Newsroom (P45)
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.
The First Disabled & Deaf Trans People's Survey (DTPS) Now Live
Friday, October 27, 2023
The Disability Project at the Transgender Law Center has launched the very first survey that specifically collects stories and data from disabled and Deaf trans people—particularly Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), low-income, and rural…Disability Rights Florida Commends the Introduction of Florida Medicaid Buy-in Bill
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Disability Rights Florida commends the introduction of Senate Bill 212 by Senator Joe Gruters to establish and implement a Medicaid Buy-in program for Floridians with disabilities. If passed by the 2024 Florida Legislature, this legislation…DRF Joins 370 Organizations In Support of SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act
Wednesday, October 04, 2023
Disability Rights Florida is proud to join 370 other organizations dedicated to improving the lives of older adults and people with disabilities to support the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act. This Act would increase the amount of…Department of Labor to Review Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act that Allows Subminimum Wage
Tuesday, October 03, 2023
On September 26, 2023, the United States Department of Labor announced that it will undergo a thorough review of Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act to determine if the program can continue. Since…NIH Officially Recognizes Disability as a Health Disparity
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, The National Institutes of Health (NIH) officially recognized people with disabilities as a population with health disparities, which is a significant step forward in acknowledging the health inequalities that our…Celebrating 50 years of the Rehabilitation Act
Friday, September 22, 2023
September 26, 2023, marks 50 years since the passing of the Rehabilitation Act. This Act, also known as the 'Rehab Act,' was the first major disability rights law, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities…P.A.S.C.O. Coalition Urges DOJ to End Support of Harmful Predictive Policing Program
Friday, September 15, 2023
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – In a letter sent on Tuesday September 12, 2023, the P.A.S.C.O. (People Against the Surveillance of Children and Overpolicing) Coalition asked the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to end its support of Pasco County’s discriminatory predictive…DRF Advocacy Specialist Amanda Baker Receives Prestigious Self-Advocacy Award
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
We are thrilled to announce that Amanda Baker, Advocacy Specialist at Disability Rights Florida, has been selected as the 2023 recipient of the prestigious Zack Gottsagen Aspire, Advocate, Achieve (A+) Award. Amanda's immense impact, dedication,…Palm Beach County School District To Revise Its Baker Act Policy After Federal Court Judgment
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
A case against the Palm Beach County School District has ended with the District agreeing to pay $440,000 to students and parents. PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. – On July 19, the Palm Beach County School Board…Why Student Debt Forgiveness and Affirmative Action are Disability Issues
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Recent Supreme Court decisions on affirmative action in college and university admissions and on student debt forgiveness highlight difficult issues regarding race and economic access in higher education. When we discuss issues of race and…Disability Rights Florida applauds the introduction of the SAFE Through Medicare Act
Friday, June 30, 2023
DRF Senior Public Policy Analyst Olivia Babis speaking at the SAFE Through Medicare Act event. Regardless of the state or type of disaster, whenever a natural disaster occurs seniors and people with disabilities remain the most…Disability Rights Florida Releases Brand New Transition Toolkit Website for Students with Disabilities
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Disability Rights Florida has created a new resource for students with disabilities in their teens. The toolkit, Preparing for Your Successful Transition to Adulthood, gives students with disabilities, their supporters, families, care team, and school…Disability Rights Florida Sessions at The 2023 Family Café
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Our staff will be at the 2023 Family Café! We are hosting a public forum along with many presentations. View the our presentations list for more information.DRF Opposes DeSantis Administration’s Plan to Defund Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives and Demands Clarification on Repercussions for Disabled University Students and Staff
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
May 15, 2023 Update -- Senate Bill 266 was passed and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. We are deeply concerned about the repercussions this will have on students with disabilities amongst other marginalized…Disability Rights Florida is first disability organization to add American Sign Language (ASL) to website using Signly
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Disability Rights Florida (DRF) recently contracted with UK-based Signly to be the second known US website and first known US disability organization to use Sign Language as a Service (SLaaS) to provide American Sign Language…