Leaders from the Advocacy Network on Disabilities recently convened for the first meeting of the organization’s Strategic Planning Ad-Hoc Committee, beginning an important process focused on strengthening the organization’s future impact, sustainability, and responsiveness in a rapidly changing landscape.

The meeting brought together board and organizational leadership for thoughtful discussions about the opportunities and challenges facing the disability community and nonprofit sector in the years ahead. Conversations focused on long-term planning, innovation, and ensuring the organization remains responsive to the evolving needs of individuals with disabilities and their families.

Key areas of discussion included preparing for changing regulations and funding environments, strengthening organizational sustainability through diversified revenue strategies, and exploring the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence in advocacy and community-based work.

Committee members also emphasized the importance of supporting community partners, families, providers, and stakeholders who are navigating many of the same uncertainties and transitions.

Throughout the session, leaders reaffirmed the Advocacy Network on Disabilities’ commitment to remaining mission-driven, collaborative, and forward-thinking while continuing to champion inclusion, accessibility, and systems change for individuals with disabilities.

The strategic planning process will continue over the coming months and will include opportunities for broader stakeholder engagement and community input as the organization works to shape a resilient and future-focused path forward.

The toolkit is meant to help communities better prepare for and respond to emergencies in ways that include people with disabilities. Too often, emergency plans do not fully meet their needs before, during, or after a disaster.

Drawing from its work in Miami-Dade County, AND highlighted several key needs. These include clear and accessible emergency communication, inclusive evacuation and shelter plans, and stronger involvement of people with disabilities in local planning and decision-making.

AND also stressed that people with disabilities must help shape the policies that affect their lives. Their voices and lived experiences should be part of both planning and response efforts.

The organization also called for stronger partnerships among government agencies, community organizations, and disability advocates. Working together is essential to building emergency systems that serve everyone.

By joining this national effort, AND continues its mission to build inclusive, equitable, and resilient communities. The organization looks forward to supporting the next phase of the toolkit and helping advance disability-inclusive emergency management at the local level.

Community members, organizations, and partners are invited to share their experiences, challenges, and ideas. To contribute, contact info@advocacynetwork.org.

On March 20, 2026, as part of Miami Climate Week, the Advocacy Network on Disabilities hosted an important panel discussion titled “Extreme Heat, Flooding & Hurricanes — Building a Disability Accessible Climate Resilience Plan for Miami.” The event brought together advocates, experts, and community leaders to address a critical issue that is too often overlooked: the disproportionate impact of climate change on persons with disabilities.

Moderated by Irenaida (Ire) Diaz, President & CEO of the Advocacy Network on Disabilities, the panel featured distinguished speakers including Damian P. Gregory, Founder & CEO of Nothing About Us Without Us, LLC; Carlos Kaiser Mansilla, Executive Director of ONG Inclusiva (Chile) and a global expert in disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction; and Lorena Zenteno Villa, S.J.D. Candidate at the University of Miami School of Law and Climate Law and Policy Intern at the Advocacy Network on Disabilities.

The conversation centered on the urgent reality that climate-related events such as hurricanes, extreme heat, and flooding create heightened risks for persons with disabilities. These risks include barriers to evacuation, inaccessible emergency communications, interruptions in care systems, and loss of access to essential resources such as electricity needed for life-sustaining medical equipment. When emergency planning does not account for disability, the consequences can be devastating.

Throughout the discussion, panelists emphasized that these outcomes are not inevitable. They are the result of systemic gaps in emergency preparedness, climate policy, and public planning that too often fail to include accessibility from the start. When persons with disabilities are excluded from planning, they are also excluded from effective response and recovery.

A central theme of the panel was the need to shift how disability is understood in climate resilience efforts. Persons with disabilities must not be viewed only as a vulnerable population, but as leaders, experts, and essential contributors to community resilience. The speakers shared examples of community-based solutions and called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, disability advocates, and environmental stakeholders.

The panel also made clear that disability inclusion is not simply a best practice. It is a legal obligation. Under frameworks such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), public entities are required to provide equal access to emergency services, including evacuation, shelters, and communication systems. Failing to incorporate disability into disaster planning can amount to discrimination under the law.

As Miami continues to confront the growing impacts of climate change, several priorities emerged from the discussion:

• Integrating accessibility into all climate and disaster planning efforts

• Ensuring meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes

• Strengthening accessible early warning systems and evacuation protocols

• Enhancing coordination across sectors to support inclusive resilience

This event reflects the Advocacy Network on Disabilities’ ongoing commitment to advancing disability-inclusive climate resilience and ensuring that no one is left behind in the face of growing environmental challenges. Building a stronger, safer Miami requires planning that includes everyone from the beginning.

Recently, the Advocacy Network on Disabilities welcomed Victor Antunez, widely known as “Miami Autism Dad,” to one of our all-staff meetings for a thoughtful and energizing conversation with team members across programs.

Victor stopped by to meet staff, learn more about our work, and talk about one of the most persistent challenges facing nonprofits and disability organizations alike: making sure families know help exists.

That challenge resonated deeply throughout the room.

As Victor shared, even in a city as large and connected as Miami, many families still do not know about the services, organizations, and supports available to them. He spoke about meeting caregivers who had lived in Miami for decades and had never heard of key disability resources. It was a powerful reminder that outreach is not secondary to the work — it is part of the work.

At the Advocacy Network on Disabilities, that truth is lived every day.

During the meeting, staff members from across the organization introduced themselves and described the many ways they support children, adults, and families in Miami-Dade and Broward. From success coaching and parent education to trauma-informed therapy, community inclusion, advocacy, housing referrals, and family crisis support, the conversation painted a clear picture of what makes this work so meaningful: it is deeply personal, practical, and rooted in dignity.

Several staff members shared their own connections to the disability community as parents, grandparents, family members, and people with disabilities themselves. Those lived experiences shape how our team shows up for families — not simply as providers, but as people who understand the realities families face and who believe in strength-based, person-centered support.

That theme came up again and again throughout the discussion.

Rather than focusing only on deficits or diagnoses, our staff spoke about the importance of asking families what their loved ones enjoy, how they communicate, what their strengths are, and what support would make daily life more manageable. It is a shift away from a purely medical model of disability and toward a more human approach — one that recognizes abilities, honors individuality, and works to remove barriers.

Victor also brought thoughtful reflections from his own advocacy work, including the importance of language. In talking about communication styles, the conversation highlighted how descriptions should focus on how a person communicates, rather than defining them only by what they do not do. That kind of language matters. It reflects respect, accuracy, and a commitment to seeing the whole person.

The visit also gave staff an opportunity to speak candidly about the realities nonprofits face behind the scenes. Outreach, marketing, and public awareness are essential, yet too often underfunded. As President and CEO Irenaida Diaz noted during the discussion, organizations are often asked how they will spread the word about their services, while rarely being given the resources to do so. Even so, our team continues to show up, build trust, and connect families to support — often one conversation at a time.

That spirit was especially evident in the stories staff shared about walking with families through moments of crisis, uncertainty, and transformation. Whether helping a parent navigate services, supporting a family through overwhelming circumstances, identifying emergency needs, or connecting someone to housing or therapy, each story reflected the same core truth: people need to feel seen, heard, and supported.

Victor’s visit was a meaningful reminder of the value of community connection. It was also a reminder that advocacy grows stronger when people come together to listen, learn, and share what they know.

We are grateful to Victor Antunez for taking the time to visit, engage with our team, and help amplify the importance of visibility, collaboration, and family-centered advocacy.

Because no family should have to struggle simply because they did not know support was out there.

Recently, the Advocacy Network on Disabilities had the opportunity to tour Casa Familia, an innovative independent living community designed for adults with intellectual, developmental disabilities and other disabilities.

Led by Nicole Miller, from the Casa Familia team, the visit offered an in-depth look at what happens when accessibility, autonomy, and intentional design come together in one place.

What we saw was more than housing. It was infrastructure for independence.

A Vision Rooted in Family Advocacy

Casa Familia was founded by two families—Marie Ilene Whitehurst and Karin Jawitz—who asked a question many parents of individuals with disabilities quietly carry:

What happens to our children when we are no longer here?

That question sparked a movement. Together with other families and partners, they helped build a model focused not on supervision, but on dignity, community integration, and sustainable independence.

