News Room

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 month. According to the FRC website, the annual award recognizes dedicated leaders and champions in the cause of helping persons with disabilities achieve independence and dignity through meaningful employment.

“Ann has successfully assisted thousands of Florida's students and young adults with disabilities in preparing for their future,” said FRC Chair Michael Adamus. “She promotes high expectations for agency service delivery and has been a champion for securing assistive technology for students to increase their access to educational services in the least restrictive environment.”

Adamus further stated, “Ann is a key leader in Florida who provides individual advocacy and necessary litigation so that youth and adults with disabilities obtain the services they need to prepare for and obtain meaningful careers.”

DRF Executive Director Peter Sleasman echoed the council’s statements, “Ann’s tireless work and personal commitment to individuals with disabilities has paved the way for countless students and young adults to achieve their goals to becoming financially independent through education and rewarding employment.”

Siegel has been an advocate for individuals with disabilities for over 25 years – with a special interest in children. She’s the director of DRF’s Advocacy, Education & Outreach team of attorneys, advocates and investigators, as well as the Client Assistance Program. Siegel received her Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center, is a member of the Florida Bar and is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Courts for the Southern, Middle and Northern Districts as well as in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeal.