Florida ARF & RESPECT of Florida Wish John McBride Success in New Endeavour
Tallahassee, FL (August 17, 2018) After seven years with the RESPECT of Florida Program, John McBride has moved on to a new adventure in the world of sales. During his time at RESPECT, John was instrumental in negotiating many contracts that provided jobs for individuals with disabilities, including Rest Area contracts with the Department of Transportation and its vendors. In coordination with the President & CEO, John began the Business Development Committee to bring in business leaders to assist in creating additional jobs for Floridians with disabilities. Also during his tenure, RESPECT created RESPECT microenterprise grants to assist individuals with disabilities in launching their own businesses. Florida ARF and RESPECT of Florida offer a hearty “thank you” to John for his contributions to the RESPECT of Florida program, and we wish him great success in his new career.
Florida ARF Celebrates 28 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Tallahassee, FL (July 26, 2018) Today marks the 28th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law by President George H. W. Bush. This historic legislation expanded civil rights for people with disabilities and raised awareness regarding the challenges people with disabilities face. Florida ARF is proud to stand with the disability community in honoring the dedication and hard work that resulted in landmark legislation prohibiting discrimination based on disability.
As we celebrate the 28th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we confirm our commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities by working with member agencies, disability stakeholders, and other partners to improve the availability and quality of the services and supports people need to live in their communities. Working together, we can fully realize the promise of the ADA!
Florida ARF Reflects on the 19th Anniversary of the Olmstead Ruling
Tallahassee, FL (June 22, 2018) The right to live independently, integrated into the community, is a cornerstone of the disability rights movement. For decades, people with disabilities have worked to turn this into a reality. Looking at this history, certain moments stand out as turning points. For example, the passage and implementation of landmark legislation including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Rehabilitation Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act have each helped make community living possible for more Americans. Today, Florida ARF celebrates the anniversary of another important milestone. Nineteen years ago, the Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v L.C. that people with disabilities cannot be unnecessarily segregated into institutions and must receive services in the most integrated setting possible. The Olmstead decision opened the door to innovations and programs that make services and supports more available, allowing people to live the lives they choose, in the communities they choose, with family and friends. Florida ARF strives to fulfill Olmstead’s promise and to make a difference in the lives of Floridians with disabilities.
On Being Brave . . .
Tallahassee, FL (May 30, 2018) This week we were pleased to celebrate Memorial Day to honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed their time, and in some cases their lives, to protect the freedoms we enjoy in this country. To these individuals, we offer our heartfelt thanks! We also want to express our gratitude to the families of these brave men and women, for they too sacrificed when their loved ones served. As someone once said, “The families of brave men and women must themselves be brave.” To those who served, and to those who stood with their loved ones who served, Thank you!
