Check out the May edition of FDDC “Connections!” Click here to read Click here to subscribe Highlights & Celebrations • FDDC Annual Report: FDDC shared progress made during Year 4 of the Council’s 5-year state plan, highlighting training, advocacy, and statewide projects supporting individuals with I/DD and their families. • Older Americans Month: Council Member […]
FDDC Connections: May 2026 Read More »
Join other self-advocates from around the state on the first Monday of every month on Zoom! FL SAND leaders and Fellows are on Zoom on the first Monday of each month to give self-advocates the opportunity to share their questions, thoughts, and experiences related to disability advocacy in the Sunshine State. Find this month’s Zoom
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KISSIMMEE, FL — From April 20–22, 2026, the Aging Caregiver and I/DD Cross-Systems Initiative (AGEDD) Summit convened in Kissimmee, Florida, bringing together state, national, and community leaders to strengthen systems of support for aging caregivers and their adult children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Hosted by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council and Margaret Lynn
By Yolanda Herrera, FDDC Council Member From remarks shared at the Aging Generations’ Expectations in Developmental Disabilities 2026 Summit on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 Good morning! It is such an honor to be in front of such a talented and knowledgeable group. Let me start by saying that I am always talking about my daughter,
Older Americans Month Statement: Aging Caregivers Need Clearer Paths to Support Read More »
Check out the April edition of FDDC “Connections!” Click here to read Click here to subscribe Highlights & Celebrations Autism Acceptance Month: April highlights the importance of moving beyond awareness to real opportunities and meaningful participation for individuals with I/DD. This month shares firsthand experiences from programs across Florida, including employment settings and adult day
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Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month April is Autism Acceptance Month, a designation that dates back to the 1970s, when it began as Autism Awareness Month. The shift to “Acceptance” in 2021 reflects something meaningful: acceptance promotes real inclusion in education, community involvement, and employment. This April, I had the chance to see that inclusion in action
Autism Acceptance Month: A Message From Susan Kabot, Chief of Programs and Research Read More »
FDDC’s 2026 Legislative Briefing 3-30-26 Click here to read Click here to subscribe In this newsletter is a list of bills that the Council recommended to the 2026 Legislature during its regular session which ended on March 13. These bills will eventually be presented to the Governor. For each bill, he will have the option
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Check out the March edition of FDDC “Connections!” Click here to read Click here to subscribe Highlights & Celebrations Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: FDDC emphasized that awareness is just the beginning, focusing on creating opportunities, removing barriers, and promoting respect and inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities across Florida. World Down Syndrome Day: Celebrated on
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Week 9 – 3/16/26: Florida Legislature 2026 Session Update: Legislature Ends Session Without Passing a Budget Click here to read Click here to subscribe The Florida Legislature wrapped up its regular session on Friday, March 13, without completing several key items. Most notably, lawmakers failed to pass a state budget, which is the only bill
FDDC’s 2026 Legislative Briefing 3-16-26: Week 9 of Session Read More »
Week 8 – 3/9/26: Florida Legislature 2026 Session Update: Budget Stalled but Priority Legislation Passes Click here to read Click here to subscribe Week 8 came to an end on Friday, March 6. High-level negotiations to establish allocations for the various areas of the budget (e.g. education, health and human services, public safety, etc.) continue
FDDC’s 2026 Legislative Briefing 3-9-26: Week 8 of Session Read More »