FVDD in Action

"The power of a movement lies in the fact that it can indeed change the habits of people. This change is not the result of force but of dedication, of moral persuasion." ~ Stephen Biko

Florida’s Voice on Developmental Disabilities (FVDD) is a statewide independent advocacy and networking non-profit organization comprised of individuals, families, and friends of persons with developmental disabilities. Our united front provides a voice and support for the needs of families and individuals with persons with developmental disabilities.

Who Are We?

FVDD is a statewide, not-for-profit [501(c)(3)] advocacy and networking organization that promotes a variety of services and support options to meet the long-term care and rehabilitative needs of persons with developmental disabilities (DD).

FVDD champions a full range of educational, medical, programmatic, recreational, residential, therapeutic, and vocational options based upon individual needs and choices.

FVDD advocates for a full continuum of residential and support options for people with developmental disabilities, including Medicaid-certified intermediate care facilities for persons with developmental disabilities as well as home and community-based

FVDD strives to educate families and to lend support to all families in their efforts to obtain whatever services they are seeking for their family member or friend with developmental disabilities. Education is power, and “inclusion” means including in our support system all families and their individual philosophies and objectives.

What Do We Do?

• Participate under various Florida gubernatorial administrations in “system redesigns” and work with various state agencies that administer programs for persons with developmental disabilities.
• Participate in the development of “Access to Oral Health Care for Florida’s Citizens with Developmental Disabilities,” a white paper commissioned and sponsored by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc.
• Provide legal expertise in various cases (e.g., Cramer v. Chiles; Brown v. Bush).
• Advocate, as needed, before members of local, state, and federal government entities and agencies.
• Cooperate and interact with other advocacy groups.
• Network with members (individuals, families, agencies, and professionals) to find solutions and to support those in need.
• Sponsor statewide educational conferences for families, professionals, advocates, and lawmakers.

If you desire to join a group of dedicated individuals, families, agencies, and professionals who strive to be a voice and an advocate to make a difference in the lives of persons with developmental disabilities, please consider becoming a member and/or making a donation.

Become a voice of many and remember: “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.” (Author Unknown)