On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council hosted the 20th Annual Developmental Disability Awareness Day at the Capitol in Tallahassee. Representing the UM Family Navigator Program, Silvia Calderon-Frontana addressed members of the Florida House during the Education & Employment Committee meeting in support of HB 859 – Cameras in Classrooms.
Her testimony helped mark a significant moment as the proposal passed unanimously with bipartisan support.
This milestone also served as a culminating experience in Silvia’s participation in the Partners in Policymaking Program (2025–2026), which she began after completing the Emerging Transformational Leadership Program (ETLP) at the Mailman Center two years earlier.
Silvia shared that speaking at the Capitol was a meaningful opportunity to advocate for students in self-contained classrooms across Florida, along with their families and teachers. The bill now moves to the full House for consideration.
