Richard La Belle, Esq.
About
Richard La Belle is the CEO of Family Network on Disabilities, which has served persons with disabilities and their families throughout Florida and the U.S. for over 35 years. Prior to becoming CEO in 2005, Mr. La Belle practiced law for nearly 20 years, concentrating in the areas of disability law, including special needs trusts. Mr. La Belle and his wife are the parents of four grown children, including those who have disabilities.
He has long been active in promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities. Some recent examples include:
- In 2008, he was appointed by Governor Charlie Crist to the Governor’s Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders (until 2011)
- In 2009, Mr. La Belle was honored by being named an “Everyday Hero” by Bay News 9
- In 2013, he was appointed by the Commissioner of Education to the State Advisory Committee for the Education of Exceptional Children (SAC), on which he continues to serve
- In 2017, he was named to the Pinellas County, Florida Disability Advisory Council
Mr. La Belle received his law degree from Florida State University. He was awarded a Master of Science degree from the London School of Economics in London, England. Mr. La Belle received a B.A., with a major in political science, from Florida State University.