Newsroom (P225)
Members of the media who are interested in accessing the extensive disability-related knowledge of Disability Rights Florida attorneys, policy specialists, or staff are encouraged to contact our Communications Director at 800-342-0823 ext 9762 or press@DisabilityRightsFlorida.org to schedule an interview at least 24 hours in advance.
When reporting on people with disabilities, consider disability-inclusive and sensitive language. For instance, statements like “people with disabilities” and “uses a wheelchair” are preferred instead of “the disabled” or “wheelchair bound.” For more information, see Communicating About People with Disabilities from the National Disability Rights Network and review the National Center on Disability and Journalism’s Style Guide.
New Protections for Vulnerable Children and Adults Heads to the Governor’s Desk
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
A bill (HB 7069) that will significantly modernize criminal background screening passed the legislature and heads to the desk of Governor Crist for signature. This bill was a priority of the governor, as well as…New Protections against Abusive Restraint and Seclusion of Students with Disabilities Pass the House and Senate and Head to the Governor's Desk
Monday, May 03, 2010
This effort, sponsored by Senator Andy Gardiner and Representatives Dorothy Hukill and Marcelo Llorente, represents the Florida legislature’s first enactment of law that addresses widespread concern about the use of seclusion and restraint on students…Update on bills related to Background Screening (HB 7069 by Criminal and Civil Justice Policy Council/SB 1520 by Sen. Storms)
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
These bills will increase criminal background screening requirements of employees who work with vulnerable adults and children. The House bill has been in messages to the Senate for some time and the Senate bill is…Maryellen McDonald appointed as Director of Legal & Advocacy Services
Friday, April 23, 2010
Disability Rights Florida proudly announces the appointment of Maryellen McDonald as Director of Legal & Advocacy Services. Ms. McDonald joined the staff of Disability Rights Florida as Supervising Attorney in 2009, and she has been…Update on Bills related to School Restraint/Seclusion on Students with Disabilities (SB 2118/HB 1073)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
These bills, sponsored by Senators Andy Gardiner and Representatives Dorothy Hukill and Marcelo Llorente, represent the Florida legislature’s first effort to enact law to address widespread concerns about the use of seclusion and restraint on…Disability Rights Florida Supports Affordable Housing
Monday, April 12, 2010
On Wednesday, April 7, staff from Disability Rights Florida participated in the Sadowski Coalition rally on the steps of the old Capitol. As in prior years,, we are working with partners to support the creation…SB 2118 Regarding Students with Disabilities/Seclusion/Restraint in Committee on Tuesday, March 23
Friday, March 19, 2010
Senate Bill 2118, a priority bill for Disability Rights Florida, will be heard by the Senate Education PreK-12 Committee on Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at 3:15 pm in Room 301 of the Senate Office Building.…Free Tax Preparation Clinic beginning March 3, 2010, at Disability Rights Florida
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Get free tax filing help through the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. Both programs can provide fast electronic tax filing. Community volunteers receive IRS-approved training to…Limiting Restraint on Students with Disabilities
Monday, February 22, 2010
Orlando Sentinel urges lawmakers to protect children with disabilities from improper restraint and seclusion. Orlando Sentinel articleStudents with Disabilities/Seclusion/Restraint (SB 2118) filed by Senator Andy Gardiner
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Senator Andy Gardiner filed SB 2118, the Senate companion to Rep. Dorothy Hukill’s HB 81 on the same subject. Future updates on these bills will include notification regarding dates and times the bills are scheduled…Free Webinar/Teleconference: February 8 at 12:00 noon
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Seclusion and Restraint: Concerns & Solutions Monday, February 8, 2010 | 12:00 to 12:45 PM (ET) Presented by: Lise Fox (Florida Center for Inclusive Communities), Sylvia Smith (Disability Rights Florida), Margaret Hooper (Florida Developmental Disabilities…Mental-Health Reform Has Human, Fiscal Urgency
Sunday, September 27, 2009
As many as 125,000 people with mental illnesses requiring immediate treatment are arrested and booked into Florida jails every year. And on any given day, more than 70,000 people with serious mental illnesses reside in…Disability Rights Florida Recovery Project
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Disability Rights Florida and the Research Library at the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute at the University of South Florida have joined together to create a collection of materials available to individuals…