Florida Developmental Disabilities Council

09/29/2026

For more than 30 years, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) has worked alongside people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families, and support professionals across our state.

In Fiscal Year 2025, we continued that work with strong progress in Year 4 of our 5-year state plan, providing training, sharing practical tools, and advocating for meaningful systems change. Together, these efforts help people with I/DD live healthy, meaningful lives in their communities.

Our Annual Report highlights these efforts and shares how federal funding supports projects that improve policies, programs, and opportunities statewide.

Read the annual report through the link in our comments.

09/29/2026

❇️ Reminder: The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council is proud to introduce Care and Community, a blog series created for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), caregivers, and families.

The series covers practical topics families may face, including what happens after school, whether a loved one with I/DD should consider moving into a residential setting, how to work effectively with a case manager, and how to plan across the lifespan.

Each article is designed to help families ask questions, understand options, and plan for the future with more information and support.

Follow along as we highlight each article in the series.

Read more through the link in our comments.

09/25/2026

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council is pleased to introduce the new FDDC Board!

The FDDC welcomes its new Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and At-Large members:

❇️Chair
Jean Sherman Ed.D., R.N.
Mailman Center UCEDD University of Miami
Pembroke Pines, FL

❇️Vice Chair
Yolanda Herrera
Parent
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

❇️Treasurer
Carla Mercer
Parent
Jacksonville, FL

❇️At-Large
Christina Cordova
Parent
Spring Hill, FL

❇️At-Large
Sarah Goldman
Self-Advocate
Tallahassee, FL

❇️At-Large
Arizona Jenkins
Self-Advocate
Tampa, FL

09/25/2026

The September edition of Connections is here!

This month’s issue features the new FDDC Board, Bid #2026-AF-9900 Aging Families Future Planning, the FDDC Annual Report, Care and Community blogs, Direct Support Professionals Week, Hispanic Heritage Month, opportunities for self-advocates and waiver program stakeholders, and the latest FDDC media updates.

Read the full September newsletter:

Check out the September edition of FDDC “Connections!” Click here to read Click here to subscribe       Announcements: Meet the New FDDC Board: FDDC introduces the new Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and At-Large members. Bid #2026-AF-9900 Aging Families Future Planning: The Bid, Work Plan Temp...

09/25/2026

The October 5 AMPLIFY! topic is “Employment is Advocacy! Tell Us How You Advocate at Work."

FL SAND leaders and Fellows are on Zoom on the first Monday of each month to give self-advocates the opportunity to share their questions, thoughts, and experiences related to disability advocacy in the Sunshine State.

Learn more about October's call through the link in our comments.

09/25/2026

Care and Community: How Do I Effectively Work with a Case Manager?

FDDC’s Care and Community blog series covers practical topics for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), caregivers, and families.

This blog focuses on the role of a case manager and how families can build a strong partnership through clear goals, regular communication, organization, and shared advocacy. It also covers common challenges, how to prepare for meetings, and the family’s role in helping support plans reflect real needs and goals.

As the blog shares, “When families and case managers work together, the path becomes clearer, smoother, and filled with opportunities for growth and independence.”

Read the full blog:

Learn how to work with a case manager for I/DD through clear communication, shared goals, organization, and advocacy for a loved one with I/DD.

09/23/2026

Care and Community: How Do I Plan for My Family Member with I/DD Across the Lifespan?

FDDC’s Care and Community blog series covers practical topics for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), caregivers, and families.

This blog focuses on planning across each stage of life, from early childhood and school years to adulthood, middle age, and the senior years. It covers early intervention, IEPs, transition planning, employment supports, housing, legal and financial planning, health and wellness, long-term care options, and practical steps families can take now.

As the blog shares, “Developmental disabilities future planning across the lifespan for a family member with I/DD is not a one-time task.”

Read the full blog:

Why Developmental Disabilities Future Planning is important for family members to thrive, live independently, and remain safe & supported throughout their life

09/23/2026

Care and Community: Planning for Life Beyond School for Individuals with I/DD: What Comes Next?

FDDC’s Care and Community blog series covers practical topics for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), caregivers, and families.

This blog focuses on planning for life after school and other major life transitions. It covers transition planning, post-school options, Vocational Rehabilitation, life skills, legal and financial planning, employment, postsecondary education, housing, community engagement, and caregiver transitions.

As the blog shares, “Graduation is not the end of opportunity – it’s the beginning of a new stage of life.”

Read the full blog:

Every parent knows the day will come when their child finishes school. For parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), this transition can feel especially overwhelming. The school system provides structure, services, and daily routines that help children thrive. When...

09/16/2026

The University of South Florida, on behalf of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, is conducting an electronic survey about Waiver Support Coordination Services. The purpose of the survey is to solicit input on enhancing support coordinator quality, capacity, and consistency from owners and operators of Qualified Organizations (QO), Waiver Support Coordinators who are employed by (QO’S), iBudget Clients, and their parents, caregivers , or legal guardians.

Survey links were emailed and the survey ends 9/16/26.

Enrolled clients, parents, caregivers, and legal guardians in the iBudget Waiver or CDC+ Program who did not receive the survey email can request the survey link by contacting Jennifer Zarcone at jzarcone @ usf.edu . Thank you for your participation!

09/15/2026

September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month, and we honor the generations of Hispanic Americans whose contributions have shaped and enriched our nation.

Join us in recognizing their lasting impact on our communities, culture, and society.

For more info about National Hispanic Heritage Month, visit the link in our comments.