10th Annual Connecting the Dots Conference
Where: The Schultz Center 4019 Boulevard Center Drive Jacksonville, FL 32207
About this Event
Please join us for our 10th 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 knowlegde.
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 one. 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.
We are honored to welcome our keynote speakers as they present The Journey of a Lifetime: Five Mothers, Five Stories, One Shared Journey - a powerful reflection on decades of lived experience, advocacy, challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned while raising children with developmental disabilities.
Sherri E. Snow
Former paralegal, longtime caregiver, mother, and family advocate who served as Family Care Council Area 4 Co-Chair, Guardian Ad Litem, and host of Advocate for Success.
Linda Cone
Jacksonville native, mother, and longtime disability advocate who co-founded BASCA, Inc. in 1994 and volunteered with the organization supporting children and adults with disabilities through 2020.
Malinda Maroney
Mother of two and longtime family advocate passionate about helping families of children with disabilities find answers, resources, and connections to needed support.
Judy Greene
Mother and advocate who founded a school for children with disabilities and has continued advocating alongside her son as he navigates adulthood.
Rev. Ann Trementozzi
Mother, U.S. Missionary, and Special Touch Ministry leader dedicated to supporting people with disabilities and their families through disability ministry
The conference offers three subsequent breakout sessions with a variety of topics, such as:
- Healthy living strategies
- Navigating the APD Medwaiver
- Medicaid, Medicare, & Waiver services
- State and Government Services
- Sibling support
- Caregiver support
- Transition
- Behavior supports
- Future planning and Guardianship
- Youth mental health
- Financial strategies
- Exceptional Education (EE)
- Communication skills for those with limited verbal skills
- Early Intervention
- Advocacy
- Middle Childhood
- Innovation
An impressive lineup of community resource agencies and providers will be exhibiting to provide families with valuable access to information and services.
Childcare is NOT available for this event.
Accommodations:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront (3.9 miles away)
1201 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Reservation: 833-304-1375
Hotel Link to Register
By phone (available 24 hours a day) to 1-800-222-8733 and be sure to ask for “Connecting the Dots” or Group Code 91I [nine-one- Letter i]
Directions from Hotel to Schultz Center
- Mention the 10th Annual Connecting the Dots Conference for a discounted rate of $129 per night with complimentary overnight self parking for 2 adults. $10 additional fee for each additional adult beyond two.
Reservation Cut-off Date – as a reminder, reservations must be made before midnight on Date 9/24/2026.
If ASL services or other accommodations are needed, please indicate on your registration. Deadlines Apply.
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, The Arc Jacksonville, The Arc of the St. Johns, Florida Community Care, Family Network on Disabilities, Parents Offering Parents Information and Networking (POPIN), Eagle Strategies, Bright Feats Northeast Florida, PossAbilities Plus, Able United, DiFranza Law, FDLRS CROWN, Molina Childrens Medical Services, Anchor Technical Apparel LLC, North Florida School of Special Education, Pine Castle, Disability Rights Florida, Dogwood Disability, and Jacksonville Neuro and Clinical Psychology Group.
Useful Links
Family Care Council Area 4
Agency for Persons with Disabilities
UF-Jax CARD/FDLRS-MDC
City of Jacksonville Disabled Services
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
Able United
FDLRS Crown
DiFranza Law
Molina Childrens Medical Services
Anchor Technical Apparel LLC
North Florida School of Special Education
Pine Castle
Florida Community Care
Disability Rights Florida
Dogwood Disability
Jacksonville Neuro and Clinical Psychology Group
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:50 AM
Arrival/Check-in
Event Schedule
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:50 AM
Arrival/Check-in at Registration (receive attendee bag)
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:55 AM
Resource Exhibitors Area open Gentry C
🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Continental Breakfast & Coffee (served by Bitty & Beau's)
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Welcome Presentation Gentry A/B
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Keynote Presentation, Director Taylor Hatch APD
🕑: 09:35 AM - 10:30 AM
Breakout Session I
🕑: 10:40 AM - 11:35 AM
Breakout Session II
🕑: 11:45 AM - 01:00 PM
Lunch Break (Lunch Served by NFSSE Berry Good Farms)
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:45 PM
Keynote Presentation - Director Taylor Hatch
🕑: 01:50 PM - 02:45 PM
Breakout Session III
🕑: 03:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Conference Ends ~See you next year!
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:30 PM
Last Chance to Visit Resource Exhibitors
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 15.00
