Ability1st

02/26/2026

*Posting on behalf of the Florida Atlantic Center for Autism and Related Disabilities*

🚀 Ready to take control of YOUR financial future? 💰 Join our online event and learn how to manage money, plan for tomorrow, and navigate financial systems as an adult with autism. 🌟 Empower yourself to live independently and confidently!

📅 March 10th | 5:00 - 6:00 PM EST
📧 Info: cobrien2013@fau.edu
🔗 Register now: https://ow.ly/XWAB50XTIR0

💫🧩

02/26/2026

Housing and lending discrimination can hide behind “neutral” policies.
Disability Rights Florida joined 173 other organizations urging HUD to keep key Fair Housing Act protections in place.

One important tool is called disparate impact. In plain language: it helps challenge policies that may look neutral on paper, but still cause unfair harm in real life, including for people with disabilities.

Read why this matters and what we’re urging HUD to do: https://bit.ly/4rBX6ST

02/26/2026

A program supporting respite care for families of those with disabilities and other needs is being renewed just months after backers worried it was in jeopardy.

02/26/2026

https://news.fsu.edu/news/arts-humanities/2026/02/24/world-renowned-african-drummer-and-ensemble-to-perform-free-concert-for-opening-nights-at-fsu/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQMlB5leHRuA2FlbQExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR68c42OBX57ll6YvkmD4hxaTrRH2tlh00a2SLm0qCcRlcQnrhKi1te2-T1muw_aem_EXy7DKHWHAl7ciUWLdifyg

African drummer, composer, dancer and singer Sidiki Conde will bring his high‑energy performance to Opening Nights at Florida State University. “SIDIKI!

02/23/2026

CILS Bring Our Community and Policymakers together!

The Florida Association for Centers for Independent Living hosted a Community Legislative Reception to connect legislators, their staff, and members of the disability community and followed up with a fun-filled day at the Capitol focused on:

✨ Elevating the voices of people with disabilities
✨ Sharing how CIL services are making a difference locally
✨ Building relationships with decision-makers
✨ Advocating for policies that support independent living

When our community members share their lived experiences directly with policymakers, real understanding happens — and real change becomes possible.

We look forward to strengthening partnerships and continuing the work of advancing disability rights and inclusion in our community.

02/23/2026

Community living takes support, not luck.
This video explains HCBS, Medicaid waivers, waiting lists, and why the Olmstead decision still matters today.

Watch and share: What does living in the community make possible for you?
https://bit.ly/3ZMvMoA

02/19/2026

02/19/2026

Open the door to your next career. Find a Job in North Florida Now We have seven career centers across the Big Bend where you can find the support you need to land a job quickly. The process to get job placement assistance is easy: Fill out the interest form or attend an orientation on Mondays from....

02/17/2026

🚗✨ Virtual Driving Lessons Are Coming to the Florida Panhandle!

We are excited to work with ASD Drive Ready to bring virtual driving lessons to the Florida Panhandle! Join us via Zoom to learn more about the program and help us choose three locations within the panhandle to offer the lessons. Click on the link below to register.

🚗 Driving with ASD — Parent Night (Zoom) | UCF + FSU CARD Families
Monday, Feb 23 • 6:30–8:00 PM
Register: https://drive26.eventbrite.com
This presentation will highlight strategies that can assist with:
✅ decreasing anxiety around driving
✅ improving focus on critical driving behaviors
✅ learning rules of the road (in a way that sticks)
✅ preparing for driving — whether before the permit or after
We’ll share a clear “readiness-first” approach (what to practice, how to build confidence, and what progress can look like) — plus live Q&A.

02/13/2026

URGENT REQUEST: Troy, a consumer we support who lives with a disability, is beginning preliminary screening for a liver transplant at Shands in Gainesville soon. He has also been diagnosed with liver cancer and has been given 6–12 months to live without treatment. This is a critical moment. Troy is facing overwhelming medical, emotional, and financial challenges, and he needs our help now more than ever. If you are able to support Troy in any way—through donations, resources, or sharing this post—it could make a life-changing difference. 💙https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=XGFNA3AUFAZYS. Please let us know if you have any issues with the link. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING TROY! (This post has been fully approved by Troy's family)