Setting the Course for APD
I am happy and excited to be the new director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. I look forward to continuing to offer needed services to Floridians with developmental disabilities. That is the agency's number one priority—protecting the health and safety of the people we serve.
The biggest challenge before the agency is keeping Medicaid waiver expenditures within the legislative appropriation this fiscal year. I have a great team here to help me tackle this issue. I also plan to reach out to all stakeholders, especially customers, to find solutions.
The agency must continue to move ahead. A boater's analogy to new leadership is that APD will continue to move forward, however the rudder may take us in a slightly different direction. We need to embrace and accept change.
APD is here to help Floridians with developmental disabilities be a part of their communities. The agency is part of the equation, but community resources and, most importantly, families, are critical to ensure an individual is fully active in their neighborhood.
I want to ensure APD is providing the tools needed to help someone achieve all their goals like holding a job and living in a comfortable home. As a runner, I want to encourage our customers to do some type of exercise each day. I hope to get involved in Special Olympics. I think it is good for everyone to compete against themselves. It is rewarding and healthy at the same time.
I hope to develop better relationships with the business community and more opportunities for employment for our customers. I want to know that the agency is doing the right things to help prepare people to go to work.
My plans include restructuring the agency. I want to move decision making to the local level where employees know best how to meet people's needs. I will hold the area offices accountable for their performance. The area offices must live within their budgets while also protecting the health and safety of customers. The agency will be transparent in its activities.
The toughest challenge for the agency is determining how to help people waiting to enroll in the Medicaid waiver. There is no easy solution. APD will continue to assist people on the waiting list with some services, like transportation and supplies, during this fiscal year. Down the road once the agency has balanced its budget and expenditures, I am hopeful we can offer waiver services to some individuals on the waiting list.
I look forward to working with customers, providers, employees, and stakeholders to address the many challenges facing the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Working together, we will be able to meet these challenges successfully.
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AHCA Holds iBudget Rule Workshop
The Agency for Health Care Administration held a public workshop in Tallahassee concerning a draft of the proposed iBudget Florida Coverage and Limitations Handbook. Several representatives of stakeholder groups provided input at the August 9 session.
Debra Linton, executive director of the Arc of Florida, said that, during the process of drafting the rules, the main question should be, "How does this improve quality of life?"
Linton and other stakeholders provided written comments in addition to their oral presentations. Other presenters included Patty Houghland of Family Care Council Florida; Suzanne Sewell, president of the Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (FARF); and Janice Phillips, representing waiver support coordinators.
Additional iBudget Workshops Scheduled
The Agency for Health Care Administration has scheduled two public workshops on iBudget Florida. The purpose of the workshops is to hear questions and concerns about the new waiver program. The meetings will be held on Monday, September 26, from noon to 4 p.m. and again on Tuesday, September 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. The location of the meetings will be at AHCA Headquarters, 2727 Mahan Drive, Building 3, Conference Room A, Tallahassee, Florida 32308.
A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Susan DeBeaugrine, Medicaid Services, 2727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop 20, Tallahassee, FL 32308-5407, telephone: (850) 412-4261, e-mail: susan.debeaugrine@ahca.myflorida.com.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 48 hours before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Susan Debeaugrine, Bureau of Medicaid Services at (850) 412-4261. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800) 955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800) 955-8770 (Voice).
More Waiver Savings
The One Team, One Goal initiative is bringing in more savings to APD's Medicaid waiver. The latest voluntary waiver savings from nine people in Area 12 totaled $62,296.91. Saving generated from 34 waiver support coordinators and agencies working with customers in Area 11 totaled $1,179,089.75. APD has reduced its waiver obligations below $1 billion which is moving in the right direction. The agency needs to close the gap between approved service authorizations and $810 million which is the amount the Legislature approved for waiver services this year. APD encourages customers, families, providers, and waiver support coordinators to continue to look for waiver savings so that the program may continue into the future.
APD Claims PR Award
The Communications Office for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities won a statewide award during the Florida Public Relations Association’s Golden Image Awards ceremony on August 9 in Naples.
APD Communications Director Melanie Mowry Etters, APR, CPRC, accepted the awards on behalf of the agency.
The winning entry was for the agency's Americans with Disabilities 20th Anniversary event promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities. It earned a Judges Award which is for an outstanding public relations project while spending limited resources.
Additionally, Mowry Etters was installed as the 2011-12 President of the Florida Public Relations Association, which is a statewide association consisting of more than 1,000 PR practitioners.
Area 2 Davis Winners Honored
By Lynne DawAPD's Area 2 office in Tallahassee presented Prudential-Davis Productivity Awards to six employees during a luncheon on August 9. The employees were nominated due to their efforts in developing an extensive Medicaid waiver provider list, which includes the names, contact information, provider numbers, and the services for which each provider is enrolled. Compiling this list required a review of all provider files in the area and contacts with all providers to confirm the information.
