Application for Appointment to the Board of Directors

DRF is a statewide, federally mandated Protection and Advocacy system for persons with disabilities. Funded through nine federal grants, the nonprofit provides legal advocacy and rights protection for adults and children with a wide range of disabilities.

DRF Mission Statement:
Disability Rights Florida advocates, educates, investigates, and litigates to protect and advance the rights, dignity, equal opportunities, self-determination and choices for all people with disabilities.

Federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems in each state and territory provide protection of the rights of persons with disabilities through legally based advocacy. Collectively, the P&A/CAP Network is the largest provider of legally based advocacy services to people with disabilities in the United States.

Disability Rights Florida was founded in 1977 as the state’s designated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system for individuals with disabilities in the State of Florida. As Florida’s P&A, DRF utilizes legal and advocacy strategies to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and success of people with disabilities.

A maximum of fifteen (15).

Fourteen are appointed by Disability Rights Florida’s Board and one is the Chairperson of the Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Advisory Council (PAC). 

Each term is four years with the possibility of a second term. Terms are staggered. The Chair of the PAIMI Advisory Council serves only during the time he or she serves as Chair of the PAC.

In general, members of Disability Rights Florida’s Board of Directors reflect the diverse constituency served by Disability Rights Florida. The Bylaws require that: “Each member of the Board of Directors shall have demonstrated a record of strong involvement in one or more of the following three (3) disciplines: developmental disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, and vocational rehabilitation.” (Bylaws Ch. 2.05). Persons with disabilities, family members, lawyers, and other professionals are all represented on the Board. Disability Rights Florida is also committed to appointing members representative of Florida’s diverse ethnic and cultural communities and to making efforts to ensure the Board is representative of all areas of the state.

There are four meetings held each year. Generally, one meeting is held in Tallahassee and three are held in different locations around the state. Currently, meetings are held hybrid with the option of meeting in person or via videoconference.

Regular Board meetings are generally five to six hours including a lunch break provided by DRF. Committee meetings are held by videoconferencing usually once per quarter.

All travel, room, and board expenses connected with Board meetings are paid by Disability Rights Florida. Members are not paid an honorarium for their services.

Disability Rights Florida provides reasonable accommodations for Board members with disabilities. Disability Rights Florida’s Bylaws state that “All meetings shall be held in accessible locations, and information shall be provided in accessible formats to the Directors, and to the public upon request.” (Bylaws Ch. 2.09)

You may fill out the application online, or download the application below and submit it via email to boardapplicant@disabilityrightsflorida.org at any time. If you need assistance to complete this form, please contact Disability Rights Florida at (850) 488-9071 ext. 9721.