Disability Rights Florida

Disability Rights Florida is the designated protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities in the State of Florida. Disability Rights Florida has authority and responsibility under eight federal grants. Established in 1987, Disability Rights Florida is a statewide, not-for-profit corporation. Any Floridian with a disability-related issue is eligible to receive Disability Rights Florida services. Below is a list of our priorities, the services we provide, our statewide initiatives, and some of the areas we cannot address.

 

Priorities:

Abuse, neglect or rights violations for individuals who live in institutional and residential settings

Community placement

Access to publicly funded benefits and services, particularly home and community based services

Self-empowerment and rights of individuals to gain greater control over important life decisions

Control over use of public benefits and personal assets

Equal access to public and private programs and services, including businesses, transportation, post-secondary education, housing, and assistive technology

Access to vocational rehabilitation and blind services

Access to a free and appropriate public education in the most inclusive environment

Least restrictive alternatives to guardianship

Voting rights and civic participation

 

Information and referrals

Self-advocacy support

Technical assistance

Investigations into complaints of abuse, neglect and rights violations

Dispute resolution support

Negotiation and mediation support

Advocacy services

 

Statewide Initiatives:

Educating policy makers about the needs of people with disabilities

Systemic and legal advocacy

Collaborative work on disability rights issues

Monitoring of public programs and facilities

Workshops and trainings"

 

TDD: 800-346-4127