Message from the Director
What a Difference a Year Makes
By Jim DeBeaugrine
This month officially marks my first anniversary as the Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. I was named to the post by Governor Charlie Crist during a news conference in August 2008. This began what has been the most interesting and rewarding time of my professional career.
Most of all, this year has been a tremendous learning experience. Many time-tested lessons we’re all taught from an early age have been validated. I have also been able to make a number of observations about our agency and the community that we operate within. I would like to share a few of these with you.
First is the absolute necessity for teamwork. It is true that everyone, individually, must pull their weight. If we all pull in different directions, however, we don’t move forward. Success in our field is rarely, if ever, the result of individual effort.
Fortunately, the people who work and volunteer in this field are committed, caring, and passionate. We are all motivated to serve others and do the right thing. This is what we have in common. If we remind ourselves of this, we can maintain a spirit of teamwork even when we disagree about the details of a particular issue.
I also believe that the people of Florida and their elected representatives share our basic beliefs. I have found broad-based support for our priorities from both ends of the political spectrum. Of course, it becomes very difficult for them to understand our needs and priorities if we contradict and undermine each other.
We should also keep in mind that our policy makers have to balance the needs of all Floridians. We should treat them and the offices they hold with respect, even when we disagree with them.
It is important that we give equal attention to all of the people we serve. More specifically, I am speaking to those who are not currently enrolled in our waiver. We have to serve these individuals the best way we can with the resources we have and we have to do it now.
We have to believe in the people we serve. This means respecting each individual’s choices, even if they are not the choices we would make. This means we focus on each person’s ability rather than their disability. This means that we provide supports and services designed to nurture ability and reduce dependency.
Finally, we have to believe in ourselves. We cannot allow negativity to overwhelm us. Today, there are more people living fulfilling lives in their communities than ever before in Florida. Old stereotypes regarding disability are slowly but surely fading. In short, the American dream is becoming a reality to more and more individuals with disabilities, and this has happened under your watch. You should be proud.
The challenges of today come with the promise of a brighter future. Change is inevitable. We can direct it or react to it. Our own attitudes and actions will make all the difference. We have to act with a sense of urgency befitting the importance of our mission.
Clicking on most photos will open a larger version.
Five Agencies Join to Improve Education of Foster Children
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Jim DeBeaugrine was one of five state agency leaders who signed a joint agreement to ensure that children in state care receive an appropriate, high-quality, and stable education.
Signing the Interagency Agreement to Coordinate Services for Children Served by the Florida Child Welfare System were the heads of the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Department of Education (DOE), the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), and the Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI). Signers say that the agreement will go a long way toward ensuring that foster children receive the coordinated services and the stability they need to succeed in school and beyond.
"A major predictor of educational success is educational stability, but when children are placed in the care of the state, they frequently are forced to attend a new school, and this can have a devastating effect emotionally and academically," said DCF Secretary George Sheldon. "It is our moral responsibility to ensure that these young people—starting in pre-school and continuing on—are given opportunities that will allow them to graduate with their peers and to successfully pursue post-graduate studies or fulfilling careers."
The agreement sets 11 basic goals, requires specific actions, and assigns responsibilities to each agency. It covers, among other things, the sharing of information among agencies and collaboration on educational stabilization, dependency case planning, early identification of disabilities, independent living skills, post-secondary educational opportunities, and employment training and support services. The agreement also requires representatives to meet regularly to develop interagency strategies and initiatives that enhance the coordination and quality of services and to prepare a progress report every six months.
APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine said, "Our agency is excited to be a part of this ongoing collaboration to improve services to children in the care of the state. All of the agencies have a responsibility to do all we can to improve the lives of the state's children," he said. "I look forward to moving this agreement into action."
The Interagency Agreement to Coordinate Services for Children Served by the Florida Welfare System and detailed information about goals, actions and agency responsibilities is available at www.myflorida.com/cf_web.
Celebrating Florida's Workforce
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities and its partner agencies are planning a dynamic celebration on October 1 to kickoff Disability Employment Awareness Month. Governor Charlie Crist, Cabinet members, and other community leaders have been invited to participate in the event and recognize how people with disabilities make a huge impact in the workforce. Employers who are committed to hiring and retaining staff members with disabilities will also be recognized.
The event will be in the Commission Chamber at Tallahassee City Hall. Information displays will be in the Second Floor Mezzanine along with donated refreshments from 8:30 until 9 a.m. The recognition program will begin at 9 a.m. Some of the organizations participating are Blind Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, Able Trust, Commission on Disabilities, and Agency for Workforce Innovation.
To find out more information or RSVP for the event, call (850) 488-4257 or 1-866-APDCares. Also, please let us know if you require an accommodation.
