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News From the Heart
Vol 2, Issue 13
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May 1, 2011
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Festival Educativo
Festival Educativo was held at Doral Middle School in Miami on Friday, March 26. We didn't have pictures available in time for last month's issue of News from the Heart and would like to share those with you now.
Festival Educativo was conducted entirely in Spanish. Families with children in special education, teachers, and other professionals participated to learn, share and enjoy.
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Mothers Against Brain Injury, Inc.
In the last issue of News from the Heart we introduced to you an organization called Mothers Against Brain Injury, Inc. Mothers Against Brain Injury (MABII) is the recipient of The Allstate Foundation's Teen Safe Driver Grant for the 4th year in a row. MABII's Executive Director, Tracy Porter, has reached out to high schools throughout Duval, St. Johns, Nassau and Clay Counties to create powerful PSA's focused on the hazards of unsafe teen driving practices (like texting while driving). A panel of teenagers has narrowed the contest down to 4 finalists and those PSA's can be voted on by the public at www.firstcoastteens.com from April 25 until May 5. The winner will be decided by the most number of votes and the prizes will be awarded live on First Coast News Good Morning Jacksonville on Saturday, May 7. Please visit the site, watch the videos, and cast your vote for the PSA that moves you the most. (Warning - you may need a box of tissues.)
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William J. Rish Recreational Park
William J. (Billy Joe) Rish Recreational Park is located on the St. Joseph Peninsula near Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas in northwest Florida. It is 100 beautiful acres and is accessible for persons with disabilities. Rish Park is open year round. Special ramps provide beach access on the Gulf of Mexico and newly renovated boardwalks connect all of the cabins to the beach, event hall, and pool. Even the swimming pool is wheelchair accessible.
The entry fee is $5 per day per person. Reservations are not required for day visits, but it is best to call ahead of time to make sure the park is not filled to capacity.
Eight cabins are available for overnight stays for individuals, families, and large groups.Only Florida residents with disabilities may rent cottages or use the park facilities.Family members, guardians, or caregivers are welcome as well. Advance registration is required for overnight stays.
Visit the website at www.myflorida.com/rish-park/index.htm.
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Children's Week
Even though the weather was stormy, people still flocked to the Capitol April 3-9 to celebrate the 16th Annual Children's Week and promote children and family issues to the Florida legislature.
FND staff participated with other people from across the state in the Hanging of the Hands in the Capitol Rotunda on April 3 and shared information with families and professionals who came to Tallahassee during the week.
The winners of the Jan La Belle Scholarship, Kinsey Leonard and Jessica Moody, were recognized at a reception held at Chez Pierre on Tuesday, April 5. Representative Patrick Rooney, Representative Rick Kriseman, and Attorney General Pam Bondi stopped by to meet members of the disability community and congratulate the scholarship winners.
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Pacific Rim International Conference on Disabilities
Family Network on Disabilities presented at the Pacific Rim International Conference on Disabilities April 18-19 for the third time in as many years. Three of FND's programs participated by hosting workshops, breakouts and poster sessions at this conference that is well known for its diversity. 
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