FDDC Connections: August 2025

In the Spotlight: Jean Sherman, Ed.D.

"You may be reading more about family caregivers lately. They are the foundation of the health and safety of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD), as well as their final safety nets. Self-described as 'just family,' these parents or siblings are by far the longest serving of all caregivers, often for 60 or 70+ years. Policy makers have begun to recognize that this is the first generation of people with these disabilities who are living to old age. Yet little mention is given to the older family caregiver (often a parent) who is also living longer." 

Read Jean Sherman's piece here

35th Anniversary of the ADA

Whether you're a self-advocate, family member, caregiver or professional, these resources can help you learn more about the ADA’s impact and your rights:

•  ADA 35th Anniversary Toolkit here
•  Florida ADA Resources here
•  ADA Laws & Regulation here

Swim Lesson Voucher Program

The Florida Department of Health is offering free swimming lesson vouchers for eligible families from August 4 – September 1.

This year, additional funding is available for families with children with autism and military families. The goal: increase water safety and help prevent drowning in Florida.

Who can apply?

✔️ Florida residents with children ages 4 and under

✔️ Families meeting income requirements

✔️ Able to provide proof of residency, income, and child’s date of birth

Vouchers will be assigned shortly after the September 1 deadline.

Learn more and apply: https://www.watersmartfl.com

Back to School Resources

As we look forward to a new school year, we’re sharing key ADA National Network education resources to support students with disabilities, their families, and caregivers:

• Disability Rights Laws in Public Primary and Secondary Education: How Do They Relate?
• Postsecondary Institutions and Students With Disabilities
• Research Brief: Digital Access for Students in Higher Education and the ADA

Explore these resources and others to better understand your rights, access, and opportunities in education here.

Hurricane Season Planning

For caregivers and families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), having a clear plan in place before a storm hits is critical.

FloridaDisaster.org offers key resources to help you prepare, including:

✅ The Official Florida Hurricane Guide

✅ Disaster Supply Kit Checklists

✅ Emergency planning tools 



Start building your 2025 Hurricane Season plan today by clicking here

2024 FDDC Annual Report

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council’s 2024 Annual Report is now available online in English and Spanish.

This year’s report highlights key progress in expanding access to services, strengthening the care workforce, supporting aging caregivers, building self-advocacy leadership, and advancing systems change. We’re focused on creating better pathways and stronger support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Working with Case Managers Guide: Video Series

If you or a loved one works with a case manager or support coordinator, understanding how to get the most from that relationship is key.



The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) published a video series to walk you through its “Working with Case Managers” guide—a helpful tool designed to help you assess your current case management services and advocate for your needs.

Watch the videos:

• Understanding Case Management
• Assessing Your Case Manager
• Sharing Feedback with Your Case Manager

"Our Work Matters" Podcast Series

"Our Care Matters" Video Spotlights

The "Our Care Matters" series has now reached over 600,000 video plays, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Your views, shares, and comments are helping ensure these stories—of Floridians with developmental disabilities and their caregivers—are amplified across Florida and beyond.

Thank you for standing with us and for being part of the change we’re working toward together.

Want to hear the stories from people in your community? Click the link below to watch the "Our Care Matters" videos and see how individuals from counties across Florida are sharing their experiences.

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www.fddc.org