11/5 Lunch & Learn Virtual Parent Training at 11:30 AM via Zoom

11/5 ESE Department Rolled Ice Cream Spirit Night at 1348 S Narcoossee Rd, St Cloud, FL 34771 from 3:00 PM-9:00 PM

11/11 Veterans Day- No School

11/19 Empower Hour Virtual Parent Training at 2:00 PM via Zoom

11/24-11/28 Teacher/Student Holiday (Thanksgiving Break)

Upcoming Important Dates in December

12/3 ESE Panda Express SPIRIT Day at 1190 West Osceola Parkway Kissimmee FL 34741 from Open (10:00 AM) to Close (10:30 PM)

12/3 Lunch & Learn Virtual Parent Training at 11:30 via Teams

Date To Be Determined (TBD)- "Transition Programs" Program Highlight Event

12/22-1//2 Winter Break- Teacher/Student Holiday

ESE Department Rolled Ice Cream SPIRIT Night is happening on Wednesday, November 5th from OPEN (3:00 PM) to CLOSE (9:00 PM)!

20% of proceeds from the event will benefit the ESE Department.

Simply mention SPIRIT Night at the register during check out!

Below you will find the complete list of trainings and workshops currently scheduled for the 2025-2026 school year.

This virtual parent training is an informational session on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will help you understand the basics of the process.

You will learn about the following:

- The Application Processes

- Eligibility for Special Cases, Populations

- Your Rights

- Navigating the Denial Process

- Resources in Florida

Registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link to the training. To register use this link:

Transition Basics provides information for Families and Others Who Support Students with Disabilities-- Reviews research on the importance of family involvement, transition services, individual educational plan (IEP) components, self-advocacy and self-determination, responsibilities of schools, families and students, and resources supporting family involvement in transition planning. The goal of this training is to help families of students with disabilities and others who support students with disabilities understand the secondary transition process and how best to participate in student post-school success.

Registration is required to receive the Zoom link to the training. To register use this link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/fyesUZh0SOaF-bNRpnM-Tw

Brochures available for download in the attachments.

The Unique Abilities School Fair, founded by a UCF CARD Board member and parent, features a presentation by Step up for Students this year. Learn about the FES-UA scholarships for private and home school options while exploring private and other programs for students with unique abilities. Register here: https://uasf25.eventbrite.com

Todos hemos oído que los niños con autismo se sienten atraídos por el agua. Y todos hemos visto las aterradoras noticias de niños autistas que escapan de sus hogares y no sobreviven. La terrible realidad es que el ahogamiento es la principal causa de muerte en niños con TEA. Es la peor pesadilla de cualquier padre. Pero la buena noticia es que el ahogamiento es prevenible. ¡Hay medidas que puede tomar para reducir considerablemente el riesgo de su hijo! En este seminario, analizaremos los niveles de prevención para mantener a su hijo seguro. ¡No se pierda esta información esencial que podría ayudar a salvar la vida de su hijo y evitar otra tragedia! Registrarte: https://pda11.eventbrite.com

Do you have a teen or adult with ASD? Have you taken care of the needed steps to protect your child and yourself? Do you need guardianship, or is supported decision making the model for you? Are you wondering how to get agency support for your adult? This weekend seminar is designed for parents of teens and adults facing decisions and planning deadlines for changes that take effect when their child is legally an adult. Do you know the laws and options that exist in Florida? Join Catherine Davey, Esq for this once-a-year event to learn more about this crucial set of topics. Register: https://lowdown25.eventbrite.com  

Breaks from routines can be challenging, even when they are full of fun and exciting holiday activities. This workshop will focus on survival strategies and techniques to assist your family through the holiday season. Register here: https://preparingholidays25.eventbrite.com

Join Commissioner Shaniqua C Rose and UCF CARD for a discussion of Autism services and support needs for City of Orlando's District 5 residents. Let us know what you are needing for autism support. Register: https://d5Autism.eventbrite.com

We have all heard that children with autism are “drawn” to water. And we have all seen the terrifying news stories of autistic children escaping their homes and not surviving. The awful reality is that drowning is the #1 cause of death in children with ASD. It is every parent’s worse nightmare. But, the good news is that DROWNING IS PREVENTABLE. There are steps that you can take to greatly reduce your child’s risk! In this seminar we will discuss the layers of prevention approach to keeping your child safe. Please do not miss this need-to-know information that could help to save your child’s life and prevent another tragedy from occurring! Register: https://wd11.eventbrite.com

