Welcome to The Champion
By Jane Johnson
This is the first edition of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities newsletter, The Champion. This newsletter will help us keep stakeholders and employees informed of the many agency activities occurring throughout the state. The name comes from APD's role as a champion for people with disabilities.
We hope you enjoy reading the newsletter. If you have suggestions or submissions for The Champion, please contact the APD Communications Office.
Clicking on most photos will open a larger version.
Governor and Lt. Governor Visit APD
Governor Charlie Crist and Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp stopped by the agency's headquarters on March 20 to meet employees and learn more about the agency. Director Jane Johnson greeted them at the front door and escorted them throughout the building.
Crist and Kottkamp walked into employees' offices and introduced themselves, and asked about what each individual does for the agency. The two men were extremely interested in the work of the agency and the contributions of the employees. Community Improvement Deputy Chief Terri McGarrity told them, "We love what we do." The Governor and Lt. Governor were impressed when told about the dedication of APD employees when it was decided to bring the Consumer Directed Care Plus program in-house, requiring extra hours at night and on weekends.
Florida's top executives spent some special time talking with APD employees Abby Garton and Matt LaFollette. Governor Crist gave each one his personal business card.
This was the first time a Governor and Lt. Governor made a joint visit to APD and took the time to talk individually with employees. The employees were extremely heartened by the visit.
Governor Announces Autism Task Force
The rising number of people being diagnosed with autism has caught the attention of Florida Governor Charlie Crist. On March 7, Governor Crist announced the formation of a task force to look at the issues surrounding autism. Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Jane Johnson will co-chair the task force, along with former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino.
Governor Crist said he knows many families affected by autism. He wants the task force to explore all aspects of the disability such as causes, treatments, insurance, and state services..
APD Director Johnson also spoke at the news conference, applauding the Governor for taking such a bold step to address this epidemic. Johnson's nephew had a mild form of autism so she knows firsthand how it impacts families.
The first meeting of the task force is April 2 and 3 in Tallahassee. The group will have a year to gather information on the issue and submit a report to the Governor. The report will include recommendations to help address issues related to autism.
APD participates in DD Day
Governor Charlie Crist designated March 18 as DD Day in Tallahassee. Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp read the resolution to the audience of about 100 people gathered at the Capitol to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day. APD Director Jane Johnson joined Lt. Governor Kottkamp at the podium. Kottkamp said that this administration is committed to assisting people with disabilities. He complimented Director Johnson for turning APD around and reducing its deficit in the developmental disabilities Medicaid waiver from $153 million to $ 9 million in less than 12 months. Kottkamp also praised her dedication to people with disabilities.
Director Johnson acknowledged that APD has made many changes to bring the waiver deficit down and that was difficult for all involved. Johnson said the discussion of the issues over the past months have led to greater awareness in the community of people with developmental disabilities.
Senator Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) and Representative Curtis Richardson (D-Tallahassee) attended the event. Senator Galvano also complimented APD for its good work. He encouraged the participants to make sure state lawmakers heard from them on a regular basis. Rep. Richardson told the crowd about a proposed bill to increase a license tag fee from $1.50 to $3 to go toward the Transportation Disadvantaged Trust Fund, and another bill to create Disability History weeks in early October, when schools would be required to teach students about disability issues.
Budget Update
The Florida Legislature is working on agency budgets. In the Senate budget, $1.05 billion is recommended for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. The House version has $1.13 billion for APD - a difference of roughly $80 million. The primary differences are the amount of an across-the-board reduction in both budgets and the House picking up $54 million to replace nonrecurring funding from this fiscal year (2007-08).
The most controversial reductions probably will be a 3 percent provider rate reduction in the House and a 5.5 percent reduction the Senate for $23 million and $43 million respectively. The agency is concerned about the impact this may have on service availability and quality, particularly at the Senate-recommended level.
Governor Charlie Crist is not recommending any cuts in services for the agency. His budget recommendation provides APD with $1.2 billion, which is a 1 percent increase from this fiscal year.
CDC+ Sees Big Changes
In March, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities took over as the fiscal intermediary for the Consumer Directed Care Plus program. CDC+ has had four private companies to serve in this role, and APD felt service to customers could be improved if taken over in-house. After many countless hours by APD employees, including at night and over the weekends, the first payroll flowed smoothly. CDC+ consumers are glowing about the responsive customer service.
-Lynne Lazar, Parent
Waiver Support Coordinator Amy Bokelmann of Caring Connection in South Florida wrote the following to CDC+ Administrator Sherry Jackson, "I have heard nothing but positive things said since APD has taken over as fiscal agent. Of all the fiscal agents we have had this has been the smoothest transition so far. I have 13 CDC consumers and so believe me when I tell you everyone, including myself, was dreading another change. However we were all wrong!! The transition has been amazing and all I hear is positive things said, and we are all very impressed with the job APD is doing. So thank you for all you are doing."
APD Director Jane Johnson received the following e-mail from parent Lynne Lazar, "As the representative for my daughter, I would like to compliment you on how well the CDC+ Program is being administered by APD. This is an excellent program and it is my hope that it will continue. Kudos to you and your exceptional staff for a truly seamless transition and for the care and compassion you show to the individuals you serve. I would like to give a special thanks to Wilma Lefler who has been my "go to person" for any questions and problems I had previously encountered. She is a very special person."
The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently approved Florida's application to move the CDC+ program to a permanent state plan Medicaid option under 1915(j) authority. The Agency for Health Care Administration, the lead agency for the CDC+ program, worked closely with APD in developing the application for the 1915(j) to ensure that the new, permanent program would be nearly identical to the current CDC+ program, which was authorized under 1115 Demonstration Waiver authority as a pilot program. One of the few major changes under the new program will be enhancement of quality assurance monitoring. The 1915(j) authorizes only the current number of participants.
2007-08 Graduating Class of Area Quality Leaders
By Ed RousseauThe Agency for Persons with Disabilities received a Real Choice Systems Change Grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2004 to establish Area Quality Leaders (AQL) in each area. Please join us in congratulating the 2007-08 class of AQLs. These 10 individuals have successfully completed the requirements established by the Council on Quality and Leadership to be certified as Area Quality Leaders through their Leadership Academy.
| 2007 Area Quality Leaders | AQL Mentors | |
|---|---|---|
| Patricia Williams - Area 1 | Steve Dunaway | |
| Gisela Fisher - Area 1 | Vernita Hughes | |
| Synester Rollins - Area 3 | Ed Rousseau | |
| Kerrie Wimberly - Area 4 | Bonnie Florom | |
| Sandra Mills - Area 12 | Deb Blizzard | |
| David Gillis - Area 10 | Terry Mothershed | |
| Todd Ryan - Area 8 | Sherndina Moreland | |
| Brad Graske - Area 15 | ||
| Heather Monteath - Area 14 | ||
| Ed Rousseau - Central Office |
A total of 34 individuals have been certified as AQLs since the CMS grant. Today, 25 of these staff remain active as AQLs. The goals and objectives of the AQL are to assist with organizational change by establishing capacity in each area to provide a more person-directed service delivery system. The intended result is increased achievement of outcomes for people. The AQLs work with providers, individuals with disabilities, and family members to overcome barriers to person-directed outcomes. They work in all aspects of our quality management system including fraud and recoupment, provider termination, and pre-service training, and they provide education, consultation, and assistance to providers, consumers, their families, and other local stakeholders related to self-determination and customer satisfaction.
APD is grateful to all those who participated in supporting this endeavor, and wants to acknowledge the support of our Area Administrators, especially in Areas 3, 4, and 10, for their commitment to the sustainability of the AQL certification training by offering their existing AQL staff to serve as mentors.
The Mission Statement of this "007"class:
"Uniting the community to empower people in achieving their dreams"
Commission on Disabilities
Governor Charlie Crist signed an executive order creating the Governor's Commission on Disabilities in July 2007. The Governor is looking to the commission to make a positive impact on behalf of citizens with disabilities of all kinds.
The commission is charged with ensuring equal access to education, employment, transportation, housing, and information regarding resources and services. The commission is a conduit to advance public policy, providing a forum for advocates to voice unified concerns and recommendations for improvements.
The Governor appointed APD Director Jane Johnson to represent the agency on the 21-member board. She has taken an active role by attending the commission's quarterly meetings and serving on its Independent Living Committee.
The commission will submit its report to the Governor on July 1.
Wanted: Real Life Disaster Story
The Florida Department of Health is putting together a videotape to increase disability awareness among healthcare professionals in Florida. They are asking for Case Managers, Social Workers, and others involved in assisting people with disabilities to submit a summary of a challenging, real-life account that one of their clients or patients faced during a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, tornado, or wildfire. If your story is selected for inclusion, you will win $100 and your client or patient will receive $200 for their videotaped account!
- Applications must be received by the Northeast Florida Area Health Education Center (AHEC) in Jacksonville no later than April 11, 2008
- Selected interviewees will be announced April 21, 2008
- Interviews will take place between April 28 and May 9, 2008
For more information, click on this link:
Around the State
Director Johnson Visits Wildwood
By Brenda StevensOn February 2, the Area 13 Family Care Council held its annual Family Forum 2008 for Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties at the Wildwood Community Center. The highlight of the forum was the keynote speaker, APD Director Jane Johnson. Director Johnson gave an update on the current changes and the direction of the agency. She was very poignant and honest in her presentation for budget neutrality and her hope for the success of the agency in the future. Along with the keynote speaker, there were five breakout sessions at the forum.
About 150 people from the community, along with employees from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, were in attendance. Also, 21 Medicaid Waiver Providers and Support Coordinators had display tables with their company information on the services they provide for persons with disabilities.
Citizen of the Year
By James V. Vidrine, Fort Myers Office, with information from the Fort Myers News-PressCarolyn Codie, a Fort Myers Area 8 APD customer, received the local Good Wheels Citizen of the Year award on March 24.
Codie has worked at the Fort Myers Wal-Mart McDonald's restaurant since the summer of 2003. Deana Homsi, the owner and operator of this McDonald's, states proudly that Carolyn is "our Ambassador of Hospitality". Homsi noted that, "Carolyn is excited to come to work. She greets all the employees and customers, and she is punctual and dependable! Carolyn is responsible for maintaining the lobby, sweeping, washing tables, and assuring condiments and other supplies are full and available to her customers."
Judy Peek, an employment consultant for the Lee County Association for Retarded Citizens (LARC), has known Carolyn for the past 10 years and helped her get employed at McDonalds. Peek said Carolyn loves working and does a good job. Lisa Cronin Miller, the Director of Community Relations at LARC, said that many parents of young adults with disabilities spend a lot of time wondering about their children's future. Lisa feels Carolyn's success is very powerful, and gives hope for employment success to many persons. She is proud that her agency can provide the training, job development, and supervision that support individuals like Carolyn.
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities proudly congratulates Carolyn for her continuing success and personal growth! We also heartily appreciate our community providers like LARC that significantly contribute to the success of employment for persons with disabilities in our community.
Reaching Out To Businesses
By Kerry Kahn, APD Area 3-Gainesville
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities and the Gainesville Business Leadership Network, along with several other organizations, sponsored a free seminar and job fair on February 28, at Santa Fe Community College. The seminar, Turning Diversity into Dollars, was directed at local businesses to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workforce. Presenters were Corporate Consultant for Florida Vocational Rehabilitation Eladio Amores, Joan Altavilla with Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and Leslie Wilson of Wilson Resources, Inc.
The speakers discussed topics related to employees with disabilities ranging from legal issues and benefits to low-cost accommodations and tax incentives. The seminar attracted representatives from many local businesses including SunTrust Bank, the Alachua County School Board, and Gainesville Regional Airport. The job fair followed the seminar. Local businesses and job seekers were encouraged to attend.
The Business Leadership Network is a national program that promotes peer mentoring between businesses on the untapped workforce of persons with disabilities. Business Leadership Network chapters are located throughout Florida. Information on the BLNs can be found at http://www.abletrust.org/fbln/index.shtml.
McGarrity Visits Daytona Beach
On February 7, Deputy Chief of Community Development Terri McGarrity visited the Daytona Beach area and spoke at the Family Care Council Open House. She provided an update on the agency. Families and providers were in attendance and appreciated her visit.
Davis Award Winners
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities won seven Davis Productivity Awards this year. The awards are selected and presented by Florida Tax Watch for saving state money or avoiding costs.
Gulf Coast Center won three Davis Productivity Awards
- Engineered Plumbing Repair - Certificate of Commendation
- Reduced Pager Cost - Certificate of Commendation
- Merged Three Redundant Documents into One Comprehensive Document - Plaque
Jim Stover performs plumbing work at Gulf Coast Center. A leak developed in a large water pipe in the ceiling that feeds hot water to the laundry. A vendor was called and the quote was $4,268.76. Stover came up with the idea to drill into the pipe and insert a $2 pipe plug to stop the leak. He came in early and completed the repair in less than 3 hours, resulting in no lost time for the laundry. The state avoided spending $4,219.73.
The Information System Team researched available plans for beeper/pager service and reduced the monthly per-unit cost from a high of $21.90 down to $1.95 and eliminated additional fees that were no longer necessary. Total annual cost reduction is $11,554.
Margaret Daidone
Jerry Graham
The team developed and implemented a merged document that captures the intent of service, transition, and discharge planning into one comprehensive document rather than have three documents and meetings for each. Estimated added value is $42,220.
Cindy Millican
Angela Giffin
Jim McCallion
Sandy Asimakopoulos
April Dote
Chip Hensgen
Carol Lingenfelter
Kevin Kirgan
Suzanne Chillari
Norma Blake
Jo Hedges
Debbie Dodge
Tacachale Center of Gainesville won two Davis Productivity Awards
- Tacachale Medication Occurrence Team - Plaque
- Sharing Training Resources - Certificate of Commendation
This six-member team has achieved a reduction in the number of medication errors to reduce risk to clients and to avoid unnecessary medical care costs. This effort resulted in reducing the number of errors by 57 percent and a decline in potential cost of at least 32 percent from fiscal year 05-06. This produced a cost avoidance achievement of as much as $1,081,000.
Carolyn Munroe
Keminia Haines
Pearle Mott
Michele Cullen
Holli Rutledge
Trish King
Tacachale's staff development team provides resources to other state departments. Whenever Tacachale staff does not utilize all training rooms, the space is offered to others for efficient use of the training building. In the past year, Tacachale facilities were used by the APD Area 3 Office, the Department of Children and Families, and the Partnership for Strong Families. The four-member team offered the use of Tacachale's staff development space and provided in-house CPR training, saving the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and other state agencies an estimated$19,560.
Vicki Willet
Diane Jackson
Michael Costello
Michael Holloway
Area 13 - Wildwood Won One Award
- Group Home Form - Certificate of Commendation
Patricia Morse, a Group Home Monitor with APD Area 13, saw a need and took the initiative to create various forms and a disaster sample, to improve health and safety issues for our group homes. Area 13 monitors 128 homes and 575 residents. These forms not only achieved improved documentation for quality health care, they benefited individuals who frequently cannot speak for themselves. Morse also created a sample Disaster Plan and Emergency Contact List. Approximately 70 homes now have quality disaster plans due to her efforts and they use the other forms she created.
Sunland Center in Marianna Won One Award
- Unused Phone Lines - Certificate of Commendation
Leontyne Clay reviewed Sunland's phone bills and discovered that 19 phone lines were not being used. This resulted in the phone lines being disconnected and a monetary savings of $3,623.49.
OPPAGA Review
The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) recently did a review of the agency's new assessment process.
Visit the link below to read the report. Be sure to read the agency's response beginning on page 10.
Champion Staff
Melanie Mowry Etters - Editor
Jeff Saulich - Photo Editor
Chad Pickett - Web Development
Lloyd Harger - Web Development