Disabilty and Civil Rights: Standing On the Right Side of History
"If we were to go back to the 1960s and we were to talk to those leaders who were vehemently against desegregation, we would hear the conviction in their voices of them stating why they believe their decisions and what they were doing to those children were just. Just as I believe that some of you and some of the board members that have spoken believe that their decisions are just. But, I fear that the Hillsborough County School Board is standing on the wrong side of history."
Inclusion is a right not a privilege.
Inclusion is not only socially just, but research shows it improves academic outcomes for all students.
I Am Here To Make A Difference For My People
"I am here to make a difference for my people. I hope that you listen to what I have to say. I want people like you to stop judging me." Tres Whitlock
Game Changer: Florida Senate Unanimously Passes Special Education Bill
The Florida Senate unanimously passed Bill 1108 on April 29th.
Law Would Give Parents Final Say About Special Diploma Track
A proposed law moving quickly through the Legislature would give parents of kids receiving special education services the final say about their child’s placement on a special diploma track.
After student’s death, Hillsborough school’s ESE aides could not recall missing-child training
Hillsborough County school district investigates a student's death last month at Rodgers Middle School, issues are emerging that go beyond the five suspended special education employees and even their Riverview school. It is unclear if the workers, who earn as little as $11,000 a year and are now on paid leave, were trained in how to react when a student goes missing. Read more from Tampa Bay Times, Marlene Sokol
School board wants answers in wake of student’s death
Two separate investigations are now going on in the Hillsborough School District.
Justice Department Settles with Florida Bus Companies Over Accessibility Violations
The Justice Department reached four settlement agreements with over-the-road bus companies in Florida in the last month, to ensure that bus transportation is accessible for people with disabilities. The settlements under the Americans with Disabilities A
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology ( FAAST)
About FAAST Our Mission is to improve the quality of life for all Floridians with disabilities through advocacy and awareness activities that increase access to and acquisition of assistive services and technology. We value each individual's right to achieve their highest potential and the possibilities that can be realized through collaborative efforts focused on the goal of improving life for Floridians with and without disabilities. FAAST has worked with thousands of people with and without disabilities throughout the state to provide: Hands on assistive technology demonstrations and trainings Financing for assistive technology purchases Assistive device lending programs Community outreach to rural and
Fit Kids Playground
Our mission is to decrease the burden of childhood obesity and its associated potential chronic diseases in the Tampa Bay area. Through parental education, early childhood intervention through fun education and community awareness about the simple steps that can be implemented to teach healthy habits for life, the Tampa Bay community will be healthier for years to come.
250 children living in nursing homes in Florida should get home care
Five year old Andi lives in a nursing home in Tampa because his family says the state won't pay for 24-hour care that would let him live with his two brothers and parents. A second lawsuit claims several thousand other children could end up in those facilities in Florida because of decisions by the state about their care.
Medical Champion© Wiffle Ball Tournament August 10th and 11th
With an innovative and fun twist on fundraising, event chairs James Ramos and Derek Alvarez, along with their committee, will host the Fourth Annual Wiffle Ball Tournament on August 10th at the Don CeSar Beach Resort on St. Pete Beach. Join for them for an All American outing... Wiffle Ball Tournament, Last Days of Summer Beach Bash & Barefoot Dance Party. To help an All-American cause... Children with Allergies & Primary Immune Deficiency. Friday, August 10th 4 P.M. - Sunset Pre-registration, Home Run Derby Contest and Beachside Live Music The Don CeSar Beach Resort St Petersburg Beach Saturday, August 11th
Florida Charter Schools Failing Students With Disabilities
Tres Whitlock is stuck in a public school where he feels ignored. He wants out. The 17-year-old would-be video game designer researched his options online and found his perfect match – Pivot Charter School. “It’s computer-based and I think I will do better,” he says. But when Whitlock tried to enroll the school he found a series of barriers in his way.