APD > Media Advisory

APD to hold Community Meetings

Tallahassee - The Agency for Persons with Disabilities will be holding a series of meetings around the state to discuss new initiatives affecting APD customers. APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine will host the meetings and be available to talk with those interested in the new programs.

The topics to be highlighted during the afternoon sessions include the concept of individualized budgeting (iBudget Florida), Consumer-Directed Care Plus (CDC+) expansion, and the introduction of a flexible benefit, as well as updates on ongoing agency initiatives.

A 1 p.m. session will include additional details relevant to waiver support coordinators and providers, while a 3 p.m. session will highlight future agency programs of special interest to consumers and families. Public input is welcome during these meetings. Interested individuals may attend any or all of the meetings. The planned schedule is as follows:

• August 25—Northland Church, 530 Dog Track Road, Longwood
• 1 p.m.-Provider Forum, 3 p.m.-Customer Forum
• Sept. 2—Tallahassee Community College, 444 Appleyard Dr., Workforce Development Building, Grand Banquet Hall, Tallahassee
• 1 p.m.-Provider Forum, 3 p.m.- Customer Forum
• Sept. 3—Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83rd St., Rm. R01, Gainesville
• 1 p.m.-Provider Forum, 3 p.m.- Customer Forum
• Sept. 14—Marian Center School, 15701 NW 37th Ave., Auditorium, Miami Gardens
• 1 p.m.-Provider Forum, 3 p.m.- Customer Forum
• Sept. 21—Gulf Coast Center, 5820 Buckingham Road, Chapel, Ft. Myers
• 1 p.m.-Provider Forum, 3 p.m.- Customer Forum
• Sept. 22—University Area Community Development Corp.,14013 N. 22nd Street, Tampa
• 1 p.m.-Provider Forum, 3 p.m.- Customer Forum
• Sept. 29—Charity Chapel, 5820 Montgomery Avenue, Pensacola
• 2 p.m.-Provider Forum, 4 p.m.- Customer Forum

Previously planned wait list rule workshops have been postponed. The agency wants to further develop its policy options before having workshops and therefore would be able to provide answers to questions from customers, families, and advocates at the rule workshops.

If you are unable to attend a workshop, you may send written comments to:

The agency annually serves about 35,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities of mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information on the agency, call 1-866-APD-CARES or visit www.APDCares.org.