Message from the Interim Director
New Year, New Challenges
By Jim DeBeaugrine
Thank you for the support you have shown me in the role of interim director for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. July 1 marks the start of a new state fiscal year. As always, we face a number of challenges. We must roll up our sleeves and continue to focus on meeting the needs of the people we serve.
First, let's take a look at some of the accomplishments of the past year:
- A balanced budget - The waiver budget is, for all practical purposes, balanced for FY 2007-08 and we are on track for FY 2008-09. This is a tremendous improvement over the agency's financial situation from a year ago when significant deficits were experienced.
- Consumer Directed Care Plus (CDC+) program redesign - The CDC+ program was moved in-house. All indications are that customer service has improved tremendously as a result.
- Questionnaire for Situational Information (QSI) needs assessment - Area staff have completed over 7,000 QSI assessments, and headquarters employees designed an automated system to support the instrument in a little over three months.
Now let's get back to the challenges ahead:
- The waiting list - There are over 17,000 individuals on APD's waiting list for waiver services. This list continues to grow each day. It will require creative solutions if we ever hope to serve these individuals.
- Tier implementation - This is without a doubt one of the most fundamental, far-reaching changes to occur to our service delivery system. Families and individuals are concerned about how it will impact them personally.
- Cost plan rebasing - The Legislature has mandated that all cost plans be rebased to reflect actual expenditures from FY 2007-08. This is requiring a significant effort from both headquarters and area office staff.
- Rate reductions - Our business partners and customers will need our help and encouragement.
As we move forward, I hope that each of you will look at the accomplishments of the past. They illustrate that we truly have the power to shape the future. All great people share one common trait - dedication to a cause bigger than themselves. I urge each of you to maintain your focus on the people we serve as we face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Clicking on most photos will open a larger version.
Governor Signs Two Bills on Disabilities
Governor Charlie Crist signed two bills into law that benefit people with disabilities. Senate Bill 856 promotes Disability History and Awareness, and House Bill 739 improves access to Guardian Advocates for people with disabilities. The Governor signed the bills surrounded by individuals with disabilities, their families, and advocates at the 10th Annual Family Cafe´Conference in Orlando on June 13.
Both bills were sponsored by senators Mike Fasano (R-New Port Richey) and Victor Crist (R-Tampa) and representatives Curtis Richardson (D-Tallahassee) and Kevin Ambler (R-Tampa). Fasano and Richardson attended the event, along with Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp and APD Interim Director Jim DeBeaugrine.
"Teaching disability history and awareness in our schools will help young people learn that people with disabilities are just like anyone else - with the same wants, desires, and abilities to achieve great things," said Governor Crist. "Additionally, the Guardian Advocate law will help protect the most vulnerable by reducing legal costs to gain a guardian advocate."
The Disability History and Awareness bill designates the first two weeks of October as a time when public schools will provide instruction on disability issues. Each school will cover disability history, famous people with disabilities, and the disability rights movement. The Florida Youth Council assisted in crafting the legislation.
Rep. Richardson said, "I am proud to have sponsored the landmark legislation that will require school districts to annually recognize the history of the disability movement in our state and nation, and the contributions of those with disabilities throughout history."
The second bill helps protect the rights of people with developmental disabilities by improving access to a Guardian Advocate. The Guardian Advocate is designated by a court to make decisions on behalf of the individual with a disability. The new law clarifies the types of decision-making assistance the Guardian Advocate will provide, and requires an attorney to be appointed at state expense, among other provisions.
APD has a Presence at Family Cafe´
In June, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities participated in the Family Cafe´ 10th Anniversary Conference in Orlando. The agency had an informational booth that was visited by hundreds of people.
There were many questions fielded related to the new waiver tiers and waiting list. In addition, several APD employees gave presentations during the conference's breakout sessions.
On Friday, June 13, Interim Director Jim DeBeaugrine joined other state agency representatives in assisting State Representative Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) in responding to questions from the conference attendees. Many of the questions related to educational issues.
