February 11 was declared Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day in Florida by Governor Ron DeSantis, and boy what a great day it was in Tallahassee. Hundreds of people, including self-advocates, traveled the Capitol halls to promote inclusion of people with disabilities in their local communities through the iBudget waiver.

For the third consecutive year, Family Care Council (FCC) Suncoast charted a bus to participate in Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day. Thirty-nine advocates from the Suncoast Region attended to speak with their legislators to express gratitude for the services they receive through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), as well as advocate for individuals with disabilities.

Fort Lauderdale resident Danielle McGill received the 11th Annual Idelio Valdes Leadership and Advocacy Award – the state’s top honor recognizing an individual with a developmental disability.

Former Gator quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow made a surprise visit to the North Florida Fairgrounds on February 7, 2020. Tebow joined thousands of Floridians celebrating Night to Shine, a prom for people with special needs.

Erik Mendez works as an office support staff member for the NFL Youth Education Town Center at the Gwen Cherry Park & Community Center in Miami.

Chris McKinney has landed his dream job! Chris began an employment preparation class at Vision of Hope in Pace, Florida, called JUMP Start in September of last year.

Sunland Center’s FUEL (Faith Used in Everyday Life) Team recently sponsored a snack food drive, partnering with the Chipola Area Habitat for Humanity to collect snacks and beverages for volunteer work groups who donate their time to construct new homes in Jackson County.