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.

Advocacy Network on Disabilities Launches Strategic Planning Initiative to Strengthen Future Impact

Tamara Hervera — Tue, 26 May 2026 13:41:38 +0000

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.

AND Helps Shape National Emergency Management Toolkit

Tamara Hervera — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:22:10 +0000

The Advocacy Network on Disabilities (AND) submitted comments to the National Council on Disability (NCD) to help shape a new emergency management toolkit for state, local, tribal, and territorial communities.

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.

Extreme Heat, Flooding & Hurricanes: Advancing Disability-Inclusive Climate Resilience in Miami

Tamara Hervera — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:53:29 +0000

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.

Miami Autism Dad Victor Antunez Visits Advocacy Network on Disabilities Staff Meeting

Tamara Hervera — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:21:59 +0000

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.

Inspiring Giving. Celebrating Impact.

Tamara Hervera — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:48:54 +0000

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.

Honoring Dr. King on Sistrunk Boulevard: Community, Culture, and Connection

Tamara Hervera — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:18:38 +0000

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, our Inclusion Specialists Van Gray and Herchella “Chel” Baynes joined families, neighbors, and community leaders along Sistrunk Boulevard for Fort Lauderdale’s annual MLK Day Parade—an event rooted in history, pride, and collective purpose.

Sistrunk Boulevard is more than a parade route. It is a historic African American corridor and one of the oldest Black communities in South Florida. Once home to a thriving hub of Black-owned businesses, Sistrunk continues to represent resilience, culture, and community legacy in Fort Lauderdale.

For Van, attending the MLK Day Parade has been a lifelong tradition. Growing up, his mother, grandmother, and father made sure he attended every year. It was never just a parade—it was a celebration of civil rights, Black excellence, and unity. Along the route, historic Black schools, businesses, marching bands, fraternities, sororities, and community-based organizations come together to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr..

This year, Van and Chel were invited by one of our most supportive and communicative partner programs, Firewall, to host a tent representing The Advocacy Network on Disabilities. The atmosphere reflected the true spirit of community care. Organizations and vendors shared essential items such as food, water, books, toiletries, socks, and toys—resources that continue to make a meaningful difference for families.

Throughout the day, Van and Chel shared information about AND’s programs, connected with community members, and offered support to individuals and families seeking resources. They met people who expressed genuine appreciation for the work we do, as well as others who shared interest in services or identified a need for support.

“It was a really beautiful and fulfilling experience,” they shared. “We left with our hearts full.”

The energy of the marching bands and drumline performances provided a powerful soundtrack to the day—serving as a reminder that celebration, remembrance, and joy are all part of honoring Dr. King’s legacy.

We are grateful for the invitation and for the opportunity to stand alongside the community on a day that continues to inspire inclusion, connection, and action.

Advancing High-Performing Board Service: From Good to Excellent

Tamara Hervera — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:37:40 +0000

Strong boards are essential to strong nonprofit organizations—and investing in board development is an investment in the communities we serve.

Recently, board members from the Advocacy Network on Disabilities participated in a pilot leadership training titled Advancing High-Performing Board Service: From Good to Excellent, a collaborative initiative designed to strengthen nonprofit performance across Miami-Dade County. The training was developed through a partnership between The Miami Foundation and Philanthropy Miami, bringing together nonprofit leaders committed to governance excellence and community impact.

What the Training Covered

The session focused on the core responsibilities of effective nonprofit board service and how board members can meaningfully support both organizational leadership and mission delivery. Key areas of focus included:

Financial responsibility and oversight to ensure long-term sustainability
Supervising and supporting the CEO, balancing accountability with partnership
Serving as ambassadors for the organization within the broader community
Understanding how strong governance directly impacts the quality and reach of services provided

By moving beyond basic governance expectations, the training emphasized what it truly means for boards to shift from being good to excellent.

Impact on Our Organization

Two of the Advocacy Network on Disabilities’ newest board members participated in the training and shared that the experience was both highly beneficial and informative. They reported gaining a clearer understanding of their roles, increased confidence in their responsibilities, and practical tools they can immediately apply as board members.

Most importantly, the training reinforced how intentional, well-informed board service strengthens the entire organization—supporting leadership, staff, and ultimately the individuals and families we serve.

Strengthening Our Mission

As an organization committed to working for a world where everyone belongs, we recognize that strong governance is not just an internal priority—it is a community responsibility. Opportunities like this training help ensure that our board is equipped to lead with integrity, accountability, and vision.

We are grateful to The Miami Foundation and Philanthropy Miami for piloting this important initiative and for their continued investment in building stronger, more effective nonprofit organizations throughout our community.

Commissioners Take Action on Budget Cuts, But the Fight Isn’t Over

Tamara Hervera — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 15:40:52 +0000

https://www.advocacynetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/VIDEO-2025-09-08-09-16-58.mp4

At last Thursday’s Miami-Dade County budget hearing, commissioners voted—nearly unanimously—to instruct the Mayor to identify resources to restore funding for Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). This came after more than 200 residents, including individuals with disabilities, families, and service providers, spoke for hours urging the commission to protect critical services.

While this step shows that community voices are being heard, the reality is that the current proposal would only restore about 70% of the original funding. For our Advocacy Network on Disabilities, that’s not enough. Full restoration is necessary to ensure that people with disabilities continue to receive in-home care and guidance from our Success Coaches—services that prevent families from having to choose between leaving a job to provide care or placing a loved one in a nursing home.

“The advocacy is working,” said our CEO, who stayed at the hearing from 5:00 p.m. until 3:30 a.m. “But the funding on the table still falls short. Families in our community deserve stability, not uncertainty about whether these essential supports will remain.”

The stakes remain high. The original proposed budget would have eliminated nearly $16 million in CBO funding. For our organization, that meant a cut of $127,000—resources that directly support individuals with disabilities in Miami-Dade.

Community members were also vocal in opposing fare increases for Special Transportation Services (STS), with at least one commissioner pledging not to support a budget that raises costs for riders.

The final budget hearing is scheduled for September 18th. That’s when we will know whether commissioners stand firm in restoring the full amount. Until then, we will continue advocating—because 70% is not enough when people’s independence, dignity, and quality of life are on the line.