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 attorney and brings 35 years’ experience in federal civil rights litigation and disability law, as well as a personal passion for equal justice and the attainment of basic human and civil rights. Although he joined the nonprofit in 2015, Sleasman collaborated with DRF for over 20 years. He previously served as the agency’s director of investigations, legal director and interim executive director. He has also held staff attorney and legal management positions at Florida Legal Services, the Advocacy Center of Central Florida, Southern Legal Counsel, and Florida Institutional Legal Services.
DRF Board Chair, Alan Quiles said, “Mr. Sleasman has dedicated his career to the vision that all should have the opportunity to full and equal participation in society – including individuals with disabilities. With the enthusiastic support of the entire board, we look forward to entering this next chapter in our history under his capable leadership.”
Sleasman received his bachelor’s degree from Centre College in Danville, KY and J.D. from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. He is a member of the Florida Bar, United States District Court for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Florida, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. He is also a member of the Public Interest Law Section of the Florida Bar and a past chair of the Disability Law Committee.
“Advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities, particularly for those confined in state institutions, has been the focus of my entire legal career,” Sleasman said. “I look forward to working with the dedicated staff and board of DRF in carrying out our mission to protect and advocate for the rights of all persons with disabilities in Florida.”
Disability Rights Florida was founded in 1977 as the statewide designated protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities in the State of Florida. We provide free legal and advocacy services to people with disabilities through the authority and responsibility of nine federal grants. Our mission: Disability Rights Florida advocates, educates, investigates and litigates to protect and advance the rights, dignity, equal opportunities, self-determination and choices for all people with disabilities.