News Room (entry)
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.
Make an Impact: Join our Board of Directors
Thursday, September 13, 2018
The Nominating Committee of Disability Rights Florida is currently recruiting applicants to serve on our Board of Directors. We are seeking individuals who have a passion for our mission and can bring fresh ideas to…Disability Rights Florida Files Lawsuit Against Agency for Persons with Disabilities Regarding Carlton Palms
Friday, July 20, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Tony DePalma, Disability Rights Florida, (850) 488-9071 x 9737, tonyd@disabilityrightsflorida.org Matthew W. Dietz, Disability Independence Group, (305) 669-2822, mdietz@justDIGit.org Tallahassee, FL, July 19, 2018 - Disability Rights Florida, Florida’s federally…Staff Spotlight: Wendy Vance
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Wendy Vance started her journey advocating for the rights of people with disabilities from the time she entered elementary school. She was a member of the first generation of children to benefit from the educational…2019 Public Planning Survey: We Depend on Your Input!
Monday, May 14, 2018
For over 40 years, Florida’s statewide Protection and Advocacy system has advocated for the civil rights of Floridians with disabilities. As we develop our goals and priorities for the 2019 fiscal year beginning on October…Statement Regarding Transition of Carlton Palms Residents
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Disability Rights Florida is aware of Bellwether Behavioral Health’s notice to the Agency for Persons with Disabilities that it will no longer operate in Florida as of May 31, 2018. Disability Rights Florida is committed…Disability Rights Florida Saddened by Loss of Former Board Member Milton Aponte
Wednesday, April 04, 2018
The Board of Directors and staff of Disability Rights Florida are saddened by the loss of our former Board member and colleague, Milton Aponte, Esq., who passed away early on Easter morning. Milton served on the…Monitoring and Investigation of Carlton Palms Educational Center: Results and Recommendations
Monday, March 05, 2018
Disability Rights Florida, the state’s federally-mandated Protection and Advocacy system benefitting Floridians with disabilities, has released its findings and related recommendations from a years-long monitoring and investigation of allegations of abuse, neglect and related concerns…Disability Rights Florida's Statement Regarding the Stoneman Douglas Tragedy
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
The staff of Disability Rights Florida are heartbroken by the tragedy at Stoneman Douglas and our thoughts are with all the students and their families during this difficult time. The state protection and advocacy system's…Disability Rights Florida Negotiates Settlement Providing Comprehensive Reform to Florida’s Prison Inpatient Mental Health Care System
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
TALLAHASSEE – Disability Rights Florida, Florida’s Protection and Advocacy organization for individuals with disabilities, is announcing a settlement agreement signed with the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) which will have widespread impact on the care…Read our 2017 Annual Report
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Disability Rights Florida is pleased to announce the release of our 2017 Annual Report (PDF). You can download our report and many other documents on our Publications page. Read about some of our successes from…Success Story: Jared Martin
Monday, December 11, 2017
The guardian of Jared Martin, an individual with an intellectual disability, Autism, and Cerebral Palsy, contacted Disability Rights Florida about a denial for an increased level of Residential Habilitation services through the iBudget Waiver. The additional Residential…Disability Rights Florida Settles Landmark Lawsuit Against Florida Department of Corrections for Systemic Violations of Disability Laws
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
July 7, 2017, TALLAHASSEE – Disability Rights Florida, Florida’s federally funded Protection and Advocacy organization for individuals with disabilities, has settled an historic federal lawsuit against the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) over its systemic…June 22 is 18th Anniversary of Landmark Olmstead Decision
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Today marks the 18th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Olmstead v. L.C., in which the Court held that unjustified segregation and institutionalization of individuals with disabilities amounted to a form of…Managing Attorney Peter Sleasman Honored by Florida Bar
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
The John J. Copelan, Jr., Award is presented to a member of the Florida Bar who has made significant contributions to the field of public interest law. This year’s award will be presented to Peter Sleasman…City of Jacksonville Settles Housing Discrimination Suits, Agrees to Zoning Revisions and Supportive Housing Options
Friday, May 26, 2017
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA (May 30, 2017) – The City of Jacksonville has agreed to settle lawsuits alleging violations of federal housing and disability regulations stemming from its determination that a proposed housing redevelopment project in the…