Soren Richardson, FND PEN, is hosting a virtual workshop with the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 10:30 am on Zoom (Register in advance) and live in the DSACF Facebook group.

This month's guest speaker is Elizabeth Watson, Supported Employment/Community Affairs Liaison.

In this webinar, we will discuss the following:

- The application process for APD

- Services & Waitlist

- Supported Employment

- and much more

APD works with local organizations and private providers to support people with developmental disabilities and their families in living, learning, and working in their communities. APD identifies the service needs of people with developmental disabilities, and those individuals may receive social, medical, behavioral, residential, and/or therapeutic services.

Elizabeth Watson has been in various roles with the APD for the past 17 years. She started as the Administrative Assistant working with the waiver unit, transferring files, and working with Support Coordinators. About five years ago she became the Supported Employment/Community Affairs Liaison in the Central Region. She is the liaison between families and providers. She also attends many community events informing families of the services available from the agency.

Contact info: elizabeth.watson@apdcares.org

Soren is Co-Director for the Parent Education Network, a project under the Family Network on Disabilities (FND). Soren has completed Florida Partners in Policymaking and Pete’s Wrightslaw workshops. Soren has been involved with the public school system and IEPs for over 6 years and enjoys educating parents on how to navigate the special education process. Soren lives in Central Florida with her husband and son. Soren was born and raised in Aruba and speaks four languages (English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamento).

Email: soren@fndfl.org
Website: fndusa.org
Phone: (727) 416-2306

Collectively the PEN Team has over 60 years of experience with all aspects of disability from medical diagnosis, early intervention to school eligibility - IDEA/IEP, inclusion in school & community setting, navigating Transition and Post Secondary options to living independently, and much much more … our goal is to share our experience, strength and hope through informal storytelling of raising our children with a wide range of disabilities & family dynamics.

PEN serves 12 counties from Southeast FL into parts of Central FL, Please call 800-825-5736 if you would like to talk to a Parent trainer.

The Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida (DSACF) is committed to offering hope, acceptance, and empowerment to all individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Through ongoing programs, events, and resources for both members and non-members alike, we're building a loving Central Florida community of awareness through advocacy and education.

Email: info@dsacf.org
Website: www.dsacf.org
Location: Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida, Wymore Road, Winter Park, FL, USA
Phone: 407-478-5621
Facebook: facebook.com/DSACF/
Twitter: @DSAofCentralFL

Upcoming webinars:

February 15, 2023: Understanding your child's Emotional Development

March 15, 2023: Inclusion/ WDSD

April 19: 2023: Autism Awareness Month/Dual Diagnosis

May 17, 2023: The importance of Self Advocacy

June 21, 2023: ADD/ADHD Workshop

Topics may change depending on guest speakers.

Past webinars:

June 21, 2021: Diploma Pathways: Transition Middle/High School

July 20, 2022: All About the Apps

August 17, 2022: Back to School - Know your Resources

September 32, 2022: Beginning the Journey 1

November 16, 2022: Meaningful Inclusion/Access Point