Willowbrook and the Lessons We Must Never Forget
Throughout history and in the not-so-recent past, many people with developmental disabilities were considered ill and needing constant medical care. For some New York families with disabled loved ones in the second half of the last century, doctors advised that Willowbrook State School in Staten Island was the answer. Willowbrook State School has a place in disability history for many reasons, few of which are positive. While original intentions for Willowbrook may have been
Ed Roberts: Self-Advocacy Pioneer & Father of the Independent Living Movement
If one had mentioned the name Ed Roberts to me many years ago, I’d probably have no clue who he was, and I’m probably not alone. It wasn’t until many years into my career within the disability community that I began to understand the profound impact his life has had, not only on me, but, on many others with a disability. Roberts’ life and experiences are the definition and model of self-advocacy. He is known as The Father of the Independent Living Movement. The independent li
FL Lawmakers Considering Transportation Recommendations
Having the ability to get from point A to point B is something most people don’t have to think twice about. But for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, figuring out how to get from point A to point B is no easy task. Issues with transportation affordability, safety, long travel times, and inability to cross county lines are just a few of the issues that people face day to day and a few of the issues that disability advocates, including FL SAND, are addres
Something for Everyone at "My Voice Matters" 2018 FL SAND Conference
I am excited to be writing a recap of the annual conference of Florida Self-Advocates Network’D, or FL SAND. This year 125 self-advocates and their supporters convened at The Florida Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando, February 4-6, for the 6th annual FL SAND Conference, “My Voice Matters.” It was my first time attending the conference and although I’ve been to many conferences before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The registration process was very easy, and everyone was
Florida Needs Medicaid "Buy-in" or Similar Employment Support Program
In today’s America jobs are a frequent topic of conversation. Whether we talk about bringing jobs back to America, creating a living wage or jobs in general, it is clear that this is a conversation in American life that is not ending anytime soon. A crucial demographic that is often forgotten in the conversation are persons with disabilities. The Social Security Administration definition of disability in and of itself excludes people with intellectual and developmental disabi
Idelio Valdes Award Nominations Due January 26
Nominations for the 2018 Idelio Valdes Leadership and Advocacy Award given by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) are open until January 26. The award will be announced during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day at the State Capitol February 14. The award is given annually to an individual with a developmental disability who has been actively involved in self-advocacy at the grassroots and/or state level for at least 2 years and has worked to forge comm
FL SAND, FDDC to Pitch Pay Fair for Care to Legislature
A reality of life for some people with disabilities is the fact that they need aide care to survive. If they are being honest, without this vital service, they would not be able to contribute to society in any form or fashion. I am a prime example of this dilemma. The aide care system is vital but it is extremely flawed in many ways. The focus of this piece is on one flaw in particular: the disparity between the value of the services direct care workers provide and the low w
FL SAND Chooses Transportation, Higher Pay for Direct Care, and Employment Support as 2018 Legislati
The 2018 Florida Legislative session opens in January next year and Florida Self-Advocates Network'D (FL SAND) has selected 3 priorities it will advance through its 13 grassroots groups and at Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day in February. Look for more detailed information here on FSACentral on each priority in the coming weeks. Here's a brief introduction on each priority. Transportation: With the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) and other agencies,
SARTAC Looking for Self-Advocate Fellows to Tackle Disability Issues
SARTAC is hosting a webinar for applicants December 7. See details below. Would you like to grow your skills as a leader or self-advocate? SARTAC, or The Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center, is now accepting applications for its 2018-2019 Fellowship program. The deadline to apply is December 31, 2017. The SARTAC Fellowship aims to discover new ideas to solve problems that people with disabilities experience. SARTAC will choose six self-advocates for the fel
Jump Start Your Savings with ABLE United & Enter to win $1000 deposit
Florida residents with disabilities can build savings and keep their federal benefits by opening an ABLE United account – and individuals who open their ABLE account in November and December 2017 will be automatically entered to win a $1,000 account contribution. ABLE United will be conducting a webinar for FL SAND members November 13 at 6 PM (EST) -- but all self-advocates and their providers and parents are welcome! Register using the link at the bottom of this article. To
