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.
Department of Corrections Sued over Inmate Abuse at the Dade Correctional Institution
Tuesday, September 09, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 9, 2014 TALLAHASSEE Florida Institutional Legal Services Project, Disability Rights Florida, and Holland & Knight, LLP, have filed a federal lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District…The New Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Disability Rights Florida applauds the passage and signing of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 and urges swift action by Florida to implement changes that could improve employment opportunities and outcomes for…Are You Registered to Vote?
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Florida's 2014 Primary Elections will be held in August. To vote in the Primary Elections, you much be registered by July 28, 2014. Access our Voting - Rights and Responsibilities webpage to learn more.Survey: How Can We Help in 2015?
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Disability Rights Florida is developing its goals and objectives for the upcoming 2015 fiscal year that starts October 1, 2014. We depend on you to tell us what disability issues you find most important. Our…The National Down Syndrome Society and Disability Rights Florida Say #LetGarrettFight
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Garrett Holeve, a 24-year-old man with Down syndrome, has been denied his right to an equal opportunity to compete in amateur Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Together, the National Down Syndrome Society and Disability Rights Florida…Attorney Anthony James DePalma Joins Staff
Thursday, May 29, 2014
We are happy to announce that Anthony James DePalma has joined Disability Rights Florida as its newest staff attorney. Mr. DePalma earned his undergraduate, masters, and law degrees from Florida State University. He interned at…Board of Directors Names Maryellen McDonald as Executive Director
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
The Board of Directors of Disability Rights Florida is proud to present Maryellen McDonald as its new Executive Director. Ms. McDonald joined Disability Rights Florida in January 2009 and was promoted to the role of…iBudget Supplemental Funding
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
It has been almost four months since the settlement of Wheaton, et al v. APD, Case No. 4:13-cv-00179-MW-CAS. That settlement created some powerful tools to ensure that Florida Medicaid Developmental Disability Waiver recipients can receive…Protecting Service Animal Access
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Rep. Jimmie Smith filed HB 849 to help protect the rights of people with disabilities, including veterans, to use their service animals. In recent years, both Disability Rights Florida and K9s for Warriors have intervened…Attorney Stephanie Moore Joins Staff
Friday, January 10, 2014
We are pleased to announce that Stephanie T. Moore has joined Disability Rights Florida as its newest staff attorney. Ms. Moore earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley and her law degree…Obtain, Maintain, or Regain Your Job or Career
Monday, November 04, 2013
One of our goals is to assist people with disabilities to overcome barriers to employment and obtain, maintain, and regain jobs and careers. Our free and confidential services include information and referral, advocacy services, and…Medicaid Reasonable Promptness Lawsuit Settled
Monday, October 28, 2013
Wheaton, et al v. APD, Case No. 4:13-cv-00179-MW-CAS After the March 24, 2011 implementation of the cost plan freeze by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), Disability Rights Florida began noticing a trend of…With Sadness, We Announce the Upcoming Retirement of Bob Whitney, Executive Director
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
With deep gratitude for his leadership and vision, the Board and staff of Disability Rights Florida announce the upcoming retirement of its Executive Director, Bob Whitney. Bob joined the organization in 2006 as Director of…Welcoming our Newest Staff Members
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
Over the past several months, we have had the honor of hiring several new professional staff. Learn about them here. Molly J. Paris Molly J. Paris joined Disability Rights Florida as a staff attorney earlier…Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is Turning 40 Years of Age
Friday, September 13, 2013
Section 504 of the Rehab Act became law on September 26, 1973 as the first national law to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities. The Rehab Act paved the way for the 1990 Americans with…