Resources
Resources for Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Please note that the resources listed on this site are provided for your convenience. FGCU GIDDI does not endorse, sponsor, or recommend any specific resource .-
Southwest Florida
Toggle More InfoSouthwest Florida
Golisano Children's Hospital
Mission: The Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida - a standalone, state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2017 - is on a mission to deliver vital and lifesaving care for children and their families throughout the region. Our highly trained staff believes that every child is special. Children deserve innovative care in an environment that soothes anxiety and fear. All of us - doctors, nurses, advocates, social workers, and volunteers - share that vision and care for you like family.
Link: https://www.leehealth.org/locations/find-a-location/golisano-childrens-hospital-of-southwest-florida
Parent Support Network
Mission: Parent Training Information (PTI) center for the Central and Northeast of Florida, (Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands,Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, and Sumter counties). These PTI services help to ensure that parents of children with the full range of disabilities have the training and information they need to prepare their children for school, and to help them lead productive, independent lives to the fullest extent possible.
Link: https://fndusa.org/program-detail-page-psn/
Family Initiative
Mission:
To Families:
We believe that families come first. Last. And always. We work to develop an individualized plan to celebrate a child’s abilities and help them advance. We believe that we can best serve your child by using a multi-disciplinary approach to promote growth and ensure they thrive.To The Community:
Family Initiative, Inc. is committed to engaging in community partnerships to empower families and ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children. Utilizing a family-centered and holistic approach, we maintain transparency in collaborating with all we serve.Link: https://www.fi-florida.org/
Family Network on Disabilities
Mission: OUR MISSION: striving for the complete integration and equality of people with disabilities in a society without barriers.
Link: https://fndusa.org/
Project SEARCH
Mission: Preparing young people with significant disabilities for success in competitive integrated employment.
Link: https://www.projectsearch.us/
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services Technology (FAAST)
Mission:
Our Mission
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology (FAAST), Inc.’s mission is to improve the quality of life for Floridians with disabilities by increasing awareness of and access to assistive technology.Our Vision
FAAST, Inc.’s vision is that all Floridians with disabilities have the assistive technology they need to lead their fullest lives.Link: https://faast.org/
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All Audiences
Toggle More InfoAll Audiences
About: This blog provides more information on ableism, microaggressions, and what ableism looks like in real-world examples.
Eisenmenger, A. (2019, December 12). Ableism 101. Access Living. https://www.accessliving.org/newsroom/blog/ableism-101/
Agency for Persons with Disabilities
Mission:
The Agency supports individuals with unique abilities and their families in living, learning and working within their communities by creating multiple pathways to possibilities.
Guiding Principles
Embody and display a servant’s heart while demonstrating an ambition of constant pursuit to establish APD as a sought-after resource and navigator for Floridians with unique abilities.Enrich the experience for individuals and families through efficient and meaningful service delivery to achieve greater program effectiveness.
Ensure a systematic approach towards transparency and accountability to achieve quality and operational excellence.
About: This website provides more information about communication differences for individuals with autism.
National Autistic Society. (n.d.). Autism and communication. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/about-autism/autism-and-communication
Billions Are Spent On IDD Services Annually. Where Does It All Go?
About: This article breaks down where funding was allocated in the 2021 fiscal year for those with disabilities.
About: This is a news article for developmental disability news.
Building a Better Financial Future for People with Disabilities and Their Families
About: This website provides resources to help with financial planning for individuals with disabilities.
Developmental Disabilities Institute
Our purpose: We help children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities experience personal growth and fulfillment.
Eagles Autism Foundation and Kulturecity Unveil Refreshed Sensory Room at Lincoln Financial Field
About: More information about the sensory room located at Lincoln Financial Field.
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services Technology (FAAST)
Mission:
Our Mission
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology (FAAST), Inc.’s mission is to improve the quality of life for Floridians with disabilities by increasing awareness of and access to assistive technology.Our Vision
FAAST, Inc.’s vision is that all Floridians with disabilities have the assistive technology they need to lead their fullest lives.Golisano Foundation Awards $85 Million to Florida Nonprofits
About: This article provides more information regarding donations that Tom Golisano made to local organizations.
Hard Rock Stadium Sensory Room
About: This website provides more information about the sensory room located at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Importance of Autism Sensory-Friendly Activities
About: This article provides more information about sensory activities for individuals with autism, and the benefits of providing inclusive and sensory-friendly environments.
About: This website provides facts and statistics about living with a down syndrome diagnosis.
