Disability Rights Florida Blog (voting_with_a_disability)

In thinking about the upcoming Mental Health Awareness Month, October 4-11, I wanted to offer some thoughts about the students entering into the postsecondary college settings. Over the past 30 odd years, I have worked in Disability Service offices for a community college, a private, liberal arts residential college, a research university, and a state college. The commonality of college students with mental illness, from my experience, is that they battle the stigma and seek understanding and acceptance. In my experience, the families of the student are seeking the same.

Earlier this month, Disability Rights Florida’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the organization’s proposed Goals, Priorities and Objectives (GPOs). A total of 1,344 responses were collected from this year’s survey, which was administered over an eleven-week period from June to August through largely electronic channels. Each year these surveying and policy-setting efforts help to ensure that DRF receives vital public feedback regarding the range of activities and intervention strategies that are allowable under the organization’s nine federal grants.

We encourage preparedness because disaster zones are chaotic! The more preparation prior to an emergency, the less chaos and stress. Getting prepared can also be stressful. There are so many things to think about. Having the answers to your questions ahead of time can decrease stress and possibly save lives.

With the new school year rapidly approaching and the unpredictable and ongoing impact COVID-19 has on education, Disability Rights Florida reached out to every school district in the state to gather information about their school re-opening plans.

Olivia Babis discusses her personal connection with the ADA and how her life has changed over the years since its inception.

Disability Rights Florida staff member Victor Panoff shares his thoughts about the ADA on the eve of its 30th anniversary.