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.

Children with developmental disabilities do not have access to the variety of recreational opportunities as do their typical peers. Many have no option but to participate in recreation programs that exclusively serve children with special needs. This essentially segregates children with disabilities from interacting with other children of the same age and similar interests and does not provide for typical learning and social opportunities at their neighborhood parks, playgrounds, pools, recreation centers, and camps. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires parks and recreation programs and services to be provided in integrated settings. A number of studies have focused on the value of social and peer relationships between children with and without disabilities in inclusive activities, most of which indicate positive results were achieved for both groups of children.

The primary objective of this project is to promote and expand the inclusion of children with developmental disabilities in existing recreation programs (e.g. YMCA, community park/recreation, private camps, after school, specific sports) by

1)     Including Inclusion Specialists as part of staff at existing recreation programs for the distinct purpose of facilitating inclusion;

2)     Increasing and enhancing training and technical assistance provided to administrators and staff members of existing recreation programs; and

3)     Providing scholarships and partial scholarships to children with developmental disabilities to attend existing recreation programs.

Existing recreation programs (e.g. YMCA, community park/recreation, private camps, after school, specific sports) may submit proposal in response to this RFP. The approximate amount of funds available for project awarded based on this RFP will not exceed $100,000 of federal grant funds from FDDC. The exact amount of this contract will be developed during contract negotiations.

Copies of this RFP will be available from: 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 1(888)488-8633. The deadline for submitting letters of intent (which are requested but not mandatory) and written questions is prior to 4:00 p.m. (EDST), on June 1, 2007. The deadline for submitting proposals is prior to 2:00 p.m. (EDST), on July 20, 2007. Letters of Intent will only be accepted by fax, mail, or hand delivery. Letters of Intent by e-mail will not be accepted.