18th Anniversary of the ADA
July is the perfect month to celebrate the red, white, and blue. Not only do we celebrate our country's independence, but also the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA was signed into law 18 years ago, helping to include people with disabilities in every aspect of society.
Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities is partnering with the Governor's Commission on Disabilities, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Ability 1st (Center for Independent Living of North Florida), and the Able Trust to hold an event from 9 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, celebrating the 18th anniversary of the ADA. The public celebration is planned for the 22nd floor of the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee.
Ollie Cantos from the U. S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., will talk about the many accomplishments of the ADA. Chair of the Commission on Disabilities Lance Block has also been asked to speak. VR's Corporate Consultant Eladio Amores, who has worked on ADA issues for more than a decade, will talk about the positive changes he has witnessed as more people with disabilities are incorporated into the workforce. The agencies are also planning to recognize companies that have gone above and beyond in complying with the ADA.
The event's goal is to increase awareness and knowledge of disability-related issues, and also remind people how much has been accomplished since the signing of the ADA.
If you plan to attend, RSVP to the Commission on Disabilities at (850) 487-3423.
Assessment Milestone
The 14 APD Area Offices have completed more than 7,300 Questionnaire for Situational Information (QSI) assessments statewide. The QSI is an assessment tool to help determine the service needs of APD customers. The agency goal was to have 6,300 assessments completed by June 30 - which was exceeded by 1,000! This is a huge accomplishment considering all the other high priority assignments undertaken by the agency over the past six months.
The employees have completed assessments for individuals considered high-cost and those living in licensed group homes, as well as a random sample of individuals of varying ages and living situations. Assessments must be completed for all 31,000 people on the waivers by July 1, 2009.
Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities
By Chip Wilson, Statewide Disability CoordinatorFor many years, Florida has been infamous for the number of hurricanes which have impacted the state. While this is true, our
population is also affected by other types of disasters. Several years ago, wildfires were rampant and thousands of acres of land were burned, dozens of houses were lost, and many lives were changed forever. Just over a year ago, tornadoes were responsible for over a dozen deaths in the central part of the state. These events underscore the need to have a good, comprehensive preparedness plan - especially for people with disabilities.
Disaster preparedness for people with disabilities can present unique problems due to each person's disability. Some people are dependent on external oxygen supplies, some are dependent on electricity for ventilators or to keep medication at a constant cool temperature, and some require a consistent ambient temperature. There are many other factors ranging from mobility device dependency to communication requirements. With this in mind, it is important that people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and advocates are included and participate in all phases of disaster preparedness.
Disaster preparedness is truly a team effort.
Each of Florida's 67 counties has an Emergency Operation Center which is staffed by professionals in disaster preparedness. Emergency management professionals are encouraged to reach out to the community and include people with disabilities in pre-event, during-event and post-event planning. Also, individuals with disabilities and disability-related organizations are encouraged to contact their Emergency Operations Center and offer to assist in creating and testing the preparedness plans which may be affecting their lives. However, it is advised that the public with disabilities not wait for an invitation to join the EOC but be proactive and approach their emergency management group and volunteer to assist in any way possible.
At an individual level, a family plan can be built using the resources found at www.floridadisaster.org . Select "Get a Family Plan" and follow the directions from there. Completing the plan requires about 10 to 15 minutes and will help you develop a comprehensive plan for you and your family.
If you have questions or need further information, call me at the Division of Emergency Management at (850) 413-9892.
A Decade of Success
By James V. Vidrine, Area 8
The Fort Myers Mayor's Alliance presented Carol Sue Harris, a customer of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, with an employment award for 10 years of service at a Lee County McDonald's restaurant. The Mayor's Alliance also presented an Employer Award to the manager of the McDonald's restaurant, Mack Tibbet, for being a valuable employment resource for people with disabilities.
The Mayor's Alliance is a Lee County organization, founded in 1989 by Arthur Hamel, the former Mayor of Fort Myers. Its mission statement is "to advocate and identify community resources and businesses to secure employment for people with disabilities and to recognize those who fulfill that need."
