Message from the Director
A New Year, A New Day for APD
By Jim DeBeaugrine, Director
As we all welcome 2009, I would like to encourage everyone to work toward positive outcomes in the New Year. The Legislature is back in Tallahassee in a special session this month to deal with the projected $2 billion deficit in the state budget for this fiscal year. Next year also looks bleak financially. It is more important than ever that we avoid divisiveness and put forth a unified front within our disability community.
Try to put yourself in a lawmaker’s shoes for a moment. With a special session nearing, you are hearing from a wide variety of your constituents. All have worthy, compelling, even heartbreaking stories.
How would you go about the difficult and painful process of establishing priorities among them? Would you tend to favor causes in which advocates present a unified message demonstrating a clear public benefit? What about programs where stakeholders point fingers and are unable to articulate a clear vision for the future? Where would you choose to invest?
We need to convince policymakers that supporting our mission is a good investment. Fortunately, the facts are on our side. As I reported in last month’s column, data shows that we have done better than most states in steering the public’s investment toward more cost-effective services that produce superior outcomes. This makes for a powerful message if supplemented by real-life examples of the success stories that have resulted.
We cannot, however, ignore the need for change. This is where we must develop and articulate a realistic vision for the future. How we approach this challenge will make all the difference. We will either demonstrate the ability to come together and develop thoughtful solutions or allow others to shape our future for us.
Fortunately, I think we are stepping up and taking charge. I would like to commend the stakeholders from all segments of our community who have engaged in recent planning efforts facilitated by the Developmental Disabilities Council. The group is primarily focused on individual budgets right now, but I welcome any and all ideas.
Despite the challenges, our community is demonstrating a renewed commitment to unity. As we enter the New Year, my appeal to you is that we continue to come together and increase collaboration with one another. With continued positive interactions, we will move forward together in 2009.
Clicking on most photos will open a larger version.
Legislative Committees Begin
APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine made several presentations to legislative committees in December. His first presentation was to the Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs, chaired by Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Brandon.
Several committee members made positive comments, saying they were pleased with DeBeaugrine's leadership and felt that the agency was in good hands.
Tallahassee Holiday Celebration
Who is that man in the red Santa hat? It's APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine, who served as jolly old St. Nick during the holiday party at Pyramid Studios in Tallahassee. About 50 attendees of the Pyramid Adult Day Training program enjoyed receiving gifts handed out by DeBeaugrine. The APD director received many handshakes and a few kisses for the presents that were purchased by Pyramid Studios.
The attendees enjoyed their festive celebration, complete with holiday decorations and a Christmas feast. Two employees of APD's Central Office participated in the party—Abby Garton and Matt LaFollette.
Promotion for Stodard
On December 2, APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine announced that Rhonda Stodard had accepted his offer to become the permanent Deputy Director of Budget and Planning.
"She has clearly proven herself in her role as acting deputy director," said DeBeaugrine. "Her experience, knowledge, maturity, and dedication to this agency and the people we serve will be invaluable as we face the challenges ahead of us."
A Vote of Confidence
By Melanie Mowry EttersAfter 20 years of working in the Bay County Property Appraiser's Office, Dan Sowell will soon be running the show. On January 6, 2009, Sowell officially took office as the Bay County Property Appraiser after winning the post in the September primary.
"I am excited about it," says Sowell, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair for mobility.
Sowell spent the past year campaigning for the public office. He says, "I did all the things one does when running for office: TV and radio spots, participating in forums and rallies, and meeting voters. It was very busy the last nine months."
Sowell's current title is Assistant Chief Deputy. His duties include working with the appraisers in the office in establishing the assessed value of land in Bay County. His other responsibilities include responding to questions about laws related to property issues and providing customer service to Bay County citizens.
- Dan Sowell
The current Bay County Property Appraiser, Zane Spitzer, who did not run for election, says Sowell is a super employee.
"Dan is a wonderful person," Spitzer says. "He is capable, articulate; he can get anything done in a minimal amount of time. Dan is amazing, just a delight to work with."
For more than 10 years, APD provided Sowell with a personal care assistant to help him get ready for work each morning.
"Having that assistance provided me with an ironic sense of independence. Knowing someone was going to be there each morning to assist me made me feel more in control of my life," says Sowell.
Sowell got married in 2001 so no longer needs outside assistance in getting ready for work. Four years ago, APD installed an electronic door opener in Sowell's home which he says, "…is really, really nice to have to get in and out of the house easily."
Sowell graduated from Gulf Coast Community College and Florida State University, both with campuses in Panama City. He also is a licensed real estate broker. Sowell encourages people to pursue their education. He says there are opportunities out there but you need the right knowledge to be able to take advantage of them, like he has done. He says his faith has also helped him achieve success.
Around the State
Area 3 Launches Holiday Drive
Employees of APD's Area 3 office in Gainesville got into the spirit of the holiday season this year. Area Administrator Jim Smith and Administrative Assistant Sandra Cooper collaborated on a new idea for the office's annual holiday dinner. They invited employees to donate either canned goods or unwrapped holiday gifts and bring them to the office.
