Children's Day 2016

APD Communications Coordinator Lindsey Boyington and Communications Director Melanie Mowry Etters hosted an information table at the Capitol for Children’s Day on January 26. Boyington and Etters spoke with many parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers covering a wide range of disability topics concerning children. Many people had questions concerning testing for intellectual disabilities in very young children. The pair also spoke to several teachers looking for information to provide to parents about the agency.

For the children in attendance, the highlight of the day was the storybook village. The village featured several well-known children’s characters including Curious George and Dora the Explorer, and many fun hands-on activities. Inside the Capitol, the “Hanging of the Hands” created a stunning display throughout the rotunda. The hands serve as a visual reminder to law makers of all the children impacted by the decisions they make each session.

Children’s Day also featured a Teens Only Town Hall meeting where teens discussed important issues with Florida Children and Youth Cabinet members. The Cabinet is comprised of agency heads, governmental dignitaries, and other professionals who work with children. Grendy Hendry from the APD Strategic Planning Office attended the event and was impressed by the tough questions the teens asked. Topics included education, mental health, homelessness, healthy living, human trafficking, suicide, substance abuse, and delinquency.  

Hanging of the Hands in the Capitol Rotunda.