Today, the development represents a collaborative effort between three key entities:

• Casa Familia
• Sunrise Communities
• Royal American Management

Each partner plays a distinct role:

• Casa Familia anchors the mission and long-term vision.
• Sunrise Communities provides on-campus supported living services and resident assessments.
• Royal American Management oversees property management and affordable housing compliance.

Together, they have created a model that blends housing, services, and professional property management — a combination that is rarely integrated this intentionally.

Accessibility in the Details

One powerful example: the mailroom.

A resident who uses a wheelchair shared that it was the first time he could retrieve his own mail independently because the mailboxes were placed at an accessible height. A simple design decision—but a meaningful shift in autonomy.

Throughout the campus, visibility and layout were intentionally designed so residents can easily see staff offices, activity spaces, and community areas without feeling lost or isolated. The environment promotes connection while preserving privacy.

Built for Adult Life — Not Institutional Living

Casa Familia offers:

• An Internet Café for work, socialization, and digital learning
• A multipurpose room with optional affordable meal plans
• A teaching kitchen modeled after residents’ own apartment kitchens for skill-building
• A fully equipped art studio focused on professional, adult-level programming
• A game room and fitness center
• A Serenity Suite — a decompression space for sensory regulation
• Accessible pool and outdoor gathering areas

Programming is not imposed. Residents help shape it. From Dungeons & Dragons nights to fitness classes and art workshops, the goal is meaningful participation—not passive attendance.

Importantly, Casa Familia balances inclusion with boundaries. Adults with disabilities deserve privacy, autonomy, and social spaces that reflect adult life—not extended supervision.

Technology That Supports — Without Surveillance

Smart-home technology integrated into each apartment includes:

• Stove sensors that alert residents if a burner has been left on
• Water sensors that automatically shut off water to prevent flooding
• Door and window alerts
• Customizable reminders such as medication prompts

Alerts escalate only when necessary and respect resident privacy. There are no in-unit surveillance cameras. The system is designed as a safety net—not a monitoring tool.

Residents must actively accept video calls from family members, reinforcing consent and autonomy.

Readiness and Responsibility

Phase One includes 60 independent living apartments and is nearly fully leased. The application and assessment process is comprehensive to ensure residents can live safely and independently with appropriate supports.

Some individuals are referred to alternative settings—such as assisted living facilities (ALFs) or intermediate care facilities (ICFs)—if that model better meets their needs. The goal is not placement at all costs, but sustainable success.

Financial readiness is also a key component. Families learn that certain recurring transfers, benefits, or assets may count as income under affordable housing guidelines. Education around ABLE accounts and special needs trusts is part of the preparation process.

This is not simply about moving in. It is about being prepared to thrive.

Choice in Services

While Sunrise Communities serves as the on-campus service provider offering supported living coaching and personal support services, residents maintain the right to choose their provider.

Supported living coaches may assist with:

• Medical appointment coordination
• Medication management
• Money management
• Social skill development
• Community integration

Mental health services are not provided on-site in Phase One, but referrals and resource guides are available.

Looking Ahead: Expansion Phases

Casa Familia’s expansion plans include:

• Phase Two: A licensed 24/7 assisted living model in smaller home-style settings.
• Phase Three (“The Gardens”): Additional housing units connected to the broader community, expanding affordable housing access and service models.

The long-term goal is to create a continuum of housing that meets individuals where they are—without compromising autonomy or inclusion.

A Replicable Model for Inclusive Housing

Casa Familia demonstrates that independent living for adults with disabilities is not only possible—it is achievable when mission-driven organizations, service providers, and housing professionals work together.

This partnership between Casa Familia, Sunrise Communities, and Royal American Management offers a blueprint for how housing, services, and compliance can align under one coordinated model.

For families, advocates, and policymakers, the message is clear:

Independence is not the absence of support.

It is the presence of the right support.

And when that support is built into the blueprint, communities change.

What Is Black American Sign Language?

Black American Sign Language (Black ASL) is a distinct variety of American Sign Language that developed within Black Deaf communities in the United States. Like other language varieties, Black ASL has its own linguistic features, rhythms, and cultural expressions. It is not a separate language from ASL, but a rich and rule-governed variation shaped by history, community, and identity.

Black ASL reflects the lived experiences of Black Deaf people—combining language, culture, and resilience in the face of systemic exclusion.

