Our Project

Florida has a particularly low access to developmental disability services and a long wait list for funding, with over 22,000 people on it. Parents in Florida lack support and information about developmental disability services, which are expensive and have an 18 year wait list for funding, despite an increase in the number of children in need of these services.The effects of a lack of access to developmental disability services in Florida include the need for more services past the age of eligibility, increased family stress, a larger chance of homelessness, reduced access to early intervention benefits, and lower service quality. Our research methods include researching the state of developmental disability services in Florida, learning how to apply for services as a parent, conducting interviews, comparing other disability service systems, researching potential solutions, and developing a solution. Since 29.4% of Florida residents first language is not English a simple change we proposed adding translated options for the website used to access services. We also proposed that the state make a policy that requires school systems and psychiatrists to assist parents with obtaining services for their child

Poster

The Sustainability Doughnut

In class we learned about the sustainability doughnut which is a framework for balancing social, environmental, and economic goals to achieve sustainable development. It encompasses a range of social and environmental indicators, including health, education, food security, clean water, clean air, and equality, within the boundaries of the planet's natural resources and ability to absorb waste.

Our project focuses three social foundations by addressing education and equity for those with developmental disabilities indirectly creates job accessibility for developmentally disabled. There a many different minorities falling below social foundations and one of the most forgotten groups in developmentally disabled individuals. Because the majority of the population isn't effected by issues surrounding developmental disabilities politicians do not campaign on or focus on improving policies and funding for developmental disabilities programs.