Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHO: Political leaders, individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers, advocates and friends

WHAT: Press Conference for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day

WHERE: Florida Capitol Courtyard – Senate Side (if rain, second floor rotunda, Florida Capitol)

WHEN: Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at 10:30 a.m.

WHY: Provide briefing on critical legislative priorities to preserve the quality of life for Floridians with developmental disabilities

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC), The Arc of Florida (Arc), individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers, advocates and friends will gather Tuesday, March 21, at 10:30 a.m., in the Capitol Courtyard – Senate Side (or, in case of rain, on the second floor of the Capitol) for a press conference during the 2017 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day. FDDC and The Arc of Florida are partners in this annual event which aims to generate awareness and provide information about the importance of inclusion and funding essential services for individuals with developmental disabilities. 

Speakers will include advocates, self-advocates, legislators, Arc Board and FDDC Council members. Those present will ask the Florida Legislature to ensure that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families who receive the Individual Budgeting/Home and Community Based Services Waiver have stable and qualified service provider staffing for delivering waiver services by increasing provider compensation. They also will ask the Legislature to consider continuing its support of a meaningful long-term commitment to reducing the Waiver waitlist. Reporters will have the opportunity to interview Council members and individuals and providers affected by the provider rate issue.

In addition, two awards will be presented by FDDC during the press conference: the 2017 Idelio Valdes Leadership and Advocacy Award, named in honor of the late former Council member and self-advocate, will be presented to Sarah Goldman of Tampa and a special recognition of Arc and APD staff who have put together a choking prevention initiative.

The day’s activities also include:

•    Exhibits: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., second floor Capitol Rotunda

•    Press Conference and speakers: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Senate Portico 

•    Luncheon: 12 p.m., Senate Portico 

•    Advocate visits with legislators: throughout the day