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.
Peter Sleasman and Kristen Lentz Join Staff
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
We are pleased to welcome Peter Sleasman and Kristen Lentz to the Disability Rights Florida team. Mr. Sleasman earned his law degree from the University of Florida. Since 2007, he served as an attorney for…Disability Advocates Pursue Action Against Jacksonville Zoning Restrictions
Tuesday, December 01, 2015
An area zoning ordinance discriminates against those with mental illness, claims a federal lawsuit filed last week by Disability Rights Florida, the state’s designated protection and advocacy organization for individuals with disabilities. The suit alleges…October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Monday, October 05, 2015
October 2015 marks the 70th Anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Celebrated each October, NDEAM educates and raises awareness of disability employment issues. NDEAM is also a time to celebrate the accomplishments and…Motorist With Multiple Sclerosis Sues to End Discriminatory Medical Review
Thursday, October 01, 2015
On August 14th, Disability Rights Florida filed suit in federal court against the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles on behalf of a licensed motorist with multiple sclerosis, alleging discrimination by the Department…Settlement Could Offer More Options for People with Mental Illness
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
The state Department of Children and Families has agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by Disability Rights Florida and move toward providing more options for people who are mentally ill to live in their communities…Floridian with Visual Impairment Seeks Adoption of Rules to Assist with Food Stamp Applications
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Kathryn Cosson, a 52-year old Food Stamp recipient with a visual disability from Walton County, has filed a formal petition with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) today asking the agency to promulgate and…Survey: Voters with Disabilities
Thursday, September 24, 2015
It may seem like there is plenty of time before the 2016 Election, but the primaries in Florida are less than six months away! Disability Rights Florida protects and advocates for the rights of voters…Medicaid Beneficiaries Sue Over Implementation of Medicaid Managed Care Program
Thursday, September 24, 2015
On August 27th, a lawsuit was filed against the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) on behalf of five individuals enrolled in Florida’s new Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-term Care (LTC) Program. All five named…Anthony James DePalma Promoted to Director of Public Policy
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Disability Rights Florida is pleased to announce the promotion of staff attorney Anthony James DePalma to Director of Public Policy. Mr. DePalma will be responsible for the management of the PADD grant, and implementation and…Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Monday, July 13, 2015
July 26, 2015 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Celebrations of the signing of the ADA by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990 are taking place across the…Children: Medicaid, CMS and Managed Care Delays, Denials, and Confusion about Covered Services
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Accessing Medicaid coverage and services for children with disabilities or special health care needs has never been easy. Keeping up with your rights and responsibilities every time the system changes makes the process even more…Disability Advocates Resolve Litigation with Florida Department of Corrections
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Disability Rights Florida and the Florida Institutional Legal Services Project of Florida Legal Services announce that a settlement has been reached in their lawsuit against the Florida Department of Corrections (DOC). The Complaint in that…Do You Have Concerns about the Driver’s License Medical Review Process?
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Getting and keeping a license to drive a vehicle is how many of us access the community or hold a job, especially where public and para transit services are inadequate. To get and keep a…Survey: We Want to Hear From YOU!
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Disability Rights Florida, Florida's statewide protection and advocacy system and client assistance program, is developing its goals and objectives for the upcoming 2016 fiscal year that starts October 1, 2015. Our planning survey is one…How Was Your Voting Experience?
Tuesday, November 04, 2014
Did you vote in 2014? Sharing your voting experience will help advocates make sure each future voter, regardless of disability, is able to cast a barrier free, private, and independent ballot in Florida. We are…