Governor Rick Scott said, “I’m proud to join the Florida Cabinet in recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Florida. Our state is fully committed to supporting Floridians with developmental disabilities. We’ll continue to work so every Floridian has the opportunity to live their dreams in our state.”

APD Director Barbara Palmer said, “I want to thank Governor Scott for his steadfast support of individuals with disabilities. APD works every day to meet the changing needs of the individuals that we serve.”

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, in 1921, the first state-funded program for individuals with developmental disabilities opened in Florida; and

WHEREAS, many major changes have occurred in society and attitudes, in addition to the Americans with Disabilities Act which celebrates 28 years of success, plus other state and federal laws and regulations have been developed to support and maximize the independence of people with developmental disabilities to create a more inclusive society; and

WHEREAS, Florida Governor Rick Scott and the Legislature have increased funding by more than $100 million to offer waiver services to more than 6,000 people over the past five years; and

WHEREAS, the State of Florida has made investments to serve individuals on the APD waiting list so that Floridians with disabilities may live more independently and find great jobs; and

WHEREAS, the State of Florida supports many thousands of citizens with developmental disabilities by providing services through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Children and Families, Agency for Health Care Administration, Department of Elder Affairs, Department of Health, and Department of Education’s Divisions of Exceptional Student Education, Blind Services, and Vocational Rehabilitation, and by partner organizations and thousands of private-sector and community providers; and

WHEREAS, employers across the state have embraced diversity and inclusion by hiring people with disabilities, and have been recognized by the state and within their communities as leaders through example; and

WHEREAS, encouraging awareness of disabilities is vital to the success of all sectors of Florida’s economy; and

WHEREAS, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is an appropriate time to recognize Florida’s public policy improvements, the accomplishments of community organizations, state agencies, and most importantly, the achievements of thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities who contribute daily to our communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governor and the Cabinet of the State of Florida do hereby recognize March 2018, as

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

in Florida, and commend the community organizations, agencies, and programs for their dedication, awareness efforts, and outstanding assistance toward improving the quality of life for Floridians with developmental disabilities.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida have hereunto subscribed their names and have caused the Official seal of the State of Florida to be hereunto affixed in the City of Tallahassee this the 7^th day of March, 2018.

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RICK SCOTT
GOVERNOR

                                                                                                                   __________________________________

PAM BONDI
ATTORNEY GENERAL

                                                                                                                   __________________________________

JIMMY PATRONIS
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
                                                                                                                   __________________________________

ADAM H. PUTNAM
COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE