APD Celebrates DD Day at the Capitol
By Director Barbara PalmerFebruary 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.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day is the perfect opportunity to educate lawmakers and the public on issues that are central to APD and the people we serve. It’s also, a great time to show support for the iBudget waiver and other crucial services that individuals with disabilities rely on daily.
I want to thank everyone for taking the time to come to the Capitol and talking with legislators and educating them about your lives. I cannot tell you how important that is. Governor DeSantis has put together a really good budget and also is supporting our customers moving forward to make things better.
The day included a program with speeches by advocates and policymakers. Speakers included Rep. Ray Rodrigues, who spoke out in support of people with developmental disabilities, FDDC Executive Director Valerie Breen, and The Arc of Florida’s Kirk Hall, among others.
As a part of the day, display booths were set up on the second floor of the Capitol Rotunda, where various organizations, including APD, shared information and answered questions about available resources and issues affecting individuals with disabilities. There were vehicle displays in the courtyard, where various transportation organizations could share valuable resources and information.
In addition to Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day, it was also Public Transportation and Transportation Disadvantaged Legislative Awareness Day. The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC), The Arc of Florida, the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged, and the Florida Public Transportation Association worked together to highlight the intersection between transportation concerns and those of individuals with developmental disabilities. Transportation is an issue that affects many individuals with developmental disabilities who often rely on public transportation and/or require vehicle modifications to meet their transportation needs.
For more about Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day and the Developmental Disabilities and Transportation Awareness Day event, check out the Governor’s proclamation, event video, and pictures.
FDDC Executive Director Valerie Breen
The Arc of Florida Executive Director Kirk Hall
Representative Ray Rodrigues Speaking at DD Day
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