Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC)

AVISO SOBRE COMENTARIOS DEL PÚBLICO: Plan Estatal de Cinco Años 2026–2031 - FDDC El Consejo para Personas con Discapacidades de Desarrollo del Estado de Florida, (The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. – FDDC) desea brindarle al público la oportunidad de revisar y comentar sobre el plan del Consejo para los próximos 5 años a desarrollar en el estado. Este nuevo plan se iniciará el día 1 de octubre […]

desea brindarle al público la oportunidad de revisar y comentar sobre el plan del Consejo para los próximos 5 años a desarrollar en el estado. 

Lee el Plan de Cinco Años completo aquí:

El Consejo para Personas con Discapacidades de Desarrollo del Estado de Florida, (The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. – FDDC) [...]

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council is inviting public comment on its next Five-Year State Plan. 

Public comments are open October 15–November 30, 2025, with a virtual comment session on December 2.
Read the full plan: https://www.fddc.org/notice-for-public-comment-5-year-state-plan/

Representative Chase Tremont was honored with the 2025 Outstanding Legislator Award from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (FDDC).

📸 Pictured: FDDC Executive Director Valerie Breen presenting the award.

The discussion will focus on how Special Needs Trusts can help to qualify for, and maintain eligibility for, critical benefits that have financial limitations.

Register to attend here:

The Arc of Florida's October Lunch-n-Learn will touch on how using Pooled Special Needs Trusts can maximize benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. [...]

Couple works to build “Hopetown” community for people with disabilities The master plan for the project includes residential facilities, employment opportunities, and recreational areas.

But now, a couple is building a first-of-its-kind community in Central Florida — a place they call “Hopetown.”

For families raising children with disabilities, helping them reach their full potential and find a lifelong home where they can safely live, work and play can be challenging. [...]

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Since its start in 1945, NDEAM has grown from a weeklong observance into a nationwide movement advocating for opportunity for all.

Learn more about NDEAM: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/ndeam

#NDEAM #disabilityadvocate #developmentaldisabilities #intellectualdisabilities

This October marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) — a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of people with disabilities in the American workforce.[...]

Two Orange County sheriff’s deputies on Saturday rescued a child with autism from a deep retention pond. Orange County deputies rescue child with autism from retention pond

Officers trained by Dr. Kim Spence, one of the Training First Responders project trainers, recently put their skills into action — rescuing a child with autism from a retention pond.

Watch the incredible rescue here:

Down Syndrome Awareness Month Human Rights Organization for Individuals with Down syndrome

Looking for ways to make a difference? Explore resources, support, and advocacy opportunities on the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) website:

This month is dedicated to recognizing the abilities of individuals with Down syndrome, breaking down barriers, and promoting advocacy for people with Down Syndrome. [...]

Join us in celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month! 💙[...]

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Leon County! 🎉

Explore the full lineup of events here: https://www.LeonCountyFL.gov/HispanicHeritageMonth.

Resources - FDDC Resources Resources addressing topics of interest to individuals with developmental disabilities, their caregivers and professionals in the field. Resources from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council are available on a variety of topics to provide information, training, information and insight on topics relevant to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities their caregivers and professionals in the […]

Watch the videos:
☑️ Understanding Case Management
☑️ Assessing Your Case Manager
☑️ Sharing Feedback with Your Case Manager

Explore the full video series here:

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) published a video series to walk you through its “Working with Case Managers” guide—a helpful tool designed to help you assess your current case management services and advocate for your needs.[...]

Resources - FDDC Resources Resources addressing topics of interest to individuals with developmental disabilities, their caregivers and professionals in the field. Resources from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council are available on a variety of topics to provide information, training, information and insight on topics relevant to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities their caregivers and professionals in the […]

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council developed a “Working with Case Managers” tool and guide to help you assess your case management services.

Download the guide here: https://www.fddc.org/resources/#tools

Also available in Spanish.

Would you like to better understand what to expect from your Case Manager/Support Coordinator? Or do you want to know how to give feedback about your Case Manager/Support Coordinator's performance? [...]

Our Care Matters - FDDC Our Care Matters Remarkable stories from individuals and families impacted by an intellectual/developmental disability “In the quiet corridors of everyday life, there exists a profound tapestry of stories waiting to be heard – stories that demand our attention. I am honored to present the stories of Our Care Matters, our initiative that shares the experiences […]

Want to hear the stories from people in your community? Visit https://www.fddc.org/our-care-matters/ to watch the "Our Care Matters" videos and see how individuals from counties across Florida are sharing their experiences.

#OurCareMatters #FDDC #disabilityawareness

—of Floridians with developmental disabilities and their caregivers—are amplified across Florida and beyond.

Thank you for standing with us and for being part of the change we’re working toward together. [...]

The "Our Care Matters" series has now reached 641,000 video plays, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Your views, shares, and comments are helping ensure these stories[...]

Have you listened to the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council's (FDDC) podcast, “Our Work Matters"?

Episodes are available on the FDDC podcast webpage at https://www.fddc.org/our-work-matters.

FDDC Connections brings monthly updates from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council straight to your inbox, including resources for individuals with I/DD, family caregivers, self-advocates, and anyone who wants to learn more or get involved.

📬 Sign up here: https://www.fddc.org/

September is National Preparedness Month, and Leon County emphasizes the need for residents to be prepared for disasters and emergencies that can strike at any time. 

Visit https://www.LeonReady.com, a hub of disaster resilience resources.

Introducing the Partners in Policymaking Class of 2025–2026!

We look forward to the important work ahead as this group begins their journey in advocacy and leadership.

#disabilityawareness #developmentaldisabilities #intellectualdisabilities #floridadevelopmentaldisabilitiescouncil #fddc

We’re grateful to have so many dedicated voices in the room for this month's Council meeting.

The day was filled with thoughtful discussions, collaboration, and shared commitment to making a difference.

#disabilityawareness #floridadevelopmentaldisabilitiescouncil #fddc

Day 1 of the FDDC Council Meeting continues with Consultant Jim DeBeaugrine and Council Policy Committee Chair Sarah Goldman. 👏

#disabilityawareness #floridadevelopmentaldisabilitiescouncil #fddc

September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month, and we honor the generations of Hispanic Americans whose contributions have shaped and enriched our nation.

Join us in recognizing their lasting impact on our communities, culture, and society.

See a complete list of Hispanic Heritage Month resources and events at https://www.LeonCountyFL.gov/HispanicHeritageMonth.