New Round of Civic Engagement and Advocacy Begins: This last year was amazing as more and more families and self-advocates told their stories. We all have worked together to put advocacy first and foremost to impact policymakers and improve supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are already working towards next year and further expansion. As families, providers, and self-advocates attended 80 delegation meetings throughout the state, individual stories of families were the catalyst in moving forward as well as the core of our statewide advocacy. Whether experiences are good or bad, the storytelling gives transparency and is the foundation for policymakers to make good decisions for our vulnerable population. HIPAA and many other confidentiality laws protect families and make it difficult for policymakers to hear their personal stories. At the same time, surpluses in the state budget leads those policymakers to believe there is enough money supporting the existing program. As we further advocate and develop relationships with legislators, we want to highlight FOX 13 Chief Investigator Craig Patrick’s series “Disabled Floridians in Crisis and a Lesson in the Power of Civic Engagement.” Having a reporter’s insight into families and advocates connects the dots for our communities to expand even further. This 7-minute video created by Patrick discusses what occurred this year as families with disabilities made a difference through civil engagement. We urge each of you to continue to share your stories with legislators and influencers. Our June Advocacy Meeting, Wednesday, June 5, will recognize FOX 13 Chief Investigator Craig Patrick with our Journalist of the Year Award. Mark your calendar to attend!
