Developmental Disabilities Awareness DayThe PlaceLodgingSetting Up Legislative VisitsSetting up Your Legislative VisitsMeeting TipsScheduled EventsPublic Workshop: Rule 59G-4.002, F.A.C, Provider Reimbursement Schedules and Billing Codes Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day On Tuesday,…
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has commended the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for implementing comprehensive regulations to enhance air travel for passengers with disabilities. These new…
For decades, workers with disabilities have endured an unjust reality: earning far below minimum wage because of an obscure legal loophole. However, change may finally be on the horizon. The…
Guardianship is a strict way to help with decision-making. It should be a last choice. In Florida, people can ask if guardianship is still needed, and the law allows them…
Senate Bill 1758 was enacted into law on March 22, 2024 and took effect July 1, 2024. It introduces significant changes to Florida’s Medicaid program, focusing on expanding accessibility, efficiency,…
July 26, 2024, marked the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a pivotal law ensuring equal rights and accessible public spaces for individuals with disabilities. This legislation…
On August 9, 2024, the Federal Register published the Department of Justice’s final rule updating the regulation for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The final rule…
"Those new protections are listed under a Florida law that took effect this week. Under the law, courts are now required to consider what’s known as “supportive decision-making agreements” before they…
"A quarter century after a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision affirming the rights of people with disabilities to live in the community, federal officials are cracking down on Americans with…
🗓️ Thursday, March 20, 2025
🕠 3:00 pm
🧑🏻💻 Zoom Webinar
The American Dream Employment Network (ADEN) invites Social Security disability beneficiaries to learn about the benefits of returning to work, and about the SSA work incentives that are in place to make that happen. Many beneficiaries have received misinformation about how returning to work will impact benefits, and therefore, may have decided it’s too risky to attempt. This event informs beneficiaries about resources that assist them in returning to work.
Live, virtual ASL interpreters and closed-captioning will be provided during this event.
🗓️ Friday, march 21, 2025
🕙 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
📍 Ocala Police Department, 402 S Pine Ave, Ocala
You’re invited to a FREE event, in the Ocala Police Department Community Room, designed to provide valuable resources for those supporting loved ones with special needs, regardless of age. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with and learn from various providers in Marion County, including the city of Ocala, Marion County Health Department, Marion Arc, Goodwill, and more. Don’t miss out!
Featuring
🗓️ Monday, April 7, 2025
🕙 10:00 am – Noon
📍 Villages Public Library at Pinellas Plaza, 7375 Powell Road, Suite #100, Wildwood
Mom2Mom of The Villages hosts an event with guest speakers from the Department of Children and Families (DCF):
Learn about Medicaid, including:
Space is limited, so it’s for disabled and special needs adults and their caregivers. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and only those registered will be admitted.
Register by email on or before April 5, 2025, with Peg O’Malley. Include the names of attendees. You’ll receive an email confirmation.
Partners in Policymaking® (PIP) is a leadership training program that prepares adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, family members who have decision-making responsibility for their family member with intellectual and developmental disabilities (e.g., parent, sibling, grandparent), and legal guardians of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be effective advocates at the local, state, and federal levels. PIP teaches leadership skills and techniques to develop positive partnerships with elected officials, school personnel and other individuals who make policy decisions about services that you and/or your family use.
🗓️ Wednesday, April 30, 2025
🕡 6:30 pm
🧑🏻💻 Virtual Event
The 2025 AAPD National Community Event will be a virtual gathering for the disability community to come together with business and government leadership to celebrate the progress of disability rights. This year’s Event will provide a unique opportunity for AAPD’s partners, supporters, colleagues, and friends to demonstrate their continued support for access, equity, and inclusion.
Open captioning, ASL, and audio description links will be provided.
📺 ABC Broadcast
🕠 Saturday, February 22 @ 5:00 AM ET – WFTS Tampa-St. Petersburg
🕠 Saturday, March 1 @ 12:00 PM ET – WCJB Gainesville
🕠 Sunday, March 2 @ 5:00 PM ET – WJXX Jacksonville, Brunswick
🕠 Sunday, March 2 @ 5:00 PM ET – WFTV Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne
🕠 Sunday, March 2 @ 5:00 PM ET – WWSB Tampa-St. Petersburg (Sarasota)
🕠 Sunday, April 6 @ 12:00 PM ET – WZVN Ft. Myers-Naples
🕠 Sunday, April 6 @ 12:30 PM ET – WPBF West Palm Beach
Many caregivers for children or adults who are disabled or medically complex are exhausted and isolated. Their mental and physical struggle is a public health crisis that costs us all. The “Unseen” documentary gives an unfiltered, honest glimpse into their lives to enable a change for millions of caregivers and their families.
