Parkinson's Resources

The American Parkinson Disease Association is committed to providing education, assistance, services, programs and activities for people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners.

1-800-825-2732

The Davis Phinney Foundation provides essential information, practical tools and inspiration to people living with Parkinson’s. In addition, they fund early-phase, innovative research that focuses on exercise, speech, movement and other factors that affect quality of life.

MedlinePlus is a health information website for patients and families. MedlinePlus provides carefully selected links to health information from the National Institutes of Health and other federal government agencies on parkinson’s disease.

The Parkinson’s Foundation mission is to make life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. Through their website, the Parkinson’s Foundation provides information on Understanding and Living with PD, Expert Care and Research.

1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800- 473-4636)

Partners in Parkinson’s is a multifaceted strategic health initiative, aimed at filling in knowledge gaps and providing new educational tools and resources for the Parkinson’s community to help Parkinson’s patients and caregivers optimize care at every stage of the disease.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today. Through their website, the Michael J. Fox Foundation provides information on Diagnosis and Symptoms, Life with PD, Navigating the System, Relationships, Treatment Options, Promising New Science and more.

1-800-708-7644

Programs exclusively for children and adults with disabilities run by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists.

Shake a Leg Miami is a 501(c)3 organization that has worked in partnership with the City of Miami. SALM is located on the waterfront of Miami’s beautiful Biscayne Bay, and enjoys facilities which include a marina with a variety of boats and kayaks.  SALM’s mission is to be the premier global destination utilizing the marine environment to improve the health, education and independence of children and adults with physical, developmental and economic challenges, in an inclusive community setting.

305-858-5550

Mission: To benefit children and adults with special needs or disabilities by offering them the opportunity to interact with dedicated horses in a manner that promotes physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. We believe people can develop therapeutic relationships with horses, crossing boundaries of speech and physical disabilities in a way that encourages healing and improved self-esteem.

305-596-4204

PAF serves as an active liaison between the patient and their insurer, employer and/or creditors to resolve insurance, job retention and/or debt crisis matters relative to their diagnosis through case managers, doctors and attorneys. Patient Advocate Foundation seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of their financial stability.

1-800-532-5274

For more information on the programs listed below, please contact: 1-866-762-2237.

Or download a paper application:

The Food Assistance Program helps people with low-income buy healthy food. If your household passes the Food Assistance Program’s eligibility rules, the amount of food assistance benefits you get depends on the number of people in your household and how much money is left after certain expenses are subtracted.

The SUNCAP Program is a special Food Assistance Program for individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You may be eligible to receive food assistance benefits through the SUNCAP Program without any additional application, paperwork, or interviews. If you already receive food assistance benefits in the regular Food Assistance Program, you may be automatically put in the SUNCAP Program when you become SSI eligible. If your food assistance benefits will go down because of SUNCAP, you may choose to continue receiving your food assistance benefits under the regular Food Assistance Program.

The Optional State Supplementation (OSS) Program provides monthly cash payments to indigent elderly or disabled individuals who live in special non-institutional, residential living facilities, including assisted living facilities, adult family care homes and mental health residential treatment facilities. To qualify for OSS, an individual must need assistance with the activities of daily living due to physical and/or mental conditions.  The program provides a monthly check that supplements the individual’s income so they can pay the facility a provider rate established by the Department.

This program provides case management services and a small financial subsidy to approved caregivers providing in-home care to adult persons (18 through 59 years of age) with disabilities who would otherwise be placed in nursing homes or institutions. Subsidy payments are intended to help offset the cost of housing, food, clothing, and incidentals, as well as those expenses related to medical, pharmaceutical, and dental services not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or another form of insurance. A special pre-authorized reimbursed supplemental subsidy may also provide for assistance with the purchase of equipment, supplies, and/or services when regarded as essential to the health and well being of the individual.

The Community Care for Disabled Adults (CCDA) program assists adults (18 through 59 years of age) who have a permanent physical or mental disability that restricts their ability to perform one or more activities of daily living and impedes their capacity to live independently. Through the provision of, or linkage to, in-home services. Services include but are not limited to: adult day care; case management; chore service; escort service; homemaker service; and personal care.

The official benefits website of the U.S. government; Find out which government benefits you may be eligible to receive.

