I was born into “generation ADA,” which is anyone born around or after the time the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed in 1990. I am fortunate to benefit from having curb cuts for my wheelchair, have the ability to ride almost any form of public transportation with few barriers, and attended and graduated from […]
Air travel for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can be challenging. There can be a lot of confusion, lack of assistance and damaged wheelchairs. Please click here to see the most recent version of the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights, which includes links to a video and a downloadable PDF: https://conta.cc/3uXYvb7
Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights Read More »
Beginning July 16, 2022, dialing “988” will route calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In 2020, Congress designated 988 as a new three-digit dialing, texting, and chat code for direct connection to support for anyone experiencing substance use issues, a suicidal crisis, or mental health-related distress. When people call, text, or chat 988, they
Dialing “988” will route calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Read More »
Last month, Governor DeSantis signed Florida’s Freedom First Budget to continue his commitment to helping individuals with developmental disabilities. For the first time ever, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) will have a record high budget totaling over $2 billion for Fiscal Year 2022-23, providing record provider rate increases to give Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)
There are plenty of color-coded alerts in Florida — Amber, Silver, Blue and now Purple. The newest color-coded alert, which went into effect July 1, 2022, will assist in the location of missing adults with mental, cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities. You must SIGN UP to receive email or text alerts when a Purple Alert
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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) announced it will begin issuing Purple Alerts in Florida on July 1. Florida’s Purple Alert Plan was established by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Purple Alert will be used to assist in the location of missing adults suffering from mental, cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities.
FDLE Gets Ready to Issue Purple Alerts Across Florida for Missing Adults Read More »
Attention self-advocates and family members! There is a savings program for Floridians with disabilities to leverage called ABLE United. Managed by Florida Prepaid, ABLE United offers a savings program specifically for individuals with disabilities and has helped thousands of Floridians save, while maintaining benefits from programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Learn more about ABLE
Special Savings Program for Floridians Read More »
Pembroke Pine, Florida – My son Caidan just turned 6, and with each passing birthday, I’m so inspired and proud of how far he’s come. Caidan is autistic and mostly nonspeaking. He’s also smart and inventive, and has found plenty of ways to get his point across when he feels strongly about something, whether it’s
Ciara LaVelle’s Story – Pembroke Pines, Florida Read More »
St. Cloud, Florida – My name is Karyl Darigan and I have the honor of working for Bishop Grady Villas. I’ve been here almost 4 years but my story actually goes back to 2004 when the Villas opened. My little sister Cindy came to live here on January 4, 2004. She was here for 10
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St. Lucie, Florida – Hi, we are DSPs with 15+ years of experience each. We also advise the advocacy group Stand Up For Independence. We work for an amazing and well respected agency, however we are subcontractors (not employees) for the agency. This means: no benefits, no sick pay, no pto, increased tax liabilities, no
Dana Ekarintaragun’s Story – St. Lucie, Florida Read More »