Florida Developmental Disabilities Council

05/29/2026

Apply today to be an FL SAND fellow!

The FL SAND ("Self Advocates Network'D") Fellows Leadership Program is an immersive training program for experienced self-advocate leaders committed to further development of problem-solving, leadership, and advocacy skills.

Applications are being accepted for the 2026-2027 fellowship year. You can find an application and more info at the first link in our comments.

05/28/2026

After failing for the second year in a row to pass a budget on time, the Florida Legislature has cobbled together this year’s Appropriations Act, to be voted on and sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis by the end of the week.

The budget chairs for the House and Senate spent most of the Memorial Day weekend exchanging offers before finally concluding their work Sunday night.

The Republicans leading the negotiation closed out all action related to the $115 billion Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and the accompanying tax relief plan. The budget would be in effect from July 1 through June 30, 2027.

The accompanying tax relief package, valued at $150 million, was revealed in the last round of budget negotiations. The bill provides a three-year exemption from sales taxes on windows and doors meant to withstand strong winds, such as those experienced in hurricanes.

The bill includes a sales tax exemption for gun accessories, including silencers. At one point Sunday, the National Rifle Association and other gun rights organizations contended the tax break was being opposed by Senate President Ben Albritton. The NRA posted on X that Albritton was “attempting to compromise your Second Amendment rights by removing suppressors from the tax-exempt list.”

After failing for the second year in a row to pass a budget on time, the Florida Legislature has cobbled together this year’s Appropriations Act, to be voted on and sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis by the end of the week. The budget chairs for the House and Senate spent most of the Memorial Day […]

05/27/2026

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed nine bills into law Thursday, enacting new measures that establish a statewide Alzheimer’s disease initiative, mandate human trafficking education for nurses, and significantly stiffen penalties for repeat domestic violence offenders.

The bills span a variety of state oversight issues, including healthcare regulation, local land redevelopment, and protections for historic burial sites.

Leading the list is the Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Initiative, SB 578, which directs the Department of Elder Affairs to partner with a statewide nonprofit to expand public education and mobile outreach regarding the disease.

Republican Rep. Dean Black, the bill’s House sponsor, praised the legislation as a vital step forward for the state’s large elderly population.

“Florida is home to the second-highest number of Alzheimer’s patients in America,” Black said on X. “The resources are there, but until now, Floridians have been in the dark. Our Awareness Initiative is now law. Families enduring this heartbreaking disease now have greater visibility and state-wide support.”

Read the article through the link in our comments.

05/27/2026

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.

Partners graduates can change the future by affecting public policy today! Apply by June 30, 2026: https://www.fddc.org/partners-in-policymaking/

05/27/2026

For more than 30 years, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) has worked alongside people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families, and support professionals across our state.

In Fiscal Year 2025, we continued that work with strong progress in Year 4 of our 5-year state plan, providing training, sharing practical tools, and advocating for meaningful systems change. Together, these efforts help people with I/DD live healthy, meaningful lives in their communities.

Our Annual Report highlights these efforts and shares how federal funding supports projects that improve policies, programs, and opportunities statewide.

📘 Read the full 2025 Annual Report and see the impact through the first link in our comments!

05/21/2026

Check out the May edition of FDDC “Connections!” This month, we highlight statewide progress supporting individuals with I/DD, celebrate educators and caregivers, share important water safety resources, and spotlight advocacy opportunities, including PIP, FL SAND leadership programs, and youth leadership training. Plus, the Our Care Matters video series has now surpassed ONE MILLION views!

Read more, get involved, and stay connected with the latest news and opportunities from FDDC. Link in first comment.

Check out the May edition of FDDC “Connections!” Click here to read Click here to subscribe Highlights & Celebrations • FDDC Annual Report: FDDC shared progress made during Year 4 of the Council’s 5-year state plan, highlighting training, advocacy, and statewide projects supporting individua...

05/21/2026

Finding a job can be difficult for anyone, but for many people with developmental disabilities, the barriers can be even greater.

According to the National Core Indicators Report, 83% of people with developmental disabilities are unemployed.

Quest, Inc., a Central Florida nonprofit is working to change that by helping connect people with disabilities to training, support and meaningful employment opportunities.

Overcoming developmental disabilities in the workplace

05/20/2026

“Connection and collaboration” were at the heart of the 2026 AGEDD Summit in Kissimmee, where state, national, and community leaders came together to strengthen systems of support for aging caregivers and their adult children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In a new article, Jennifer Chung, PhD, LMFT, Director of Programs at FDDC, reflects on how the Summit brought together self-advocates, family caregivers, service providers, community organizations, state agencies, and federal partners committed to improving outcomes for individuals with I/DD and their families.

As one phase of the AGEDD initiative concludes, the work continues: sustaining momentum, strengthening partnerships, and supporting families across Florida’s aging and disability networks.

Read the full article through the link in our comments!

KISSIMMEE, FL — From April 20–22, 2026, the Aging Caregiver and I/DD Cross-Systems Initiative (AGEDD) Summit convened in Kissimmee, Florida, bringing together state, national, and community leaders to strengthen systems of support for aging caregivers and their adult children with intellectual a...

05/18/2026

Register to attend The Route to Self-Determination workshop at the Rosen Plaza in Orlando on June 11, 2026, from 10 am to 4 pm.

This is an in-person, introductory workshop for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, 16 and older, on learning how to set goals to live, work, and spend free time as they choose.

The workshop includes:
✅ Interactive, plain language lessons on key concepts, hands-on activities, role-playing, and goal setting.
✅ Lunch is provided.
✅ The workshop is free for self-advocates. One support person is welcome to accompany each learner.

Register and learn more through the link in our comments.

05/17/2026

FDDC Connections brings monthly updates from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council straight to your inbox, including resources for individuals with I/DD, family caregivers, self-advocates, and anyone who wants to learn more or get involved.

Whether you’re part of the community or an advocate, these updates are here to keep you connected and informed.

📬 Sign up through the link in our first comment!