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) requires most group health plans to provide a temporary continuation of group health coverage that otherwise might be terminated.
COBRA requires continuation coverage to be offered to covered employees, their spouses, their former spouses, and their dependent children when group health coverage would otherwise be lost due to certain specific events.

For more information call toll free 1-866-444-3272 or visit the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA’s) Website

The housing choice voucher program is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.
If you are interested in applying for a voucher, contact the local PHA:

ICP is a Medicaid program that helps people age 65+ or disabled and in nursing facilities pay for cost of their care plus provides general medical coverage. For more information:

The Lifeline Program provides a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers. The Lifeline Program is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance to low-income individuals and families who are experiencing financial difficulty with paying their electric and gas utility bills.

For additional information regarding the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), please contact: 786-469-4640

Medicaid provides medical coverage to low-income individuals and families.
Customer Call Center: 1-866-762-2237

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD).
The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services:
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans)
Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage)

State Medicaid programs pay Medicare costs for certain elderly and disabled persons with low incomes and very limited assets. There are several programs to help people pay their Medicare expenses: The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB); the Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLMB); and the Qualifying Individual Program (QI).

If you already have Medicare Part A and think you qualify for either QMB, SLMB or QI assistance, you must file an application for Medicaid at a State, county, or local medical assistance office.

1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

Individuals who are not eligible for “full” Medicaid because their income or assets are over the Medicaid program limits may qualify for the Medically Needy program.

Public housing was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
If you are interested in applying for public housing, contact your local HA:

SHINE is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and your local Area Agency on Aging. Specially trained volunteers can assist you with your Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information. SHINE services are free, unbiased, and confidential.

English: 305-671-6356
Spanish: 305-671-6376

For more information about programs available through the Social Security Administration:
1-800-772-1213

Social Security pays Disability Benefits to people who have worked long enough and paid social security taxes and now can’t work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least 1 year or result in death. For more information:

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources.  SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits.  Individuals who receive SSI through Social Security are automatically eligible to receive Medicaid in Florida. For more information:

Social Security offers complete information on how to plan for your retirement:

Provides links to many resources such as government and nonprofit agencies and publishes Today’s Caregiver magazine.

works to educate, support, empower and improve the quality of life for those who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age.

NCCIH is the Federal Government’s lead agency for scientific research on complementary and integrative health approaches.

1-888-644-6226

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.

1-800-526-7234

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a federal-state program that helps people who have physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job.

1-800-451-4327

Ticket to work is a free and voluntary Social Security program that helps everyone age 18 through 64 who receive disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) return to work or work for the first time.’

Ticket to Work Help Line: 1-866-968-7842

Ticket to work is a free and voluntary Social Security program that helps everyone age 18 through 64 who receive disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) return to work or work for the first time.’

Ticket to Work Help Line: 1-866-968-7842

Silver Sneakers is a free fitness program for seniors on Medicare through certain participating health plans.  SilverSneakers includes unlimited access to every participating gym and fitness center in the network.

The Melvin Weinstein Parkinson’s Foundation is a not for profit organization with a mission of purchasing equipment and supplies necessary to maintain a safe and healthy environment for Parkinson’s patients.

FHCE helps individuals learn their eligibility for public and private health coverage programs.

You are eligible for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) or Medicaid
Your doctor and the hospice medical director certify that you are terminally ill and probably have less than six months to live
You sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of routine Medicare covered benefits for your terminal illness
You receive care from a Medicare-approved hospice program
Some private pay insurance companies follow different eligibility guidelines and benefits offered can differ from insurer to insurer. Please contact your insurance provider about their hospice eligibility requirements.

Most hospices also offer comfort care for patients not yet eligible, contact your local hospice to ask about palliative care services.

The Home Care and Hospice Agency Locator contains a comprehensive database of more than 28,000 home care and hospice agencies.  For more information please visit the web site:

Subscribe to receive Waiting List Alerts for Section 8 and Public Housing based on the states you select, as well as bi-weekly housing news.

Rebuilding Together improves the homes and lives of homeowners in need (veterans, senior citizens, and the disabled with a household income of less than 80% of the median area average income). Typically clients are no longer able to work due to their age or disabilities and live on a small fixed-income. Referrals are made through community organizations, religious organizations, service groups, city officials, or by self-submission. Candidates complete an application, houses are assessed, and work scope determined. Qualified applicants are put on a waiting list for scheduling.

