Spring is a wonderful and exciting time for so many and the same can be said for our entire system of care. From Legislative Session, recognizing and celebrating individuals and family members around the state, there is much to be proud of and renewed by!

On March 14, The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) hosted Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day (DD Day). Governor Ron DeSantis issued a proclamation declaring a special day throughout the state.

Miami Gardens resident Denise Prehay received the 14th Annual Idelio Valdes Leadership and Advocacy Award – the state’s top honor recognizing an individual with a developmental disability. The award is presented each year by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC).

Regan Rountree recently celebrated her one-year anniversary of working at the Whataburger in Niceville.

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) participated in Rock Your Socks on March 21 in support of World Down Syndrome Day. Not only did APD employees across the state participate, but they went BIG!

In honor of National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day on March 25, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) participated in this year’s campaign #GoGreen4CP. APD employees across the state shared photos of them wearing green, the official color of cerebral palsy awareness.

The SportsAbility Alliance, formerly the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association, hosted its annual SportsAbility event March 23 - 25 in Tallahassee. The events provide access to resources and activities designed to encourage participation of individuals of all abilities.

Hundreds of children and families visited the Capitol March 26-April 1 in celebration of the 28th annual Children’s Week. Children’s Week Florida is the largest event held in the state that celebrates and honors its commitment to children, youth, and advocates. APD hosted an informational booth, where they shared information, resources, and answered questions for children, parents, teachers, advocates, and others.

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) attended this year’s Public Transportation and Transportation Disadvantaged Legislative Awareness Day at the Capitol on March 16.

Now is the time to register to attend the largest statewide cross-disability event in the nation, The Annual Family Cafe website at familycafe.net.

On March 3, 2023, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Northwest Region Office partnered with the Department of Education’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and the Escambia School District to facilitate mock interviews for students with disabilities. The event took place at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church in Pensacola.

Members of the Faith Used in Everyday Life (FUEL) program at Sunland Center in Marianna, collected can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House in Tallahassee.

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities Developmental Disabilities Defendant Program (DDDP) and Pathways participated in the Florida State University (FSU) Health, Education, Law Enforcement, Public Service (HELPS) Career Fair on March 22, at the FSU Student Union Ballroom. DDDP/Pathways shared information about their programs, as well as the many possibilities and benefits of employment.

Residents of Sunland Center in Marianna participated in a fun-filled week of activities to celebrate Spring Break 2023.