You can watch the ABC broadcast live on the dates and times listed above or click the button below to get a free personal / home viewing ticket to watch on your streaming device from February 20-23, 2025.
🗓️ Wednesday, February 19, 2025
🕠 12 Noon
🧑🏻💻 Zoom Webinar
In this presentation, you’ll learn how ABLE accounts provide an opportunity to save tax-free without impacting eligibility for public benefits like Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid.
Presenters include: John Finch, ABLE United Director
🗓️ Friday, February 14, 2025
🕠 12:00 AM
🧑🏻💻 Register
Join us for a healthy dose of Collaboration, Advocacy, Friendship, and Empowerment this June 13-15 in Orlando. The first step is to get registered, so circle Friday, February 14th in your calendar and remember to register.
As always, there’s no cost to attend the event for people with disabilities and their families.
We’re also once again offering Financial Assistance to cover the cost of hotel accommodation for a limited number of applicants selected by lottery. Make sure to check the box to request Financial Assistance when you register!
If you’ve been to The Annual Family Cafe, you know how transformative the three days of information, training, resources, and connection we offer can be.
If you haven’t, it’s time to find out!
🗓️ Wednesday, January 29, 2025
🕠 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
🧑🏻💻 Zoom Meeting
Activating Change, in partnership with the National Human Trafficking of People with Disabilities Working Group, has developed an in-depth training for law enforcement on effectively identifying and responding to trafficking cases involving victims with disabilities. This webinar will introduce the training to the field, explore the barriers it is attempting to address, and preview how you can access the training.
🗓️ Friday, January 24, 2025
🕠 6:30 PM
🧑🏻💻 Zoom Meeting
Nicole Grabner, from Brevard County, has organized an incredible three-part public speaking series for families and self-advocates with disabilities to help us prepare for the upcoming Florida Legislative Session .These classes are completely free. Let’s bring our voices together – one voice.
🗓️ Wednesday, January 22, 2025
🕠 6:00 PM
🧑🏻💻 Zoom Meeting
Nicole Grabner, from Brevard County, has organized an incredible three-part public speaking series for families and self-advocates with disabilities to help us prepare for the upcoming Florida Legislative Session .These classes are completely free. Let’s bring our voices together – one voice.
🗓️ Monday , January 20, 2025
🕠 6:30 PM
🧑🏻💻 Zoom Meeting
Nicole Grabner, from Brevard County, has organized an incredible three-part public speaking series for families and self-advocates with disabilities to help us prepare for the upcoming Florida Legislative Session .These classes are completely free. Let’s bring our voices together – one voice.
🗓️ Now through Friday , January 17, 2025
🕠 5:00 PM
🧑🏻💻 Online Survey
Every five years, as a part of the federal Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Block Grant, states are required to complete a comprehensive assessment of the needs, desired outcomes, and system capacity for the MCH populations, including children and youth with special health care needs. The results of this assessment are then used to establish the priorities that will guide the MCH activities for the next five years (2025-2030).
As an MCH stakeholder, we are asking for your input:
Completion of the stakeholder survey assists with updating Florida’s 5 Year MCH Action Plan. It will take approximately 10-15 minutes and must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Friday, January 17, 2025.
🗓️ Wednesday, January 15, 2025
🕠 11:00 AM – Noon
🧑🏻💻 Webinar
This webinar will discuss the process for applying for the iBudget Waiver through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), including the various eligibility categories and the crisis application process.
After this webinar, participants will:
🗓️ Tuesday, January 7, 2025 & Tuesday, January 14, 2025
🕠 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will offer a modified experience for individuals and families with disabilities and sensory sensitivities during the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild. Experience the Zoo like you’ve never seen it before! See over 50 different, hand-constructed illuminated lantern displays around the Zoo on a 3/4 mile path. Celebrate the art, beauty and wonder of traditional Asian lantern festivals.
Tickets must be purchased online. Limited tickets are available per night.
🗓️ Tuesday, March 4, 2025
🕠 11:40 AM
🧑🏻💻 Webinar
About this presentation: This webinar empowers you to start earning what you’re worth without fear of losing your essential Medicaid services. Presented by the FL SAND Fellows, learn key information about the Working Peoples program and how you can start taking advantage of it immediately.
