9th Annual Connecting the Dots Conference

Doors Open at 8:00 am

The Annual Connecting the Dots Conference, hosted by Family Care Council Area 4, represents a multi-agency collaboration focused on addressing the unique needs of individuals and families impacted by intellectual and developmental differences (IDD), early developmental delays, medical complexities, and related disabilities. Through this annual community outreach, we guide families toward their next steps, help them prepare for the future, provide up-to-date information, answer questions, and equip them with essential knowledge.

Family Care Council Area 4 is committed to uplifting families in our region through community partnership and collaboration. No matter where you find yourself on this journey, our conference will provide you with essential information, valuable resources, and an opportunity to explore options that may enrich the lives of your family and loved ones. Join us in Connecting the Dots for a better today, tomorrow, and future.

In 1993, the Florida Legislature created the Family Care Councils of Florida. Each Family Care Council is comprised of families walking this path together and the individuals who motivate their participation. Our mission is to educate and empower individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, partnering with our community and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, to bring quality services to individuals with dignity and choice.

Alan Abramowitz is the Founder and Principal Manager of Right Field Strategies, with over 30 years of leadership in state government and the nonprofit sector. He most recently served as CEO of The Arc of Florida and previously led Florida’s Statewide Guardian ad Litem Program for more than a decade, appointed by Governors Crist, Scott, and DeSantis.

Alan has served on numerous statewide committees and held senior leadership roles at the Florida Department of Children and Families. His honors include the Exemplary Public Service Career Award from Florida State University College of Law, National Award from the Administration of Children, Youth and Families Commissioner’s, State Director of the Year from the National CASA Association, and the Golden Rotunda Award for championing the rights and wellbeing of those in vulnerable circumstances.

A U.S. Army veteran and former Peace Corps volunteer, Alan’s commitment to ensuring vulnerable voices are heard and valued guides his work—because true success comes from recognizing those voices as the experts.

· Understanding the APD Medwaiver & Other Waiver Programs

· Medicaid, Medicare, & Waiver Program Services

· Public Programs & Services

· Resources for Siblings

· Resources for Caregivers

· Post-High School Planning

· Positive Behavior Strategies

· Planning Ahead & Decision-Making Supports

· Youth Well-Being

· Financial Planning

· Specialized Education Programs (EE)

· Communication for Individuals with Limited Speech

· Early Developmental Supports

· Championing

· School-Age Years

· Creative Solutions

We the People, By the People, For All the People will be onsite throughout the event to provide guidance and offer a special opportunity for caregivers and individuals with lived experience to create their own impact videos, along with other tools to help you get involved in meaningful ways.

Childcare is NOT available for this event.

Accommodations:

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront (3.9 miles away)

1201 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904) 398-8800

Reservation: 833-304-1375

Hotel Website

Limited rooms are available at $99 per night (with free parking)

The DoubleTree has provided a link to simplify reservations for our room block. Please use the link below or call, ask for Group Code "DOT" or "Connecting the Dots"

By phone (available 24 hours a day) to 1-800-222-8733 and be sure to ask for “Connecting the Dots” or Group Code DOT

Booking Link: Booking Link: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=JAXJRDT&groupCode=CDTDOT&arrivaldate=2025-10-02&departuredate=2025-10-03&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT

Reservation Cut-off Date – as a reminder, reservations must be made before midnight on Date 9/14/2025.

**Be sure to copy and paste the entire link (it may be 2 lines long) in order for it to work properly**

If ASL services or other accommodations are needed, please indicate on your registration. Must request by 9/1/25

Scholarships:

Limited Scholarships are available by contacting the Organizer at the following email address: [email protected] Subject Line: Scholarship

Active Duty Military Scholarships are available (ID required at event check-in), inquire at [email protected] Subject Line: Military

Please let us know in your correspondence, if you are a: parent, caregiver, guardian, provider, educator, veteran, or active duty military and what you hope to gain by attending the Conference.

Sponsored by: Family Care Council Area 4/Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), UF -Jax CARD/ FDLRS-MDC, City of Jacksonville Disabled Services, The Arc Jacksonville, The Arc of the St. Johns, Family Network on Disabilities, Parents Offering Parents Information and Networking (POPIN), Eagle Strategies, Bright Feats Northeast Florida, PossAbilities Plus, and the Maxwell Fane Foundation, Able United, and FDLRS CROWN.

Family Care Council Area 4

Agency for Persons with Disabilities

UF-Jax CARD/FDLRS-MDC

ConnectAble Jax

City of Jacksonville Disabled Services

The Morris Center

The Arc Jacksonville

The Arc of the St. Johns

Family Network on Disabilities (FND)

Parents Offering Parents Information and Networking (POPIN)

Bright Feats Northeast Florida

Eagle Strategies

PossAbilities Plus

Developental Learning Center

Able United

Soundwave Music Therapy

MassMutual SpecialCare

FDLRS Crown

DiFranza Law

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Schultz Center, 4019 Boulevard Center Drive, Jacksonville, United States