- Judy Peek, LARC job coach
Harris helps people have a good dining experience at McDonald's. She works about 20 hours a week and is one of their best lobby attendants. She is responsible for keeping the dining room clean and for making sure that customers have plenty of condiments available. Her duties also include maintaining the cleanliness of the bathrooms.
Harris originally obtained her job at McDonald's through the Supported Employment services at the Lee County Association of Retarded Citizens (LARC). This organization worked with her at its Adult Day Training program during the mid-1990s, and then successfully placed her at McDonald's in 1998. LARC is one of Lee County's oldest organizations providing services to citizens with developmental disabilities.
Judy Peek, a LARC job coach, has been working with Harris for the past several years. Peek visits Harris' job site once a week to observe her work performance, provide feedback, and to help her with any new skills needed for her job.
"Carol Sue is well liked by her co-workers and customers," said Peek. "She has been so thrilled about her award, which I understand is framed and hanging in her bedroom."
Peek noted that Tibbet is equally pleased with his Employer Recognition Award from the Mayor's Alliance. His framed employer award is prominently exhibited in the McDonald's lobby area. Tibbet has known Harris ever since she was hired 10 years ago.
"Carol Sue does a great job for us at McDonald's," Tibbet said. "She knows all our regular customers and greets them with a smile. We are glad to have her working with us."
Members Needed for Autism Workgroup
Governor Crist signed into law Senate Bill 2654 dealing with insurance coverage for the treatment of autism and related disabilities on May 20. This legislation creates the "Window of Opportunity Act" charging the Office of Insurance Regulation with convening a workgroup by August 31 of this year to develop and execute a compact relating to insurance coverage and access to services for persons with developmental disabilities.
Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty states in a letter, "The Office is also charged with convening a consumer advisory workgroup to provide a forum for comment on the negotiated compact. Deputy Insurance Commissioner Mary Beth Senkewicz will be chairing this effort on my behalf. The Office is presently accepting expressions of interest from individuals who wish to be appointed to the Autism Compact Workgroup or to the Autism Compact Consumer Advisory Workgroup."
If you are interested in serving on either workgroup, please go to www.floir.com/autism.aspx to download the Expression of Interest Form. The form should be completed and e-mailed to autism@floir.com by July 15. The effort to create a compact agreement to increase coverage for behavior analysis, behavior assistant services, and medically necessary therapies will be challenging and time-consuming, as the report to the governor, president of the Senate, and speaker of the House is due February 15, 2009. The initial meeting of the Autism Compact Workgroup and the Autism Compact Consumer Advisory Workgroup is tentatively scheduled for August 22, 2008, in Tallahassee. There is no appropriation associated with S.B. 2654, so any individual appointed to either workgroup will be responsible for his or her own expenses.
Accessible Playground Opens
On June 3, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) joined the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and local officials to celebrate the opening of the Felburn Foundation Boundless Playground® at the Wakulla Station Trailhead along the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail. Specially-designed Boundless Playgrounds provide recreational and educational opportunities for children with and without disabilities.
"The new Boundless Playground provides a foundation for bringing families and children of all abilities together to enjoy the resources our great state and system of greenways and trails have to offer," said DEP Office of Greenways & Trails Director Jena B. Brooks.
A Boundless Playground contains elements that provide recreational and educational opportunities for children of all abilities. Simple differences include a poured-in-place rubber surface, ramps on the play sets, elevated sand table and activity panels, and swings and bouncers with high-back support.
APD Interim Director Jim DeBeaugrine said, "We are so pleased to see such a fabulous, inclusive playground being made available to children with disabilities. Young people with disabilities have the same needs and desires as other children to be outside enjoying a slide or a swing. This is a wonderful addition to our state's recreational resources."
This is the second Boundless Playground built by the Office of Greenways & Trails; the first was constructed on the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway near Ocala in 2005 and receives approximately 450,000 visitors per year. Construction was made possible by a donation from the nature-based Felburn Foundation. The Boundless Playground will be operated and maintained by DEP's Office of Greenways & Trails.
