FDDC Connections: October 2026

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) is pleased to announce that the Administration for Community Living (ACL) has approved our new 5-Year State Plan with no next steps and no revisions required. This milestone reflects the dedication of Council members, Council staff, and the many partners who helped shape the plan from the start. 

The significance of this approval becomes clear in context. Of the 55 Developmental Disabilities Councils across the states and territories, thirty-nine were flagged with next steps, and roughly half were asked to make revisions. Florida's plan cleared review without either. That outcome speaks to the care, rigor, and collaboration that went into every stage of development.

ACL's feedback highlighted several strengths of the plan. Reviewers noted a clear connection between the needs identified in our Comprehensive Review and Analysis and the work we propose to undertake. In other words, the goals in the plan are grounded in what Floridians with developmental disabilities and their families have told us they need.

ACL also commented favorably on our framework for implementing the plan and measuring progress each year. A strong framework helps ensure that we can track our results, learn from them, and adjust our approach as needed, so the Council remains accountable to the people it serves.

Finally, ACL recognized and appreciated the extensive collaboration behind the plan. That work included partnership with our DD Network partners, State agencies, self-advocates, family members, providers, universities, and other disability and community organizations. Each of these voices strengthened the plan, and the review is a testament to the value of building it together.

With approval in hand, the FDDC has received permission to begin work on the new State Plan. Contracts and agreements are currently in the process of being signed, allowing projects to get underway. This is an exciting transition, as the planning phase gives way to the work of turning our goals into real change in communities across Florida.

Approval is a major accomplishment, but it is the beginning rather than the end. We are now challenged to continue the exemplary work that earned this recognition as we begin the implementation phase. Over the next five years, the plan will serve as our roadmap for advancing the independence, productivity, and inclusion of Floridians with developmental disabilities.

For more information about the Five-Year plan and its priority areas of Access to Services, Behavioral Health and Challenging Behaviors, Aging Families, Self Advocacy Leadership and Emerging Needs visit Five Year State Plan - FDDC.

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (FDDC) is seeking an accomplished, mission-driven Executive Director to provide strategic leadership to an organization dedicated to creating meaningful and lasting change for Floridians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced executive to lead at the intersection of public policy, advocacy, systems change, organizational leadership, and disability services. Working in partnership with the Council, staff, state and federal agencies, policymakers, advocates, community organizations, and other stakeholders, the Executive Director will help shape initiatives that increase independence, inclusion, self-determination, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities throughout Florida.

Meet The New FDDC Board!

WHAT WE'RE CELEBRATING

The Florida Partners in Policymaking Class of 2027 is getting started, and we’re looking forward to seeing this new group build their leadership skills, learn more about disability policy and systems, and connect with others along the way.

Thank you to Robert “Bob” Asztalos, Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) for meeting with this year's PIP class.

Wishing the Class of 2027 a great year ahead! 

September 15 to October 15 was National Hispanic Heritage Month, and we honor the generations of Hispanic Americans whose contributions have shaped and enriched our nation.

Join us in recognizing their lasting impact on our communities, culture, and society.

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. 💙💛

This month is a chance to learn more about Down syndrome and hear from people with Down syndrome, their families, and those who support them.

People with Down syndrome have their own goals, interests, strengths, and life experiences. Taking time to learn more can help build greater understanding throughout our communities.

October 6 was World Cerebral Palsy Day. 💚

Cerebral palsy is the most common lifelong physical disability and can affect movement, mobility, and communication. But cerebral palsy looks different for every person, and each individual has their own experiences, strengths, and support needs.

World Cerebral Palsy Day is an opportunity to learn more, listen to the experiences of people with cerebral palsy, and build greater understanding.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent.”

For people with disabilities who are exploring work options, preparing for a job, or building skills for a future career, finding the right employment services provider can be an important step.

The FDDC’s Employment Services resources include a tool (available in English and Spanish) to help you learn about and compare providers, along with a training video that explains how to use the tool and what to consider when choosing services.

View the Employment Services tools and training video on FDDC’s Resources page 

October 21 was Disability Mentoring Day, a national effort focused on career development for students and job seekers with disabilities.

Through career exploration and mentoring relationships, Disability Mentoring Day helped participants explore career paths, build professional connections, and access internship and employment opportunities.

It’s a great reminder of the role mentorship can play in helping people build skills, confidence, and experience as they work toward their career goals.

Some disabilities are not immediately visible, but that does not make their impact any less real.

Invisible Disabilities Week, held October 18-24, helped to teach about disabilities and conditions that may not be apparent to others, and to better understand the experiences of people living with them.

FDDC’s Resources page includes guides, tools, videos, and information for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, caregivers, and professionals.

OPPORTUNITIES

Holiday Wild Card Call!

Share your hacks, tips & wisdom for navigating the holidays - November 2

FL SAND leaders and Fellows are on Zoom on the first Monday of each month to give self-advocates the opportunity to share their questions, thoughts, and experiences related to disability advocacy in the Sunshine State.

Looking for information about accessible voting in Florida?

Access the Vote Florida offers brochures and other resources covering accessible voting options, voting rights, vote-by-mail, and more for voters with disabilities.

Choosing an employment services provider can come with a lot of questions.

FDDC’s Employment Services Tool Training Video walks through the Employment Services Tool and explains how it can help people with disabilities and caregivers learn about different providers and think through which services may be the right fit.

MEDIA

Care and Community Blog Series

Care and Community: Planning for Life Beyond School for Individuals with I/DD: What Comes Next?

National Estate Planning Awareness Week may be over, but planning for the future is something families can continue year-round.

For families of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), that planning can include much more than legal or financial decisions.

It can mean thinking ahead about education, employment, housing, caregiving, services, and changing support needs throughout life.

FDDC’s Care and Community blog series offers practical information to help families think through some of those next steps, including:

• How to plan for a family member with I/DD across the lifespan  

• What to consider as a loved one prepares for life beyond school  

• How to think through future residential and living options

"Our Work Matters" Podcast Series

"Our Care Matters" Video Spotlights

Every story shared has the power to make a difference.


The Our Care Matters video series has now reached 1,213,341 video plays, and we're incredibly grateful to everyone who has watched, shared, and supported these stories.


Every view helps amplify the voices of Floridians with developmental disabilities and their caregivers, fostering greater understanding and inspiring meaningful change.


If you haven't had a chance to watch the series, we invite you to take a few minutes to hear these powerful stories from communities across Florida. 

In The News!

• Florida’s “Support Autism Programs” license plate fuels nearly $170,000 in grants
  
• Community Access Program at Patch Reef Park
  
• Key West mayor issues proclamation for MARC’s 60th year
  
• Featured Key Biscayne families call for inclusion that lasts a lifetime
  
• Inclusive Futures: New Developments Serve Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

• Law Enforcement cadets visited Ridge Area Arc to learn about IDD

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