Inclusion Warm Line

"Inclusion means that all children have access to and are included in all aspects of life."
- Bonnie Touchton

I am Bonnie Touchton, the Inclusion Specialist in Pinellas County. I have a Masters Degree from the University of South Florida in Early Childhood and Special Education. I love children and I especially love to work for children with special needs. America stands for "equality for all". I believe that those of us who love children "love them all" and want to "include them all". I am here to support you, as you help all of them.

I am available as an advocate, a facilitator, and to work with you as you include children with special needs in your child care program or family day care home.

Inclusion Warm Line

My office is known as the Warm Line. I can be reached by calling 727-548-1439 ext. 226 or at btouchton@elcpinellas.net to answer questions about services for your children.

The state's Warm Line number in Tallahassee is 866-357-3239.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• Curriculum issues
• Strategies for Managing Behavior
• Child Development Concerns
• Health
• Environmental Adaptations
• Laws and Regulations (i.e. The Americans with Disabilities Act)

There are inclusion specialists at each coalition office in our State and all are dedicated to:

1. To increase the number of providers who offer quality inclusive programs for children with disabilities and special health care needs
2. To enhance the confidence, ability level, and education of caregivers who care for children with disabilities and special health care needs
3. To assist providers and the families they serve in understanding and accessing the community resources and services available for children with disabilities and special health care needs
4. To increase community awareness of the need for, the requirements of, and the benefits associated with inclusive child care for all children

Community Resources

Wheelchairs 4 Kids
1406 Stonehaven Way
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Phone: 727-946-0963
Email: Info@wheelchairs4kids.org
Website: http://wheelchairs4kids.org/

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What are the eligibility requirements for Wheelchairs 4 Kids?
A: The child must be under the age of 18 and have a doctor verify their medical condition and mobility needs. We understand that children grow and mobility needs change faster than Medicaid and other insurers allow for replacements. We also recognize that certain equipment, adaptive devices or modifications may not be covered and that co-pays may be higher than a family can afford. Every situation is unique and it is our goal to work together with the family to ensure that the best solution is reached. If covered by Medicaid or another insurer, we do request that proof of denial accompany the application.

Q: What kind of mobility devices and equipment do you offer?
A: We provide wheelchairs, gait trainers, AFO's, hoyer lifts, bathing solutions, vehicle modifications and some home modifications providing the family owns the home.

Q. Who can nominate a child?
A. Just about anyone! Parents, relatives, teachers, therapists, social workers, medical personnel, etc. If you know of a child that may benefit from our services, please visit the refer a child page and send us the information. You must be able to provide accurate contact information for the parents or guardian.

Q. Does the family have to pay a fee for your services?
A. No. The families are never charged for our programs.

Q. How do you pay for your programs?
A. We rely on the kindness of people like you! All of our programs are made possible by people just like you. We also get support from businesses, schools, corporations and civic organizations. We hope that you will consider our mission worthy of your support and our kids deserving of your donation. You can help in other ways too; tell your friends, include us as one of your charities of choice on your facebook page, volunteer, become a neighborhood captain. There are tons of ways that you can give a child the freedom to roam. Please visit our Get Involved page and get involved!

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