For those living in Miami-Dade: https://rebuildingtogether.org/find-your-local-affiliate#states-f

To find other local affiliates: https://rebuildingtogether.org/find-your-local-affiliate

**Each affiliate website lists the homeowner applications under different tabs.

MS Path 2 Care is an initiative that aims to empower people affected by multiple sclerosis to be active partners in their healthcare experience. Explore the MS Path 2 Care modules to learn more about the importance of shared decision making in MS care, and to hear important tips directly from people living with MS, their care partners and MS specialists.

MS Views and News (MSVN, is dedicated to the global collection and distribution of information concerning Multiple Sclerosis. Through partnering relationships, MSVN provides education, advocacy and service to empower and enhance the quality of life of the MS community.

MS Navigator Helpline: (888) 871-1664

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives through ongoing support and direct services to individuals with MS, their families, and their care partners.

(800) 532-7667

E-mail: MSquestions@mymsaa.org

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, known in the MS community as MS Focus, is a nonprofit organization focused on providing free services that address the critical needs of people with MS and their families.

888-MSFOCUS (888-673-6287) or Local: 954-776-6805
E-mail: support@msfocus.org

Through their website, the National MS Society provides information on Symptoms & Diagnosis, Treating MS, Resources & Support, Living Well with MS and Research.

Elder Law attorneys may be located on the website of the Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys at www.afela.org.

Disability Rights Florida
Mission Statement: To advance the quality of life, dignity, equality, self-determination, and freedom of choice of persons with disabilities through collaboration, education, advocacy, as well as legal and legislative strategies.

Services:

• Abuse, neglect or rights violations for individuals who live in institutional and residential settings.
• Community placement.
• Access to publicly funded benefits and services, particularly home and community based services.
• Self-empowerment and rights of individuals to gain greater control over important life decisions.
• Control over use of public benefits and personal assets.
• Equal access to public and private programs and services, including businesses, transportation, post-secondary education, housing, and assistive technology.
• Access to vocational rehabilitation and blind services.
• Access to a free and appropriate public education in the most inclusive environment.
• Least restrictive alternatives to guardianship.
• Voting rights and civic participation.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
For more information about the Americans with Disabilities Act:
1-800-669-4000

The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service and Local Bar Association assist consumers in contacting an attorney.  Under the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service, lawyers charge clients $25 (local bar-sponsored program charges range from $20 to $50) for the initial half-hour office consultation. The Bar has four specialty panels:

• Low-fee
• Elderly
• Disability
• AIDS

If your personal circumstances qualify you for referral to one of these specialty panels, you will receive a free initial 30-minute office consultation. After the first 30 minutes, fees are negotiable, based on the client’s ability to pay.

Contact: 1-800-342-8011
Online Referral Request:

Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. is the largest provider of broad-based civil legal services for the poor in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties.
Contact information for Legal Services of Greater Miami:
Miami-Dade: 305-576-0080
Monroe: 1-877-715-7464

The Senior Legal Helpline provides free legal advice and brief services by telephone to eligible Florida residents age 60 and older, for civil (not criminal) legal problems.  Civil legal aid helps people access basic necessities such as healthcare, housing, government benefits, employment, and educational services.  Eligible callers are scheduled for a free telephone consultation with an attorney or paralegal.  Most callers will receive answers to their legal questions during the initial telephone appointment. Clients may also qualify for referrals to providers who offer free legal services in the client’s local communities.

Contact: 1-888-895-7873

Medicare beneficiaries can qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs. To qualify for the Extra Help, a person must be receiving Medicare, have limited resources and income, and reside in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia.

The pharmacies use the Family Wize Prescription Drug Card like a reusable prescription coupon.  No enrollment restrictions.

NeedyMeds is a national non-profit organization that maintains a website of free information on programs that help people who can’t afford medications and healthcare costs.

PPARx helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need for free or nearly free.

1-888-477-2669

RX Outreach is a fully-licensed nonprofit mail order pharmacy. Through Rx Outreach, patients pay an affordable price for medications. There are no additional enrollment fees, membership fees, or standard shipping fees. Patients can be on Medicare, Medicaid or other health insurance and still receive medications from Rx Outreach.

