The Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) provides diagnostic and instructional support services to district exceptional student education programs and families of students with exceptionalities statewide. FDLRS supports the state education goals of high student achievement, safe schools, and high performing workforce. FDLRS activities reflect these goals and demonstrate outcomes toward accomplishing them.
FDLRS includes twenty associate centers that serve from one to nine school districts. Your FDLRS center is FDLRS Suncoast. The FDLRS centers collaborate with districts, agencies, communities and other personnel and educational entities, providing education and support for teachers, parents, therapists, school administrators, and students with exceptionalities. Each center includes specialists in the areas of Human Resource Development (HRD), Parent Services, Technology and Child Find. Listed below are the four functions and information related to each.
FDLRS also includes five statewide centers that provide service and support to the entire network. These include FDLRS/ATEN, FDLRS/FIMC, FDLRS/HRD, FDLRS/RMTC, and FDLRS/TECH. In addition, there are five regional technology centers that provide technology support to the network and districts.
- Identifies and helps meet individual personnel development needs with the service area.
- Provides information about training, resources, and promising practices that respond to personnel development needs.
- Provides multi-level training designed to meet the specific needs of individual school districts.
- Assists in the development and delivery of educational services to support the initiatives of the Florida Department of Education's Bureau of Instructional Support and Community Services.
- Makes available information, training, equipment, and other resources that support the attainment of state and school district goals.
Contact Information
Ann Matthews
FDLRS Suncoast Consultant
(941) 255-0808 ext. 3082
- Helps schools and school districts to develop family-friendly programs and services.
- Provides information to families about exceptional student education.
- Promotes partnerships between schools and families to support student achievement.
- Provides information to families and professionals about local resources and family support groups.
Contact Information
Vivian Kehrer
FDLRS Suncoast Consultant
(941) 255-0808 ext. 3082
- Helps students,families, and educators identify, acquire, and make effective use of assistive and instructional technologies.
- Helps teachers integrate technology with effective teaching, leading to improved student outcomes.
- Provides opportunities for students, families, and educators to explore high- and low-tech equipment and program solutions.
- Disseminates information and training through distance learning opportunities.
- Local Assistive Technology Specialist (LATS): Charlotte County contact: Karen Owens
Contact Information
Vivian Kehrer
FDLRS Suncoast Consultant
(941) 255-0808 ext. 3082
- Assists in locating, identifying, and obtaining services for children who have disabilites or special needs.
- Uses the CHRIS (Children's Registry and Information System) for tracking and service coordination.
- Promotes public awareness of services for children and youth who have disabilites.
- Screens children and youth to determine if they need to be formally evaluated.
- Provides coordination, training, and support to assist service providers in evaluating children and youth.
Contact Information
Vivian Kehrer
FDLRS Suncoast Consultant
(941) 255-0808 ext. 3082
