2008-04-17 23:46:29 -

- For The Arc of Florida, Tallahassee Dalton Agency Joe Wolf, 904-398-5222 jwolf@daltonagency.com The Arc of Florida announced today during a press conference at the Florida State Capitol that a committee has been formed and legislation is pending to increase awareness and services to individuals with developmental disabilities. The Arc of Florida also awarded several key Legislators at

the press conference for their recent advocacy efforts, as well as two executive directors from local Arc organizations throughout Florida.

House Speaker Marco Rubio created the newly formed Select Committee on Autism and Developmental Disorders on April 4 since "the issues of treatments for autism and other developmental disabilities have surged to the forefront as a legislative priority," according to a letter written by House Speaker Rubio to newly appointed committee chair Representative Andy Gardiner. Created to consider ways to best utilize public and private resources to assist these individuals throughout Florida, House Speaker Rubio deemed it apparent that any solution requires a multi-disciplinary approach from the healthcare, education and insurance fields.

"The formation of this committee illustrates that our commitment to bringing increased awareness for people with developmental disabilities has made some impact," said Deborah Linton, executive director of the Arc of Florida. "We need a solution to end the line. The list of people waiting for community services continues to grow, and we need the Florida Legislature to do everything in its power to begin remedying this situation - persons with developmental disabilities should be a legislative priority."

The Arc of Florida is pleased that pending House Bill 91 will designate two weeks of each K-12 academic year in Florida as "Disability History and Awareness Weeks." Supported by the Arc of Florida, HB 91 - along with its Senate counterpart, Senate Bill 856 (SB 856) - works to highlight the contributions of acknowledged leaders and expand students' knowledge and understanding of individuals with developmental disabilities. Announced this morning at another press conference at the Capitol, Representative Curtis Richardson, co-sponsor of the bill with the Schools & Learning Council, highlighted the reasoning behind the bill's creation, its implications and its anticipated response within the Florida public school system.

Despite initial progress, however, the Arc of Florida is eager for the Legislature to take even more direct action to remedy the growing list of people with developmental disabilities who are waiting to receive community services.

"While the Select Committee will hopefully propose resolutions to end the line, we hope HB 91 and SB 856 are an additional successful catalyst in moving the House and Senate to directly address the needs of people with developmental disabilities who have been waiting for years to receive community services," said Linton. "Awareness for individuals with developmental disabilities helps students familiarize themselves with those challenges and helps them understand why someone may be different, which will hopefully increase support and funding to help end the line."

The Arc of Florida also recognized Senator Mike Fasano during the press conference as a 'Legislator of the Year' for his sponsorship and co-sponsorship of six bills relating to improving the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. Sen. Fasano has historically been very supportive of the Arc of Florida and its consumers, earning him statewide recognition as a leader for this cause.

In addition, the Arc of Florida recognized Representative Thomas "Tom" Anderson for writing House Bill 233 to provide further protection for individuals with developmental disabilities.

"We're thankful to both Sen. Fasano and Rep. Anderson for their efforts in attempting to increase awareness, protection and services to people with developmental disabilities, and we want the State of Florida to recognize their efforts," said Linton. "We hope a majority of our elected Legislators synchronize with their support and enact more legislation that will directly end the line. We're eternally grateful for Sen. Fasano's and Rep. Anderson's advocacy and support, and we are actively educating even more Legislators of the need to address this situation - thankfully our cause is resonating with our elected officials!"

Today, 15,648 people with developmental disabilities are on the list to receive community services so they can become contributing members of society. More than 2,500 of them have been on that waiting list for more than five years.

The Arc of Florida, a non-profit organization providing services to more than 10,000 individuals with developmental disabilities through more than 40 local chapters throughout the state of Florida, is dedicated to providing the services those individuals need to become contributing members of society. Whether it's job placement and coaching, community group employment, adult training programs, or providing homes, the Arc of Florida and its community subsidiaries provide these services to individuals.

As stated by the Arc of the United States, "All people, regardless of disability, deserve the opportunity for a full life in their community where they can live, learn, work, and play alongside other community members through all stages of life. People with developmental disabilities need varying degrees of support to reach personal goals and establish a sense of satisfaction with their lives."

For more information about individuals with developmental disabilities, please visit www.endtheline.org.

About The Arc of Florida

The Arc of Florida is a non-profit organization and is dedicated to helping people with developmental disabilities become physically, mentally, socially and economically independent.

Press Conference Commends Newly Formed Committee and Pending
Legislation

Recognized 'Legislators of the Year' for Advocacy Efforts