Thank you to everyone who attended Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day 2011, co-sponsored this year by The Arc of Florida and the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council.

 

 

 

Nearly 1,000 individuals attended the rally and press conference held in the Capitol courtyard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 They heard encouraging messages from

senators, representatives, and Cabinet members.
 

 

 

 

 

And received a warm welcome from Governor Rick Scott.

 

 

 

 

 

  Senator Anitere Flores presented the second annual Idelio Valdes Leadership and Advocacy award to Kara Tucker.

 

 

 

 

And Ms. Florida encouraged the crowd to visit lawmakers and make their voices heard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hundreds of self-advocates spent a good part of the day bringing their message of “No more cuts” to lawmakers.

 

 

But there was also time to enjoy a dance as a local rock band performed.

 

 

 

 

Those attending DD Awareness day sent a very powerful message to lawmakers and the Governor, and they can be proud of the impact they made.