On the 33rd anniversary of the ADA, let’s all make it our responsibility to reach out and provide support to someone with a disability – whether it is a family member, neighbor, or coworker – we can all make their lives a little easier, and our lives a little richer.” Thank you to the Florida […]
Let’s Celebrate the ADA – But There Is Still More Work to Do Read More »
Miami Gardens resident Denise Prehay received the 14th Annual Idelio Valdes Leadership and Advocacy Award – the state’s top honor recognizing an individual with a developmental disability. The award is presented each year by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) to a self-advocate who has helped develop partnerships for the facilitation of community integration, employment,
Miami Gardens Disabilities Advocate Receives Top Award Read More »
Thousands of disabled Floridians are currently sitting on a waiting list for the Medicaid iBudget Florida waiver, which would provide them with services to help them live independent and healthy lives. But according to the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, as of October, the waiting list had 22,488 people on it. Elizabeth Perkins, associate director of
Thousands of disabled Floridians spending years on Medicaid waiver waitlist Read More »
After a four-year streak of mostly quiet hurricane seasons, we’re potentially back in a cone of uncertainty. We know the drill – stock up on essentials, try not to panic and get ready to hunker down. While that’s more than enough to worry about, persons living with disabilities have even more to consider. Jackie Fortmann,
Remember persons with disabilities during storms Read More »
I was born into “generation ADA,” which is anyone born around or after the time the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed in 1990. I am fortunate to benefit from having curb cuts for my wheelchair, have the ability to ride almost any form of public transportation with few barriers, and attended and graduated from
Air travel for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can be challenging. There can be a lot of confusion, lack of assistance and damaged wheelchairs. Please click here to see the most recent version of the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights, which includes links to a video and a downloadable PDF: https://conta.cc/3uXYvb7
Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights Read More »
Beginning July 16, 2022, dialing “988” will route calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In 2020, Congress designated 988 as a new three-digit dialing, texting, and chat code for direct connection to support for anyone experiencing substance use issues, a suicidal crisis, or mental health-related distress. When people call, text, or chat 988, they
Dialing “988” will route calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Read More »
Last month, Governor DeSantis signed Florida’s Freedom First Budget to continue his commitment to helping individuals with developmental disabilities. For the first time ever, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) will have a record high budget totaling over $2 billion for Fiscal Year 2022-23, providing record provider rate increases to give Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)
There are plenty of color-coded alerts in Florida — Amber, Silver, Blue and now Purple. The newest color-coded alert, which went into effect July 1, 2022, will assist in the location of missing adults with mental, cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities. You must SIGN UP to receive email or text alerts when a Purple Alert
Florida’s Purple Alert Plan is Now in Effect Read More »
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) announced it will begin issuing Purple Alerts in Florida on July 1. Florida’s Purple Alert Plan was established by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Purple Alert will be used to assist in the location of missing adults suffering from mental, cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities.
FDLE Gets Ready to Issue Purple Alerts Across Florida for Missing Adults Read More »