Disability Rights Florida

?? Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders! ?? The Florida Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) 2025 is now accepting applications! This FREE leadership program is designed for students with disabilities (ages 15-21) to develop self-advocacy, career readiness, and leadership skills. ?? Event Dates: July 7-12, 2025 ?? Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee ? Cost: No fee! Housing, meals & transportation assistance provided ?? Application Deadline: March 21, 2025 YLF is an incredible opportunity to engage with state leaders, explore career pathways, and connect with like-minded peers. Don’t miss out on this life-changing experience! ?? Learn more & apply: https://bit.ly/4i0WGA4 ?? Contact: [email protected] #YLF2025 #LeadershipDevelopment #DisabilityAdvocacy #YouthEmpowerment #CareerReadiness

Every student deserves the right support to learn and succeed. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans provide essential accommodations for students with disabilities—but many families don’t realize how important a 504 Plan can be! ?? An IEP provides specialized instruction for students who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). ?? A 504 Plan ensures students with disabilities get equal access through accommodations, even if they don’t qualify for an IEP. ?? Why is a 504 Plan important? ?? Covers all grades, from K-12 and even college ?? Provides accommodations like extra time on tests, assistive technology, or flexible seating ?? Protects students under the Rehabilitation Act, ensuring equal access in school No student should be left without support. If your child has a disability but doesn’t qualify for an IEP, a 504 Plan can still provide critical accommodations to help them succeed. ?? Know your rights and make sure your student gets the support they deserve! Learn more: https://bit.ly/3nLDH5K ?? Have you navigated the 504 process? Share your experience below! #KnowYourRights #504Plan #EducationAccess #DisabilityRights #IEPvs504

Competitive Integrated Employment creates the inviting accessible workplace that people with disabilities deserve. Learn about Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) on our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3N7vWRd

?? Access to housing, employment, and education shouldn’t be left to luck! ?? People with disabilities deserve fair opportunities, not barriers. Yet, many still struggle to find affordable, accessible housing, inclusive workplaces, and supportive education programs. ?? Stronger policies protect access to essential resources. ?? Advocacy pushes for better employment and housing options. ?? Fair education practices ensure everyone gets the support they need. ?? What’s one step we can take to make these systems work for everyone? Let’s keep the conversation going! #DisabilityRights #AccessForAll #StPatricksDay #FairNotLucky

?? Understanding Neurodiversity: How Can We Build More Accessible Spaces? Neurodiversity recognizes that brains work in different ways—and those differences should be valued, not excluded. People who are autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia, or other cognitive differences bring new perspectives and strengths to workplaces, schools, and communities. ? Flexible work environments and learning methods help everyone. ? Sensory-friendly spaces and communication supports improve access. ? Embracing neurodiversity leads to more inclusive policies and innovation. ?? What’s one change that would make workplaces, schools, or public spaces truly accessible for neurodivergent people? Let’s start the conversation! ?? #Neurodiversity #AccessibleForAll #WorkplaceInclusion #DisabilityAwareness

?? Brain injuries can create challenges in education, employment, and independent living, but the right support can remove barriers. ?? Rehabilitation and medical care aid recovery. ?? Workplace accommodations create opportunities. ?? Cognitive and memory support improves independence. ?? Accessible housing and transportation expand possibilities. On Brain Injury Awareness Day, let’s focus on improving access to these essential resources. Stronger policies and advocacy make a real difference. #BrainInjuryAwareness #SupportMatters #AccessForAll #DisabilityRights

?? March 12, 1990 – A pivotal moment in the history of disability rights. On this day, numerous disability rights activists left their wheelchairs and mobility aids to crawl up the steps of the U.S. Capitol, demanding that lawmakers take action. Their courage and determination played a crucial role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) just months later. ?? Why It Remains Significant Today: ??? The fight for accessibility and rights continues. ?? Advocacy and direct action are essential for driving change. ?? Barriers still exist, but we must persist in our efforts. The Capitol Crawl was a turning point, yet there is still much work to be done. We honor the brave activists who paved the way by continuing to advocate for accessibility, independence, and equal opportunities for everyone. ?? Read more about the Capitol Crawl & its impact: ?? https://bit.ly/48IvqBv ?? What does the ADA mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments! #CapitolCrawl #ADA35 #DisabilityRights #AccessForAll #AdvocacyMatters Photos used by permission. Tom Olin Collection. University of Toledo Libraries.

Advocacy shapes policy. That’s why Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day at the Capitol is such a vital event. Each year, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) brings together self-advocates, families, and organizations to engage directly with lawmakers on critical issues like healthcare, employment, and housing. ?? Advocacy – Direct conversations with policymakers about the needs of people with developmental disabilities. ?? Resource Sharing – Organizations highlight services and programs that support independent living. ?? Recognition – Honoring outstanding self-advocates and family leaders making a difference. Policy change starts with action. Events like this ensure that real voices are heard where decisions are made. ?? Want to learn more about this impactful event? Visit: https://bit.ly/41vOEJW #DDAwareness #PolicyChange #AdvocacyMatters #DisabilityRights #AccessForAll

?? Assistive Technology: A Game-Changer for Everyday Life! For many people, assistive technology (AT) is the key to independence. Whether it’s a wheelchair, screen reader, or voice-activated home system, AT makes daily tasks easier and more efficient. Yet, many struggle to access these essential tools due to high costs, insurance limitations, and lack of awareness. The good news? There are resources and advocacy efforts working to change that. ?? In our latest blog, we cover: ? What assistive technology is & how it helps ? Common barriers and ways to overcome them ? Key laws that support AT access ? Resources to help cover costs ?? Technology should work for everyone. Learn how AT is making life better and how you can take action! Read more here ?? https://bit.ly/4h7btIv ?? Know someone who could benefit? Share this post! #AssistiveTech #TechnologyForAll #SmartSolutions #EverydayAccessibility

?? Marking Another Year of Impact with the PAAT Program! The Protection & Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT) Program helps ensure that people with disabilities can access the technology they need to succeed in work, education, and daily life. From mobility aids to communication devices, PAAT works to: ? Remove barriers to assistive technology ? Advocate for policies that ensure fair access ? Empower individuals with the tools they need to thrive Yet, many still struggle to obtain the right devices due to cost, policy gaps, or lack of awareness. Advocacy and action are critical to making assistive technology accessible to all who need it. ?? What assistive technology has made a difference in your life or work? Let’s recognize the progress and discuss what’s next! #PAATAnniversary #AssistiveTechnology #AccessMatters #DisabilityAdvocacy #TechnologyForAll