Access to Services through Knowledge: Translating Research into Application

Accessing information about disability services and community supports remains a significant challenge in Florida and many other states. These barriers are especially pronounced for individuals who are non-native English speakers, have limited digital literacy, or lack reliable internet access. Research by the WellFlorida Council has identified persistent gaps in awareness of community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) across all stages of life.

To help close these knowledge gaps and improve access to information, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) launched the Access to Services through Knowledge (ASK) initiative. ASK will develop a website that will increase awareness of and access to local resources and services for individuals with I/DD and their families throughout the lifespan.

As part of this effort, Mathematica is transforming research from the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD) into practical, user-friendly modules for the website that will help caregivers and families navigate Florida’s complex system of disability services. These modules draw on the valuable insights of caregivers, highlight vetted resources, and breakdown complex processes into manageable tasks for caregivers and families.

From the FDDC

This project is provided by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc., supported in part by grant numbers 1901FLSCDD-01 and 2001FLSCDD-01 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.