Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp joined scores of people with developmental disabilities, their families and other advocates from across the state at the Florida Capitol on Tuesday, March 24, 2009, to proclaim Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day and send a message to legislators to maintain funding for critical services and programs. Dr. Susan Gold, FDDC Chair, addressed those who had gathered on the Second Floor Rotunda and urged them to visit their legislators. “Ask them to do the right thing and find the funds to provide essential services to people with developmental disabilities,” said Dr. Gold. “Ask that they enact legislative and policy changes to ensure that those with disabilities have access to critical services they need to live inclusive and productive lives, integrated with our society, rather than isolated from it. That they have access to the same opportunities for education … employment … housing … recreation … cultural enrichment … and other aspects of life as do those without disabilities.” More than 100 individuals attended the event.

View Photos of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day 2009