Cooper was in charge of the organization of all donations. She placed them into festively wrapped gift boxes that she created for the occasion. All of the donated items were given to the local United Way office in Gainesville for delivery during the holiday season. The Area 3 office received an overwhelming response from its employees. Thanks go out to all the office's employees for showing that, even in these difficult times, the spirit of peace and goodwill toward others still lives in our hearts!
Suncoast Area Has Toy Drive
Employees of APD's Suncoast Area Office in Tampa generously donated more than 60 brand new, unwrapped toys to brighten the holiday season for children with disabilities in foster care and children waiting for adoption.
The donated baby dolls, race cars, board games, craft sets, tea sets and many other toys were presented to Hillsborough Kids, Inc., and the Eckerd Foundation of Pinellas County. Both organizations were grateful for the gifts and expressed their appreciation to Suncoast employees for their generosity and spirit of goodwill during the holiday season.
Tally Employees Donate to Food Drive
Employees of APD's Central Office in Tallahassee brought food to the table in more ways than one. When they held their annual holiday luncheon on December 9, they brought not only covered dishes but donations of nonperishable food to be distributed by the Second Harvest food bank. They also donated leftovers from the luncheon to a local homeless shelter.
"We have received a letter from Second Harvest of the Big Bend, thanking us for our donation of 119 pounds of food valued at $177.31," said Rene' Johnson, one of the drive's organizers. "Thanks to all for your participation and ongoing support of the community throughout the year."
Johnson urged Tallahassee employees to start early for next year's drive and try for at least 250 pounds of food in 2009.
"Watch those buy one/get one sales on canned goods and put them aside, and bring them in for next year's drive!" Johnson said.
Governor Crist Launches Cover Florida
Governor Charlie Crist launched the new Cover Florida health care access program on December 10 by witnessing the signing of contracts between six health insurance providers and Secretary Holly Benson of the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and Commissioner Kevin McCarty of the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR). The new health insurance plans will make affordable, quality health insurance coverage and access to health care available to Florida's 3.8 million uninsured applicants age 19 to 64, with four of the six carriers insuring children of applicants.
"Many families and small business owners have worried about the possibility of costly medical bills, waiting for years for health insurance they can afford to buy," Governor Crist said. "Their waiting will be over. Affordable access to health care will be a reality for Florida's hard-working families and businesses."
The Cover Florida plan was unanimously approved by the 2008 Legislature. No tax dollars are required to make the plans available to Floridians. The six carriers have designed 25 creative health insurance products, and each insurer offers at least two benefit options—one with catastrophic and hospital coverage, and one focusing on preventive care. Each plan has a set of comprehensive benefit options that include coverage for preventive services, screenings, and office visits, as well as office surgery, urgent care, hospital coverage, emergency care, prescription drugs, durable medical equipment, and diabetic supplies.
The six private insurance carriers were chosen through a competitive bidding process. Cover Florida plans contain no mandates for participation and are portable from one employer to another because they are individual policies. The plans are voluntary for both employers and policyholders. Employers also may voluntarily share in the cost of the plan with their employees or may assist employees with a payroll deduction, providing a pre-tax benefit for the employee and a payroll tax break for the employer.
"Throughout the negotiation process, every effort was made to ensure that uninsured Floridians would get the greatest access to medical care for the best price," Commissioner McCarty said. "One great feature of the plans is that no one can be turned away by a Cover Florida plan because of a pre-existing medical condition."
"The 25 Cover Florida plans will provide Floridians with flexibility and choices regarding their health care," Secretary Benson said. "Like any good health insurance, they will help people take control of their health care by allowing them to choose primary and preventive care over costly visits to emergency rooms."
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and United Healthcare will offer plans in all 67 Florida counties. In addition, four counties will have further options. Florida Health Care Plans will be available in Flagler and Volusia counties. Medica Health Plan of Florida and Total Health Choice will be available in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. JMH Health Plan will also serve Miami-Dade County.
For more information about Cover Florida, visit its Web site: www.CoverFloridaHealthCare.com
Adjusting Cost Plans to Happen in January
Medicaid waiver recipients receiving services through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities will have their cost plans adjusted to reflect their actual spending on services during the prior year. This requirement will take effect on January 15, 2009. In the 2008 session, the Legislature approved an adjustment to individual cost plans to reflect actual dollars spent plus 5 percent or the person's current cost plan, whichever is less.
Many times an APD customer's cost plan is approved for more services than are actually used. The Legislature voted to eliminate the unused services from cost plans as a method to control future spending.
The law—Chapter 393.0661(6) Florida Statutes (2008)—defines how the process will work and who will or will not be affected.
The agency has reviewed the plans of the 31,000 waiver recipients. About 6,556 customers will have their cost plans adjusted to eliminate unused services. Notices have been mailed to APD customers making them aware of this legislative requirement. The customers adversely affected will have the option to request a fair hearing if they choose.
Arnold Appointed to FILC
APD Chief of Community Development Denise Arnold has been appointed to the Florida Independent Living Council (FILC). Arnold, of Tallahassee, succeeds Donald Dawkins on the 15–member board, and is one of five appointees that Governor Charlie Crist announced on December 17.
