[Somber Music]
Prior to the seventies the institutionalization of individuals with disabilities was the norm.
There was abuse; there was neglect taking place, really seclusion, inappropriate restraint,
poor facilities, poor nutrition, just pretty egregious
and that's how... what is now Disability Rights Florida came about.
[uplifting music]
Disability Rights Florida assists individuals and families
to access education, employment and independence
We also advocate at the Legislature and in our discussions with state agencies
for improvement in Florida's laws, policies and practices.
We continue to advocate for the elimination of abuse and neglect because unfortunately
though it has declined over the years
it still remains an issue and still occurs
We had a client recently, who needed a wheelchair, an electric wheelchair, and couldn't get one.
The individual was entitled to it and Medicaid was obligated to provide it and didn't.
We became involved, represented that individual, and because of our expertise and our knowledge
of how Medicaid works, which is something that the individual didn't have the knowledge of,
we were able to cut through the red tape and get the individual the wheelchair that
he deserved.
Another good example of how we help with respect to education, as well... an individual who can't speak,
who was determined to be not cognitive in many ways. When in fact it turned out after testing,
that this individual was very aware of what was going on in his surroundings,
and knew what was going on in the world as a matter of fact, from watching television
and so on ...he just could not articulate any of it
And the need there was an assistive technology,
piece of equipment, wherein he could touch a screen and it would speak what he wanted to say.
[Sue: off camera] Matt do you want more fries?
[Matthew using device] "Yes"
And as a result of that he was able to and is able to go to school, and respond and we
were instrumental in helping him obtain that. There are a variety of other examples like
that in the education world, in the employment world, and in the world of mobility and transportation.
Those are the types of issues that we deal with and if we need to do it in a legal environment,
a litigation environment, as a last resort that's what we will do.
Our staff is exceptional, and I say that honestly
and genuinely. Our staff is committed and passionate in the work that they do.
They are also relentless in pursuing an outcome, they work long hours, and they will commit
whatever it takes to get the job done.
Our mission is to protect and advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities,
to enable them to obtain a full life with integrity, avail themselves of the same rights
and benefits of any other individual in this state.
[music]