We must do more to care for those with disabilities.
Four years after Scott Maxwell shined a light on 21,000 families in desperate need for health services, we continue to see the need for community-coordinated health programs to help our family members, friends and neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive the care they deserve.
I am proud Special Olympics Florida is among organizations that partner with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to provide health-care services to our neighbors across the state.
Good health is necessary for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to secure the freedom to work, learn and engage in their families and communities. Part of our commitment to build inclusive, healthful communities across the state is to help fill the gap with critical health-services programs that are open to all.
Last year, Special Olympics Florida provided more than 10,000 health exams for families across the state, many of which are among the 21,256 families on the APD’s wait list for assistance.
Through our health programs, and in partnership with APD, these families are able to receive free health-care exams; access to quality vision wear, hearing aids and insoles; and ongoing support.
Along with our partners at APD, we want to improve the lives of all Florida families. I hope you will join us by spreading awareness for these services in your community. Sherry Wheelock president and CEO,
Special Olympics Florida, Clermont