Rockledge: 321-633-6011 • Vero Beach: 772-774-3060 • Florida TTY: 800-955-8771 • Relay: 711
SERVICES UPDATE
In the interest of health concerns for our consumers, staff and members of the community, RCDS Staff will continue operating standard business hours of 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. We will manage day to day activities by appointment and remotely only. For the health and safety of all, we will not be able to have walk-ins at this time. Our staff will continue checking emails and voice messages during business hours. We will do everything we can to assist individuals with urgent matters in a timely manner.
TELL US YOUR CHALLENGES
Every day, people with special needs work with Resource Center for Disability Solutions to explore their needs and find support to help them live more independently. We’re part of a statewide group that helps people with special needs succeed. We have 45 years of experience to link our clients, and their caregivers, to a huge maze of services that makes daily life easier. So how can we support you today?
ABOUT US
Once we know what’s most important to your life right now, we get to work on a customized plan, at no cost to you. That’s correct, our service is free. Whether you are a person with a disability, or a caregiver, we work side-by-side with you to make a successful plan that supports your goals and gives you the tools you need, educates you on other programs, and guides you to become a stronger self-advocate. As a result, we simplify the process, put services in place, and give you peace of mind.
RESOURCES
Clients, family and friends alike learn about other resources that lessen the stress of hunting them down on your own. Find answers to matters such as what to do during an emergency, where to find legal services and how to use special gadgets. We can also provide guidance to other support services in your area.
SERVICES & PROGRAMS
No matter your age or need, find just what you need to get to the next step in your journey. Hanging out with peers, group activities, programs and workshops in the community, personal goal planning and counseling are just a few of the ideas we can help you with. Which would help you most?
WHY CHOOSE RCDS?
One in four adults in the United States has special needs. That’s why Resource Center for Disability Solutions is here to help you find the help you need day in and day out. We believe that the best way to help you in your life is through a long-term relationship and showing you the disability services and support available so you can successfully manage every part of your life. Call us today.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
We work with any age and any disability, and your needs are most important. We will work together to find answers that fit your life. Big or small, you want an answer. A solution. A next step. We understand that, and we will spend our time and energy to find those answers and make it happen. And if we don’t know, we’ll find out.
REFERRAL ASSISTANCE
Finding information and making referrals for any kind of need isn’t hard for the Resource Center for Disability Solutions. We have 40+ years of experience working with a wide range of people with specific needs. We share this knowledge with you making it easier to find the programs and services you need. We can work with other agencies to fully support you when needed, no matter the need. The staff at RCDS stays up-to-date on the matters important to you and the local agencies in our community that are most useful.
INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS
RCDS helps people with disabilities build the life skills needed to live at home and communities, as well as to get and keep a job. Through RCDS staff or peers just like you we teach things like personal care, money management, household budgeting, grocery shopping and meal preparation, household tasks, and social skills.
PEER SUPPORT
Peer groups (other people just like you) offer an safe place for people to share their experiences with each other, share their knowledge of resources and find the answers to other disability-related questions. With a staff that includes people with special needs, we understand your needs and provide options that empower you to not only interact with each other, but encourage you to explore fresh ideas and overcome barriers to reach independence.
SELF-ADVOCACY
Part of the RCDS mission includes empowering people with disabilities to take charge of their lives and provide the tools needed to help society be inclusive, allowing everyone to live, work and enjoy all that their communities have to offer. Working with RCDS teaches you how to do just that, becoming a stronger advocate for yourself and other people with disabilities, while also working to improve the laws and policies that affect your day-to-day life. Being a strong self-advocate starts with knowing your rights. RCDS teaches about:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Fair Housing Act
- Rehabilitation Act
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- Social Security
- And Many others
TRANSITION SERVICES
Transitioning from school or a facility into the community is never easy. RCDS can help guide you through the entire process. We know the ins and outs for youth and adults at all stages of life and can give you the tools to help you be successful and independent.
• YOUTH: Advocacy for youth with disabilities (eligible for an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan) who are finishing high school, beginning college, entering the workforce, or transitioning to adulthood.
• ADULTS: Advocacy for adults with disabilities moving to or from a home or institutional setting (such as a nursing home or rehabilitation center) as well as those at risk of institutionalization.
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Brevard County Only
The “Need a Ride” Program free, door-to-door and wheelchair-accessible Monday through Friday, 9 am to 2 pm (no holidays) for:
- Medical appointments
- Legal appointments
- Grocery shopping
- RCDS events or training programs
To register for this service, please contact the office at 321-633-6011 for an appointment.
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
To help people with disabilities be more independent and safe, we loan out used durable medical equipment in good working order. We have:
- Wheelchairs and scooters
- Walkers, canes and crutches
- Bedside commodes or shower chairs
- Portable ramps
- And more!
Loaned items are free of charge to registered consumers and can be used as long as necessary. RCDS also takes donations of durable medical equipment and will provide a receipt for tax purposes.
TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE
Technology has changed how we live and manage every-day life. Technology has definitely made a difference in the lives of those living with a disability. RCDS can guide you to many of the helpful technology tools available today. RCDS will help you find or learn special software, phone apps, listening aids, personal care items and more.
RCDS also assists with access to the Florida Telecommunications Relay Program (FTRI). This statewide nonprofit 501(C)3 organization provides special phones and other devices for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind or speech impaired FREE OF CHARGE. Applicants must be a Florida resident, three years of age or older, and certified as having a hearing loss or speech impairment. To read more about the program visit https://www.ftri.org/
INTERPRETERS
LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS
RCDS can help find qualified sign language interpreters to make communication easier for people who are deaf. Technical or advocacy assistance is provided when needed to access to programs or services. You have the right to access all programs and services that anyone else does and RCDS can help. RCDS also has Spanish language interpreters if needed.
VIDEO RELAY SERVICES
Sorenson Video Relay Service (SVRS) provides high-quality, professional interpreters and video communication equipment for the deaf with a high-speed Internet connection. Using a videophone, computer or mobile device, deaf people make SVRS calls to hearing people on a standard phone. Interpreters for American Sign Language or spoken English or Spanish translate the conversation between the two parties. If you do not have access to a Sorenson videophone, you can still use SVRS by calling 1-866-327-8877 from any videophone. The service is available 24/7 and is free of charge. For more information on the service and equipment, visit the SVRS website or call 1-801-386-8500 (Videophone) or 1-866-756-6729 (Regular Telephone). For people needing help with communication, contact us to access video relay services in our office.
LET'S GET STARTED
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR SERVICES AND TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.
DONATE
A gift to Resource Center for Disability Solutions (RCDS) is a gift of independence to persons with disabilities in your community. Your support helps us achieve our mission of empowering individuals to achieve independence through education, supportive services, advocacy and training. Any size gift helps us continue our work to create self-sufficiency and equal opportunity for those we serve.
Florida TTY: 800-955-8771
Relay: 711