This past summer, The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) took another step toward promoting full inclusion in community life for persons with disabilities by establishing seven grassroots coalitions around the state, led by seven “Inclusion Ambassadors”.

These individuals, including Partners in Policymaking graduates, family members of individuals with disabilities, and other advocates, met in Tallahassee, Florida, in July 2008 for a one-day training session on how spread the message of inclusion to lawmakers, the media and the general public.

The Inclusion Ambassadors are now working on building membership in their individual coalitions, educating and influencing lawmakers on the need for increased funding for programs and services for persons with disabilities, and getting increased media coverage for the issues affecting persons with disabilities. Each ambassador has a deep commitment to inclusion of persons with disabilities and to seeing that services and programs for these individuals are fully funded by Florida’s lawmakers.

The seven leaders are receiving on-going training, support and technical assistance from FDDC staff on how to expand their membership base, talk with and influence lawmakers, and educate the media on disability-related issues. Each local coalition reflects the strengths and needs of that region.

Ambassadors are required to make periodic reports on the success of their inclusion efforts. They report on the number of face-to- face meetings with lawmakers, the success of those meetings, their interactions with the media, and the steps they have taken to expand their coalitions. The FDDC will be using incentive monies to ensure the continued growth and success of these grassroots coalitions.