DISABILITY RIGHTS FLORIDA, INC.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

Disability Rights Florida, Inc., is a not-for-profit corporation established in 1977 as the designated protection and advocacy organization for individuals with disabilities in Florida. With its mandate under eight federal grants, it offers free and confidential services aimed at safeguarding individuals' rights. The organization employs approximately 55 staff members, including directors, attorneys, advocates, paralegals, and administration personnel. Their expertise spans client advocacy, litigation, and policy development and implementation. Disability Rights Florida actively recruits for its Board of Directors via the Nominating Committee to ensure diverse leadership dedicated to advancing legal and human rights for individuals with disabilities. The organization's PAIMI Advisory Council consists mainly of primary mental health consumers alongside family members, attorneys, professionals in mental health services, and knowledgeable public representatives. With its headquarters located at 2473 Care Drive, Suite 200, Tallahassee, Florida, Disability Rights Florida is staffed by a regional Investigator based either in Tallahassee or Gainesville to address needs from northern and western parts of the state. The organization's website complies with W3C Web Accessibility Initiative Guidelines and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, ensuring accessibility. Through an effective intake process, it assesses individual cases for potential rights violations or issues related to disabilities, although it does not cover all legal matters such as criminal defense or real estate issues. Disability Rights Florida primarily serves residents within Florida but provides general information to callers from other states, redirecting them to respective state systems via the National Disability Rights Network. It continuously seeks funding support through donations to expand its advocacy and service capabilities for individuals with disabilities.