FDDC Connections: May 2025

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re spotlighting the challenges faced by individuals with both intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and mental health needs.

In episode 4 of Our Work Matters, “Learning About Dual Diagnosis: Individuals with I/DD and Mental Health Concerns,” experts Jeanne Farr (CEO of NADD) and Celeste Harvey (Associate Professor at the Chicago School) explore:

✅ What dual diagnosis means

✅ Barriers to effective treatment

✅ How NADD supports better care and outcomes

Through conversations like these, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council is helping families, providers, and communities access the knowledge and tools needed to better support those with dual diagnosis.

🎧 Listen to the episode here

May is Water Safety Month

National Water Safety Month is a critical time to raise awareness about the dangers children with autism face, especially here in Florida.

In a message from Susan Kabot, Chief of Programs and Research, she highlights urgent data:

🛑 Florida leads the nation in drowning deaths for children with autism.

🛑 At least 34 children with autism drowned in 2024, with 2 more deaths in early 2025.

🛑 60% of these cases involve children ages 5 and older.

Wandering incidents—reported by 40% of parents—can lead to devastating outcomes. These deaths are preventable through increased education, use of safety devices like door alarms and wearable trackers, and coordinated efforts with local law enforcement.

Learn more from Susan Kabot’s full message here

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 5

FDDC Weekly Updates

Be sure to receive your 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. These emails arrive in your inbox every Monday!

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.

New Tool for Individuals Working with a Case Manager/Support Coordinator



Would you like to better understand what to expect from your case manager/support coordinator? Or do you want to know how to give feedback about your case manager/support coordinator's performance?

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council developed a “Working with Case Managers” tool and guide to help you assess your case management services.

Case managers may also be referred to as: • Care manager • Service coordinator • Support coordinator • Rehabilitation counselor • Case worker • Access specialist • Patient navigator

• Download the guide here
• The Spanish version of the guide can be downloaded here
• Instructional videos can be found here

Download the New Residential Guide!



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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