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 Members:

• Kameron Partridge, Chair, Easter Seals Southwest Florida

• Teresa Johnson, Vice Chair, Parent

• Mary Smith, Vice Chair, Family Network on Disabilities

• Susan Magers, Immediate Past Chair, Parent

• Sara Dawson, Sarasota YMCA/Safe Children Coalition

• Alma Cervantes, Suncoast Center for Independent Living

• Sue Firestone, Senior Friendship Centers

• Margie Genter, Goodwill Industries - Manasota

• Ellen Hepner, Children’s Medical Services

• Sarah Hickey, Sarasota County School Board

• Deborah Hobson, Family Network on Disabilities

• Andrea King, Sarasota County Parks and Recreation

• Richard Montegmagno, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department

• Michelle Pilkington, Agency for Persons with Disabilities

• Carol Burmeister Prichard, Community Member/Special Education Professional

• Myriam Reyes, Parent Representative for Manasota ARC

• Boyd Stout, Parent Representative for United Cerebral Palsy

• Chip Taylor, Sarasota County Health and Human Services

• Caitlin M. Trask, United Cerebral Palsy

• Benny Weaver, Loveland Center

• Diane Weiner, Manasota ARC

• Laurel White, Vocational Rehabilitation

• Kim Williams, The Florida Center

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)