As we continue to face an affordable housing shortage, it is critical that the housing needs of individuals with disabilities are fully represented in local funding decisions.  Historically, individuals with disabilities are underrepresented in community-based planning efforts surrounding affordable housing, including consolidated planning, a requirement for grantees receiving federal housing funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  Recognizing that HUD is a primary resource for addressing the housing needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as cross-disability groups with shared priorities, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) and Florida Housing Coalition (FHC) have partnered to develop the Framework for Effectively Engaging Individuals with Disabilities in Consolidated Planning.  This a tool for local and state governments to actively increase participation by individuals with disabilities in consolidated planning.