Orlando, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis spoke at the 21st Annual Family Café in Orlando. Family Café is the nation’s largest cross-disability annual event and connects people with unique abilities and their families with a variety of products, services and resources.
“We are proud that Florida is an accommodating state and we are committed to helping our most vulnerable citizens succeed,” said Governor DeSantis. “While I am still reviewing the proposed state budget passed by the Legislature, I am supporting $900,000 being allocated to the Agency for Persons with Disabilities in order to continue its on-the-job training and internship program for those registered with APD. We will continue to work with businesses to support efforts to have an inclusive workforce.”
“We are so excited to have the Governor come to Family Café today to meet individuals and show his support for the disability community,” said APD Director Barbara Palmer. “This is a great conference that includes thousands of people with unique abilities who are learning about resources to help them become more integrated into their communities.”
“We are deeply honored that Governor DeSantis took the time to attend the 21st Annual Family Café,” said Family Café President and CEO Lori Fahey. “The Family Café welcomes his commitment to addressing the needs of Floridians with disabilities and their families, and creating inclusive communities in our state.”
The Family Café provides individuals with disabilities and their families with an opportunity for collaboration and advocacy by serving as a facilitator of communication. The Annual Family Café is a three-day statewide event that has been meeting in Florida since 1998. The annual event consists of over 200 sessions during the duration of the three-day period, providing an array of information and activities for attendees.