Florida Self-Advocates Network'D
FL SAND
Reunited
Lifting Our Voices Together
The 2023 Florida Self-Advocacy Conference
Hosted by the FL SAND Fellows Leadership Program
August 18-20
Rosen Plaza / Orlando
Check back for information on the 2025 Florida Self-Advocacy Conference!
About the conference
Keynote Speaker
The Florida Self-Advocacy Conference is the largest gathering devoted to self-advocacy in the state. More than 150 self-advocates, their allies, parents, and providers are expected in support of the self-advocacy movement in Florida. This conference is also unique in that the majority of its trainers and speakers are self-advocates.
This conference is hosted by the FL SAND Fellows Leadership Program in support of FL SAND's 15 local self-advocacy groups and all self-advocates in Florida. FL SAND (Florida Self-Advocates Network'D) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded and operated by self-advocates. Organized by a statewide board of directors, its members advocate for disability issues in their hometowns and statewide. FL SAND provides a united voice among self-advocates on issues that are important to all Floridians with disabilities, such as transportation, employment, and healthcare.
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Funded by a contract with the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, the FL SAND Fellows Program is an immersive training program for experienced leaders committed to further development of self-advocacy, leadership, and administrative skills. Fellows provide training and technical assistance to FL SAND in operating the network and provide training to FL SAND and other stakeholders through the Breaking Barriers Training Academy.
Matthew Walzer
Matthew Walzer is a digital strategist for Cause Inspired Media in Jacksonville. He is the inspiration behind Nike's FlyEase Easy On/Off sneaker and has been interviewed by NPR, Drew Barrymore, Forbes, CBS, Yahoo Life and more.
9700 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819
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Registration is free for self-advocates and caregivers
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Registration fee for others: $125
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Registration closed. Email contactflsand@gmail.com to check on last-minute availability.
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Hotel reservations should be made by calling (407) 996-9700