In 1991 while Jeffery (Jeff) Douglas was working at the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) at Florida State University, FDOA founder David Jones reached out to him in hopes of getting students with disabilities involved in recreation. Jeff has been participating and volunteering with FDOA ever since. Throughout the years, Jeff’s favorite FDOA event has been SportsAbility. He served as an advisory board member since August 2003 and joined the board of directors as the Director at Large in November 2020.

Jeff's Idea of the perfect world

“Where there is a true concern for peace, patience, respect for each other without judging, and love.”

 

 

 

In 1981, Jeff graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in Humanities from Freed-Hardeman University. He received his Master’s in Social Work from FSU in 1995. Outside of FDOA, Jeff serves as the Adult Program Specialist for the Lighthouse of the Big Bend, a nonprofit that assists people with visual impairments. Jeff provides job assistance, independent living skills, and vocational rehabilitation services to his clients. He has volunteered with the American Red Cross Disaster Team since 2014. As a volunteer, Jeff helps individuals and families cope with and recover from disasters.

In his free time, Jeff loves listening to Jazz music and world music from other countries. He also enjoys spending time in the sun and the sand with his wife Mary. Someday soon, Jeff hopes to take a trip to William J. Rish Recreational Park at Cape San Blas. Rish Park is an ocean-front park that is accessible to people with disabilities. Jeff’s idea of a perfect world is “Where there is a true concern for peace, patience, respect for each other without judging, and love.”

To Jeff, inclusion means “everyone and anyone who wants to participate.” Through his volunteer work and career, Jeff has worked hard to make sure everyone feels included and welcomed. One of his life mottos is “work hard and play hard,” and he does just that. FDOA is lucky to have Jeff Douglas as a part of our team!