Agency for Persons with Disabilities Honored by Special Olympics Florida

The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities received Special Olympics Florida’s prestigious Eunice Kennedy Shriver Award for its longstanding support of their athletes. 

The agency was presented the award at Special Olympics Florida’s 50th Anniversary Gala, held on October 22 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. The event was attended by more than 500 Special Olympics Florida athletes, volunteers, corporate partners and community leaders. 

This award is given annually to the person or organization that has helped further the vision of Special Olympics Founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Shriver was a pioneer in the worldwide struggle for rights and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities. 

The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities has been one of Special Olympics Florida’s most important public partners for more than 15 years. Its support for the nonprofit organization’s Healthy Athletes® and Healthy Communities programs provides crucial health screenings for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Thanks to the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), Special Olympics Florida can offer screenings across eight different disciplines, ensuring that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities get needed vision and hearing care, dental care, foot care, and fitness advice. 

“The Agency for Persons with Disabilities has played an enormous role in the success of our Healthy Athletes and Healthy Communities initiatives,” said Special Olympics Florida President and CEO Sherry Wheelock. “Their support has been transformational, and we are incredibly grateful for their assistance. We are thrilled to honor them with the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Award.” 


From left to right: APD Central Region Operations Manager Jeannette Estes, APD Deputy Director of Operations Clarence Lewis, APD Director Barbara Palmer.