Disability Rights Florida

A years-long effort to stop the use of seclusion and restraint on disabled children in public schools is getting closer to approval. The bill would effectively prevent school personnel from using restraints like zip ties, handcuffs and straight jackets on disabled children.

GOP legislators said the changes were necessary to ensure election security and prevent fraud in future elections.

Attorneys for the parents say the executive order violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and two other federal disabilities laws.

Florida lawmakers have tried for years to curb youth Baker Acts. This year, with the passage of parental notification measures, they may have finally moved the needle.

People with disabilities face significant hurdles as COVID-19 protocols have made it harder for them to attend meetings of the Florida House and Senate.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2016 figures, 8.6% of Floridians under 65 have a disability. That demographic has a lower turnout than voters without disabilities.

The state Department of Children and Families has agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by Disability Rights Florida and move toward providing more options...