REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (FDDC # 2006-CD-3400)

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) announces the availability of a Request for Proposals.  This RFP is being issued to enhance the information base necessary for the FDDC continued efforts to improve the delivery of services to the state’s children and adults with developmental disabilities.

The Council recognizes that many school age children with developmental disabilities do not have the same summer recreation options available to them as do their typical peers. Most school age students with disabilities participate in summer school or recreational programs that serve only students with special needs.  This effectively segregates them from interacting with other children that are the same age and have the same interests, and does not afford them typical learning and social opportunities with other children at their neighborhood parks, playgrounds, pools, recreational centers, and camps.  A number of studies have focused on the value of social and peer relationships between children with and without disabilities, with most indicating a positive result for both groups of children (Turner and Traxler 1995).

The primary objective of this project is to transform existing summer camp programs that currently do not include campers with developmental disabilities into including campers with developmental disabilities within the guidelines of natural proportions. This involves recruiting and training summer camp staff and typically developing peers to result in an inclusive camp experience for children with and without developmental disabilities.  This project will also involve the development of  manuals, trainings and materials for summer camp staff and typically developing peers, the provision of on-site and telephone follow-up and technical assistance, an application process and criteria for selection of project camp sites, the development a “How to” replication manual on how to develop a successful inclusive summer camp for programs already in existence, which will include but is not limited to: camp staff training, peer training, case examples, and an application process for recruiting, and organizing a Sustainability Committee for the project  

Individuals, not-for-profit and for-profit agencies may submit proposal in response to this RFP.  The approximate amount of funds available for project awarded based on this RFP will be up to $100,000. The exact amount of this contract will be developed during contract negotiations.

Copies of this RFP will be available from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, 124 Marriott Drive, Suite 203, Tallahassee, Fl 32301, (850) 488-4180 or Toll Free 1-800-580-7801 or TDD Toll Free (888) 488-8633. The deadline for submitting letters of intent and written questions is prior to 4:00 p.m. EST on March 17, 2006. The deadline for submitting proposals is prior to 4:00 p.m. DST on May 1, 2006.  Letters of Intent will only be accepted by fax, mail, or hand delivery.  Letters of Intent by e-mail will not be accepted.