Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC)
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Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC)
@thefddc.bsky.social
We affect policy and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Representative Allison Tant receives the Legislative Champion Award from the FDDC. Pictured in the photo are Representative Allison Tant and FDDCs Public Policy Chair, Sarah Goldman, Valerie Breen, Executive Director, and Legislative Advisor, Jim DeBeaugrine.
November 17, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Dozens of cyclists took to the streets of South Florida on Saturday for the Best Buddies Challenge, a charity ride aimed at supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Dozens ride through Miami in annual Best Buddies Challenge - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale
Dozens of cyclists took to the streets of South Florida on Saturday for the Best Buddies Challenge, a charity ride aimed at supporting people with<a class="excerpt-read-more" href="https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/dozens-ride-through-miami-in-annual-best-buddies-challenge/">Read More</a>
wsvn.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Caregivers carry so much—emotionally, mentally, and physically. This month, we’re continuing to share resources that help lighten that load.

Explore the Mental Health America resource center: https://mhanational.org/caregiving/
November 17, 2025 at 6:23 PM
In a region where housing affordability and accessibility remain among the most pressing challenges, Casa Familia is redefining what inclusion looks like in Miami-Dade County.
November 12, 2025 at 2:54 PM
The purpose of the aging caregivers’ initiative, Aging Generations’ Expectations in Developmental Disability (AGEDD), is to address the lack of appropriate supports [...]
November 6, 2025 at 6:22 PM
AMPLIFY! is the new name of the monthly self-advocacy Zoom call hosted by the FL SAND Fellows on the first Monday of each month.

Visit the link for call-in information: https://www.flsand.org/monthlycall
November 6, 2025 at 3:31 PM
The Arc of Alachua County celebrated its 59th anniversary during a sold-out dinner and annual meeting on Wednesday in The Village at Gainesville’s Rion Auditorium. 
The Arc of Alachua County celebrates 59 years 
Group raises $47K for kitchen renovations.
www.mainstreetdailynews.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Have you shared your feedback yet? The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council is inviting public comment on its next Five-Year State Plan (2026–2031). 

Public comments are open October 15–November 30, 2025.

Read the full plan: https://www.fddc.org/notice-for-public-comment-5-year-state-plan/
October 30, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Whether you are a self-advocate or a family member/caregiver of an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), the Our Work Matters podcast has tools to help you advocate for the developmental disabilities community.

Listen to the episodes now: www.fddc.org/our-work-matters
October 24, 2025 at 8:03 PM
The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council is inviting public comment on its next Five-Year State Plan. 

Public comments are open October 15–November 30, 2025, with a virtual comment session on December 2.
Read the full plan: https://www.fddc.org/notice-for-public-comment-5-year-state-plan/
October 24, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Invisible Disabilities Week, an annual event occurring every October serves as a dedicated time to celebrate, raise awareness, and champion support for those with invisible disabilities. [...]
October 21, 2025 at 1:45 PM
El Consejo para Personas con Discapacidades de Desarrollo del Estado de Florida, (The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. – FDDC) [...]
October 15, 2025 at 1:21 PM
The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council is inviting public comment on its next Five-Year State Plan. 

Public comments are open October 15–November 30, 2025, with a virtual comment session on December 2.
Read the full plan: https://www.fddc.org/notice-for-public-comment-5-year-state-plan/
October 15, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Representative Chase Tremont was honored with the 2025 Outstanding Legislator Award from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (FDDC).

📸 Pictured: FDDC Executive Director Valerie Breen presenting the award.
October 14, 2025 at 7:27 PM
The Arc of Florida's October Lunch-n-Learn will touch on how using Pooled Special Needs Trusts can maximize benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. [...]
October 8, 2025 at 2:31 PM
For families raising children with disabilities, helping them reach their full potential and find a lifelong home where they can safely live, work and play can be challenging. [...]
October 7, 2025 at 2:19 PM
This October marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) — a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of people with disabilities in the American workforce.[...]
October 7, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Officers trained by Dr. Kim Spence, one of the Training First Responders project trainers, recently put their skills into action — rescuing a child with autism from a retention pond.

Watch the incredible rescue here:
Orange County deputies rescue child with autism from retention pond
Two Orange County sheriff’s deputies on Saturday rescued a child with autism from a deep retention pond.
www.youtube.com
October 7, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Join us in celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month! 💙[...]
October 2, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Leon County! 🎉

Explore the full lineup of events here: https://www.LeonCountyFL.gov/HispanicHeritageMonth.
September 30, 2025 at 9:01 PM
The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) published a video series to walk you through its “Working with Case Managers” guide—a helpful tool designed to help you assess your current case management services and advocate for your needs.[...]
September 30, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Would you like to better understand what to expect from your Case Manager/Support Coordinator? Or do you want to know how to give feedback about your Case Manager/Support Coordinator's performance? [...]
September 30, 2025 at 2:17 PM
The "Our Care Matters" series has now reached 641,000 video plays, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Your views, shares, and comments are helping ensure these stories[...]
September 29, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Have you listened to the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council's (FDDC) podcast, “Our Work Matters"?

Episodes are available on the FDDC podcast webpage at https://www.fddc.org/our-work-matters.
September 29, 2025 at 8:16 PM
FDDC Connections brings monthly updates from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council straight to your inbox, including resources for individuals with I/DD, family caregivers, self-advocates, and anyone who wants to learn more or get involved.

📬 Sign up here: https://www.fddc.org/
September 29, 2025 at 7:42 PM