Family Network on Disabilities

12/23/2025

Winter break is approaching soon, and FND is sharing a few strategies to help families maintain calm and predictable downtime. Try keeping a simple routine, using visual schedules, planning ahead, and relying on your support network when needed.

12/22/2025

Happy Holidays! Don't forget to apply today!
The Jan La Belle Scholarship is now open for applications.
This scholarship supports Florida students with disabilities who are pursuing higher education and demonstrating passion, leadership, and a clear vision for their future.
Students can apply for financial assistance to attend a college, university, or technical training program.
Applications are due February 12, 2026.
Learn more and apply via the QR! Or on our website www.FNDUSA.org.

12/19/2025

Reminder: FND offices will be closed for the holiday break from December 22, 2025, through January 2, 2026. We will reopen on January 5, 2026.

12/18/2025

The holidays can make grief feel heavier for children and teens. This short video from Family Network on Disabilities shares ways caregivers can support kids who are grieving while honoring their feelings and needs during the season.

12/18/2025

The holidays can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory processing challenges. This article from Understood.org shares real-world insights on why the season can be difficult and how families can better understand and navigate sensory overload.

12/17/2025

Still shopping for the holidays and looking for gifts that are both fun and functional for children with special needs. Consider hands-on sensory favorites like kinetic sand, therapy putty, pop tubes, fidget toys, or a pop-up calming tent for a quiet reset space. For individuals with autism or sensory processing needs, noise-reducing headphones, a weighted lap pad, or a gentle pressure vest can help support regulation during busy routines. For communication and learning, picture-based communication cards, simple recordable speech buttons, pencil grips, or fine motor tool kits can be great options. What are other suggestions families should know?

12/16/2025

The Jan La Belle Scholarship is now open for applications.
This scholarship supports Florida students with disabilities who are pursuing higher education and demonstrating passion, leadership, and a clear vision for their future.
Students can apply for financial assistance to attend a college, university, or technical training program.
Applications are due February 12, 2026.
Learn more and apply via the QR! Or on our website www.FNDUSA.org.

12/15/2025

Santa Cares offers a serene Santa visit with dimmed lights and less noise. Visit santacares.whereissanta.com for a sensory-friendly experience.

12/14/2025

Happy Hanukkah from Family Network on Disabilities. Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 14 and continues for eight nights through December 22. We wish families a season filled with light, peace, and connection.

12/12/2025

Planning holiday travel? Use these CDC based tips to prepare ahead of time, from checking destination health info and vaccines to making a simple emergency plan before you go.

12/11/2025

Online holiday shopping should be convenient and secure. Watch this short video from FND for a quick Do’s and Don’ts reminder to help families stay safe and aware this season.

Stay safe while shopping online this holiday season. In this short video, the Family Network on Disabilities shares a simple 'Do’s and Don'ts' checklist to h...

12/11/2025

Holiday shopping should be a joyful experience, not a stressful one. We are sharing a quick Online Holiday Shopping Fraud Do’s and Don’ts Tip Sheet to help families stay safe, aware, and confident while shopping online this season.