ADVOCACY
Disability advocates provide assistance and support to ensure that:
- Your rights are upheld
- You are an active participate in the decision-making processes
- Your needs and views are presented to government, service providers and the broader community
However, it is very important to advocate for yourself. Even though there are numerous experts that can help you succeed, the best and most consistent expert is often found within – after all, no one knows you better than yourself! This doesn’t mean you have to know every law – just how to assert yourself and express your needs.
“Just as no two faces are alike, so are no two minds alike.”
Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM)
The Jewish Federations of North America is involved with Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), held annually in February. The mission of this month is to unite Jewish communities and organizations to raise awareness of the needs, strengths, opportunities and challenges of individuals with disabilities and their families as well as to support meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities and their families in every aspect of Jewish life.
Check with your local Jewish Federation for a calendar of events.
Additional community resources:
Disability Rights Florida
Provides statewide advocacy for persons with disabilities, offering information and referral, advocacy, investigation into complaints, negotiation and mediation.
Family Care Council Area 10 Office
Is a voluntary advocacy and educational council, committed to educating, advocating for and empowering every Florida family who has a loved one with a developmental disability.
Florida’s Voice on Developmental Disabilities
Is a statewide advocacy and networking agency comprised of families and friends of persons with developmental disabilities, with the mission to share information and resources.
People First of South Florida
Is a self-advocacy group run by and for adults with various disabilities to raise awareness of and campaign for the rights of people with learning disabilities and to support self-advocacy groups across the country.