Florida Developmental Disabilities Council

10/14/2026

On Oct. 3, an Inclusion and Disability Symposium brought together Key Biscayne families, advocates, providers and elected officials for a day of conversation focused on building a more inclusive community for children and adults with disabilities.

The event was conceived and organized by It Takes a Village, a parent-led initiative, led by Laura Zapata and Barbara Diaz. They, along with Milagros Ponce de Leon & Chiara Bergonzi, founded the group in 2019.

The symposium’s session on community resources, advocacy and public policy examined the practical questions many families face: how to navigate services, plan for adulthood, advocate for stronger supports and ensure people with disabilities can fully enjoy community life.

On Oct. 3, an Inclusion and Disability Symposium brought together Key Biscayne families, advocates, providers and elected officials for a day of conversation focused on building a more inclusive community

10/14/2026

Looking for information about accessible voting in Florida?

Access the Vote Florida offers brochures and other resources covering accessible voting options, voting rights, vote-by-mail, and more for voters with disabilities.

Visit the Publications page to learn more through the link in our comments.

10/14/2026

This week is National Case Management Week!

Case managers play an important role in helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) understand their options, connect with services, and plan for the supports they need.

This year’s theme, “Driving Outcomes,” is a great reminder of the role strong case management can play in helping people work toward their goals.

The FDDC offers case management tools and resources for people with I/DD, families, caregivers, case managers, supervisors, and service organizations.

Find the resources through the link in our comments.

10/11/2026

Want to stay informed about disability advocacy, helpful tools, and events across Florida?

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.

Whether you’re part of the community or an advocate, these updates are here to keep you connected and informed.

📬 Sign up through the link in our comments.

10/09/2026

Hurricane preparation may involve a few extra steps for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families, and caregivers.

As you prepare:
✅ Keep medications, important documents, and necessary supplies together and ready to go.
✅ Make a plan for medical, communication, mobility, or other equipment you may need.
✅ Write down important phone numbers and emergency contacts.
✅ Know your evacuation route and where you will go if you need to leave home.
✅ Identify family members, friends, neighbors, or caregivers who can provide support during an emergency.
✅ Follow local emergency officials for current evacuation and shelter information.

Preparing ahead can make it easier to respond when conditions change. Find additional hurricane preparedness resources at:

While living in and visiting Florida offers many benefits and advantages, it is important to keep in mind severe weather hazards and potential threats. Every family and business should have predefined emergency plans and always keep an emergency supply kit ready and stocked.

10/09/2026

With severe weather approaching parts of Florida, now is a good time to review your hurricane plan and make sure you know where to find reliable information.

FloridaDisaster.org offers key resources to help you prepare, including:
✅ The official Florida Hurricane Guide
✅ Disaster Supply Kit Checklists
✅ Emergency planning tools

Take a few minutes to review your plan, supplies, and local emergency information through the link in our comments.

While living in and visiting Florida offers many benefits and advantages, it is important to keep in mind severe weather hazards and potential threats. Every family and business should have predefined emergency plans and always keep an emergency supply kit ready and stocked.

10/09/2026

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. 💙💛

This month is a chance to learn more about Down syndrome and hear from people with Down syndrome, their families, and those who support them.

People with Down syndrome have their own goals, interests, strengths, and life experiences. Taking time to learn more can help build greater understanding throughout our communities.

Creating a world where individuals with Down syndrome thrive

10/09/2026

❇️ Reminder: The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council is proud to introduce Care and Community, a blog series created for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), caregivers, and families.

The series covers practical topics families may face, including what happens after school, whether a loved one with I/DD should consider moving into a residential setting, how to work effectively with a case manager, and how to plan across the lifespan.

Each article is designed to help families ask questions, understand options, and plan for the future with more information and support.

Follow along as we highlight each article in the series.

Read more through the link in our comments.

News & Updates Stay informed and connected with FDDC news and other updates from across the state that impact those with developmental disabilities.

10/06/2026

Today is World Cerebral Palsy Day. 💚

Cerebral palsy is the most common lifelong physical disability and can affect movement, mobility, and communication. But cerebral palsy looks different for every person, and each individual has their own experiences, strengths, and support needs.

World Cerebral Palsy Day is an opportunity to learn more, listen to the experiences of people with cerebral palsy, and build greater understanding.

Learn more about cerebral palsy and World Cerebral Palsy Day through the link in our comments.

10/05/2026

The October AMPLIFY! topic is “Working as Advocacy: Celebrating Disability Employment"

FL SAND leaders and Fellows are on Zoom on the first Monday of each month to give self-advocates the opportunity to share their questions, thoughts, and experiences related to disability advocacy in the Sunshine State.

Find this month's Zoom link in our comments.