News Room
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.
New Video: Medicaid Fair Hearings Explained
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Have you ever experienced getting Medicaid services cut, reduced, or denied? Have you often felt lost on what to do to fight to keep your services? There is a process to help you fight against…DRF Attorney Receives the Florida Rehabilitation Council Stephen R. Wise Advocacy Award
Thursday, July 23, 2020
TALLAHASSEE, July 23, 2020 — Disability Rights Florida (DRF) Advocacy, Education, and Outreach Team Director and attorney Ann Siegel was awarded the prestigious Stephen R. Wise Advocacy Award by the Florida Rehabilitation Council (FRC) last…Complaint Filed Against Florida Governor for Violating ADA Laws
Monday, July 13, 2020
TALLAHASSEE, July 13, 2020 — Disability Rights Florida (DRF), the State’s designated protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities, and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) filed a complaint today asking a federal…Disability Rights Florida Joins Stop Hate for Profit Campaign Against Facebook
Thursday, July 02, 2020
As a member of the Florida Hate Crimes Coalition, Disability Rights Florida stands in solidarity with hundreds of other socially conscious businesses and organizations calling on Facebook to stop its platforms from being used to…New Video: Alternatives to Guardianship Explained
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
We all should be empowered to make our own decisions - whether that's deciding what to eat, or something bigger like buying your own home. No matter how big or small the decision is, you…Why Disability Rights Florida Joined the Lawsuit Against Broward Sheriff
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
By Peter Sleasman, Interim Executive Director, Disability Rights Florida As the spread of coronavirus (or COVID-19) continues in Broward County and throughout the State of Florida, individuals with disabilities who are incarcerated are particularly vulnerable to serious…Disability Rights Florida Launches New Inclusive Website Redesign
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Disability Rights Florida is proud to announce the launch of our new and improved website. Visit us at www.DisabilityRightsFlorida.org to: Learn more about our services, current goals and priorities, and programs and funding Explore our…Disability Rights Florida Announces New Executive Director
Thursday, June 18, 2020
TALLAHASSEE, June 18, 2020 — Disability Rights Florida (DRF), the State’s designated protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Sleasman as Executive Director. Sleasman is an…Disability Rights Florida Receives National Award for Report on Rights Violations in Homestead Shelter
Monday, June 15, 2020
TALLAHASSEE, June 15, 2020 — Disability Rights Florida (DRF), the State’s designated protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities, was awarded the National Disability Rights Network’s (NDRN) annual Advocacy Award earlier this month for…Disability Rights Florida’s Statement on the Death of George Floyd
Monday, June 01, 2020
We, as a nation, have once again witnessed the last breath of an unarmed black American at the hands of those who are sworn to uphold the law. George Floyd’s death is the most recent…We Want to Know: Conditions in Facilities During COVID-19
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Disability Rights Florida (DRF) was founded in 1977 as the designated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system for individuals with disabilities in the State of Florida. The P&A system exists to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and…Disability Rights Florida makes repeated requests to Governor DeSantis for American Sign Language interpreters at press briefings
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Disability Rights Florida has notified Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office by phone and email on several occasions expressing our concern regarding his lack of compliance under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act at press…Disability Rights Florida Calls Upon the Governor to Stop Deadly Discrimination Against People with Disabilities Amid COVID-19 Care Before it Starts
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tallahassee, FL – With a sense of extreme urgency, Disability Rights Florida sent Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Executive Office of the Governor a letter requesting the State of Florida immediately take…Disability Rights Florida Sues Florida Department of Corrections for Breach of Settlement Agreement Protecting Incarcerated People with Physical Disabilities
Thursday, December 05, 2019
Disability Rights Florida, Florida’s federally-funded Protection and Advocacy organization for individuals with disabilities, has brought suit against the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) over its systemic failure to comply with a settlement agreement signed by…Medicaid iBudget Redesign: Official Comments from Disability Rights Florida
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Disability Rights Florida provided the following public comments to the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and other known stakeholders, following the submission of iBudget redesign planning to the Florida Legislature by APD and the Agency…