About: This resource provides more information on the classification of a medically insecure patient, and important things to have prepared before transporting to the special needs shelter.
Meet the 2024 Southwest Florida Special Olympics Player of the Year Finalists
About: This News Press article highlights the Special Olympics Player of the Year Finalists in 2024.
About: A resource for locating parks with accessibility features
Paychex’s Founder Has Given Away $860 Million. Here’s Where His Latest Donations are Going.
About: This article provides information about organizations that Tom Golisano donated to.
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)
Mission: AAIDD promotes progressive policies, sound research, effectice practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
From Wellness to Flourishing for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
About: This article reviews dimensions of wellness for people with IDD and explains areas that are in need of more attention to support wellness for individuals within this disability community.
Stigma, Acceptance and Belonging for People with IDD Across Cultures
About: This review explore literature from 2017-present to identify developments of stigma and acceptance for individuals with disabilities.
Students With Disabilities- National Center for Education Statistics
About: This resource provides various statistics on the education system under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Understanding the IDD Community: Essential Data and Insights
About: This resource focuses on different disparities that people with IDD face, including health, and race.
Unlocking New Patients: A Sensory-Friendly Case Study for Healthcare Professionals
About: This case study provides ways to create a sensory-friendly healthcare enviroment for individuals with IDD.
Break the Mold: The Zach Bates Story
Genre: Documentary
Rated: Non-Rated
Synopsis: After graduating from high school, an autistic young man challenges himself to run a 100-mile race.
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Rated: PG-13
Synopsis: Zak, a man with down syndrome, runs away from a residential nursing home to pursue his dream of becoming a wrestler. Later, he meets with an outlaw who becomes his friend and coach.
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Children
Toggle More InfoChildren
Cape Coral mother on a mission to build city's first 'all-inclusive park'
About: Gulf Coast News follows a mother who would like to build an accessible park in Southwest Florida.
To Families:
We believe that families come first. Last. And always. We work to develop an individualized plan to celebrate a child’s abilities and help them advance. We believe that we can best serve your child by using a multi-disciplinary approach to promote growth and ensure they thrive.
To The Community:
Family Initiative, Inc. is committed to engaging in community partnerships to empower families and ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children. Utilizing a family-centered and holistic approach, we maintain transparency in collaborating with all we serve.
Mission: The Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida - a standalone, state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2017 - is on a mission to deliver vital and lifesaving care for children and their families throughout the region. Our highly trained staff believes that every child is special. Children deserve innovative care in an environment that soothes anxiety and fear. All of us - doctors, nurses, advocates, social workers, and volunteers - share that vision and care for you like family.
How to Address Sensory Aversions to Clothing
About: This website serves as a helpful resource to recognizing sensory-friendly clothing choices and managing sensory sensitivities.
Tips for a Stress-Free Autism Haircut
About: This website provides tips for families preparing to get a haircut for their neurodivergent loved one.
Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder
About: This website provides the latest data on Autism Spectrum Disorder from the CDC ADDM Network.
About: This research article provides tips to dining with loved ones who have autism.
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Adolescents
Toggle More InfoAdolescents
A Resource Guide Developed by Project Transition Interagency Council
Mission: Project Transition’s Mission is to expand and strengthen collaborative relationships among families, students, agencies, schools, and community resources to provide successful transition of young adults with disabilities by increasing their awareness of all available past school options.
Mission:
To Families:
We believe that families come first. Last. And always. We work to develop an individualized plan to celebrate a child’s abilities and help them advance. We believe that we can best serve your child by using a multi-disciplinary approach to promote growth and ensure they thrive.To The Community:
Family Initiative, Inc. is committed to engaging in community partnerships to empower families and ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children. Utilizing a family-centered and holistic approach, we maintain transparency in collaborating with all we serve.Preparing for College With Dyslexia
About: This resource provides individuals with resources to prepare themselves, or their loved one, for college or the workforce with dyslexia.
Genre: History, Documentary
Rated: R
Synopsis: Down the road from Woodstock, a revolution blossomed at a ramshackle summer camp for teenagers with disabilities, transforming their lives and igniting a landmark movement.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Rated: R
Synopsis: Comedian Max co-parents autistic son Ezra with ex-wife Jenna. Faced with crucial decisions about Ezra's future, Max and Ezra go on a life-changing cross-country road trip.
