Latest News

Press Releases

• A Year of Historic Investments, Milestones, and Momentum for Florida’s Disability Community
• Empowering Potential: Employers and Employees Creating Stronger Communities
• ICYMI: Florida Division of Emergency Management Encourages Residents to Utilize Florida’s Second Disaster Sales Tax Holiday Ahead of Peak Hurricane Season
• ICYMI: Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis Announce Emergency Response Hope Florida Expansion
• ICYMI: Governor DeSantis Issues Updates on State Response and Recovery to Hurricane Debby
• Governor DeSantis’ Focus on Florida’s Future Budget Invests Record Funding for Direct Services for Floridians with Disabilities
• ICYMI: Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Highlights Water Safety for Floridians
• ICYMI: Florida Division of Emergency Management Announces 2024 Hurricane Preparedness Week
• ICYMI: Governor DeSantis Announces Record Investments in Services for Developmental Disabilities and Funding for The Els Center Of Excellence
• Governor Ron DeSantis Signs ‘Live Healthy’ Legislation Package
• Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Highlights Statewide Human Trafficking Resources and Awareness Events During Human Trafficking Prevention Month
• APD Celebrates a Year of Empowering Individuals with Unique Abilities through the Power of Partnership
• Governor DeSantis Continues to Deliver for Individuals with Unique Abilities through the Focus on Florida’s Future Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25
• First Lady Casey DeSantis Celebrates Disability Employment Awareness Month by Highlighting Hope Florida Expansion at New College of Florida
• APD Works to Keep Critical Funding in the Pockets of Floridians with Unique Abilities
• Governor Ron DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom Budget Provides Critical Services for Floridians
• APD Uses Record Investments in 2022 to Continue to Better Serve Floridians with Disabilities
• 12 Businesses Honored as Exceptional Employers
• What They Are Saying: Governor Ron DeSantis Secures Record Provider Rate Increases for those who Serve Floridians with Disabilities
• APD Announces Record Rate Increases to Direct Support Professionals in Freedom First Budget
• Governor Ron DeSantis’ Freedom First Budget Reaffirms Commitment to Floridians with Disabilities
• APD Home and Community-Based Care Providers to Receive $502.7 Million to Benefit Floridians with Disabilities
• Scholarship Presented to New Entrepreneur
• Florida Exceptional Employers Honored
• APD Offers Waiver Enrollment to Individuals on Waiting List
• Governor DeSantis Remains Committed to Serving Floridians with Disabilities
• Governor Recommends Budget that Supports Vulnerable Floridians
• APD Supports and Protects Vulnerable Floridians under the Leadership of Governor DeSantis
• Six Exceptional Employers Honored
• Exceptional Employers to be Recognized
• APD Issues Testing Emergency Rule Formalizing Steps Already Taken by Agency
• Florida Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the ADA
• Florida to Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the ADA
• Governor Signs Budget Supporting Floridians with Unique Abilities
• Facilities Update Statement
• Statement on Sunland Center
• APD Issues Emergency Order and Guidance
• APD Participates in Developmental Disabilities Day
• APD Helps Vulnerable Floridians with the Support of Governor DeSantis
• Governor Recommends Budget Supporting Vulnerable Floridians

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Outstanding Exceptional Employment Winners

2024

• Special Hearts Farm, of Winter Haven
• Rita’s Italian Ice 7 Frozen Custard, of International Drive
• Coffee Uniting People, of Tampa
• The Cheesecake Factory, of Brandon
• Legacy Cabinets, of Miami
• Hope Therapy, of Jacksonville
• Our Grounds, of Miami

• Matthew Seeger, RESPECT of Florida
• Elinor Peloza, Florida Department of Education’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
• Jade McFarland, Special Hearts Farm
• Shawn Rosier, ‘Shawn Goes Bananas’
• Devron Parker, Challenge Enterprises of North Florida
• Raquel “Beautiful” Carmelo, ‘Raquel Beautiful’