Disability Rights Florida was founded in 1977 as the state’s 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 success of people with disabilities. P&As demand access and accountability in:

  • health care
  • education
  • transportation
  • voting
  • housing
  • employment, and
  • within the juvenile and criminal justice systems.

Disability Rights Florida has access authority to any agency, institution, and organization that affects or involves people with disabilities. This is a power that other agencies do not have.

Visit Our Services page to learn more about what we do.

History

It all started with a series of TV broadcasts about the Willowbrook institution in New York. These broadcasts exposed the horrific treatment of people with disabilities to the nation. New York Senator Jacob Javits took action and introduced legislation that led to the creation of the Protection & Advocacy system.

In 1977, Governor Askew established the Governor's Commission on Advocacy. It worked to protect and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. This commission later became the non-profit Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities. Finally, in 2010, the organization name became Disability Rights Florida

Over the years, important lawsuits exposed injustices and discrimination against people with disabilities. The fight for equity, access, and liberation of people with disabilities is far from over. We acknowledge the hard work by people with disabilities, and we thank them for their work towards a more accessible future.

Forty years later, our work has broadened, serving people with all disabilities. The services remain free and confidential.

Vision Statement

Disability Rights Florida envisions an inclusive world that provides equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities to freely participate in a society with equity, dignity and respect.

Mission Statement

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.

Values Statement

Our Vision and Mission will be accomplished by upholding the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and fiscal responsibility. At all times, our work is guided by the rights, needs, and choices of individuals with disabilities.