About UF CARD

Services

UF CARD Gainesville provides the following primary services, free of charge, in the 14 Florida counties we serve (listed below).

CARD does not provide services such as diagnosis, therapy (for example ABA, OT, PT), ongoing behavioral interventions, respite care, or medical care of any kind.

For information about diagnostic assessments and therapies at UF Health please see UF Health Child or Adult Psychiatry, or contact UF Health CAN.

For complete details see our Services & FAQ page.

Counties Served by UF CARD Gainesville: Alachua, Bradford, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Suwannee, Union

Constituency Board Members

  • Rafena Boyd – Alachua County
  • Jonathan Katz – Alachua County
  • Kathleen Kopacz, Vice-Chair – Alachua County
  • Neena Rao, Secretary – Marion County
  • Trish Thoburn, Chair – Alachua County
  • Heather Weathers – Columbia County

CARD in Florida

Florida is home to many individuals with autism and related disabilities. In response to the needs of these people and their families, seven regional, nonresidential resource centers have been established at the following locations:

  • The University of Florida/Gainesville (this website)
  • The University of Florida Health Science Center/Jacksonville
  • The University of South Florida
  • The University of Miami
  • The University of Central Florida
  • Florida Atlantic University
  • Florida State University

Find Your CARD!

Florida Statute 1004.55

Florida Administrative Rule 6A-7.0335

Philosophy and Policies

CARD is founded on the strong belief that:

  • All individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, have the right to live as full participants in society.
  • All people have the right to be treated with dignity and understanding.
  • People with disabilities are members of families. All families have strengths and capacities and have the right to be treated with sensitivity and respect, and as integral members of a person’s system of support.
  • People with autism and related disabilities have the right to be regarded as individuals who need services and supports that are based on their unique characteristics.
  • As a policy, CARD will not lend its name to the endorsement of any specific program, practice, or model that is offered for service to people with autism and related disabilities. This policy does not preclude the provision of referral options or individualized recommendations by CARD staff, nor does it imply that CARD staff are to refrain from sharing any knowledge or personal experiences. The sharing of information, training, and the development of recommendations are key functions of the CARD programs.

Orientation Video

Watch a short video that provides an introduction to our services. This video was created for new constituents, but may be helpful to others interested in learning more about what we do.
If you have any comments or questions please email us at card-info@ufl.edu.
Media requests must be coordinated through the UF Health Communications team.

A History of CARD at UF and in Florida

Listen to the CARDcast featuring Greg Valcante and Art Wallen talking about the history of CARD.