July marks the start of Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of individuals with disabilities and commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990. As a former special education teacher, I was proud to support individuals with disabilities this session by sponsoring a $2 million appropriation and cosponsoring several bills that strengthen services and promote accessibility.
I am pleased to share that I secured $2 million in the state budget for Villages of South Florida Autism, a new assisted living facility for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The project is now headed to the Governor’s desk for approval and is subject to a line-item veto.
Improving communication between individuals with disabilities and law enforcement is a key priority. HB 365 establishes Florida’s Blue Envelope Program, which alerts officers that a driver may have autism and offers communication guidance to improve safety and understanding.
Medicaid access continues to be a critical issue for individuals with disabilities. HB 915 allows higher income and asset limits for employed adults with developmental disabilities enrolled in a Medicaid home and community-based services waiver while preserving Medicaid eligibility.
Disability Pride Month reminds us to celebrate inclusivity and advance policies that expand opportunity and accessibility. For those seeking support, resources are available.
- Agency for Persons with Disabilities: apd.myflorida.com – (850) 488-4257
- Provides services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Individuals must apply through APD to be placed on the iBudget Waiver pre-enrollment list.
- The Advocacy Network on Disabilities: advocacynetwork.org – (305) 596-1160
- Coordinates and provides services for individuals with disabilities, including seminars and workshops.
- Disability Rights Florida: disabilityrightsflorida.org – (800) 342-0823
- Protects and advances the legal rights of individuals with disabilities.
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD): centerforautism.com – (469) 694-1754
- Provides applied behavior analysis treatment for individuals with autism.
- Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System: fdlrs.org – (305) 274-3501
- Offers support services and training to help students with disabilities.
It is an honor to serve you, and we are here to assist with any issues or concerns. Feel free to contact me anytime at [email protected] or our office at (954) 872-1770. You can also reach me on my personal cell at (954) 668-3662.
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