Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day will be virtual in 2021 but event coordinators are not letting that stop the momentum and energy that drives this important advocacy event.
DD Day 2021 is March 30 and will include all of the usual components: a (virtual) exhibit hall; speakers; DD Day eve presentation of the Idelio Valdes Leadership and Advocacy Award, awarded yearly to a self-advocate who demonstrates a strong commitment to fighting for themselves and others within the disability community; and self-advocate visits with legislators to advocate for issues important to Floridians with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. These issues include the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council’s (FDDC) Preserve the iBudget campaign, legislation to encourage Supported Decision-Making in lieu of guardianship, and COVID-19 related initiatives.
Those wishing to participate in the virtual events on DD Day must register at the website below. Registration is limited to 1,000 attendees. However, anyone or any group can make an appointment to visit a legislator or attend a committee meeting in a safe and/or virtual format. It is recommended that those wishing to schedule appointments attempt to do so well before the event. Keep in mind that legislators have an office in Tallahassee as well as their home districts, so there are several ways you can go about scheduling an appointment before, during, or after DD Day. Legislators and aides are handling availability for in-person appointments differently, so it is important to be flexible when possible. Contact your legislator's office directly to make those arrangements. You can find their contact information at the "Legislator Look-up" link below.
You can learn more about DD Day 2021 and legislative priorities at these links:
www.ddday2021.com (to register and see list of events)
Preserve iBudget (FDDC's legislative platform)
www.flsand.org/2021priorities (Florida Self-Advocates Network'D / FL SAND's legislative priorities)