Prepaid Services Proposal Studied
By Jeff SaulichA new concept in providing services holds great promise for young Floridians with developmental disabilities and their families. A work group created by the Legislature met for the first time on July 22 in Tallahassee to explore the possibility of developing a prepaid services program, modeled after Florida's very successful Prepaid College Plan.
At the inaugural meeting of the Developmental Disabilities Prepaid Services Study Group, The Arc of Florida Executive Director Deborah Linton presented a concept paper on the proposal. The Arc, and the other members of the study group, foresee a program in which parents would contribute to the plan during an individual's childhood. When the child leaves the Exceptional Student Education system at age 18 or 21, the plan would ensure that services would not be interrupted.
"The years immediately following graduation are crucial ones for students with developmental disabilities," states The Arc of Florida's document. "It is at this point that many on the waitlist suddenly find themselves sitting at home. Many times, the financial investment by the public school system is lost as the student begins to regress and experience a loss of abilities as they linger on the waitlist. These crucial years, immediately following graduation, could be the time when the student enters the world of work with the necessary supports in place funded by the prepaid service plan."
Other agencies and organizations represented on the panel include the Florida Senate, House of Representatives, Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, State Board of Administration, Department of Education, and the Family Care Council Florida. APD is providing administrative support to the study group.
The proposal is in its infancy stages; many details must be explored before the study group makes its recommendations to the Governor's Office and Legislature. Its deadline for doing so is January 29, 2010. Meanwhile, the study group will hold monthly meetings, the next one tentatively scheduled for August 25 at APD's Central Office in Tallahassee. For more information about the Developmental Disabilities Prepaid Services Study Group, contact Kimberly Copley at kimberly_copley@apd.state.fl.us or (850) 487-3763.
Meet the APD Director
By Hilary BrazellWant to hear the latest news from APD live and in person? Want a chance to share your thoughts? APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine and other agency staff members will be hosting meetings and rule development workshops across the state in August and September.
At the meetings, Director DeBeaugrine will talk about several agency initiatives, such as the plan for individual budgeting—iBudget Florida—that the agency is developing in accordance with a Legislative requirement, the expansion of the Consumer-Directed Care Plus (CDC+) program, the new flexible services benefit, and other issues. Consumers, family members, advocates, and providers will also be able to give input on these issues at these meetings.
At the rule development workshops, the agency will receive comments from the public on rules to implement the proposed new wait list reprioritization. The wait list reprioritization was enacted by the Legislature and will take effect on July 1, 2010, unless the Legislature amends the law before then.
Meetings and rule development workshops will be scheduled at different times on the same date and at the same location. If you are not able to attend the meeting or rule development workshop suggested for your area, you may attend a meeting or rule development workshop at any of the other locations. The dates and locations are listed below.
| Location | Meeting Date | Areas |
| Orlando | August 25 | 7, 12, 15 |
| Pensacola | TBD | 1 |
| Tallahassee | September 2 | 2 |
| Gainesville | September 3 | 3,4,13 |
| Miami | September 14 | 9,10,11 |
| Ft. Myers | September 21 | 8 |
| Tampa | September 22 | SC, 14 |
Details about specific locations and times are being developed. In the weeks to come, visit http://apd.myflorida.com/ibudget/meetings-and-schedules.htm to get the latest information, and contact your area office for more details or if you need accommodations to attend.
Youth Leadership Forum Celebrates 10 Years
On July 24, dozens of young people with disabilities helped the Able Trust celebrate its 10th anniversary of hosting the Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) during its Mentors and Recognition Luncheon in Tallahassee. YLF is a four-day gathering of about 50 students with disabilities from all over the state who come to Tallahassee to learn about government, etiquette, and reaching for goals in life. At the luncheon at the University Center Club, the students are matched with an adult who is in the profession the student is interested in pursuing. Many of the adults also have disabilities.
During the celebration, the Able Trust recognized several individuals and organizations that have helped make YLF a success. Able Trust CEO Sue Homant also recognized Agency for Persons with Disabilities employee J.R. Harding for his outstanding fundraising to benefit Able Trust programs such as Disability Mentoring Day.
At the end of the event, two Florida State University football players posed with attendees for photographs. FSU Linebacker Dakoda Watson and Defensive Back Ochuko Jenije seemed to enjoy the interaction with the event attendees.
Tallahassee Man is Valued Team Member
By Jeff SaulichRobert Wimberly is a team player who impresses the boss with his job performance. The Tallahassee man has been employed in a local Target store for more than three years. He is diagnosed with a developmental disability and receives services such as supported employment from Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD).
Wimberly helps the store's shoe specialists in putting new shoes out for display, moving stock to sell as clearance merchandise, and making sure the shoes look good.
