Newsroom (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.
2020 Public Planning Survey: We Depend on Your Input!
Friday, May 31, 2019
For over 40 years, Florida’s statewide Protection and Advocacy system has advocated for the civil rights of Floridians with disabilities. We need your input as we develop our goals and priorities for the 2020 fiscal…Why are some Florida medical offices denying American Sign Language interpreters for patients who are deaf?
Wednesday, May 08, 2019
All too often, Disability Rights Florida is involved in individual complaints related to medical offices refusing to provide interpreters for patients who are deaf. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is very clear on the…Florida Voter Education "Train the Trainer" Workshop
Monday, April 15, 2019
When Thursday, June 6, 2019 9 am - 4 pm Where Hyatt Regency Orlando Rainbow Room I and II 9801 International Drive About The purpose of the "Train the Trainer" workshop is to empower and…Disability Rights Florida Proud to Introduce Michael Brogioli as New Executive Director
Friday, April 12, 2019
Following a lengthy search process, the Board of Directors of Disability Rights Florida is pleased to announce that Michael J. Brogioli has been named Executive Director. Michael brings nearly two decades of experience in disability…Success Story: Jordan Griffin
Tuesday, April 09, 2019
In 2018, Jordan Griffin—who is a student with autism—moved from New Mexico and began attending a new school in Palm Beach, FL. However, his new teachers were unequipped to deal with his behaviors, resulting in…Advocacy Groups Sue State of Florida for Violating the Americans with Disabilities Act
Thursday, December 13, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 12, 2018 Contact: Vanessa Barrington, (415) 505-0116 vbarrington@justiceinaging.org A class action lawsuit filed today against Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration asserts that the state’s management of its Medicaid long-term care…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…