1. Conduct joint planning for resource utilization to meet the needs of citizens with developmental disabilities.
2. Facilitate coordination and collaboration among funders and service providers which encourages shared decision-making and shared accountability.
3. Serve as a catalyst for community resource development by exploring and responding to new funding opportunities at the federal, state, and local levels and seizing opportunities to leverage existing and new funding.
4. Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information on developmental disabilities.
5. Provide for community education and advocacy on developmental disabilities issues.
6. Improve issue-focused planning which is based on research and analysis and emphasizes results-based accountability and program impact.
7. Determine community-wide priorities to meet the needs of citizens with developmental disabilities and establish community outcome goals.

The Committee's definition of a citizen with developmental disabilities: 

An individual who developed a condition prior to age 18 years old that limits one or more life functions and affects each individual person uniquely with diverse needs at different stages of their life.

The Committee's Legislative statement:

The Sarasota Developmental Disabilities Committee supports a recommendation to increase funding for people with disabilities so they can afford to purchase appropriate services that are necessary to provide support and safety, to ensure a quality life. Increased funding will allow community providers to continue to offer services provided by well trained personnel. The continuing trend of reducing reimbursement rates for providers has the potential to increase the risk of abuse and neglect of people with disabilities.

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Developmental Disabilities Committee Member Agencies:

• Agency for Persons with Disabilities

• Area Agency on Aging

• Children’s Medical Services

• Community Haven

• Early Steps

• Easter Seals

• Family Network on Disabilities of Florida

• Family Network on Disabilities Manasota

• Goodwill Industries

• Loveland Center

• Manasota ARC

• Prader-Willi Syndrome Association

• Sarasota County Health Department

• Sarasota County Human Services

• Sarasota County Parks and Recreation

• Sarasota County School Board

• Suncoast Center for Independent Living

• The Florida Center

• United Cerebral Palsy

• United Way 2-1-1 of Manasota

• USF, Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)

• Vocational Rehabilitation

• YMCA/Safe Children Coalition

Developmental Disabilities Committee Individual Members:

• Evan Farrar

• Teresa Johnson

• Susan Magers

Click here to review the Developmental Disabilities Committee Bylaws

Click here for the latest edition of the Developmental Disabilities Committee brochure

Click here for the latest edition of the Developmental Disabilities Strike Team's Emergency Resource Guide (print double-sided to create booklet)

Click here to participate in the Developmental Disabilities Survey