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Adults
Toggle More InfoAdults
Autism, dyslexia, ADHD: How colleges are helping ‘neurodivergent’ students succeed
Link: https://hechingerreport.org/the-quest-for-embodied-equity-on-college-campuses-focuses-on-neurodivergent-students/
Sanchez, O. (2024, June 6). Autism, dyslexia, ADHD: How colleges are helping “neurodivergent” students succeed. The Hechinger Report. https://hechingerreport.org/the-quest-for-embodied-equity-on-college-campuses-focuses-on-neurodivergent-students/
College students’ guide to managing ADHD
About: This article provides education and guidance about individuals with ADHD in a college setting.
Link: https://www.singlecare.com/blog/college-students-adhd/
SingleCare. (2024, August 13). College students’ guide to managing ADHD. The Checkup. https://www.singlecare.com/blog/college-students-adhd/
Inclusive Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
About: PACER provides more information on Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) programs for individuals with disabilities.
Link: https://www.pacer.org/transition/learning-center/postsecondary/college-options.asp
National Parent Center on Transition and Employment. (n.d.). Inclusive postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities. PACER Center. https://www.pacer.org/transition/learning-center/postsecondary/college-options.asp
Labor Day and Employment for People with Disabilities
About: Alycia Anderson discusses her personal experiences in the workforce as someone with a disability, and the issues in the workforce community.
Link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/labor-day-employment-people-disabilities-alycia-anderson/
Anderson, A. (2021, September 6). Labor Day and employment for people with disabilities. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/labor-day-employment-people-disabilities-alycia-anderson/
Program Innovation: Peer Support for Neurodivergent Students
About: This website provides more information about MOSSAIC (Mentoring, Organization, and Social Support for Autism/All Inclusion on Campus) at the University of Montana.
Mowreader, A. (2024, April 30). Program innovation: Peer support for neurodivergent students. Inside Higher Ed. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/health-wellness/2024/04/30/umontana-provides-social-support-learners
Project SEARCH
Mission: Preparing young people with significant disabilities for success in competitive integrated employment.
Link: https://www.projectsearch.us/
Project SEARCH (https://www.projectsearch.us/).
WOW Center
Mission: The WOW center provides access to opportunities and resources for adults with developmental disabilities and the communities that support them.
Website: WOW Center (https://www.wowcentermiami.org/)
Colleges have a responsibility to support students with intellectual disabilities
About: This article provides further insight into a college’s commitment to ensuring student success for individuals with disabilities.
Wubah, D. A. (2024, May 15). Colleges have a responsibility to support students with intellectual disabilities. University Business. https://universitybusiness.com/colleges-have-a-responsibility-to-support-students-with-intellectual-disabilities/?oly_enc_id=7021H5693690A2R.
Examining Growth Among College Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disability: A Longitudinal Study
About: This study focuses on evaluating growth within college students with disabilities and their first two years in a college program.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8819856/
Lee, C. E., Day, T.L., Carter, E.W, Taylor, J.L. (2020). Examining growth among college students with intellectual and developmental disability: A longitudinal study. Behavior Modification, 45(2), 324-348. doi:10.1177/01454455209829
Persons with a Disability: Labor Force Characteristics Summary
About: This resource provides statistics on disability in the labor force, including those employed, unemployed, and general data.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, February 25). Persons with a disability: Labor force
Characteristics – 2024. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/disabl.pdf
Students With Disabilities in Higher Education: Facts and Statistics
About: This report shares facts and statistics about students with disabilities in the higher education system.
Welding, L. (2023, March 29). Students with disabilities in higher education: Facts and statistics. BestColleges. https://www.bestcolleges.com/research/students-with-disabilities-higher-education-statistics/.
Testing a Wellness Indicators Measure for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
About: This research provides a new model that states can use to monitor wellness within the IDD community. The sample includes adults with IDD in the 2017-2018 dataset.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9201682/
Bogenschutz, M., Broda, M., Lineberry, S., Dinora, P., & Seb Prohn. (2021). Testing a wellness
indicators measure for people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities. Developmental Disabilities Network Journal, 2(1), 85.
Genre: History, Documentary
Rated: R
Synopsis: Down the road from Woodstock, a revolution blossomed at a ramshackle summer camp for teenagers with disabilities, transforming their lives and igniting a landmark movement.
Lebrecht, J. & Newnham, N. (Directors). (2020). Crip Camp: A disability revolution. [Film]. Higher Ground Productions; Ford Foundation; Little Punk; Just Films; Rusted Spoke Productions.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Rated: R
Synopsis: Comedian Max co-parents autistic son Ezra with ex-wife Jenna. Faced with crucial decisions about Ezra's future, Max and Ezra go on a life-changing cross-country road trip.