Around the State
Park Being Improved
APD operates Billy Joe Rish Park, located at Cape San Blas near Port St. Joe in the panhandle. The park is dedicated to serve people with disabilities.
The park is completely accessible to people with disabilities. However, the miles of endless boardwalks and ramps connecting the buildings were in need of renovation. This summer the park is closed while the renovations are made and accessibility is improved.
The cottages are undergoing complete renovations, a nine-hole ambulatory and nonambulatory accessible golf course is being added, substantial kitchen renovations are being made, and 27 million dollars of beach renourishment is occurring. The renovations are expected to be completed in January 2009, with a special grand opening ceremony scheduled for May.
Doing Swimmingly
Agency for Persons with Disabilities customer Marlene Parra loves to swim competitively. In a recent competition, she took first place in the 50-yard butterfly. Parra trains with the Metro Aquatic Club of Miami at Tamiami Park Swimming Pool.
She was born in 1981 and is diagnosed with cognitive disabilities. She graduated from the Learning Experience School with a special diploma in 2003.
She has participated in the Special Olympics on several occasions. Parra won first place in the district competition in the 100-yard free style which made it possible for her to make it to the state competition in Sebastian, Florida, in 2006. There she took third place in the 500-meter free style.
Parra has worked at Macy's Department Store for the past year. She participated in Supported Employment and was placed during her participation in the program. She is very outgoing, sociable, loving, has a wonderful personality,and is very high-functioning. She goes the extra mile to please others and is always willing to lend a helping hand.
Sunland Center Residents Have Summer Fun
By Karen Henrickson, Sunland Recreation DirectorEvery year, the Recreation Department at Sunland Center in Marianna offers unique summer enrichment activities. This program not only provides exciting recreational and leisure activities for residents, but also provides summer employment opportunities for many local high school graduates. Quite often, these positions are first-time jobs for some graduates. Many have never interacted with a person who has a developmentally disability. By the end of the summer, it is no surprise that a number of these employees have made decisions to further their college education in the fields of special education or health. Many seek a career at Sunland while they are in college.
The recreation program dates back to the 1960s and has a long-standing reputation for excellence. Some of the professional employees at Sunland began their careers by working in the summer program when they graduated from high school. In fact, I was a former summer employee who worked through college while employed in various positions at Sunland.
Sunland's summer program offers a variety of activities to meet the interests of each individual. This program includes activities at the Leisure Center, Wagon Rides, Rainbow Room, Arts and Crafts, Library, and Olympic-size swimming pool. At the Leisure Center, residents play games such as pool, ping pong, video games, and board games, and they watch movies on a big-screen television. The Rainbow Room is quiet and softly lighted, providing a tranquil atmosphere where residents can unwind with sensory stimulation and relaxation. The Arts and Crafts Program offers projects residents can make and take home with them, including drawing, coloring, painting, jewelry, and various crafts. The Library is a place where residents can listen to music, use a computer, read books and newspapers, or watch a movie. The Sunland Ranch provides horse-drawn wagon rides throughout the center grounds all day. Residents especially enjoy riding, and the wagon also assists transporting them to activities, as well as back home at the end of the program. Nothing is more refreshing than cooling off on a hot afternoon in Sunland's accessible pool! Residents of all ages and abilities enjoy swimming during the day and evening hours throughout the summer.
All of Sunland's 338 residents enjoy these activities, as well as more than 200 individuals who reside in 
the community and participate in our program. Our vocational program is adjusted during the summer months to allow everyone ample opportunities to participate in summer enrichment activities. In a typical week, it is not unusual for 350 people to visit the Library, 200 to swim in the pool, 750 to go to the Leisure Center, 75 to attend the Rainbow Room, 350 to participate in Arts and Crafts, and 125 to ride the wagon. This is in addition to the activities that are offered nightly.
Many residents look forward to Wednesday evenings, when a square dance caller comes to the center for square dance practice. The "Sunland Swingers" entertain at different occasions in the community, such as local nursing homes and festivals. On Friday evenings, our residents look forward to dancing the night away at the gym. A sound system playing popular music enhances residents' dancing enjoyment. On holidays, a local band or disc jockey provides entertainment. On Sunday evenings, movies are shown at the Auditorium on a large-screen projector. As you can see, residents are provided with many opportunities to relax and enjoy recreational and leisure activities at Sunland Center.
