We are happy to announce that Representative Allison Tant will be the special guest for Friday evening at our 1st Annual Advocacy Days. This mini-conference, The Future of Disabilities, will take place at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Sept. 29 – Oct. 1, 2023. Let’s advocate, share a voice, be seen, and make an impact that will build a foundation of engagement for years to come. We are finalizing a terrific and exciting agenda, so take a look at our website and Register today! 
THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION IS OVER; NOW WHAT?
It’s never too early to start looking ahead. Many of our challenges were not addressed by the legislature this past session, so now is the time to come together to make change. Although advocacy is a year-round activity, the next several months are critical.
AUGUST STARTS DELEGATION MEETINGS: Each of the 67 counties in Florida have annual delegation meetings. These legislative delegation meetings are open to the public and occur before the start of a new legislative session. This forum is where senators and representatives meet with their constituents in their district and are a great chance for members of the public to present legislative proposals, make funding requests, or express opinions on state issues. If you want to affect change and policy, it is very important to show up to your local delegation meeting. By sharing your opinions and ideas with your legislators, you help them decide what to do about issues and how to shape legislation that affects individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Take the opportunity to let your representatives know what is important to you and your family and tell them what you would like changed or what effect you think a particular bill, if it becomes law, will have on you. If you do not want to speak, it is still impactful if you attend the meeting and be seen with a group of advocates. The first delegation meeting is the Lake County Delegation on August 22, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Check out The Arc of Florida Delegation webpage.
Coming in September Newsletter: September starts Committee Weeks for House and Senate. What does this mean for advocates?

Coming in October Newsletter: In October, the Executive Branch Agency Heads give their independent assessment of needs per Chapter 216.023, Fla. Statutes. Discussion of why we need to keep agency heads informed of challenged self-advocates, families and providers are having. 
Thank you for your advocacy! If you want additional information regarding this issues, please contact our CEO Alan Abramowitz at alan@arcflorida.org or 850.241.3232.