Advocacy & Support

Advocacy & Support Resources

Real inclusion takes more than good intentions -- it takes frameworks, standards, and sustained commitment. These resources are for the organizations, policymakers, and advocates doing that work. I've organized them around the areas where I see the greatest need and the greatest opportunity.

Rights & Advocacy

Federal law, disability rights organizations, self-advocacy tools, and legislative resources for policymakers and advocates.

ADA Title II -- State & Local Government Regulations

Official ADA regulations governing state and local government services, updated June 2024.

Wrightslaw -- Section 504 & ADA Resource Hub

Comprehensive, actively maintained clearinghouse covering Section 504 and ADA rights, accommodations, and enforcement.

National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)

The largest provider of legally mandated Protection & Advocacy services for people with disabilities in the United States.

EEOC -- ADA Employment Rights

Official EEOC publication explaining your employment rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Employment First -- APSE

Interactive map showing Employment First legislation across 31 states, with policy resources and advocacy tools.

Parallels in Time -- Disability History

Comprehensive disability history resource covering the arc from ancient times through the modern self-advocacy movement.

It's My Choice -- Self-Determination Guide (PDF)

A classic self-determination guide for people with disabilities to make informed choices about their own lives.

Personal Network Worksheet (PDF)

A practical planning worksheet to help individuals map their personal support networks.

Florida Senate -- Community Affairs Committee

Current FL Senate committee relevant to housing, community development, and disability policy advocacy.

Florida House -- All Committees

Directory of all Florida House committees for the 2024-2026 session, including housing and disability-related subcommittees.

Florida Senate -- All Committees

Directory of all Florida Senate committees, useful for tracking disability-related legislation.

Employment & Workforce

Inclusive hiring programs, workplace accommodations, workforce development policy, and organizations creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

WIOA -- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (Dept. of Labor)

The major federal law governing workforce development, including disability employment services and vocational rehabilitation.

ADATA -- Autism & Employment Legal Brief

ADA Knowledge Translation Center legal brief on ASD employment protections, reasonable accommodations, and EEOC settlements.

Disability Disclosure at Work (Video)

Practical guidance on when, how, and whether to disclose a disability in the workplace.

CRS Report -- Employment for People with Disabilities

Congressional Research Service report analyzing federal disability employment policy.

Popcorn for the People -- Autism Employment

Active social enterprise employing neurodiverse adults in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Beloved Bath -- Employment & Purpose

Bath products business employing 20+ adults with autism, combining social mission with sustainable employment.

Inclusion Revolution (formerly RiseUp Cafes)

Employer partnerships, job-specific training, and ongoing workplace support for workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

CareerSource Tampa Bay -- Persons with Disabilities

Free Ticket-to-Work, job search assistance, and benefits counseling for SSDI/SSI recipients in the Tampa Bay area.

Project SEARCH -- Annual Conference

National program focused on employment for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with annual professional conferences.

Employment Types & Discovery Toolkit (PDF)

Comprehensive 56-page toolkit covering employment types and the discovery process for job seekers with disabilities.

Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI)

Leading national resource on community inclusion and employment for people with disabilities, based at UMass Boston.

Employment Success Story (Video)

An inspiring look at disability employment success in action.

Able Trust -- Florida Disability Employment Report (PDF)

2022 census-based report on disability employment in Florida with data and analysis.

Florida Chamber -- Disability Employment Scorecard

Florida Chamber study making the business case for hiring people with disabilities, with statewide employment data.

Accessibility & Travel

Resources for accessible travel, transportation, and assistive technology -- from airport programs to paratransit services.

TSA Cares -- Travel Assistance

TSA's helpline for travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. Call 72 hours before your flight for assistance.

DOT Guide for Air Travelers with Developmental Disabilities (PDF)

Federal guide on air travel rights for people with developmental disabilities.

Tampa International Airport -- Accessibility Services

TPA's accessibility services including mobility assistance, sensory accommodations, and service animal relief areas.