This resource list is shared monthly with APD area staff and waiver support coordinators as well as the Delmarva Foundation and the Office of the Attorney General. Each entity has found this resource invaluable in reviewing provider resources in one centralized location while awaiting the implementation of the APD's new Customer Central Record (CCR)/iBudget Florida provider database.
Awards were presented to Nikki Bryan, Area 2 provider enrollment specialist; Nilda Barreto, area quality leader; Terri Green, provider enrollment liaison; Kristin Brandon, quality assurance; Cydeon Trueblood, quality assurance; and Marnie Millender, residential planning coordinator and quality assurance.
Congratulations to these very deserving award winners!
Sunland Employees Earn Davis Awards
Some deserving employees of Sunland Center in Marianna were presented with Prudential-Davis Productivity Awards during a maintenance staff meeting on July 21. A delicious cake put the finishing touch on the celebration.
Interim Superintendent Sandy Koon presented Jon Creamer with two framed certificates for his roles in the Gulf Coast Closure Team and the Hawkins Park Restoration Team. Several other Sunland staff members also were recognized. They included Scott Charles, Jake Sexton, Clayton Mitchell, Michael Padgett, Sean Byrd, Stephen King, and Joni Laramore.
Around the State
Grants Help People Find Jobs
By Cindy DrewFunding may be tight, but that hasn't stopped Building Block Ministries in Clermont from finding creative ways to help customers get job skills and employment. Through a series of three grants, Paula Whetro, the agency's owner, has accessed a total of $68,500 to help consumers improve their chances of becoming successfully employed.
Building Blocks Ministries was awarded a $30,000 grant which, in part, provided a new computer lab. Eight new computers will enable individuals to search for jobs, write resumes, and improve technical skills. Twelve computers were obtained for staff.
The grant, which began on January 1 and closes on September 30, is also used to increase collaborations with employers. The grant came from the University of Central Florida, Center for Public and Nonprofit Management, through the Strengthening Communities Fund and was part of the federal stimulus funds. The grant provides technical assistance and training to develop strategies and financial management plans that lead to individuals becoming employed in the community.
A second grant for $35,000 came from Funding Individual Spiritual Health (FISH) Foundation, a faith-based organization. It is being used at Building Blocks Ministries' Learning Center to develop a wide variety of courses on life and job skills. Topics include how to dress professionally, succeed in a job interview, write a resume, and search for jobs online. Other courses teach individuals how to prepare for a variety of positions, including computer skills, gardening, landscaping, and custodial and food service.
A third grant for $3,500 is from the Community Foundation of South Lake, a local foundation which supports nonprofit organizations. It will be used to provide scholarships to individuals on the waiting list so they can attend classes at Building Blocks Ministry.
Art Show Held in St. Pete
If you live in the Tampa Bay area, you're in for a treat! APD's Suncoast Area Office is sponsoring its Fourth Annual Arts and Crafts Show. What may not be obvious to the casual observer is that all of the beautiful works in the show were created by individuals with developmental disabilities.
The art show is on display at 1201 102nd Avenue North in St. Petersburg. If you see something you really like, it could be yours! All of the art works are available for purchase. The show began on September 1 and concludes on October 31. Admission is free.
Area 3 Pops In for Conference
On August 20, employees from APD's Area 3 office and members of the Area 3 Family Care Council spent their Saturday participating in a Family Networks on Disabilities/ Parents of the Panhandle Information Network (POPIN) regional conference. Parents of children with any disability were invited to the free event in Gainesville.
Participants enjoyed presentations by APD Area 3 Administrator Jim Smith and Area 3 Family Care Council Chair Shelly Voelker, along with others on topics such as the Early Learning Coalition, Child Advocacy Center, massage therapy for children and infants, the Family Network on Disabilities Family Star program, and a workshop on how to start a business. On-site child supervision was provided while parents attended seminars and visited the displays of many exhibitors, including APD Area 3, the Delmarva Foundation, and Noah's Endeavor Inclusive Recreation.
Ft Myers Visit
Agency for Persons with Disabilities Communications Director Melanie Mowry Etters visited the Area 8 office in Ft Myers on August 11. This was Mowry Etters first visit to the Ft. Myers office. The communications director met with Area Administrator Marsha Vollmar and employees Joan Lemaire, Linda Richardson, and Jim Vidrine discussing the agency newsletter and ways to highlight APD customers who are working. She was also introduced to all the Area 8 employees who were exceptionally warm and welcoming.
Workforce Florida
By Nancy BoutotWorkforce Florida held a two-day meeting on August 17 and 18 in Jacksonville. The meeting included a tour of JAXPORT, a new Board Governance Orientation, and a Board dinner on the 17th and a Board of Directors meeting on the 18th. I was asked to attend and represent APD.
