FL S0578

Changes district school boards' authority from discretionary ("may") to mandatory ("shall") to provide disability history and awareness instruction in all K-12 public schools during the first week of October each year.

Requires the instruction period to be designated as "Disability History and Awareness Week" and must cover events, timelines, civil rights, and contributions of individuals with disabilities including national leaders.

Specifies that beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, instruction shall be delivered by individual presenters who have disabilities or teachers specializing in exceptional student education currently employed at the school.

Establishes three primary goals: preventing bullying and harassment of students with disabilities, encouraging increased self-esteem and workforce participation among individuals with disabilities, and reaffirming commitment to full inclusion and equal opportunity.