Sunflower Lanyard Program at TPA

Free lanyards for travelers with hidden disabilities (autism, PTSD, epilepsy) -- no documentation required. Available at Level 3 Information Kiosk.

TPA Practice Flight for Kids with Autism

Wings for Autism events at Tampa International Airport in partnership with The Arc Tampa Bay and Southwest Airlines.

PSTA Accessibility & Paratransit Services

Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority accessibility features including door-to-door paratransit, kneeling buses, and reduced fares.

FAAST -- Short-Term Assistive Device Loans

Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology offers free short-term assistive device loans statewide.

Florida & Regional Organizations

State agencies, Tampa Bay nonprofits, and regional programs serving people with disabilities in Florida.

APD -- Agency for Persons with Disabilities

Florida state agency providing Medicaid waivers (iBudget, CDC+), supported employment, behavioral services, and crisis support.

Florida Center for Inclusive Communities (FCIC)

USF-based center covering community supports, education, employment, and health for people with developmental disabilities.

Family Network on Disabilities -- Florida

Florida-based family support organization connecting families with disability resources, training, and advocacy statewide.

CARD USF -- Autism-Friendly Business Directory

USF Center for Autism & Related Disabilities directory of autism-friendly businesses, recreation, and community resources in the Tampa Bay area.

The Arc Tampa Bay

Major Tampa Bay nonprofit providing adult day training, ABA therapy, supported employment, and residential services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

PARC Center for Disabilities

St. Petersburg nonprofit with cradle-to-senior pathway of services: preschool, adult programs, residential living, and job training on a 10-acre campus.

Johns Hopkins All Children's -- Autism Center

Autism diagnostic and treatment center in St. Petersburg, part of the Johns Hopkins health system.

LIFT Academy -- Neurodiverse School

"Learning Independence For Tomorrow" -- a Florida school for students of all abilities focused on neurodiverse education.

Surfers for Autism

501(c)(3) offering free surf sessions and beach events for individuals with autism throughout Florida.

Project 10 -- Family Transition Resources

USF-based resource directory for families navigating secondary transition, covering IEP involvement, employment skills, and local parent centers.

Research Autism -- Under-Diagnosis in Hispanic Communities

Research and resources addressing autism under-diagnosis and disparities in Hispanic communities.

Media & Inspiration

Stories of resilience, advocacy, and achievement from the disability community -- articles, books, and videos that shift perspectives.

Neli Latson -- Disability Justice Advocate at the White House

A powerful story at the intersection of race, disability, and justice -- from The Arc's coverage of a White House Black History Month event.

Jason Arday -- Cambridge's Youngest Black Professor

Guardian profile of a professor who did not speak until age 11 and was diagnosed with autism, now making history at Cambridge University.

Elizabeth Bonker -- Rollins College Valedictorian (NPR)

NPR coverage of Elizabeth Bonker's valedictorian speech -- a nonspeaking autistic student who graduated at the top of her class.

Communication 4 ALL -- Elizabeth Bonker's Nonprofit

Elizabeth Bonker's organization advocating for nonspeakers with autism to access communication tools and support.

Amanda Gorman -- Youth Poet Laureate with Speech & Auditory Processing Challenges

How Amanda Gorman's speech and auditory processing differences shaped her path to becoming a celebrated poet.

Mickey Rowe -- Fearlessly Different

Book by the first autistic actor to play the lead in "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," with accessible purchase options.

The Unbearable Sensation of Being -- UCSF Magazine

Research-backed article exploring sensory processing disorder and its connection to autism.

Surfers for Autism (Video)

Video showcasing the impact of surf therapy for individuals with autism.

Famous People with Autism (Video)

Video highlighting well-known individuals on the autism spectrum and their contributions.

Autism Family Feature -- New York Times

New York Times feature on families navigating life with autism (may require subscription).

Looking for a consulting partner?

I help organizations develop disability-inclusive policies, programs, and practices that hold up to scrutiny and make a real difference.

Learn About Consulting Services