Goldwyn, T. (Director). (2023). Ezra. [Film]. Wayfarer Studios; Closer Media.
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Parents and Caregivers
Toggle More InfoParents and Caregivers
A Resource Guide Developed by Project Transition Interagency Council
Mission: Project Transition’s Mission is to expand and strengthen collaborative relationships among families, students, agencies, schools, and community resources to provide successful transition of young adults with disabilities by increasing their awareness of all available past school options.
Link: https://www.leeschools.net/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=32836702
Project Transition Interagency Council. (2016). Secondary Transition. The School District of Lee County. https://www.leeschools.net/common/pages/GetFile.ashx?key=Xgz1AVTy
Family Network on Disabilities
Mission: OUR MISSION: striving for the complete integration and equality of people with disabilities in a society without barriers.
Link: https://fndusa.org/
Family Network on Disabilities (https://fndusa.org/)
Parent Support Network
Mission: Parent Training Information (PTI) center for the Central and Northeast of Florida, (Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands,Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, and Sumter counties). These PTI services help to ensure that parents of children with the full range of disabilities have the training and information they need to prepare their children for school, and to help them lead productive, independent lives to the fullest extent possible.
Link: https://fndusa.org/program-detail-page-psn/
Parent Support Network. (n.d.). Parent Support Network Project. Family Network on Disabilities. https://fndusa.org/program-detail-page-psn/
Parent Resources
About: Leeschools provides resources for parents and caregivers to support their child throughout their academic journey, including behaviors, virtually, and at home learning.
Link: https://www.leeschools.net/our_district/departments/academic_services/exceptional_student_education/parent_resources
The School District of Lee County. (n.d.). Parent Resources. Retrieved May 22, 2025, from https://www.leeschools.net/our_district/departments/academic_services/exceptional_student_education/parent_resources
Special Needs Programs
About: The Special Needs Program includes information about accessing a special needs storm shelter and transportation in case of a natural disaster. The application and more information about this program is located on the website.
Link:https://www.leegov.com/publicsafety/emergencymanagement/shelters/specialneedsprogram
Lee County Southwest Florida. (n.d.). Special needs program. https://www.leegov.com/publicsafety/emergencymanagement/shelters/specialneedsprogram
Genre: History, Documentary
Rated: R
Synopsis: Down the road from Woodstock, a revolution blossomed at a ramshackle summer camp for teenagers with disabilities, transforming their lives and igniting a landmark movement.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Rated: R
Synopsis: Comedian Max co-parents autistic son Ezra with ex-wife Jenna. Faced with crucial decisions about Ezra's future, Max and Ezra go on a life-changing cross-country road trip.
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Financial Planning
Toggle More InfoFinancial Planning
Financial Planning Among Parents of Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37301995/
Agarwal, R., Heron, L. M., & Burke, S. L. (2023). Financial Planning Among Parents of Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 61(3), 211–223. https://doi.org/10.1352/1934-9556-61.3.211
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IDD Related Articles (News and Scholar)
Toggle More InfoIDD Related Articles
Stigma, Acceptance and Belonging for People with IDD Across Cultures
Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40474-020-00206-w#citeas
Jansen-van Vuuren, J., Aldersey, H.M. Stigma, Acceptance and Belonging for People with IDD Across Cultures. Curr Dev Disord Rep 7, 163–172 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-020-00206-w
Autism, dyslexia, ADHD: How colleges are helping ‘neurodivergent’ students succeed
Sanchez, O. (2024, June 6). Autism, dyslexia, ADHD: How colleges are helping “neurodivergent” students succeed. The Hechinger Report; The Hechinger Report. https://hechingerreport.org/the-quest-for-embodied-equity-on-college-campuses-focuses-on-neurodivergent-students/
Inclusive Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Link: https://www.pacer.org/transition/learning-center/postsecondary/college-options.asp
Inclusive Postsecondary Opportunities for Students with Intellectual Disabilities. (2019). Pacer.org; National Parent Center on Transition and Employment. https://www.pacer.org/transition/learning-center/postsecondary/college-options.asp
Examining Growth Among College Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disability: A Longitudinal Study
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8819856/
Lee CE, Day TL, Carter EW, Taylor JL. Examining Growth Among College Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disability: A Longitudinal Study. Behav Modif. 2021 Mar;45(2):324-348. doi: 10.1177/0145445520982968. Epub 2020 Dec 23. PMID: 33354996; PMCID: PMC8819856.
