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Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · 1d

On World Mental Health Day, we shine a light on the importance of mental health for all. PAIMI works to make sure people with mental health conditions are supported and have access to the care they deserve.
You are not alone.
#WorldMentalHealthDay

A calendar page highlights October 10 for World Mental Health Day. The message reads, "Together, we can help break the stigma and build a community where mental health is a priority." Red doodles of a lightbulb, stars, and lines surround the text.

Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · 2d

The full first season of Disability Deep Dive is here! Real stories. Real advocacy. Real change. Catch up now before season two launches Nov 4. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. disabilityrightsflorida.org/podcast/

#DisabilityDeepDive #DisabilityRights

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Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · 3d

Trigger warning: This post discusses domestic violence.

People with disabilities face higher rates of sexual & intimate partner violence—but this is preventable.
Learn. Believe. Act. Help is available 24/7: RAINN 800-656-HOPE

Purple ribbon with text reading “Domestic Violence Awareness Month.” Below: “Trigger warning: This post discusses domestic violence.” White background with purple gradient.

Text reads: “1 in 4 women and 1 in 5 men in the U.S. have a disability. People with disabilities face higher rates of sexual and intimate partner violence. This is preventable!” Source: CDC-2024. Purple and blue watercolor design.

Text reads: “Women with disabilities experience higher rates of: rape and physical violence by intimate partners, stalking, psychological aggression, reproductive control. Men experience higher rates of stalking and psychological aggression.” Source: CDC-2015.

Text reads: “People with disabilities may face: increased dependency on caregivers, communication barriers, isolation, limited access to resources, difficulty reporting abuse. We can prevent this through education, support, and challenging stigma.” Purple watercolor background.

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Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · 5d

A government shutdown can cause confusion, but key benefits for people with disabilities like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid continue. More info: disabilityrightsflorida.org/newsroom/sto...
#GovernmentShutdown #DisabilityRights

Blue background with heading: “What is a shutdown?” Explains that if Congress does not approve a budget, the government cannot keep all programs running and some federal offices pause.

Blue background with heading: “Key Services Will Continue.” Lists Social Security, SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs benefits, and Postal Service mail. Includes photos of a healthcare provider, an older adult, a veteran, and a postal worker.

Blue background with heading: “What could be delayed?” Lists customer service at Social Security offices, new applications, appeals, support for veterans at regional offices, and new housing or mortgage approvals.

Blue graphic says “Stay Informed. Read more at DisabilityRightsFlorida.org (Link in Comments)” above a yellow warning sign that says “Government Shutdown” and a blurred U.S. Capitol in the background.

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Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · 7d

We’re celebrating the PADD Program anniversary! For years, the PADD Program has protected rights and supported people with developmental disabilities to lead full lives. Your voice matters, learn more and get involved.

Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · 15d

Section 504 was the first U.S. law to ban disability discrimination. Decades later, it remains a cornerstone of access and equality in schools, healthcare, housing, & more. The fight for full participation continues.

Person smiling and raising fists in celebration against a green background. Surrounding text highlights Section 504: passed in 1973, civil rights protection, ensures equal rights, protects access to education, healthcare, housing, and transportation.

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Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · 16d

Strong communities are built when people support each other. Peer support gives people with disabilities a chance to share experiences, build confidence, and thrive together. Read our blog to learn why disabled peer support matters: disabilityrightsflorida.org/blog/entry/w...

Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · 17d

Did you get a notice from SSA saying you were “overpaid”? It simply means the Social Security Administration believes you received more money than you should have. Don’t panic. You still have options and rights.

Learn more: disabilityrightsflorida.org/publications...

Disability Rights Florida graphic with title Know Your Rights Social Security Overpayments Illustration of a hand passing money to another hand Text on right says Dont panic You have options and rights What to do if you get a notice of overpayment How to prevent overpayments. oi

Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · 19d

Couldn’t make our webinar on Florida’s mental health system?
Watch the recording for answers about treatment options and finding support.
Watch now: youtu.be/BNp5DjBZSAo

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Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · 25d

1 in 4 people aren’t registered to vote or aren’t sure if they are. Your vote matters!
Check your registration or sign up this National Voter Registration Day: registertovoteflorida.gov/home
#NationalVoterRegistrationDay

A man in glasses and a striped shirt shrugs with question marks over his hands. The text says, “1 in 4 people aren’t registered to vote or aren’t even sure if they’re registered. Don’t wait or wonder. Take 2 minutes today to get vote-ready!”

Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · 29d

Ableism is exhausting and it’s not your imagination. Our new blog breaks down how ableism drains people with disabilities every day and what real support looks like.
Read & share: disabilityrightsflorida.org/blog/entry/a...

#DisabilityRights #EndAbleism

Three people, one using a wheelchair, one with a cane, and one with a shoulder bag, stand together under thought bubbles showing a rain cloud, tangled scribble, and white flag. Text reads “Ableism Is Exhausting and You’re Not Imagining It.”

Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · Sep 11

Today we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the survivors, families, and first responders who carry that day with them. We also remember the many people with disabilities who faced unique barriers in those moments and in the years that followed.

A single lit candle glows warmly against a black background. To the right, white text reads: “Today we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001… We also remember the many people with disabilities who faced unique barriers… Their resilience is part of our shared story.”

