Disability Rights Florida

Disability Rights Florida protects the civil rights of people with disabilities across Florida. Founded in 1977, when Governor Askew established the Governor's Commission on Advocacy, it later became the Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities and took its current name in 2010. Today it is the state's federally designated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system and a member of the National Disability Rights Network, with the legal authority to access any agency, institution or organization that affects people with disabilities. Its services are free and confidential.

The organization advocates, educates, investigates and litigates on behalf of adults and children with a wide range of disabilities. Staff attorneys, advocates and investigators take on disputes involving Medicaid eligibility, including home and community-based services waivers and Medicare Savings Programs; discrimination in housing, transportation, architectural barriers and service animal access; and abuse, neglect and rights violations in institutions, prisons and jails. They work to remove barriers to a free and appropriate public education, from K-12 special education to transition services and college, and to secure mental health services, accessible communication such as American Sign Language, voting access, assistive technology like power wheelchairs and communication devices, and support for veterans with service-related injuries. They also investigate misused funds by representative payees and promote Supported Decision-Making as an alternative to guardianship.

Disability Rights Florida is home to the state's Client Assistance Program (CAP). CAP helps people who are applying for or receiving services from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Division of Blind Services, independent living programs and Centers for Independent Living, whether they need help understanding their rights, planning a transition at age 14 or older, or representation in appeals, mediations and hearings.

Much of its impact reaches beyond a single case. The organization monitors public facilities and programs, files litigation and administrative complaints, submits comments on proposed rules, and educates policymakers about the needs of people with disabilities. Its priorities have included fighting inappropriate restraint and discipline of students, opening access to fair housing, supporting the move from institutions to community living, and improving services for survivors of sexual and domestic violence who have disabilities. It played a key role in a legal victory that restored Medicaid coverage of incontinence supplies for adults over 21. Success stories range from helping a Flagler County beachgoer win the right to use his mobility device on the beach to ensuring medical access through sign language.

People can request help by calling the toll-free intake line (a TDD line is also available) or through the online intake form, and the Voting Rights Hotline handles problems registering or voting because of a disability. The organization also offers free webinars and group trainings, CAP brochures in English, Spanish and Creole, and Disability Deep Dive, a biweekly podcast featuring people with disabilities, advocates and experts. Floridians can shape its work through the annual public input survey, request a speaker for an outreach event, and support its mission with a donation.