REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (FDDC # 2006-CD-4500)
Inclusion
The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) announces the availability of a Request for Proposals. This RFP is being issued to enhance the information base necessary for the FDDC continued efforts to improve the delivery of services to the states children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Our society does not accept separate but equal as a justification for segregation based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual preference or any other human condition. It is equally unacceptable and in fact intolerable to continue to accept, condone, and support separate but equal as a justification for separating children and people with disabilities from their communities. There are complex systemic, social and financial obstacles that hinder the availability of resources and services for individuals with disabilities within an inclusive community. The existence of these obstacles requires significant efforts and commitment to overcome. To initiate this process of building inclusive communities, where all people, no matter what their differences, disabilities, or innate human conditions may be, are welcomed and valued, it requires the commitment and collaboration of all key stakeholders, leaders, legislatures, individuals with disabilities and their families to strategize and work on unified efforts. There needs to be an opportunity for stakeholders in Florida to come together to engage in strategically planning to examine and align systems in education, employment, health and community living, build infrastructure and enhance and maximize the resources that exist for individuals with disabilities within an inclusive society.
The purpose of the project is to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to develop the Florida Inclusion Strategic Plan by strategically examining, aligning, and building an infrastructure to enhance and maximize the opportunities and resources that exist for individuals with disabilities in an inclusive society. This opportunity will be provided by hosting a two-day Inclusion Summit to develop a strategic plan to facilitate inclusive communities in the areas of: community living, education, employment and health. Summit participants will be limited to up to 80 invited key stakeholders, including, but is not limited to,: various attorneys (e.g.: education, civil rights, special education, medical malpractice, disabilities, etc.) inclusion advocates, self-advocates, individuals with disabilities, family members, legislators, representatives from: K-12 education, post secondary, community living, health and employment. The
In order to facilitate the Inclusion Summit, the provider will conduct a comprehensive literature review and information gathering with statistically valid data, on the degree to which inclusion practices and opportunities in the community that are available for individuals in Florida who are in: sheltered workshops, day treatment centers, segregated education settings, special schools, congregate living situation (where two or more individuals with disabilities live in one household), group homes, or those sitting at home post secondary.
Copies of this RFP will be available from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, 124 Marriott Drive, Suite 203, Tallahassee, FL 32301, (850)488-4180 or Toll Free 1(800)580-7801 or TDD Toll Free (888)488-8633. The deadline for submitting letters of intent and written questions is prior to 4:00 p.m. (DST), on June 16, 2006. The deadline for submitting proposals is prior to 2:00 p.m. (DST), on July 31, 2006. Letters of Intent will only be accepted by fax, mail, or hand delivery. Letters of Intent by e-mail will not be accepted.