Also appointed to the council are Shelly Gottsagen of Boynton Beach, development and community relations manager of the Center for Independent Living of South Florida, succeeding William Gordon; Jesus Garcia of North Miami Beach, network administrator at Logisticare, Inc., succeeding John J. Oatley; John Douglas of Lake City, volunteer service officer at the Military Order of the Purple Heart Veterans Service Office, succeeding Nancy Wilbur; and John Davis of Perry, youth advisor for the Florida Youth Council, succeeding Ashley Skellenger.
The terms of all five appointees began on December 17. Douglas' term ends on June 30, 2010. Terms of the other appointees end on June 30, 2011.
FILC is a statewide council established by federal mandate and Florida statute, whose purpose is to promote independent living opportunities for persons with disabilities throughout the state. Its focus is on a direct service philosophy that is consumer controlled and directed. In compliance with state law, a majority of the council's voting members are persons with disabilities. Additional representatives are from Centers for Independent Living, advocacy groups, other consumer and independent living organizations, and various state agencies.
For more information about the council, visit its Web site: www.flailc.org
Marino Appointed to SAC
Governor Charlie Crist has appointed Charles Marino to the Florida Statewide Advocacy Council (SAC). Marino, of Lutz, will represent Hillsborough County on the council, succeeding Neil Spector, for a term that began on December 15 and will end on November 1, 2010.
The SAC and its network of Local Advisory Councils (LACs) serve to protect people that receive services from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Children and Families, Agency for Health Care Administration, and the Department of Elder Affairs. If a complaint cannot be resolved at the LAC level, the SAC serves as the appellate body to hear the appeal. Depending on the outcome, the SAC may refer the case to the governor or the appropriate agency head for action.
For more information about the SAC and LAC system, visit: http://www.floridasac.org
Gainesville Office Honors Review Committee
The Area 3 APD office in Gainesville recognized the dedicated work of some of the area's Behavior Services providers during December. The Area 3 Local Review Committee (LRC) was recognized for its hard work and exemplary service during the year. There are a total of 10 members on the committee. Members received certificates from the LRC chair, Elaine Hutchison, Ph.D., and Behavior Specialist Donna Carle, as part of a special ceremony during the LRC meeting on December 17.
The Area 3 LRC members attend a full day of meetings and reviews once a month on a volunteer basis. The committee members must take time from their busy schedules to complete LRC-related tasks during the month as well. These tasks include supervision of behavior analysts with less experience as recommended by the LRC chair, on–site monitoring of behavior programs as recommended by the chair, completion of emergency behavior assessments requested by the Area 3 office, and reviewing written behavior programs and behavior assessments presented by providers at the monthly LRC meeting. Their written reviews are documented on a detailed checklist submitted to the LRC chair to serve as recommendations for approval or needed revisions of behavior service plans.
The Area 3 APD office greatly appreciates the hard work of these dedicated professionals!
Prepaid College Deadline Approaches
If you've been thinking about starting a Florida Prepaid College Plan for your child or grandchild, think fast. The deadline to enroll at current prices is January 31, 2009.
The program provides a way to pay for college ahead of time at today's tuition rates. However, Florida tuition rates are likely to increase in the near future. That's why the January 31 deadline is so important.
Purchasing a four-year university tuition prepaid plan for a newborn who will enroll in college in 2027 can save a family up to $25,000. Prices start at a little more than $3 a day for the four-year university tuition plan for newborns. Plans can be used at Florida's public universities and community colleges, or their value may be transferred to out-of-state and private colleges.
"It was a great priority for my husband and me to ensure our children would have the opportunity to attend universities," said Christine Acosta of Miami, who has prepaid college plans for her four sons.
You can get more information and even enroll online at the Florida Prepaid College Plan's Web Site: www.myfloridaprepaid.com. Or call 1-800-552-GRAD (4723) to order an enrollment kit in English or Spanish.
APD Featured in CMS Report
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have released a report on the efforts of Real Choice Systems Change (RCSC) grantees in the area of Quality Assurance and Improvement (QA/QI). Out of the 28 states with QA/QI grants, Florida was among nine states that were selected for detailed analyses in the report. The other eight states were Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Texas, and West Virginia. These states used their grants to improve QA/QI systems for individuals of all ages with various disabilities.
The purpose of the report is to analyze the efforts of states that are trying to develop and improve QA/QI systems by describing how selected RCSC grantees from 2003 and 2004 went through this process. The initiatives examined fall into six categories: administrative technology and information technology, standards for services, discovery, remediation, workforce, and public information.
In its coverage of Florida, the report chronicles APD's appointment of Area Quality Leaders in each of the agency's 14 area offices to improve the quality of provider services. It also mentions the operating procedures that APD established to define quality management functions, roles, and activities.
The entire report is available at:
http://www.hcbs.org/files/146/7290/QA-QI_grantee_report.pdf
Champion Staff
Melanie Mowry Etters - Editor
Jeff Saulich - Photo Editor
Lloyd Harger - Web Development