FDDC Connections: June 2025

Letter to Senator Scott from FDDC Chair Eddie Hall 

"As an aging disabled Floridian, who has worked most of my life and depends on my aging wife as my primary caregiver, I live every day with the fear of losing the support needed to live at home and in the community.  Although we are not directly dependent on Medicaid long-term supports and services, which currently supports over 10% of the I/DD population in Florida, I represent the deep concerns of our constituency who do depend on Medicaid long-term supports and services through Florida’s home- and community-based iBudget waiver program."

Read the full letter 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.

Hurricane Season Begins in June

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

FDDC "Our Work Matters" Podcast Series Episode 6

FDDC Weekly Updates

The FDDC creates weekly Capitol Update during the Florida legislative session. We track the bills impacting the I/DD community and keep you informed about the latest news from the Capitol. We are planning to release a "session summary" e-mail in the coming weeks.

You can view the FDDC Legislative Platform here.

Become a Florida Partner in Policymaking!

Interested in becoming a Partner? Apply today!

The application period for the 2025-2026 PIP class closes June 30, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET. 

Partners in Policymaking® (PIP) is a leadership training program that prepares adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, family members who have decision-making responsibility for their family member with intellectual and developmental disabilities (e.g., parent, sibling, grandparent), and legal guardians of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be effective advocates at the local, state, and federal levels.



PIP teaches leadership skills and techniques to develop positive partnerships with elected officials, school personnel, and other individuals who make policy decisions about services that you and/or your family use.

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.

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 Care Matters - Video Spotlight

The "Our Care Matters" series has now reached over 500,000 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.

Sign-Up and Share

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www.fddc.org