Students With Disabilities in Higher Education: Facts and Statistics
Welding, L. (2023, March 29). Students with Disabilities in Higher Education: Facts and Statistics | BestColleges. Www.bestcolleges.com. https://www.bestcolleges.com/research/students-with-disabilities-higher-education-statistics/#:~:text=The%20six%2Dyear%20graduation%20rate
Colleges have a responsibility to support students with intellectual disabilities
Wubah, D. A. (2024, May 15). Colleges have a responsibility to support students with intellectual disabilities. University Business. https://universitybusiness.com/colleges-have-a-responsibility-to-support-students-with-intellectual-disabilities/?oly_enc_id=7021H5693690A2R
Program Innovation: Peer Support for Neurodivergent Students
Mowreader, A. (2024, April 30). Program Innovation: Peer Support for Neurodivergent Students. Inside Higher Ed. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/health-wellness/2024/04/30/umontana-provides-social-support-learners
Meet the 2024 Southwest Florida Special Olympics Player of the Year Finalists
Reed, E. (2024, June 6). Meet the 2024 Southwest Florida Special Olympics Player of the Year Finalists. The News-Press. https://www.news-press.com/story/sports/high-school/2024/06/06/the-2024-southwest-florida-special-olympics-player-of-the-year-finalists/73600875007/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2cb_x2ALUoamxZEjJpqLOEjCX7RP5dzzfOZjJXLddZGtl7J-DQRIzxsMo_aem_47AlAksSPc-mr75eCuBq1g#lx3d60d3x11dbbzzsbBillions Are Spent On IDD Services Annually. Where Does It All Go?Link: https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/07/16/billions-are-spent-on-idd-services-annually-where-does-it-all-go/30967/Heasley, S. (2024, July 16). Billions Are Spent On IDD Services Annually. Where Does It All Go? Disability Scoop. https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/07/16/billions-are-spent-on-idd-services-annually-where-does-it-all-go/30967/Preparing for College With DyslexiaLink: https://childmind.org/article/preparing-college-with-dyslexia/Link: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/disabl.nr0.htm#:~:text=(80.6%20percent).-,(See%20table%204.),4%20weeks%20preceding%20the%20survey.)Hamblet, E. C. (2023, October 23). Preparing for College With Dyslexia. Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/preparing-college-with-dyslexia/Labor Day and Employment for People with DisabilitiesLink: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/labor-day-employment-people-disabilities-alycia-anderson/
Anderson, A. (2021, September 6). Labor Day and employment for people with disabilities. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/labor-day-employment-people-disabilities-alycia-anderson/Persons with a Disability: Labor Force Characteristics SummaryU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, February 22). Persons with a disability: Labor force characteristics summary - 2023 A01 results. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/disabl.nr0.htm#:~:text=(80.6%20percent).-,(See%20table%204.),4%20weeks%20preceding%20the%20survey.)Cape Coral mother on a mission to build city's first 'all-inclusive park'Whelan, Rachel. “Cape Coral Mother on a Mission to Build City’s First “All-Inclusive Park.”” WBBH, WBBH, 26 Aug. 2024, www.nbc-2.com/article/cape-coral-mother-on-a-missionm-to-build-the-citys-first-all-inclusive-park/61977393. Accessed 29 Aug. 2024.From Wellness to Flourishing for People with Intellectual and Developmental DisabilitiesImpact | Volume 29, Number 1 | From Wellness to Flourishing for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. (n.d.). Publications.ici.umn.edu. https://publications.ici.umn.edu/impact/29-1/from-wellness-to-flourishing-for-people-with-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilitiesTesting a Wellness Indicators Measure for People with Intellectual and Developmental DisabilitiesBogenschutz, M., Broda, M., Lineberry, S., Dinora, P., & Prohn, S. (2021). Testing a Wellness Indicators Measure for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilitiesa. Developmental Disabilities Network Journal, 2(1), 85–103. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9201682/College students’ guide to managing ADHDTeam, S. (2024, August 13). College students’ guide to managing ADHD. The Checkup. https://www.singlecare.com/blog/college-students-adhd/
Contact Us
Golisano Intellectual Developmental Disabilities Initiative
10501 FGCU Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33965
Phone: (239) 745-4272
Email: giddi@fgcu.edu
Support FGCU's Golisano Intellectual Developmental Disabilities Initiative
