FDDC Connections: July 2025

35th Anniversary of the ADA

"I was born into “generation ADA”, which is anyone born around or after the time the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed in 1990. I am fortunate to benefit from having curb cuts for my wheelchair, I have the ability to ride almost any form of public transportation with few barriers, and attended and graduated from a public university having been 100% accommodated on campus both within and outside the classroom. I certainly don’t take any of that for granted.

On July 26, the ADA will turn 35 years old, but is it showing its age? Why do I still have to call nail or hair salons to find out if they are wheelchair accessible because they still have steps to enter in? Why doesn’t every building provide equal access such as an automatic door opener so that those with disabilities don’t have to yank heavy doors open while navigating their wheelchair? Why is it difficult for individuals with disabilities to often get hired when the ADA protects against disability discrimination from employment?"

Read the full letter here

FDDC In Action at Family Café

The FDDC had a wonderful time at the 2025 Family Café event, June 13-15 in Orlando, FL.

Since 1998, the Annual Family Café has brought Floridians with all types of disabilities together for three days of information, training, and networking each June. With a great range of individual breakout sessions, a packed Exhibit Hall with dozens of vendors, and a series of special events including Keynote speakers and The Governors’ Summit on Disabilities, The Annual Family Café offers attendees exposure to resources on a grand scale, unprecedented access to policy-making officials, and a chance to network with other individuals with disabilities and their families.

Partners in Policymaking graduates attended this year’s Family Café, joining advocates from across the state for connection and community!

FDDC Case Management Tools at Family Café

In June, Diane Beaver, Managing Consultant at Mathematica, presented at this year’s Family Café on the new case management tools developed in partnership with the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council.

These tools help individuals with I/DD and their families better understand, assess, and collaborate with their case managers/support coordinators.

Check out the case management tools here on our website

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

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

Water Safety

The Autism Society of American has created information and resources for you to use during water safety month - and EVERY month. Click the link below to learn:

• Why drowning prevention is particularly important for people with autism 
• Why people have a tough time securing swim instruction 
• What the Autism Society has been doing about that 

Learn more here

"Our Work Matters" Podcast Series

"Our Care Matters" Video Spotlights

The "Our Care Matters" series has now reached almost 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.

FDDC 2025 Legislative Summary

The FDDC creates a weekly legislative update during the Florida legislative session. Please take a look at our final newsletter for this session and get the legislative summary.

You can view the FDDC Legislative Platform here.

Become a Florida SAND Fellow!

Interested in becoming a FL SAND Fellow? Apply today!

The FL SAND Fellows Leadership Program is an immersive training experience designed for seasoned self-advocates who are dedicated to enhancing their problem-solving, leadership, and management skills. In addition to virtual training sessions, Fellows undertake various assignments, including providing technical support to the FL SAND board of directors and network of self-advocacy groups, as well as developing self-advocacy training through FL SAND’s Breaking Barriers Training Academy.

Fellows are compensated for their work and serve for one year, with the opportunity for a one-year extension. The time commitment typically ranges from four to eight hours per week. While most training and project work is conducted virtually, Fellows are required to travel to Florida 1-2 times per year.

Applications are accepted year-round, with the review process for the upcoming year starting in August. For more information, please email contactflsand@gmail.com.

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