Local Resident Selected as “Inclusion Ambassador”

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (FDDC) has selected Vickie Smithee of Pensacola as an “Inclusion Ambassador” for its statewide grassroots initiative. Advocating on behalf of people with developmental disabilities in Florida, Smithee is one of seven Ambassadors who will take the lead in helping FDDC educate others on issues facing Florida’s most vulnerable citizens.
State budget cuts have diminished services for many people with developmental disabilities, and funding is in danger of further reductions. The results could be devastating for individuals and families, which is why the roles of Inclusion Ambassadors are so important.
Inclusion Ambassadors across the state will build local networks of support in their home area. In July, the Ambassadors were invited to take part in FDDC’s Grassroots Training Day in Tallahassee. The event provided guest speakers and workshops to prepare them for their roles. Among the topics discussed were FDDC’s legislative priorities:
* Medicaid Developmental Disabilities Home & Community-based Waiver Services & Funding
* Part C / Early Steps Services & Funding
* Alternative Revenue Generating Sources for Human Services & Education
 Through contact with policy makers and individual supporters, the Ambassadors will advocate the importance of “inclusion,” meaning that all individuals, with and without disabilities, live, learn, work, play and participate together in all of life’s experiences. FDDC hopes the commitment of Smithee and others will contribute to the successful protection of services for Florida’s citizens with disabilities. For more information, visit FDDC.org.
The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (FDDC) is a non-profit organization funded through federal assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Developmental Disabilities. The Council accomplishes its mission by supporting innovative initiatives that demonstrate new approaches to enhance the independence, productivity, inclusion and self-determination of individuals with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life.
Contact the FDDC by visiting its website at FDDC.org, call toll-free at (800) 580-7801 or TDD at (888) 488-8633.