Members of the media who are interested in accessing the extensive disability-related knowledge of Disability Rights Florida attorneys, policy specialists, or staff are encouraged to contact our Communications Director at 800-342-0823 ext 9762 or press@DisabilityRightsFlorida.org to schedule an interview at least 24 hours in advance.

When reporting on people with disabilities, consider disability-inclusive and sensitive language.  For instance, statements like “people with disabilities” and “uses a wheelchair” are preferred instead of “the disabled” or “wheelchair bound.” For more information, see Communicating About People with Disabilities from the National Disability Rights Network and review the National Center on Disability and Journalism’s Style Guide.

 

Disability Rights Florida stands in solidarity with Florida's transgender and gender non-conforming youth in response to Florida's gender-affirming healthcare ban

Wednesday, November 09, 2022

Disability Rights Florida stands in solidarity with transgender and gender non-conforming people who were recently stripped of their right to access essential, medically-necessary gender-affirming healthcare. Disability Rights Florida is disheartened and deeply disappointed by the…

Disability Rights Florida submits comments opposing proposed amendments to the Florida Administrative Code Rule 59G-1.050 which excludes gender-affirming care from Medicaid coverage

Thursday, July 07, 2022

The Amendments proposed by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), which exclude gender-affirming care from Medicaid coverage, are discriminatory and motivated by politics rather than medicine. The Amendments will cause unnecessary and disproportionate harm…

Disability Rights Florida responds to the recent decision by the Supreme Court

Friday, June 24, 2022

Disability Rights Florida advocates for the rights of people with disabilities. Our mission includes a commitment to protect and advance the rights of all people with disabilities, including the right to bodily autonomy, the right…

Comment Regarding Florida’s Statewide Transition Plan Home and Community Based Settings Rule CMS 2249-F and CMS 2296-F

Saturday, April 23, 2022

Floridians living in Home and Community Based Settings (HCBS) like assisted living facilities and group homes currently have few protections from unlawful, arbitrary, and discriminatory eviction. A federal rule (the HCBS rule), effective in March…

Disability Rights Florida argue for protection of the rights of people with mental illness at Florida Supreme Court

Thursday, February 10, 2022

People with mental illness have a constitutional right to be in the same courtroom with the judge who will decide whether they will be committed to a mental health facility against their will. During the…

Disability Rights Florida Reaches Settlement with Florida Department of Corrections Requiring Systemic Reforms to Treatment of Incarcerated People with Disabilities

Thursday, November 18, 2021

November 19, 2021, TALLAHASSEE – Disability Rights Florida, the state’s designated Protection and Advocacy system for individuals with disabilities, has reached a settlement with the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) requiring the FDC to improve…

Advocacy Groups, Parents and Students Sue Palm Beach County School District for Harmful, Illegal Use of the Baker Act

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. – Today, a group of Palm Beach County parents and students, Disability Rights Florida, and the Florida State Conference of the NAACP sued the School Board of Palm Beach County and…

Message from our Executive Director: Disability Rights Florida now accepting responses for 2022 Public Input Planning Survey!

Friday, May 14, 2021

Each year, Disability Rights Florida (DRF) is federally required to conduct a Public Input Survey. The purpose of this survey is to gather information and opinions that will assist our organization’s leadership in setting its…

Disability Rights Florida joins 161 organizations calling for the rescission of the Interim Final Rule “Temporary FMAP Increase During the Public Health Emergency for COVID-19"

Friday, April 09, 2021

Disability Rights Florida (DRF) joined 161 other organizations serving individuals with disabilities to ask the Centers for Medicaid and CHIP Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to rescind an Interim Final Rule…

DRF Public Testimony for HB1221: Disability Abortions

Tuesday, April 06, 2021

Delivered by Olivia Babis, Senior Public Policy Analyst, Disability Rights Florida I have worked with many of you for three sessions now. To get to committee meetings and one-on-one meetings with you I have had to…

Monday, December 14, 2020

TALLAHASSEE, Dec. 14, 2020 — Disability Rights Florida (DRF), the state’s designated protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities, announced the appointment of attorney Ann Siegel as legal director of the nonprofit organization. “Ann…

A Statement on the Passing of U.S. Supreme Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Monday, September 21, 2020

Today our hearts are heavy with the profound loss of a fearless defender and champion of accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dedicated her professional life to a constitutional vision…

New Video: Transitioning to Adulthood Explained

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

For people with disabilities, turning 18 is a big deal. Turning 18 means you become a legal adult, which brings new responsibilities. Learning about your future, your rights, your responsibilities, and ways to advocate for…

Florida’s ADA 30th Anniversary Celebration reveals lack of understanding for residents with disabilities

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

By Peter Sleasman, Executive Director & Olivia Babis, Public Policy Analyst Sunday, July 26, 2020, marked the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law. This law is the equivalent to…

New Video: Medicaid Fair Hearings Explained

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Have you ever experienced getting Medicaid services cut, reduced, or denied? Have you often felt lost on what to do to fight to keep your services? There is a process to help you fight against…
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