Florida ARF Observes National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Tallahassee, FL (October 23, 2025) Observed each October, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we celebrate the value and talent workers with disabilities add to our workplaces and economy. October 2025 marks the 80th Anniversary of NDEAM - a milestone in recognizing the achievements and impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce. This awareness showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and their employees. This year's theme, "Celebrating Value and Talent” recognizes the important role people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive workforce.
On October 21st, Florida ARF participated in the Exceptional Employment Awards hosted by APD, Vocational Rehabilitation, Blind Services, and other partners. We were happy to be a part of the celebration of the accomplishments of 5 businesses across the state as well as 5 employees.
Florida ARF was also pleased to kickoff the month with a celebration of the 21st birthday of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). During the celebration, former APD Directors were recognized and spoke about their fondest memory during their tenure as Director.
The Association looks forward to celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness month and recognizing the work our members and Employment Centers are doing to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving their employment goals.
Florida ARF and the Florida Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (FADSP) Celebrate 2025 Direct Support Professional Week
Tallahassee, FL (September 8, 2025) September 7-13 is Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week. In celebration of ROC CELEBRATES DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS (DSP) WEEK BEGINNING ...this event, Florida ARF and the Florida Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (FADSP) hereby recognize DSPs who make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people they serve. Their stories clearly communicate the loving attitude and dedication of DSPs who give so freely of themselves to serve others. DSPs are the backbone of long-term supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the State of Florida. We truly value and appreciate the services and sacrifices DSPs make to ensure that others needs are met.
During the week, the Association will feature a select number of DSPs who are making a difference across Florida; we also want to acknowledge there are many deserving DSPs that should be recognized for the outstanding work they do on a daily basis to care for loved ones served by our member agencies. To all the DSPs across Florida, we offer a hearty “Thank you for all that you do!”
Florida ARF Recognizes National Nonprofit Day
Tallahassee, FL (August 31, 2025) National Nonprofit Day is recognized each year on August 17th, celebrating the incredible impact nonprofits have on communities across the country. This year on National Nonprofit Day, Florida ARF reflected on our accomplishments over that past year as a nonprofit that represents community providers serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We also recognized the accomplishments of our nonprofit members serving individuals with disabilities to achieve their goals across the state. The impact of the nonprofit community to help serve individuals with disabilities is immense. Without the network of community providers that have a common goal of supporting individuals with disabilities, Florida ARF would not be as successful in representing the provider community. We cannot thank our Florida non-profits enough for being a part of the Association!
Florida ARF Celebrates Disability Pride Month and 35th ADA Anniversary
Americans with Disabilities Act Celebrates 35 Years: A Look into the ...Tallahassee, FL (July 31, 2025) As July ends, we are coming to the end of Disability Pride Month, which is celebrated each July and coincides with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law on July 26, 1990, the ADA was a groundbreaking piece of civil rights legislation that has made an enduring impact on millions of Americans’ lives and has inspired disability-led advocacy around the world. This landmark civil rights legislation affirms and protects the rights of people with disabilities to participate in public life. Although the ADA has made significant strides toward equality for people with disabilities in public life, there is still a long way to go.
Disability Pride Month is a time to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. It challenges the outdated stereotypes and stigma that too often surround disabilities and reminds us that disability is a vital part of our rich human tapestry. It is also a time to show what disability pride means and what people with disabilities are proud of. We celebrate this month by sharing the stories of individuals with disabilities and raising awareness of the issues that people with disabilities still face today.
As we celebrate Disability Pride Month and the 35th anniversary of the ADA, Florida ARF reflects on what this month and the law means for the one in four Americans living with a disability and recommit to the work that still needs to be done to ensure full inclusion and participation for all people with disabilities.
