Early Steps Western Panhandle

09/17/2026

💜 IT’S OKAY TO GRIEVE: From Grief to Growth💜

Receiving a diagnosis for your child can bring so many emotions—fear, uncertainty, sadness, relief, hope, and everything in between. And sometimes, as parents and caregivers, we need a safe place where we can simply say, “This is hard,” and know that we’re understood.

Beyond Disabilities, in collaboration with The Purposeful Play House, invites parents and caregivers to join us for a special Parent Support Group:

🌿 It’s Okay to Grieve: A Supportive Conversation for Parents Navigating a Diagnosis

Our guest speaker, Niesia Garza, LCSW, RPT, CBC of Daniel’s Harbor, will share encouragement, insight, and practical ways to work through grief while embracing the possibilities ahead.

📅 Friday, September 18th
⏰ 5:00 PM
📍 Advanced Sacred Hope Academy
106 Racetrack Road NE
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

Whether the diagnosis is new or you’ve been on this journey for years, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Come as you are. Connect with other families who understand. Share if you want to—or simply listen. 💜

At Beyond Disabilities, we believe there is strength in community, healing in connection, and always room for hope.

From grief to growth, you are not alone. 💜

08/24/2026

The Arc Gateway is excited to introduce Sea No Limits, a FREE fishing clinic for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families!

🎣 Saturday, October 10 | 8 AM–12 PM

📍 Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park
301 West Main Street, Pensacola

This year, The Arc Gateway is proud to host Sea No Limits for the first time, continuing a wonderful community event that has brought the joy of fishing to individuals with disabilities for many years.
Participants will enjoy hands-on fishing instruction, casting and knot-tying activities, special marine life educational booths, a free grilled lunch, and plenty of fun along the waterfront!

The first 250 registered participants will also receive a FREE rod and reel to keep, event T-shirt and bait.

Pre-registration is required and space is limited!

👉 Learn more and register here: seanolimits.com

08/15/2026

🌞 You’re Invited! Picnic & Play in Niceville! 🌳💦

Calling all Parent Infant Program families in the Niceville area! Join us for a fun-filled Picnic & Play at Niceville Children’s Park.

This is a wonderful opportunity to:
🛝 Explore an inclusive playground
💦 Cool off in the splash pad (don’t forget swimsuits and towels!)
🤝 Connect with other families
💙 Spend time making memories in a relaxed, family-friendly setting

Whether your little one loves to splash, climb, explore textures, or simply enjoy being outdoors, there’s something for everyone.

📅 Contact us for the date and time.
📲 Be sure to RSVP here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=qcz69TJhpUi2L4fZCLUGtkBwpwV9VatKjiavRKQmfdZURE1UNUVGT1k3TE9NUDVZQks0RUtZR0hWTS4u&route=shorturl

We can’t wait to see our Parent Infant Program families for a morning of play, laughter, and connection! 🌞🧺💙

08/04/2026

08/04/2026

07/18/2026

#📚✨ Looking for free braille books and literacy resources?

The Book Angel Program from Seedlings Braille Books for Children provides eligible children who are blind or visually impaired with free braille books each year, helping build early literacy skills and foster a love of reading.

Did you know that Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs) can also receive free braille books from Seedlings through their educator programs? These resources help TVIs introduce braille, support literacy development, and provide students with access to engaging reading materials.

Access to braille books at an early age can make a lasting difference in a child’s learning journey. We encourage families and educators to explore these valuable opportunities and other free programs offered by Seedlings.

Learn more at www.seedlings.org/free-programs/

07/16/2026

Please click the link to complete this form.

07/16/2026

*Posting on behalf of the Florida Atlantic Center for Autism and Related Disabilities*

✨ Communication opens doors to connection, learning, and independence! ✨

Join us on August 4th from 10:00–11:00 AM ET for Instructional Strategies to Increase Language & Social Communication and discover practical, evidence-based approaches to support students with autism.

📚 Learn strategies that encourage meaningful communication
🤝 Strengthen social interaction skills
💙 Empower students to succeed

📅 August 4
⏰ 10:00–11:00 AM ET
🔗 Register today: https://ow.ly/m6sz50ZaCjM

📧 For more information, contact Rachelle Tolliver at [email protected]

07/16/2026

💜 Join Our Team – Parent Advisors Needed!

The FSDB Parent Infant Program is seeking Parent Advisors to support families of infants and toddlers who are blind or visually impaired.

✨ Flexible schedule (2–10+ hours weekly)
✨ Paid training and travel
✨ Great experience in early intervention

What does a Parent Advisor do?
✨Connect with families through in-home visits
✨Share helpful resources and encouragement
✨Help families access early intervention supports

We are looking for individuals who may have:
✔️ Bachelor’s degree in a related field
✔️ Background in education, early childhood, or social services
✔️ Experience with sensory loss
✔️ Strong communication skills
✔️ A passion for supporting families

💬 Comment below or message us to learn more.