Our primary focus is to provide individualized, direct assistance to these individuals and their families. Services include technical assistance and consultation, professional training programs and public education activities. CARD services are designed to build on the capacities of state and local resources, not to duplicate or replace them. The Center is funded by the Florida Legislature through the Florida Department of Education and all services are provided free of charge. A constituency board comprised of family members representing persons with autism and related disabilities meets quarterly with the Center staff to provide guidance on policies, priorities and activities.
All people have the right to be treated with dignity and understanding.
People with disabilities are members of families. All families have strengths and capacities and have the right to be treated with sensitivity and respect, and as integral members of a person's system of support. People with autism and related disabilities have the right to be regarded as individuals who need services and supports that are based on their unique characteristics.