availability of some services varies by county, St. Johns County residents have access to POPIN, Family STAR, the Parent-to-Parent Program, Special Needs Trust services, and the Jan LaBelle Scholarship Program. In addition to these core offerings, FND hosts special events and maintains an extensive information hub that connects families to resources related to special education, healthcare, disability services, and community supports.
Creating a Sense of Community for Parents and Educators
FND recognizes that access to information alone is not enough. Families also need meaningful connections, emotional encouragement, and practical guidance from others who understand their experiences. To meet this need, FND prioritizes building a strong sense of community where parents and educators feel supported, valued, and empowered.
One of the key initiatives supporting this mission is the Parents Offering Parents Information and Networking (POPIN) program. POPIN equips parents with reliable information and peer connections to help them effectively advocate for their child with a disability. Through this program, families gain the knowledge and confidence needed to support their loved ones in achieving independence, self-determination, and fulfilling lives.
FND offers complimentary workshops and trainings designed to address the evolving needs of families. Topics include transitioning from an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) to an Individualized Education Program (IEP), understanding ADHD, positive behavioral supports, healthcare transition planning, starting and sustaining support groups, transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare services, navigating service systems, and planning for the future through wills, trusts, and guardianship.
Additional sessions focus on tools for independence, understanding healthcare issues, and parent-to-parent support groups.
Family STAR and Health Information Support
Families can also access training, assistance, and resources through the Family STAR program. Family STAR provides health-focused information and support to help families and caregivers make informed decisions about care, services, and long-term planning.
The program emphasizes empowering families to become effective partners in healthcare decision-making while ensuring access to comprehensive health services, information about financing care, and connections to community-based supports. Family STAR also supports broader initiatives aimed at improving policies that impact individuals with disabilities and fostering strong partnerships between families, healthcare providers, educators, and community organizations.
FND is an affiliate of Family Voices, a national organization dedicated to supporting families of children and youth with special healthcare needs. This affiliation strengthens FND’s ability to advocate for family-centered care and amplify the voices of families at both the state and national levels.
Parent-to-Parent Connections and Financial Planning Support
The Parent-to-Parent Program connects parents with trained volunteer support parents who have lived experience raising children with disabilities. These matches provide emotional support, encouragement, and understanding, helping families navigate challenges while reducing feelings of isolation.
Parents in the program benefit from shared experiences, practical insights, and access to state-specific educational, recreational, and community resources.
FND also offers Special Needs Trust Administration services to assist families with long-term financial planning. Their team guides Individual Special Needs Trusts, National Pooled Trusts, Settlement Protection Trusts, Family Pooled Funds, and the National Disability Alliance Pooled Trust.
Acting as a single point of contact, this service prioritizes transparency, efficiency, and personalized support to help families plan, establish, and maintain trusts that protect the financial security and quality of life of individuals with disabilities.
Investing in Futures Through the Jan LaBelle Scholarship Program
Established in 2009, the Jan LaBelle Scholarship Program is a financial resource for young adults with disabilities pursuing higher education or career training. The program supports individuals working toward a diploma, college degree, or vocational or trade school certification, helping them achieve their career and life goals.
To be eligible, applicants must be Florida residents between the ages of 18 and 24, provide documentation of a disability, and be enrolling in an academic institution or career program for the first time. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, demonstrate good attendance, and submit two letters of reference from an employer, teacher, or non-family individual who can attest to their character.
Additional requirements include a high school transcript and documentation of accomplishments such as awards, certifications, or letters recognizing achievements. Through its comprehensive programs and unwavering commitment to families, the Family Network on Disabilities continues to empower parents, strengthen communities, and create pathways to independence and opportunity for individuals with disabilities.