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.
Updates on Legislative and Public Affairs staffing at Disability Rights Florida
Monday, August 02, 2010
Disability Rights Florida is pleased to announce the appointment of Dana Farmer as Director of Legislative and Public Affairs. Dana obtained a Bachelor’s degree with a major in Criminology and a minor in Counseling, and…Guardianship Trainings in Miami on July 30 - 31 and Orlando on August 13 - 14
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Disability Rights Florida is a 2010 partner of the Lighting the Way to Guardianship and Other Decision-making Alternatives trainings. The trainings are being held in Miami and Orlando, and each training will be presented twice.…Disability Rights Florida Proudly Announces Appointment of Paul E. Liles as Senior Trial Counsel
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Paul E. Liles will join Disability Rights Florida on July 12 and will work from our Tampa office. Mr. Liles is relocating to Tampa from Ft. Myers where he was the 2007 President of the…Personal Care Assistant Services for Children with Developmental Disabilities Restored
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Disability Rights Florida settles lawsuit with Agency for Health Care Administration In late 2009, as part of the transition for personal care assistant (PCA) services for children from the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver to Medicaid…Disability Rights Florida Seeking Public Input Through July 17
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Disability Rights Florida is taking public input now on goals for 2011. Public input will be accepted from June 8 – July 17, 2010. There are multiple ways to submit your input, and the survey…New Protections against Abusive Restraint and Seclusion of Students with Disabilities to Become Law on July 1, 2010
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
The Florida legislature’s first enactment of law to address widespread concern about the use of seclusion and restraint on students with disabilities in public school has been signed by the Governor. The new law will:…New Protections for Vulnerable Children and Adults to Become Law on July 1, 2010
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
HB 7069 was recently signed by the Governor. This new law substantially updates the requirements for the criminal background screening of workers and volunteers serving and supporting people with disabilities. Key changes include: Requiring that…Disability Rights Florida at the 2010 Family Cafe June 18 - 20
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
The 12th Annual Family Café Conference is just days away and Disability Rights Florida is looking forward to it! Since the Family Café began in 1998, Disability Rights Florida has been involved as a presenter…Systems Change and Personal Advocacy Panel Discussion June 15
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
June 15 at 3:15 p.m. at the Florida Independent Living Conference at Walt Disney World Hilton Resort Gayle Miller, Disability Rights Florida Attorney and Equal Access to the Community Manager, will join Alma Cervantes and…2009 Annual Report Now Available
Thursday, June 03, 2010
We are pleased to announce the completion and availability of Disability Rights Florida's 2009 Annual Report. Visit our Publications page to download the report, and learn more about our mission, services and specific accomplishments in…Are you Prepared for Emergencies?
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
June 1 is the start of the 2010 Hurricane Season. A disaster can strike at any time - sometimes without warning! It is important for every Floridian, especially citizens with disabilities and other special needs,…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…