In Wimberly's words, "I straighten it up and try to keep it neat and nice."
His supervisor, Executive Team Leader Ashley Meiners, is impressed with Wimberly's positive attitude and professionalism.
"He's early every single day, at least an hour early," said Meiners. "Robert is always asking guests if they can find something. He even helps to plan the break and lunch times for everyone on his team. He's just a great team player."
Wimberly says it's easy to be motivated to do a good job when you're considered to be part of a family.
"They just like me," Wimberly said. "We're one big happy family, and that's what I love about Target. I'm the most popular person. Everyone knows who I am!"
"Robert is always making new friends at work," said Meiners. "He's very outgoing."
Meiners can see how Wimberly's employment benefits her department, store, and community. She recommends that other employers think seriously about hiring people with disabilities.
"If you ask them to do something, you only have to ask once," Meiners said. "They always get the job done."
Share Your Events
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) has a new feature on its Web site. Events may now be posted for sharing with others by utilizing the APD Statewide Calendar.
The application works like any other calendar; it displays 365 days of news, events, and information.
The calendar is located on the main page of the APD Internet (http://apd.myflorida.com/) and can be accessed by anyone.
In order to request an addition to the calendar there is a link just above the current month grid. You may visit this address directly to submit items: http://apd.myflorida.com/intranet/calendar-submissions.htm
After your request is submitted, the APD Web Team will then seek approval from the Communications Office for content and relevance.
Around the State
Orlando Office Has New Administrator
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) has a new administrator in its Area 7 office in Orlando. APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine selected Merari Perez for the position. Perez will be responsible for providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities in Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties which make up APD's Area 7.
DeBeaugrine said, "Merari Perez has a wealth of experience serving citizens with developmental disabilities in this area of the state. Out of a strong pool of candidates, she stood out as the best person to lead this APD area office due to her strong organizational and problem-solving abilities. Her leadership will benefit the agency in the future."
Prior to this appointment, Perez worked as the program operations administrator for the Area 7 office. She has a master's degree in human resource management, a bachelor's degree in social work, and 11 years of experience in working with people with developmental disabilities.
"I am very excited and honored to be appointed Area Administrator for Area 7," Perez said. "In the past five years as the program operations administrator, I have had the privilege of working with providers and community leaders to meet the challenges and goals for the individuals we serve. I am looking forward to the future and plan to build on the working relationships with the agency's community partners."
APD Holds Tier Rule Workshops
Turnout was strong and good input was received when APD held three workshops across the state last month. The purpose of the workshops was to clarify and simplify the existing language in the Medicaid waiver tier rules. Workshops were held on July 9 in Tallahassee, July 16 in Miami, and July 24 in Tampa.
APD customers and stakeholders attended the Tallahassee workshop at the agency's Central Office. Chief of Staff Tamara Demko was the moderator. Deputy Legislative Affairs Director Mike Dunn gave a presentation on the rule language, while Senior Attorney Cathy Bedell and Program Administrator Lorena Fulcher answered questions as panelists.
Then the trio of Dunn, Bedell, and Fulcher took to the road for the other two workshops. At least 28 community members attended the Miami workshop at the Area 11 office. Area Administrator Evelyn Alvarez moderated the proceedings. The turnout included providers, waiver support coordinators, and families.
The final workshop was at APD's Suncoast Area office in Tampa. Area Administrator Carl Littlefield served as the moderator for another very productive session. About 45 members of the public attended, and 25 of them registered to speak.
"Customers, stakeholders, and community partners participated in the meeting and provided valuable feedback," said Suncoast's Glorie Singleton.
The workshops will be followed by several hearings before changes to the rules are adopted. If you are not able to attend a workshop or hearing, you may send written comments to: Mike Dunn, APD Legislative Affairs, APD, 4030 Esplanade Way, Suite 380, Tallahassee, FL 32399. The deadline for the written comments won't be set until after the hearings are scheduled.
Commission Issues Report
Governor Charlie Crist accepted the 2009 recommendations of the Governor's Commission on Disabilities in honor of the 19th anniversary of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26. The commission's 2009 Report is the result of two years of information gathering and public meetings held in Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and Tallahassee.
Established by Governor Crist in July 2007, the commission represents all Floridians with disabilities, including persons with developmental disabilities, mental illness, brain and spinal cord injuries, and visual and hearing impairments, as well as senior citizens and veterans with disabilities. It is charged with making recommendations to advance public policy for Floridians with disabilities. APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine represents the agency on the 21-member board.
"I applaud the commissioners for their commitment to evaluating the needs of Floridians with disabilities and exploring ways we can remove barriers to independence," Governor Crist said. "The commission's willingness to incorporate suggestions from Floridians will help us improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities, their families and our communities."