The Historical Roots of Black ASL

The development of Black ASL is directly tied to racial segregation in the United States, particularly in education.

From the late 1800s through the mid-20th century, many states operated segregated schools for Deaf children. Black Deaf students were often excluded from white Deaf schools or placed in separate programs with fewer resources. Because language is shaped by community, this segregation led to the emergence of distinct signing patterns within Black Deaf communities.

Even after school desegregation following Brown v. Board of Education, many Black Deaf students faced barriers to full inclusion, reinforcing the continuation of Black ASL through community transmission.

Linguistic Features of Black ASL

Linguistic research—particularly by Black Deaf scholars—has identified several features commonly associated with Black ASL, including:

• A larger signing space, often extending farther from the body

• More two-handed signs compared to mainstream ASL

• Greater use of facial expressions and body movement

• Distinct vocabulary and idiomatic expressions rooted in Black culture

• Rhythmic and expressive signing styles, often influenced by Black oral and visual traditions

Importantly, these features are not “incorrect” or “slang.” They are consistent, systematic, and linguistically valid—just like regional or cultural dialects in spoken languages.

Language, Identity, and Cultural Pride

For many Black Deaf individuals, Black ASL is deeply connected to cultural identity. It affirms belonging in both the Black community and the Deaf community—spaces where Black Deaf people have historically been marginalized.

Recognizing Black ASL also challenges the idea that there is only one “standard” or “correct” way to sign. Language diversity exists within ASL just as it does within English, Spanish, or any spoken language.

Honoring Black ASL means honoring Black Deaf lives, leadership, and self-expression.

Why Recognition of Black ASL Matters

Acknowledging Black ASL has real-world implications:

• Education: Deaf education programs must respect linguistic diversity rather than suppress it

• Interpreting: Interpreters must be trained to understand and respect Black ASL features

• Healthcare & Services: Misunderstanding language variation can lead to miscommunication and inequitable care

• Representation: Visibility affirms Black Deaf people as full participants in both disability and racial justice movements

Linguistic discrimination—often called language oppression—can harm access, dignity, and outcomes for Black Deaf individuals.

Black ASL Today

Today, Black ASL is increasingly recognized thanks to the work of Black Deaf scholars, educators, and advocates. Documentaries, academic research, and community-led storytelling have helped bring long-overdue visibility to Black Deaf history and language.

This recognition is not about dividing the Deaf community—it is about telling the full truth of Deaf history and ensuring equity, respect, and inclusion for all.

Sources:

Gallaudet University – Linguistics and Deaf Studies research

“The Hidden Treasure of Black ASL” (produced with Gallaudet University)

Dr. Carolyn McCaskill, Dr. Ceil Lucas, Dr. Robert Bayley, Dr. Joseph Hill – The Hidden Treasure of Black ASL: Its History and Structure (academic text)

National Association of the Deaf (NAD) – Cultural and linguistic equity resources

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture – Black Deaf history archives

Journal of Sociolinguistics & Sign Language Studies – Peer-reviewed linguistic research

Philanthropy is strongest when it reflects the full diversity of a community—and that spirit was on display at Donor Next Door, a signature event presented by PhilanthropyMiami.

Donor Next Door is Miami’s annual celebration of philanthropy, created to honor the individuals whose generosity makes nonprofit work possible. From steadfast volunteers to transformational donors, the event recognizes those who drive meaningful change through their time, talent, and commitment to causes across our region.

This premier celebration of giving highlights individuals and organizations making a lasting impact in the community. By uplifting both unsung heroes and leading philanthropists, Donor Next Door shares powerful stories that reflect the many ways generosity shows up—quietly, consistently, and often behind the scenes.

For nonprofits like the Advocacy Network on Disabilities (AND), events like Donor Next Door offer an opportunity to pause and reflect on the collective effort required to advance inclusion, equity, and access. The donors and volunteers celebrated help fuel a wide range of missions, including disability advocacy, community services, education, health, and social impact initiatives that strengthen Miami as a whole.

At its core, Donor Next Door reminds us that philanthropy is personal. It is rooted in relationships, shared values, and a belief that investing in people leads to stronger, more connected communities. The event serves as a powerful reminder that progress—across all causes—happens because individuals choose to give.