The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) is an independent agency responsible for the development of public seaport facilities in Jacksonville. JAXPORT owns three cargo facilities, one passenger cruise terminal and an auto-ferry service. JAXPORT contributes significantly to the economic growth of Northeast Florida by fostering nearly 65,000 direct and indirect jobs.
At the New Board Governance Orientation, three new Councils were introduced; The Global Talent Competitiveness Council, the Finance and Administration Council, and the Performance and Accountability Council.
I was able to meet Governor Scott at the Workforce Florida Board dinner, where he welcomed me to email him regarding APD. I have since sent him an email requesting his presence at our Employment Expo on September 23.
Workforce Florida announced $2 million in training and job expansion grants to advance Florida's ports and the international trade sector
STEMflorida: (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) works to ensure Florida's leadership and proficiency in talent development by connecting business, industry, economic development, philanthropy, workforce and education around the issues that impact and support innovation and growth in Florida's existing and emerging industries.
Lastly, Both Doug Darling and Cynthia Lorenzo reported on the changes taking place at the Agency for Workforce Innovation. This includes combining several entities into one new department, which will be called the Department of Economic Opportunity.
Disabilities Expo Held in Miami
By Kirk RyonMore than 500 APD customers, family members, and waiver support coordinators attended Disabilities Expo 2011 at the Dade County Fairgrounds in South Miami-Dade. The July 30 exhibition was hosted by APD's Area 11 office and the Area 11 Family Care Council and sponsored by Aaron Nangle of WaiverProvider.com. Resources and resource development were the focus of this very successful event.
Attendees enjoyed a large and diverse vendor fair, plus informative presentations on resource development and empowering families. Presenters included APD Area 11 Administrator Evelyn Alvarez, Rosa Maria Barbara and Paul Bell of the Family Care Council, and Nangle. There was plenty of pizza for lunch and dancing with the DJ in the afternoon. All who attended had a memorable experience. The Area 11 Office appreciates Nangle's sponsorship of this wonderful event.
Farewell to APD-AmeriCorps
By Jacquelyn Ledbetter
Congratulations to APD-AmeriCorps for a job well done! The agency has not only accomplished but far exceeded the goals set for this federal grant program. This phenomenal accomplishment was materialized by a team of industrious staff at Central Office and the area offices and speaks to the creativity, perseverance, and hard work of the 54 APD-AmeriCorps members recruited statewide.
In less than one year, members successfully served more than 2,000 individuals on the waiting list for waiver services by providing respite care, skills training, job placement, recreational opportunities, volunteer and community activities, and employment. At the same time, members recruited more than 500 volunteers who contributed over 3,000 hours to assist the agency's efforts to serve waiting list individuals. The precise figures for the outcomes will be reported in the October issue of The Champion.
Thank you to our members, who will be truly missed! Although the program's year-long term has ended, the APD-AmeriCorps members' legacy will remain. They left the agency with countless new partnerships, volunteers, and relationships in communities all around the state, including collaborations with Family Care Councils and private and public partners in many communities. Not to mention the great rapport members built from working directly with individuals and families on the waiting list. The valued contributions of our APD-AmeriCorps members will have a lasting impact—always remembered and appreciated by those at APD.
Motivated to Succeed
By Melanie Mowry EttersAshley Alverson, 21, is dedicated to succeed in the workplace. Earlier this year, the young lady went through a job training program called Project SEARCH, hosted by Gulf Breeze Hospital. Alverson, who has a developmental disability, learned the job skills needed and was the first person from her class to be hired by the hospital. She works part-time five days a week as an environmental services worker.
Alverson's responsibilities include cleaning and disinfecting the public areas of the hospital. "I like my job because it makes me have a purpose and feel normal. I feel that I have a family here and everyone likes me. I like sweeping, mopping, and enjoy making things clean and fighting germs for the patients, visitors, and family members. I enjoy cleaning the stairwells. I like that I can talk about anything and my opinion matters here," says Alverson.
Supervisor Wilky Briette says, "Ashley is really into what she is doing. She is very dedicated to her job, and a joy to work with." Alverson recently requested more job responsibility, asking to train to clean patient rooms. Briette plans to let her job shadow another employee to see if it is something she likes and wants to do in the future. Alverson receives supported employment services from APD.
Alverson recently inspired her boss and many other hospital employees with the following e-mail message. “This is not a work place, this is a home. Our co-workers and patients are not co-workers and patients, they are our family. My supervisor is not my supervisor, he is my role model,” wrote Alverson.
Champion Staff
Melanie Mowry Etters - Editor
Jeff Saulich - Writer and Photo Editor
Lloyd Harger - Web Development