CFS News Monday, February 4, 2008
Governor Crist Appoints CFS's Dr. Marc J. Tassé to the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council
Congratulations to CFS’s Dr. Marc J. Tassé who was recently appointed to the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) by Governor Charlie Crist.
FDDC is comprised of 29 members appointed by the Governor to represent consumers, family members, agency staff and interested individuals. The Council works to assure that Florida citizens with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of – and have access to – needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, integration and inclusion.
Dr. Tassé joined CFS in December 2006 as Associate Professor and Assistant Director of the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities – UCEDD. He has provided clinical services for over 20 years to individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and other related developmental disabilities. He has conducted over 100 trainings, workshops, and presentations, and has over 65 publications in peer-reviewed journals, chapters, and books in the area of developmental disabilities. Dr. Tassé has also consulted and testified in capital cases involving individuals with intellectual disabilities.
"I look forward to representing the USF Florida Center for Inclusive Communities (FCIC) and working with the other DD Council Board members towards achieving the DD Council's goals and objectives," said Dr. Tassé. "The USF FCIC shares the DD Council vision of working towards ensuring that Floridians with developmental disabilities live happy and productive lives in the community of their choice."
In addition to Dr. Tassé, ten other individuals were appointed to the Council. A press release from the FDDC can be viewed here.
“We’re confident these experienced appointees will be great advocates for people with disabilities,” said Debra Dowds, Executive Director of the Council.
CFS’s Nila Benito, Coordinator of Community Supports & Public Policy, has served on the Council since 2002.
For more information about the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, visit www.fddc.org or call 1-800-580-7801.
The Department of Child and Family Studies at the USF Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute is committed to improving the well-being of individuals, children, and families within communities across the country through promoting respect, inclusion, development, achievement, mental health, and an optimum quality of life.
