Signed into law in 2008, Florida Disability History and Awareness Instruction requires Florida school districts, to designate the first two weeks of October as “Disability History and Awareness Weeks.”
The 2025 Florida Legislature passed, and Governor DeSantis signed into law on May 20, 2025, House Bil (HB) 447. HB 447 which became effective on July 1, 2025. It provides a list of topics by grade for districts planning to participate in disability history and awareness instruction.
During these two weeks, schools can provide intensive instruction to students to expand their overall knowledge, understanding and awareness of individuals with disabilities; the history of disability; and the disability rights movement.