Contact: 1-888-RXO-1234 (1-888-796-1234)

The mission of Good Days is to provide assistance to patients who have insurance but cannot afford the out-of-pocket expenses required for their medication. Good Days also works to provide travel, diagnostic and insurance premium assistance for certain diseases.

1-877-968-7233

NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

Information Help Line: 800-950-6264National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
1-800-273-8255

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that helps people 50 and older improve the quality of their lives.
https://www.aarp.org/
Toll-Free Nationwide: 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277)
Toll-Free Spanish: 1-877-342-2277
Spanish website: (https://www.aarp.org/espanol/?intcmp=AE-HP-FTR-ESPANOL)

The Alliance for Aging can connect you to services for meals, recreation, adult day care, personal care, legal help, transportation and more. The Alliance for Aging is a private, not-for-profit agency part of a nationwide network of more than 650 Area Agencies on Aging.  Any person age 60 or older is eligible for services from the Alliance for Aging.

Main: 305-670-6500
Elder Helpline: 305-670-4357
Family Caregiver Support Specialist (Nancy Victoria): 305-670-6500, ext 11254

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) targets individuals who would otherwise qualify for Medicaid nursing home placement and provides them with a comprehensive array of home and community-based services at a cost less than nursing home care. Individuals who choose to enroll in PACE have both their medical and long-term care needs managed through a single provider.

Provides caregivers with information about respite and contact information for  those services in their area.  Information on respite funding and adult day care also available through website.

The AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability is awarded annually to a deserving  student with a disability who is pursuing undergraduate/graduate studies (must be at least enrolled as a sophomore in college) in an accredited university who is pursuing studies related to the health and disability.

The purpose of our scholarship program is to provide support to individuals that are legal residents of the United States of America, under the age of 25, who have been diagnosed with or treated for cancer, a chronic, or life threatening debilitating disease within the past five years.

AA is a nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical group for men and women who have had a drinking problem.There are no age or education requirements.

Al-Anon Family Groups have one focus: to help families and friends of those suffering from alcohol addiction.

NA is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs for men and women who are recovering addicts.

Nar-Anon Family Groups have one focus: to help families and friends of those suffering from drug addiction.

More than sixty groups have volunteer pilots who will fly patients for care or provide other flights or aviation services to help those in need or serve our communities. Please use “Request a Flight” or “Info” button to fill out a simple form and get a short list of groups whose members may be most able to help you, or browse through our long Directory of Groups to see all the groups we list.

Professional driving assessments generally fall into two categories: driving skills evaluations and clinical driving assessments. A driving skill evaluation includes an in-car evaluation of your driving abilities and a recommendation regarding any further specialized drivers’ training. Clinical driving assessments are used to identify underlying medical causes of any driving performance deficits and offer ways to address them, so driving remains a safe option.

Developed by the University of Florida Institute for Mobility, Activity and Participation, this website is designed to provide information and resources on alternative forms of transportation, driving knowledge and skills, and links to national organizations that address transportation issues.

Special Transportation Service (STS) is available for people with a physical, mental or intellectual disability who cannot ride Metrobus, Metrorail or Metromover.  Any resident whose disability prevents them from riding regular transit vehicles qualifies for STS. STS offers shared-ride, door-to-door travel in accessible vehicles throughout most of Miami-Dade County, in some parts of South Broward County, and in the Monroe County Upper to Middle Keys. STS operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including most holidays.

Enrollment & Information: 786-469-5000

Vital Flight serves those in need of medical treatment for a variety of reasons. The typical Vital Flight passenger is a patient seeking treatment or therapy that requires medical attention on a non-emergency basis. Vital Flight is not an air ambulance and all patients must be medically cleared by a physician to fly.

Voice: (800) 276-0300

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, known in the MS community as MS Focus, is a nonprofit organization focused on providing free services that address the critical needs of people with MS and their families.

888-MSFOCUS (888-673-6287) or Local: 954-776-6805
E-mail: support@msfocus.org

Through their website, the National MS Society provides information on Symptoms & Diagnosis, Treating MS, Resources & Support, Living Well with MS and Research.