Attendees may submit questions to drbarnes@usf.edu.
Information & Accommodation: Closed Captioning is provided. If other accommodations are needed please contact event organizer, Denise R. Barnes, MA, FCIC Employment Coordinator at drbarnes@usf.edu or 813-974-1063.
Advance Registration: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Webinar – Navigating the Justice System – People With Lived Experience
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
People with I/DD, brain injuries, and other disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions often come into contact with the justice system in various ways. This session will focus on ways to prevent involvement with the justice system. We will discuss various touch points in the justice system where support can be offered, ensuring individuals get the resources and understanding they need. Additionally, we will cover how to help them successfully reintegrate into society by connecting them with community resources and support networks.
Live captions and ASL interpretation are provided.
Webinar – Navigating the Justice System – Families of People With Lived Experience
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
People with I/DD, brain injuries, and other disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions often come into contact with the justice system in various ways. This session will focus on ways to prevent involvement with the justice system. We will discuss various touch points in the justice system where support can be offered, ensuring individuals get the resources and understanding they need. Additionally, we will cover how to help them successfully reintegrate into society by connecting them with community resources and support networks.
Live captions and ASL interpretation are provided.
Webinar – Navigating the Justice System – Clinical Professionals
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
People with I/DD, brain injuries, and other disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions often come into contact with the justice system in various ways. This session will focus on ways to prevent involvement with the justice system. We will discuss various touch points in the justice system where support can be offered, ensuring individuals get the resources and understanding they need. Additionally, we will cover how to help them successfully reintegrate into society by connecting them with community resources and support networks.
Live captions and ASL interpretation are provided.
Webinar – Navigating the Justice System – Direct Support Professionals
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
People with I/DD, brain injuries, and other disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions often come into contact with the justice system in various ways. This session will focus on ways to prevent involvement with the justice system. We will discuss various touch points in the justice system where support can be offered, ensuring individuals get the resources and understanding they need. Additionally, we will cover how to help them successfully reintegrate into society by connecting them with community resources and support networks.
Live captions and ASL interpretation are provided.
Theme: Partnership and Collaboration: Elevating Family Leadership
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 – Friday, January 31, 2025 | Embassy Suites by Hilton Altamonte Springs
We want to welcome Family Leaders, Self-Advocates, the Champions who support family-professional partnerships, and emerging professionals representing healthcare settings, community agencies and academic centers. We all share an understanding of and passion for family-professional partnerships that strengthen the systems that serve our children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHCN).
The phrase “children and youth with special healthcare needs” is broadly accepted wording that encompasses children and youth with disability, chronic illness and medical complexity. About 20% of children in the US are in this category.
During this two-day conference we will have the opportunity to network with one another. We will strengthen our leadership skills by learning together.
We look forward to welcoming you back if you have attended in the past and getting to know you if this is your first time attending.
Monthly Luncheon – Self Pay Event
Monday, December 16, 2024 | 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM | Breakfast at Tiffany’s, 112 South 5th Street, Leesburg
Join the Celebrate Differences support group for moms of children with disabilities. This a nurturing and empowering community where mothers can come together to share their experiences, receive emotional support, and gain valuable information to help them navigate the complexities of raising a child with special needs. Our group provides a safe and understanding space where moms can connect with others who truly understand their challenges and triumphs. This group often features guest speakers and other resources to further support the well-being of mothers and families.
Please RSVP to info@celebratedifferences.org by Dec 12th!
Holiday Gathering – Self Pay Event
Monday, December 16, 2024 | 5:45 PM | Belle Glade Country Club
Time for Friends to gather and enjoy the holidays. Please join us on Monday, December 16th at 5:45pm at Belle Glade Country Club for dinner. We look forward to seeing you.
Let Janey Chavez know by December 1st how many you are bringing so we can get a final headcount.
Webinar – Liberty Dental Part 2
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Be Smart, on December 18, will touch on navigating the system and finding dental resources in your community. Hear from a panel of (dentists/providers/experts) on ways to provide person centered approaches to serving those with I/DD and their dental needs along with health care decision-making.
Would you like to participate in a virtual focus group?
Focus groups will be facilitated virtually and you will need access to an internet-enabled device with video and audio capabilities. Focus group discussions will take up to 90 minutes. To participate you must:
