• EXCEPTIONALITY: Intellectual Disabilities, IND
    • Intellectual disabilities (IND) is defined as significantly below average general intellectual and adaptive functioning
    • The below average functioning occurs during the developmental period, classified as birth through age 18 AND results in significant delays in academic skills
    • Collier County Public Schools provides services for students with an eligibility of IND from ages 3-21
    • Based on the individual needs of the student, the Individual Education Plan Team (IEP Team) will determine appropriate services and supports to ensure students are provided with appropriate instruction
    • For students with the most significant cognitive disability, the IEP Team, based on the unique needs of each student, may determine that the student requires instruction in Florida’s Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Access Points if the student meets the criteria as outlined in FL Rule 6A-1.0943(5), F.A.C
    • Students with intellectual disabilities are placed in the least restrictive educational environment that meets their individual needs
    • Students may also be provided with career preparation and life skills training in the secondary setting

    DISTRICT CONTACT

    Dr. Joy Bonnaig, ESE Coordinator
    (239) 377-1724
    BonnaiJ1@collierschools.com

    INFORMATION & RESOURCES

    ORGANIZATION/RESOURCE HYPERLINK

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION

    Florida Department of Education – Intellectually Disabilities

    The definition, eligibility criteria, and resources for Intellectual Disabilities from the Florida Department of Education.

    Community Assistance Resource and Education Program

    C.A.R.E, Collier County Sheriff’s Office

    C.A.R.E. (Community Assistance Resource and Education) is a program established by the Collier County Sheriff's Office to assist citizens that have special needs.

    Project Lifesaver

    Project Lifesaver is a tool that law enforcement agencies can use to search for missing persons...such as persons with dementia, Autism and other brain dysfunctions that cause them to wander away from their caregivers.

    American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

    AAIDD

    AAIDD promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

    Equity, Opportunity and Inclusion for People with Disabilities

    TASH

    TASH is an international leader in disability advocacy. Founded in 1975, TASH advocates for human rights and inclusion for people with significant disabilities and support needs.

    Naples Therapeutic Riding Center

    The mission of the Naples Therapeutic Riding Center is to improve the lives of children and adults with physical, social and mental health needs though therapeutic riding and other equine-related programs.

    Special Olympics - Collier County

    Special Olympics spreads compassion and acceptance in a way that can unite the world. Our goal is to awaken everyone — and every community — to each person’s common humanity.

    STARability

    We Support people with disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize Teamwork, connection to the community to build Awareness and Respect for individual abilities.

    Project Access

    Our mission is to provide resources that facilitate the teaching and learning of access points.

    FAA Student and Families Portal

    The FAA program is based on Florida’s Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T) Access Points, which are academic expectations written specifically for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.