FAQS

  • Magnify of Central Florida is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live meaningful, self-directed lives. We offer residential services, employment support, life skills training, and youth transition programs throughout Central Florida.

    If you don’t see your question here, please don't hesitate to contact us — we’re happy to help!

  • Magnify provides opportunities for individuals to grow in independence, build friendships, and contribute to their communities. Rather than focusing on limitations, Magnify creates environments where people can discover their strengths, gain confidence, and pursue purposeful lives supported by a caring community that believes in their potential.

  • At Magnify of Central Florida, we partner with state agencies, including the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), which administers the iBudget Waiver, as well as other funding sources, to provide services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  • Florida Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) helps eligible people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, maintain, or advance in employment. Florida VR determines eligibility and authorizes services based on the individual’s assessed needs and employment goal. Participants select among qualified providers through informed choice. Questions about VR eligibility or authorization should be directed to Florida VR or the assigned VR counselor.

  • APD is a Florida state agency that serves people with developmental disabilities. Through APD, eligible individuals can apply for the Medicaid iBudget Waiver, which provides funding for supports and services to help people live as independently as possible. The waiver can cover residential services, life skills programs, personal care assistance, and other related services.  APD also provides Individual and Family Supports (IFS): This funding is available to cover expenses for clients not receiving waiver services.

  • You do not need to already be enrolled in Medicaid to apply for the iBudget Waiver, but you must be eligible for Medicaid to receive it.

    The iBudget Waiver is a component of Florida’s Medicaid program, offering additional support and services for individuals with developmental disabilities. To qualify, you must meet Medicaid’s financial and medical eligibility criteria, have a qualifying developmental disability.

    The application and approval process for the iBudget Waiver can take time, so we encourage families to learn about the process early, gather the necessary documentation, and be prepared while they wait for eligibility to be determined.

    If you have questions about your eligibility or need help navigating the process, Magnify is here to guide you and connect you to the right resources.

    Click here for more information on applying.

  • Costs and funding vary by service, funding source, and individual circumstances. Florida VR determines whether a VR-supported service is authorized. Magnify can explain its program options, but it cannot guarantee authorization, funding, or coverage.

    For services funded through the iBudget Waiver, such as residential and life skills programs, the waiver provides significant funding to help cover the costs. However, it does not always cover the full cost of services. Depending on your specific needs, living arrangement, and level of support required, additional out-of-pocket costs or private-pay contributions may be necessary.

    We are happy to walk you through the details of your funding and help you understand what is and isn’t covered so you can plan accordingly.

  • We’d love to hear from you!
    📞 Call us at (407) 877-4050
     💻 Visit our Contact Us page to send us a message.

Transitioning from school to work is an exciting time, but it can also come with questions. Explore these FAQs for youth aged 14–21 who are ready to discover their talents and embark on a meaningful career.

  • Magnify’s youth-focused programs include Project SEARCH and Career Camp, designed to help teens and young adults (ages 14–21) with intellectual/developmental disabilities gain job-readiness, real-world work experience, and independence. These programs are part of our larger mission to magnify God-given gifts through vocational and life skills support.

  • Project SEARCH: High school students aged 18–21, typically in their last year or earlier if their diploma is deferred and all graduating credits are obtained, with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

    Career Camp: Youth ages 14–21 in school (with IEP or 504 plans; private or homeschool students may also qualify), focused on hospitality, healthcare, recreation, arts,  transportation, and community exploration.

  • A unique, business-led, year‑long internship-based transition program. Participants engage in three workplace internships, receive classroom training (resume writing, interview skills, soft skills), and benefit from ongoing on-the-job coaching—all within real business environments.

  • Career Camp is an immersive, 20‑hour exploration program typically held during school breaks. Youth gain hands-on experience in hospitality, healthcare, recreation, the arts, and transportation through community partnerships, such as South Lake Hospital and Gaylord Palms.

  • Interns gain real-world experience at a variety of respected partner sites across Central Florida, including:

    • Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Kissimmee

    • AdventHealth Orlando (Rollins St. Campus), Orlando

    • AdventHealth Waterman, Tavares

    • Orlando Health South Lake Hospital, Clermont

    These locations offer hands-on training in real workplace environments, helping interns build skills, confidence, and experience that prepare them for meaningful employment.

  • Contact Magnify for general information about Project SEARCH, Career Camp, and other Spark programs. Eligibility and funding requirements vary by offering. When Florida VR is involved, VR determines eligibility and authorization. A referral does not guarantee enrollment in a particular Magnify program or selection of Magnify as the provider.

  • Costs and funding vary by program and individual circumstances. Florida VR determines whether a VR-supported service is authorized. Magnify does not guarantee that a program will be funded or provided at no cost.

    • Real work experience through multiple internships

    • Classroom-based training in job readiness, independent living, and social skills

    • On-site job coaching and staff support

    • Networking with employers and partners like hospitality venues, healthcare providers, and arts organizations

    • Many participants achieve competitive integrated employment following program completion.

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