This year the commission presented 18 recommendations that build on last year's 49 recommendations. As directed by the Governor in 2008, the commission expanded its scope to include health care, focusing on exploring methods of early detection and intervention of all disabling conditions. The commission also continued its focus on employment, education, independent living, transportation and civil rights for persons with disabilities, acknowledging that some of the recommendations are far-reaching and will require legislation and time to implement.
"Governor Crist has strived to make Florida a national leader in improving the rights and participation in community life for persons with disabilities," said Lance Block, chairman of the commission. "The recommendations in our report will help the Governor further open doors to independence for all Floridians."
During the past year, the commission worked to develop the Florida College Transition Program, a structured college transition program that offers a solution to the underemployment of Floridians with disabilities by providing individualized transition services to high school students between the ages of 14 and 22. It is also seeking to incorporate onto state driver licenses and identification cards proof of eligibility for ADA/transportation-disadvantaged services by working with the Florida Public Transportation Association and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
The commission's new recommendations include amending the state building codes to provide for accessibility during initial construction; developing training for first responders, public safety personnel, and health care professionals regarding appropriate interactions with persons with disabilities; identifying barriers that prevent senior adults and persons with disabilities from living in home and community settings rather than nursing homes; and working to increase access to dental services for at-risk populations, including persons with disabilities.
In addition, the commission announced progress in implementing its 2008 recommendations, including more American Sign Language (ASL) classes in public schools; developing a state-of-the-art Web site as a clearinghouse of disability information; encouraging employer participation in Business Leadership Networks; partnering with local law enforcement agencies for statewide expansion of the "Take Me Home" program—an interactive, searchable database to assist in the identification and timely return of persons with disabilities and the elderly who wander away from their caregivers during times of emergency or disaster; and contracting with the University of South Florida to study the need for a consumer-directed transportation voucher program.
Visit http://dms.myflorida.com/other_programs/governor_s_commission_on_disabilities for more information on the Governor's Commission on Disabilities or to access the full 2009 Report.
Governor Appoints 14 to FRC
Governor Charlie Crist recently announced appointments to the Florida Rehabilitation Council (FRC). The FRC advises the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation within the Department of Education.
Those appointed with terms ending June 30 2010 are:
- Tara Bremer of Holiday, director of programs with Family Network on Disabilities of Florida Inc., succeeding Janis Ann La Belle.
- Rebecca Forsell of Tampa, founder and executive director of YES! of America United Inc., succeeding Andrew Houghton.
- Eric Kennedy of Margate, director of construction management program with Everglades University, succeeding Cecil Kidd.
- Valerie Stafford-Mallis of Bradenton, education/training programs coordinator with Florida Coordinating Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, succeeding Margarita Garcia.
Those appointed with terms ending June 30 2011 are:
- Jeffrey Barrett of Hollywood, self-employed rehabilitation consultant.
- Suzanne Hutcheson of Stuart, president of Helping People Succeed Inc.
- Barbara Cain of Tallahassee, director of the Clearinghouse on Disability Information Social Services, succeeding Karen Brocklehurst.
- Cheryl Stone of Orlando, retired, succeeding Yolanda Herrera.
- Kara Tucker of Neptune Beach, counselor, Disability Resource Center at the University of North Florida, succeeding Mavis Smith.
Those appointed with terms ending June 30 2012 are:
- Hugh Corwin Jr. of Riverview, coordinator of employment services with MacDonald Training Center Inc.
- Darlene Maynard of Pace, program director of Panhandle High School.
- Debra Thompson of Pensacola, homemaker.
- Don Chester of West Palm Beach, assistant administrator with St. Mary's Medical Center, succeeding Mark Roesser.
- Camille Washington of Sunrise, attorney with the Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities Inc., succeeding Cory Hinds.
US Signs UN Convention on Disabilities
The United States signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on July 30, joining 141 other nations. The document is the first new UN human rights convention of the 21st century.
"The signing of the UN convention sends an important message that this country is committed to equal rights for people with disabilities, in the United States and around the world," said U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius.
The federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is also working to carry out President Obama's Year of Community Living initiative. In doing so, it has established an HHS Coordinating Council, led by the Office on Disability.
The Administration on Aging, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Office for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Health Resources and Services Administration, Administration for Children and Families, and the Office of Public Health and Science have joined the coordinating council.
"I am pleased that we have assembled such considerable expertise to ensure that living independently with a disability is a real choice," Sebelius said. "We look forward to advancing dignity, autonomy, full inclusion, and equality of opportunity for Americans and for people with disabilities around the world."
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