Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp talks with self-advocate Garrett Mayersohn during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day while FDDC Chair Susan Gold looks on.

 Click here to view photos from the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day 

 

Governor Charlie Crist had proclaimed it “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day,” and it was an important opportunity to focus attention on the challenges, opportunities and issues facing Floridians with developmental disabilities. Self-advocates and their family members were joined by service providers, support organizations, Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Jim DeBeaugrine, Representative Franklin Sands and other leaders gathered on the Second Floor Capitol Rotunda to support and champion the cause of people with developmental disabilities.

Dr. Susan Gold, Council Chair, welcomed those attending, then introduced Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp, who presented a proclamation naming March 24, 2009, as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day. The Lt. Governor told the crowd that Governor Crist had asked lawmakers to set aside $61 million to help reduce the number of individuals currently on the Developmental Disabilities Waiver Program wait list. He also encouraged those attending DD Day to speak with their legislators, as that is the most effective way to spread their message. Rep. Franklin Sands said lawmakers need to close some of the state’s tax loopholes to help fund human services needs.

Before and after the press conference, self-advocates, family members, service providers and others travelled throughout the Capitol, meeting with lawmakers and asking for their support in funding human services programs.

Exhibitors at DD Awareness Day included: Agency For Persons With Disabilities, Advocacy Center, Able Trust, Bureau of Exceptional Education & Student Services/ Clearinghouse Information, Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology, Family Network Disabilities of Florida, Inc., Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Florida Disabled Outdoors Association, Vocational Rehabilitation, The Family Café, Delmarva Foundation, The Florida Youth Council, Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, ARC of Florida, Self- Advocacy Project, Sunrise Community, Inc. and Mactown, Inc.