Florida ARF Recognizes Autism Acceptance Month
Tallahassee, FL (April 1, 2026) During Autism Acceptance Month, we celebrate and promote awareness of the condition that is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States. Data from the CDC reveals that about 1 in 31 children are diagnosed with autism, up from 1 in 125 two decades ago. Autism, a complex developmental condition affecting the individual’s ability to interact, communicate, and socialize, has not one but many subtypes. Every individual on the Autism spectrum brings their own unique strengths, talents, and perspectives to the world, and deserves to feel understood, accepted, and valued. Autism Acceptance Month emphasizes the need for public awareness to recognize the importance of supporting, understanding, accepting, including, and empowering people on the autism spectrum in our community and workplaces.
In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, Florida ARF honors the contribution of Floridians on the autism spectrum in our state. We join other organizations in recognizing the needs of people on the spectrum to lead full and successful lives. The Association understands the need to foster awareness to ignite change and improved opportunities for people with autism. Join us as we raise awareness and acceptance to promote autism awareness, celebrate neurodiversity and individual differences, and continue to advance inclusivity and connectedness throughout the community. Together, we can make a better world for those with Autism!
Florida ARF Reflects on the Needs of Individuals with Disabilities During DD Awareness Month
Tallahassee, FL (March 31, 2026) March is recognized as Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month, celebrating inclusion, advocacy, and the achievements of individuals with developmental disabilities. Florida ARF was honored to recognize DD Awareness Month and support this year's theme “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always,” as it recognizes that people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities - and always will be, which aligns with our mission and focus. This month is a reminder that people with disabilities are always here, and that all of us have a responsibility to keep learning, engaging, and building communities where everyone belongs – every day of the year to reach their goals and potential. We wholeheartedly embrace the goal to foster a world where people with disabilities can succeed by working together to remove obstacles and creating opportunities to thrive. This is woven into the fabric of our organization. Florida ARF stands alongside our partners in this mission to envision a world of opportunities every day for the Floridians with disabilities supported by our member agencies across the state!
Florida ARF & RESPECT of Florida Participate in Developmental Disabilities Day at the Capitol
Tallahassee, FL (February 2026) Florida ARF and RESPECT of Florida were honored to participate in the annual Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day at the Florida Capitol on February 10th. The annual event is hosted by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC). This inspiring gathering gave us a wonderful opportunity to educate visitors about the mission of the RESPECT of Florida program to employ individuals with disabilities to provide valuable commodities and services to state agencies and others throughout Florida.
Our team enjoyed speaking with people from around the state who stopped by our booth to say hello, learn more about what we do, and grab RESPECT giveaways. It's always our pleasure to educate the public about what we do and how we work together with our Employment Centers to make life-changing, positive impacts on Floridians with disabilities through fulfilling, productive employment opportunities!
Florida ARF Applauds House and Senate Legislation to Establish Working People with Disabilities Program
Tallahassee, FL (January 2026) Representative Allison Tant and Senator Jennifer Bradley have filed legislation to establish the Working People with Disabilities program within the Agency for Health Care Administration to allow certain individuals with disabilities to maintain Medicaid coverage while employed. HB 915 and SB 1016 allows adults with developmental disabilities who are employed and enrolled in a Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver to have increased income and asset limits while enrolled in the Medicaid program.
The bill specifically:
- Defines the Department of Children and Families as the entity responsible for enrollment and notification to eligible adults.
- Automatically enroll individuals who have developmental disabilities, are at least 18 years of age, and are employed in specified Medicaid home and community-based services waivers.
- Set a maximum monthly income limit of 550% of the Supplemental Security Income Federal Benefit Rate and allow asset disregards up to $13,000 for individuals and $24,000 for couples, excluding retirement accounts.
- Require the department to provide annual written notice of automatic enrollment, eligibility requirements, and the ability to maintain Medicaid benefits while working.
- Direct the agency to identify and share information about Medicaid recipients with disabilities who are receiving Supplemental Security Income and enrolled in applicable waiver programs.
After many years of advocacy, Florida ARF is pleased to see both bills are moving through the legislative process.