We are grateful to be part of a philanthropic community that celebrates generosity in all its forms and recognizes the people who make meaningful, lasting impact possible.

The past year reminded us of a difficult truth: disability rights in the United States remain fragile, contested, and—far too often—rolled back. At the same time, it reaffirmed something just as powerful. When communities come together, when we refuse to be silent, and when we insist on a world where everyone belongs, progress is not only possible—it is inevitable.

As we look toward 2026, disabled people and their allies face challenges across nearly every system meant to protect dignity, opportunity, and equality. Yet each challenge also serves as a catalyst for collective action—and a reminder that community is our greatest strength.

Bodily Autonomy Under Threat

In 31 states and Washington, D.C., laws still allow the forced sterilization of disabled people through guardianship and court processes—without their consent. This reality calls for a renewed commitment to bodily autonomy, human dignity, and self-determination, alongside sustained advocacy for policy reform that protects every person’s right to make decisions about their own body.

Education Access at Risk

Efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education threaten enforcement of IDEA and Section 504, potentially weakening protections for millions of disabled students. This moment invites families, educators, and advocates to stand together and demand equitable, fully resourced, inclusive education—because every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Subminimum Wages Persist

Under Section 14(c), disabled workers can still legally be paid below minimum wage. As more states move to phase out this outdated practice, momentum is building toward a future where disabled people are valued, respected, and paid fairly for their labor—no exceptions.

Marriage Inequality

The SSI “marriage penalty” continues to force disabled people to choose between love and financial survival. By centering lived experiences, uplifting stories, and pushing for reform, we can ensure that no one is punished for building a life with the person they love.

Disability Rights Enforcement Rolled Back

In March 2025, the Department of Justice withdrew 11 ADA guidance documents, reducing clarity around accessibility and public access requirements. This rollback is a powerful reminder that progress must be defended—and that sustained, vocal advocacy is essential to restoring and strengthening protections our communities rely on.

Accessibility Standards Weakened

The Department of Energy rescinded accessibility requirements tied to federally assisted construction. Even so, communities and allies are organizing to ensure future building standards reflect the needs of all people—creating spaces where everyone can live, work, and participate fully.

Unsafe and Dehumanizing Air Travel

Disabled travelers continue to experience preventable harm due to unsafe transfers, damaged mobility equipment, and delayed enforcement of historic 2024 protections. In response, activists, travelers, and industry partners are pushing for accountability and reform—working toward air travel that is safe, dignified, and accessible for all.

Barriers to Employment

Systemic obstacles to hiring, advancement, transportation, and benefits continue to limit economic opportunity for disabled people. By challenging outdated systems and embracing flexibility and innovation, we can build an economy where disabled people not only work—but lead.

Lack of Representation in Media

Disabled people remain underrepresented in television and film, with most disability roles still portrayed by non-disabled actors. As awareness grows, so does the demand for authentic storytelling—creating momentum for a media landscape where disabled voices and talents are truly seen, heard, and valued.

Healthcare Affordability Eroded

Changes to the ACA marketplace are raising costs for millions, disproportionately affecting disabled people. This underscores the urgency of advocating for affordable, accessible healthcare and policies that protect—not endanger—the health and futures of our communities.

Medicaid and Healthcare Access Under Attack

The 2025 federal budget includes changes that threaten Medicaid coverage, with work requirements set to impact millions beginning in 2027. Across the country, communities are mobilizing to defend healthcare access and protect the essential services people depend on.

Economic Security Designed to Be Fragile

Policies across SSI, Medicaid, and other support systems continue to penalize savings, stability, marriage, and sometimes work itself. Still, reform movements are growing—and through collective action, we can build systems that promote stability, wealth-building, and long-term security for disabled communities.

Disabled People Left Behind in Disasters

Emergency planning too often excludes disabled people, putting lives at risk during natural disasters. Disability-centered emergency preparedness and community-led planning are on the rise, offering a path toward safer, more inclusive futures for everyone.

Looking Ahead: Progress Through Belonging

In January, we honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who reminded us that justice is not inevitable—it is built through courage, solidarity, and unwavering love for our communities. As we move into 2026, we carry that legacy forward.

Together, we continue building:

A world rooted in justice.

A world strengthened by community.

A world where everyone belongs.