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Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · Sep 10

Healthcare. Schools. Housing. Work. Transportation. Systems should support people, not harm them. When systems work for people with disabilities, they work better for everyone.
What barriers do you want to see removed in the systems you rely on?

A young woman using a wheelchair smiles at the camera. Text reads: “Systems Should Support, Not Harm. Healthcare. Schools. Work. Housing. Transportation. Too often, these systems create barriers. Together, we can build systems that work for everyone.”

Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · Sep 8

Struggling to understand Florida’s mental health system? Join our free webinar on Sept 10 at 11AM.

✔️ Learn how the system works
✔️ Explore treatment options
✔️ Find the right services for you or your family

Register: disabilityrightsflorida.org/resources/un...

#DisabilityRightsFL

Webinar flyer titled "Understanding Florida's Mental Health System" featuring speakers Aaron Victoria and Melissa Cyril. The event is on Sept 10, 2025, from 11 am to 12 noon. Hosted by Disability Rights Florida.

Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · Sep 8

Ableism is treating people with disabilities as less or building barriers that limit full participation. It’s a weight carried every day. Ready to help lighten the load? Comment ‘I’m in’ or tag a changemaker.

A large gray weight labeled “ABLEISM” sits under the bold text “The Weight of Ableism: What It Means and Why It Matters” on a cream background.

Illustration of a person straining under a huge backpack labeled “ABLEISM,” surrounded by people walking by, not noticing the burden. Text explains ableism as barriers for people with disabilities.

Two circular illustrations: one of a staircase with no ramp, and another of a computer with a red error sign. Text reads “Ableism builds barriers, big and small.”

Three people with visible and invisible disabilities—one uses a wheelchair, one a cane, and one stands—each looking tired or frustrated, with thought bubbles above their heads showing worry or confusion.

Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · Sep 6

Struggling to understand Florida’s mental health system? Join our free webinar on Sept 10 at 11AM.

✔️ Learn how the system works
✔️ Explore treatment options
✔️ Find the right services for you or your family

Register: disabilityrightsflorida.org/resources/un...

#DisabilityRightsFL

Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · Sep 5

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Lisa Meeks to Disability Deep Dive! Dr. Meeks is breaking new ground by advocating for people with disabilities in medical education.

Listen in here: disabilityrightsflorida.org/podcast/stor...

Podcast graphic for Disability Deep Dive. Text: Docs with Disabilities: Rethinking Inclusion in Medical Education. Guest: Dr. Lisa Meeks. Hosts: Keith Casebonne & Jodi Beckstine. Blue background with microphone graphic and a photo of Dr. Meeks smiling.

Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · Sep 4

Barriers aren’t just inconveniences. They shut people with disabilities out of jobs, healthcare, and community life.
Accessibility isn’t a privilege. It isn’t “extra.” It’s a right. Period.
🔗 Learn more: disabilityrightsflorida.org/

Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · Aug 31

Struggling to understand Florida’s mental health system? Join our free webinar on Sept 10 at 11AM.

✔️ Learn how the system works
✔️ Explore treatment options
✔️ Find the right services for you or your family

Register: disabilityrightsflorida.org/resources/un...

#DisabilityRightsFL

Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · Aug 29

Lawmakers are pushing legislation that threatens community-based mental health services and could make it easier to institutionalize people with disabilities. Disability Rights Florida strongly opposes these changes.

Learn more and speak up: disabilityrightsflorida.org/newsroom/sto...

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Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · Aug 26

🐾 Meet the Dogs of DRF! 🐾

We asked our team to share photos of their furry companions and wow, did our inbox get cuter!
Drop a pic of your own four-legged advocate in the comments and let’s fill this space with canine joy! 🐶💙

#DogsOfDRF #NationalDogDay #DisabilityRights

A collage of eight dogs—various breeds and colors—posed on beaches, couches, and beds, plus one standing on hind legs. In the center is a paw print graphic with the words “Dogs of DRF.” All the dogs look joyful, cozy, or playfully attentive.

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Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · Aug 26

It’s #NationalDogDay! From expert service dogs to the world’s best biscuit beggars, we’re celebrating ALL dogs. They show us the power of self-advocacy, loyalty, and friendship. Plus, they remind us to nap when we need to! Share your dog’s story below. 🐶💚

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Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · Aug 25

Struggling to understand Florida’s mental health system? Join our free webinar on Sept 10 at 11AM.

✔️ Learn how the system works
✔️ Explore treatment options
✔️ Find the right services for you or your family

Register: disabilityrightsflorida.org/resources/un...

#DisabilityRightsFL

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Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · Aug 23

Decision-makers don’t always see what’s broken until someone shows them.

✅ Missing ramps
✅ Barriers to access
✅ Gaps in services

That’s why your voice matters.

Graphic shows a woman assisting a girl on a laptop. Text reads: “They don’t know unless you tell them. Your story helps them see what the system misses. Decision-makers don’t always know how policies impact real life: ramps, communication access, and service gaps.”

Disability Rights Florida @disabilityrightsfl.bsky.social · Aug 22

Your story can shape policy. You don’t need to be an expert, just speak from experience.

Check out our latest blog for tips on talking to decision-makers about disability:
🗣️ disabilityrightsflorida.org/blog/entry/t...

#DisabilityRightsFL #SelfAdvocacy