Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a proclamation recognizing March 30, 2021 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day in Florida. Thank you, Governor DeSantis, for supporting Floridians with developmental disabilities.
WHEREAS, Florida is committed to empowering its residents to reach their full potential and lead healthy
lives; and
WHEREAS, more than 40 million Americans have developmental disabilities, and face unique challenges in
being able to live independently and work in our communities; and
WHEREAS, people born with developmental disabilities are represented in all communities across our
state; and
WHEREAS, the state of Florida supports more than 100,000 residents with developmental disabilities
through services provided by state programs including the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD),
Agency for Health Care Administration, 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, Florida has made record investments to serve Floridians with unique abilities so they may
continue to live more independently and find great jobs; and
WHEREAS, the proposed 2021~22 Florida Leads Budget recommends continuing this investment to help
more Floridians with disabilities receive services and assistance; and
WHEREAS, the State of Florida works with dozens of partner organizations and thousands of private~sector
community providers to support those with developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day is an opportunity to raise public awareness and
enhance the understanding of the issues affecting people with developmental disabilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ron DeSantis, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby extend my support to all
observing March 30, 2021, as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day in Florida.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my
hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of
Florida to be affixed at Tallahassee, the Capital,
this 30th day of March, in the year two thousand
twenty-one.
Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities 