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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 28, 2013
  CONTACT: Melanie Mowry Etters
Communication Director
850-414-7551

Second Workshop on APD Waiting List

TALLAHASSEE—The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) will host another waiting list prioritization workshop on March 4 in Tallahassee to discuss individuals who are waiting to receive Home and Community-Based Services through the APD Medicaid waiver. The workshop will be held in the new Department of Revenue Southwood complex at 2450 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Building 1, Room 1820, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend. Free parking is available.

The participants will review the recommendations from an earlier workshop held February 18. APD Director Barbara Palmer hopes to end the meeting with consensus from participants that will be used to develop a plan for bringing those most in need of APD services off the waiting list and onto the APD waiver.

For the first time in eight years, Governor Rick Scott is recommending $36 million to serve people on the APD waiver waiting list as part of his Florida Families First budget. If the funding is approved by the Legislature, the agency wants to be able to enroll the new individuals on July 1 when the funding becomes available.

Those who are unable to attend may send their thoughts and suggestions on the waiting list to Deputy Director of Programs Denise Arnold, 4030 Esplanade Way, Suite 380, Tallahassee, FL 32399.

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities. The agency annually serves more than 50,000 Floridians with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1-866-APD-CARES (1-866-273-2273).