On the 4th of July, residents enjoy delicious watermelon served at the Leisure Center during the morning. These watermelons are grown locally by the Sunland Ranch. Swimming and leisure activities take place all afternoon. The day is wrapped up with a local band providing dance music in the Gymnasium for residents, as well as individuals from the community.
During the summer months and into the fall, softball season is in full swing. We gather our Sunland Supersonics, Sunland Boom, and Pathway Jets together for softball games. We also schedule games with teams from other counties every Wednesday morning. Popcorn and Kool-Aid are served from the concession stand and enjoyed by all.
The Summer Program comes to an end with the start of school, but the memories live on in the lives of the summer workers and the residents of Sunland Center.
Creating Opportunity through Collaboration
By Ed De Bardeleben, Area 12 AdministratorTo increase employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities that live in Volusia and Flagler Counties, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities Daytona Beach Area Office spearheaded the development of the Work Opportunity Network (WON) in September 2007. Similar to the business leadership networks that exist throughout the state, this grassroots consortium of public and private stakeholders consists of such organizations as the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce, The Center for Business Excellence, The One Stop Center, Vocational Rehabilitation, and community agencies such as the Arc of Volusia and the UCP of East Central Florida.
In keeping with the APD Five Year Employment Initiative, the intent of WON is to bring businesses, human service organizations, and government agencies together to create an environment that promotes people with disabilities as contributors in today's workforce and enhances the economic well-being of the community through employment of people with disabilities. The members' ultimate goal is to increase the number of individuals with disabilities employed within the community.
Although the Work Opportunity Network is new, it already has demonstrated how successful collaboration works. On May 28, 
members of WON participated in "The Business Express Connections On The Go Business Summit" sponsored by The Center for Business Excellence. Three one-hour instructional presentations were provided on best practices regarding disability issues in the workplace. Resource materials were distributed at the exhibition hall. Speakers and materials were made available on tax incentives to businesses that hire the traditionally underemployed, workplace modifications and accommodations, and information about members of WON that are available to assist in addressing employment and disability-related issues. More than 200 area businesses attended the day-long event. The summit was a big success!
We wish to thank the Center for Business Excellence for inviting the Work Opportunity Network to the summit, the Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce for hosting the event, all the agencies that attended to promote employment for people with disabilities, and our very own Shea Porter who had the vision to spearhead this very worthwhile endeavor.
Lt. Governor Kottkamp Visits Marianna
Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp came to Marianna on June 2 to be the star of the show in more ways than one. Kottkamp was the first guest on a new TV program called "Directions," hosted by ARNP Sandy Helms of Sunland Center and carried on the Chipola College Cable Network. The interview covered the highlights of the 2008 Legislative Session and the expansion of covered services in health insurance plans for children with autism.
The Lt. Governor was also the guest of honor at a reception at Chipola College.
State Rep. Marti Coley (R-Marianna) and Chipola College President Gene Prough joined the celebration, 
along with Sunland Superintendent Dr. Tracy Clemmons and Executive Medical Director Dr. Tom Sherrel.
Later in the day, Kottkamp was given a guided tour of Sunland Center, joined by Mike Burns, special assistant to Governor Charlie Crist. An overview of the comprehensive services available to residents living in the community of Sunland was provided.
In addition to her APD and TV host duties, Helms also serves as the chair of the Jackson County Republican Executive Committee.
Governor Makes More Appointments to the VR Foundation
Governor Charlie Crist recently announced two appointments to the Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, more commonly known as the Able Trust. Both appointees began their service on June 18.
- Sheila Buchbinder, 54, of Juno Beach, retired, succeeding Sharlyn Lauby, for a term ending September 30, 2009.
- James L. Spencer, 75, of Belleair, client relationship officer with Spencer International Advisors, Inc., succeeding Florence Seiler, for a term ending September 30, 2010.
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