Learn more about Partners in Policymaking (PIP):
https://www.fddc.org/partners-in-policymaking/
#PartnersInPolicymaking #DDDay #DevelopmentalDisabilitiesAwarenessMonth #DisabilityAdvocacy
Posts by Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC)
Throwback to two moments that capture what advocacy looks like in action: Developmental Disabilities Day (DD Day) at the Capitol and Partners in Policymaking (PIP) graduation. 💙[...]
This April, I had the chance to see that inclusion in action across pre-employment training, supported employment, and competitive integrated employment settings."
Read the full statement here:
The shift to “Acceptance” in 2021 reflects something meaningful: acceptance promotes real inclusion in education, community involvement, and employment. [....]
Autism Acceptance Month: A Message From Susan Kabot, Chief of Programs and Research 💙
"April is Autism Acceptance Month, a designation that dates back to the 1970s, when it began as Autism Awareness Month. [....]
The Power of Connection was on full display at the Aging Generations’ Expectations in Developmental Disabilities 2026 Summit.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their voice, and helped strengthen this important conversation.
FDDC Connections | April 2026
https://www.fddc.org/fddc-connections-april-2026/
Stay informed, get involved, and see what’s possible. Read more in this month’s FDDC Connections. Link in first comment
#disabilityadvocate #disabilityawareness #developmentaldisabilities
PIP teaches leadership skills and techniques to develop positive partnerships with elected officials, school personnel, and other individuals who make policy decisions about services that you and/or your family use. [...]
with intellectual and developmental disabilities (e.g., parent, sibling, grandparent), and legal guardians of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be effective advocates at the local, state, and federal levels. [...]
Partners in Policymaking® (PIP) is a leadership training program that prepares adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, family members who have decision-making responsibility for their family member [...]
– including in-person verbal, in-person physical, online verbal and online physical interactions – and whether these skills are maintained after the intervention ends.
The study focused on whether video modeling can help participants recognize appropriate versus inappropriate romantic behaviors across multiple contexts [...]
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s College of Education addressed this critical gap by exploring the use of video modeling interventions to enhance romantic relationship skills and provide sexuality education for young adults with IDD. [...]
Experts now emphasize that providing inclusive, explicit and replicable education on relationships and sexuality is not only a matter of safety, but also a matter of dignity, equality and the fundamental right to love.[...]
Despite a clear desire for connection, individuals with IDD face societal, familial and institutional barriers that restrict dating experiences and understanding of romance, from limited social networks to exclusion from sexuality education. [...]
Misconceptions about their desires and abilities have limited their privacy, autonomy and access to essential education, leaving many without the tools or opportunities to explore romantic relationships safely and confidently.[...]
For too long, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have been denied the same opportunities for love, romance and sexual expression as their peers.[...]
As World Music Therapy Week approaches, The Arc of Palm Beach County is highlighting how music is helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities [...]
Over many years, a significant percentage of appeals of Florida’s Medicaid iBudget Waiver decisions were denied.
More than two years ago, Robert Latham and Cameron Riopelle launched a project to examine what they viewed as a troubling trend: [...]
An exhibition celebrating Autism Acceptance Month will be displayed at the Leon County Main Library, 200 West Park Avenue, and in a virtual exhibition from April 1-30.
Find a full list of events and resources at https://www.LeonCountyFL.gov/Celebration
Leon County Government celebrates Autism Acceptance Month in April with library events and resources!
Interested students are encouraged to apply by visiting the Florida SILC website or contacting Sarah Goldman for more information.
Learn more:
Held July 7–11, 2026, at Florida State University in Tallahassee, the forum helps participants develop leadership and self-advocacy skills while exploring the transition to college, employment, and independent living. [...]
The Florida Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is an engaging and transformative program for students ages 15–21 with disabilities who are enrolled in high school, college, or homeschool. [...]
PIP teaches leadership skills and techniques to develop positive partnerships with elected officials, school personnel, and other individuals who make policy decisions about services that you and/or your family use. [...]
with intellectual and developmental disabilities (e.g., parent, sibling, grandparent), and legal guardians of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be effective advocates at the local, state, and federal levels. [...]