The FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)
Honoring Excellence in Teaching – FSU CARD Region
Award Amount
$500 stipend plus registration & expenses to attend CARD Conference in Orlando.
Nomination Deadline: December 5, 2025
The Diana McLendon Memorial Award celebrates educators who go above and beyond for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Award: $500 stipend + registration & expenses to attend the CARD Conference in Orlando
- Deadline: December 5, 2025
- Eligibility:
- An educator teaching in Florida (in any grade)
- Have at least one student with ASD in 2025–2026 school year
- Have contact with your regional CARD center
**Nominate an outstanding educator today in the 18-county FSU CARD region.
💙 Let’s honor those who make a difference! 💙
2026 CARD Conference
Orlando, FL
January 15-18, 2026
ADOS-2 Workshop | Educator’s Day | HISPA | & the CARD Conference all under one roof celebrating 33 years. Scan the QR code or click here to register: https://cardconference.info.
Tavi Sensory Elephant Program for Professionals
Thanks to a generous donation from the David & Faten Black Foundation Inc., FSU CARD received 90 Tavi Sensory Elephants to distribute to providers in our area. Tavi was created by Hukama who describes Tavi as “a cute, cuddly, and super soft 4-pound stuffed elephant who has a special ear pocket just for listening to you. If there is anything on your mind – worries, anxiety, you name it – jot it down and tuck it into the ear pocket and Tavi will hold onto it for you, it’s no problem! Tavi has big ears and is a good listener. Plus, with a warming weighted belly, stiff hook and loop closure, textured ear flaps and tassel tail that you can fidget with to help you relax, you can tackle that anxiety together. Let Tavi carry the weight of your worries and be your calm. Tavi has many sensory features and, once the weight packet is removed, can be machine washed on a gentle cycle and hung up to dry.”
The Tavi Sensory Elephants are available to school guidance counselors, educators, and licensed providers who support individuals on the autism spectrum free of charge through the FSU CARD Tavi Sensory Elephant Program. Providers must fill out the application, and if approved, will receive one Tavi Sensory Elephant, subject to availability.
Autism-Friendly Business
The Autism-Friendly Business Initiative aims to increase the number of places individuals with ASD and their families feel welcome in our community and encourage conversation with local businesses about hiring individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
DISCLAIMER: FSU CARD makes no representations, guarantees, endorsements, or promises regarding any Autism-Friendly Business. FSU CARD does not assume any liability or responsibility for the representations of any Autism-Friendly Business or any service or product. FSU CARD does not endorse any practitioner or guarantee the competence, skill, knowledge, or experience of any practitioner.
Click on the links below for more information about each business:
