APD Florida (Agency for Persons with Disabilities)

Today we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. For over three decades, the ADA has helped improve access, opportunities, and rights for individuals with disabilities all across the Nation. In Florida, we celebrate this important date and look forward to further connecting the Floridians we serve to vital resources that promote empowerment and greater opportunities to meet their God-given potential.

Happy Independence Day from the APD team 🇺🇸🎆🎇!

It’s been an incredible & eventful June! Director Hatch & APD leadership visited South Florida where they met with & others to learn more about opportunities to serve at the earliest moment possible.

A visit highlight was the stop at in Miami, a business empowering individuals with disabilities through employment. We love to see it!

Gathering to learn, connect, and celebrate the Disabilities Community with so many at Family Cafe was exciting! Director Hatch was honored to also share historical moments of the year & how APD will act on the incredible momentum to serve at the earliest moment possible.

Hands down, the best part was highlighting Floridians who are making an impact through employment - thank you for your leadership and example!

This morning, Director Hatch had the privilege of joining , Secretary Harris, .health and others to share the importance of Water Safety for Floridans, and highlighting the additional risk for those with autism. Thankful for leaders and partners amplifying this important message.

Director Hatch gathered in Tampa yesterday w/fellow Transportation Disadvantaged Commissioners and approved $3 million in start up funding for local projects to provide innovative transportation offerings for Floridians in need. Supportive services like transportation are critical components to meet needs and successfully achieve many of the goals identified by the people we serve. APD is honored to serve alongside these partners.

This month, APD kicked off it’s summer series of training for Support Coordinators providing additional skills & tools to further support the people we serve with cooccurring mental health diagnoses. As we wrap Mental Health Awareness month, APD would like to thank , the Florida Legislature, and partners for the support and strides being made to meet the dynamic needs of all Floridians.

On this Memorial Day, we remember and honor the heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and country. Their bravery will never be forgotten. Let us remember their legacy and honor their memory.

Immediately following the severe weather storms that hit North Florida, team APD joined , Florida Commerce and other state leaders in distributing needed supplies to individuals impacted through the game changing Hope Florida program. Thank you, First Lady for the partnerships created through Hope Florida that help facilitate solutions for Floridians!

Happy Mother’s Day! We hope you feel loved & appreciated today and everyday. 🤍💗💞

The Hope Bus will be stationed at Sabal Palm Elementary School (2813 Ridgeway St., Tallahassee, FL) Saturday, May 11th from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. to help individuals and families impacted by the storms in Leon County. In partnership with Volunteer Florida, the Department will be providing tarps, charging stations, and other supplies to those in need. Hope Navigators are on site and ready to help!

signed HB7073! TY to the incredible leadership of our Governor & the Legislature, businesses who hire individuals w/ disabilities will receive a tax credit. This bold move will inspire direct connectivity of an eager & skilled workforce to employers & businesses.

🌊 It's Day 2 of Hurricane Preparedness Week & today's focus is evacuation planning. Know your zone & know your home to best understand storm-related evacuation orders.

➡️ Learn if you live in a flood-prone area at http://FloridaDisaster.org/Know

🌀 Governor Ron DeSantis has proclaimed May 5 - 11 as FL Hurricane Preparedness Week! This week highlights the importance of making a plan ahead of hurricane season, which begins on June 1.

Learn more ⤵️
Release: bit.ly/3JRdydq
Proclamation: bit.ly/3UQFTqU

This week is Hurricane Preparedness Week. As hurricane season approaches, I encourage all Floridians to make a plan and build your kit. You can find information on how to prepare for hurricane season at FloridaDisaster.org

ORLANDO are you looking for some fun activities for the family THIS weekend? Come and join the biggest-known party celebrating kids and adults with unique abilities-or VIPs for short! TOMORROW- May 4th at Lake Eola! Join the fun and festivities featuring food, games, exhibits, a friendship stroll, live performances and more. For more info visit, nathanielshope.org or call (407) 857- 8224

What a way to close out Autism Awareness Month! Yesterday, demonstrated Florida’s commitment for the disability community by announcing $2.2 billion for the Agency’s iBudget waiver—the most funding appropriated for services for people with disabilities in Florida’s history!

Additionally, our great Governor announced that Florida is awarding $1 million to the Center of Excellence to support Floridians with autism.

This year, I have secured more than $2.2 billion for Florida’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities iBudget waiver—the most funding appropriated for services for people with disabilities in Florida’s history.

Additionally, I am proud to announce that Florida is awarding $1 million to the Els Center of Excellence to support Floridians with autism.

This month, Team APD has joined The Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, sister agencies, and partners to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention month by wearing blue and planting pinwheels outside of our offices to represent the joyful and carefree childhoods all children deserve.

Yesterday, Director Hatch celebrated Special Olympics athletes during the Law Enforcement Torch Run & rally led by Attorney General Ashley Moody. The athletes’ achievements through perseverance & hard work are inspirational. Thank you to the leadership of our law enforcement & for being guardians of the torch!

Yesterday Director Hatch joined ’s Child Abuse Prevention event with Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, Secretary Jason Weida, , & !

Together, they planted beautiful blue pinwheels that represent the bright and carefree childhood that every child deserves💙.

On World Autism Awareness Day, it was a privilege to have the opportunity to visit together & learn from families during a roundtable hosted by in Cape Coral. Great feedback regarding implementation on recent legislation & ideas to build on strong foundations.

Yesterday, Director Hatch enjoyed visiting with the Tacachale community which serves individuals w/disabilities in Gainesville. We are grateful for the team & the excellent level of care provided for the amazing people we have the honor of serving. The Luau was icing on the cake!

“What an incredible kickoff with & many partners, to tangibly demonstrate the collaboration, intentional efforts, and shifts that have occurred as we focus on prevention and supporting all Floridians at the earliest moment possible.” - APD Director Taylor Hatch
-
Thank you , First Lady & DCF Secretary Harris for your unrelenting dedication and constant drive today, and everyday elevating prevention and the role we all play.

Happy Easter from the APD team! 🐣

Thank you for constantly delivering for Floridians with unique abilities, the signing of Senate Bill 1758 is another example of your leadership in action.

This bill builds upon APD’s existing foundations by creating multiple pathways to serve at the earliest moment possible.

ICYMI Governor DeSantis Signs Live Healthy Legislation Package: apd.myflorida.com/news/news/2024/livehealthy24.htm

Don’t forget! Join us tomorrow as we rock our socks for World Down Syndrome Day! Help raise awareness and share, the brighter the socks, the better! Show your support by sharing a photo and tag us on social media.

Happy Employee Appreciation Day! We are grateful for your dedication and heart! At APD we are promoting the Ideal Team Player to serve Floridians with unique abilities.