Upcoming holidays will mean family gatherings and parties. These can be stressful for people on the spectrum. Join us for tips and tricks for successfully navigating these gatherings. This session is for parents, teens and adults and even tweens to learn how to manage the social stress of holiday get together while still making a good impression! Register: https://goodguest25.eventbrite.com

Do you have trouble getting your child to complete their homework? This presentation will go over strategies to increase homework completion and also make your child more independent at the same time! Caregivers will learn about the different reasons why children have a difficult time completing their homework, what to rule out first when making a homework plan for your child, and specific strategies that you can tailor to your child’s needs. Register: https://hws25.eventbrite.com

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 31 children is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This presentation will provide an overview of the key signs and symptoms of ASD and introduce practical, research-informed strategies to support individuals on the autism spectrum. Register: https://whatisautism1025.eventbrite.com

Join us for a parent-friendly presentation exploring what “best practices” truly mean in the context of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We’ll break down:

Register: https://MP1120.eventbrite.com

Teen transitions is for parents of children 8-16 years old who want to discuss topics and receive support from each other as they navigate these tricky years with ASD. Join us!

Register: https://teen25.eventbrite.com

Fathering a child with ASD makes you part of a special group of dads. Gather with others who are "walking the walk" you walk. Fathers and grandfathers who are raising children or adults with ASD are welcome. Come with questions, stories, concerns and share personal experiences and meet other dads like you.

Register: https://JFD25.eventbrite.com

Our goal is to provide support to black families who have a child or family member on the spectrum become more accepting, aware, and supportive in all communities. We share resources, provide insights, and assist one another. Join us on the second Wednesday of every month!

*Black - of or relating to any of various population groups including, but not limited to, African American, Caribbean, Haitian, Nigerian, Kenyan. 

Register: https://BFSG25.eventbrite.com

Join other parents for a support group for parents of adults. Limited respite care is available for adults with ASD.

Register here: https://sssnov.eventbrite.com

It's back to school time! Whether returning or just starting school or preschool, the first weeks are full of ups and downs! Join us to share concerns and celebrations while managing life as parents of young children with ASD. We share resources, provide insights, and support one another. New participants come each time and are always welcome! This support group is for parents of 2-11 year old who are registered with UCF CARD. This can be a great place to ask the facilitator, or other parents, questions about how they are navigating this with their child, resources that have worked, and those that haven't worked. Some parents come to listen, others come to vent, and others come with questions - all are acceptable! We meet monthly via zoom on the second Thursday of each month and would love to have you join us! 

Register: https://POYCnov.eventbrite.com

Todos hemos oído que los niños con autismo se sienten atraídos por el agua. Y todos hemos visto las aterradoras noticias de niños autistas que escapan de sus hogares y no sobreviven. La terrible realidad es que el ahogamiento es la principal causa de muerte en niños con TEA. Es la peor pesadilla de cualquier padre. Pero la buena noticia es que el ahogamiento es prevenible. ¡Hay medidas que puede tomar para reducir considerablemente el riesgo de su hijo! En este seminario, analizaremos los niveles de prevención para mantener a su hijo seguro. ¡No se pierda esta información esencial que podría ayudar a salvar la vida de su hijo y evitar otra tragedia! Registrarte: https://pda11.eventbrite.com

Ven y únete a nosotros en LUPA, donde hablamos en español sobre temas importantes para nosotros como padres de niños y adultos con TEA. Registrese: https://lupamesdenoviembre.eventbrite.com

Pdfs of the flyers can be found in the attachments.

Since 1998, The Annual Family Café has brought Floridians with all types of disabilities together for three days of information, training, and networking each June. With a great range of individual breakout sessions, a packed Exhibit Hall with dozens of vendors, and a series of special events including Keynote speakers and The Annual Summit on Disabilities, The Annual Family Café offers attendees exposure to resources on a grand scale, unprecedented access to policy-making officials, and a chance to network with other individuals with disabilities and their families.

The 28th Annual Family Cafe is set for June 12-14, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. Online registration will be available beginning February 14, 2026.

For more information visit

Special Needs Screenings present movies in a sensory friendly with the lights up, the volume low, and moving around, talking, and even dancing in the aisles are welcome. Special Needs Screenings are shown on select Saturdays at 11:00am at all SMG locations unless noted otherwise. Tickets are available at the Box Office only as early as the Wednesday prior to these screenings. Tickets are free to all attendees and seating is first come, first served. Parental guidance is suggested.

The next screening is Wicked for Good on November 29th!