A Year of Continued Commitment to Florida’s Disability Community

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—In 2025, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) advanced key initiatives focused on transparency, employment, enrollment progress, and modernization, strengthening access to services and improving communication for Floridians with disabilities and their families.

“In 2025, APD made measurable progress to strengthen transparency, expand employment opportunities, and improve access to services for individuals with disabilities and their families,” said Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Robert “Bob” Asztalos. “With the continued leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, we are working closely with partners statewide to ensure families have clear information and dependable pathways to the supports they need.”

Strengthening Transparency and Access

Enhancing Communication and Public Reporting

The Agency continued targeted outreach to reduce pre-enrollment, issuing more than 5,000 offers of service letters and proactively confirming individuals’ status and service needs. These efforts support steady progress in moving eligible individuals into services and expanding waiver enrollment.

APD also maintained regular publication of the Pre-Enrollment Report and Waiver Enrollment Report, providing consistent, up-to-date information to help individuals and families understand program status and enrollment activity.

Modernizing Information and Access

APD launched a redesigned agency website to improve access to information about programs and services. The new site features clearer navigation, improved content organization, and enhanced usability across devices.

As part of this effort, APD introduced the Roadmap to Resources Family Resource Page, which centralizes key information to help individuals and families more easily identify available services and supports. APD also developed Quick Guides that offer concise, user-friendly overviews of agency programs and processes, supporting clearer communication and engagement.

Advancing Employment Opportunities

Exceptional Employment Awards (EEA)

The 2025 Exceptional Employment Awards, held in October 2025, recognized employers and employees who demonstrate the impact of inclusive workplaces and meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities. Awardees represented diverse industries and regions across Florida, highlighting successful employment outcomes and the value of inclusive practices statewide.

Florida Unique Abilities Partner Program (UAPP)

APD launched a dedicated webpage for the Florida Unique Abilities Partner Program to improve transparency and statewide access. The centralized resource includes eligibility criteria, an online application, and a county-by-county listing of participating partners.

Currently, 199 organizations hold active designation, with 22 partners completing annual re-certification during the reporting period. APD continues to review applications to support program growth and maintain program integrity.

Looking Ahead to 2026

APD remains focused on strengthening transparency, advancing employment opportunities, expanding access to services, and supporting long-term stability and independence for individuals with disabilities through continued collaboration and responsible stewardship.