Message from the Director
Recognizing the Contributions of People with Disabilities
By Jim DeBeaugrine
What do Albert Einstein, Tom Cruise, and Tiger Woods have in common? They all had some type of disability and all succeeded in their chosen professions. October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, which gives us an opportunity to recognize those individuals with disabilities who are succeeding in the workplace and also encourage additional employers to hire more people with disabilities.
Along with tax credits and incentives, employers who hire people with disabilities find they have dedicated long-term employees who are truly committed to the company. Employers report that these individuals are reliable, punctual, and willing.
State agencies are also committed to an inclusive employee pool. I have the pleasure of working with people with disabilities on a daily basis as the director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. One of our agency employees, Tallahassee Area Office Receptionist Katie Bowman, was recently selected Supported Employee of the Year by the Florida Association for Persons in Supported Employment. Working has helped Bowman showcase her abilities and allowed her to consistently improve her skills. Truly, employment for people with disabilities is a win-win proposition.
Statistics from the U.S. Census for 2006 show there are 1.4 million people with disabilities of working age in Florida, with only 537,000 employed. Roughly two-thirds of these individuals would like to work, but haven't received that opportunity.
October is a great time to review your organization's hiring practices. Make a commitment to a diverse workforce and consider hiring a qualified person with a disability for your next vacancy.
In addition, I want to thank the many businesses in Florida that have already made a huge commitment to hiring people with disabilities. The Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Agency for Workforce Innovation are recognizing employers during the month of October for making a real difference in the lives of those with disabilities.
All of us want to contribute and feel valued as part of our community. A workplace that values our skills and effort makes a tremendous difference. Let us work together to make that happen more often for citizens with disabilities.
Clicking on most photos will open a larger version.
State to Honor Businesses
On Wednesday, October 8, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities will join Florida Vocational Rehabilitation and the Agency for Workforce Innovation in recognizing businesses from across the state that are committed to hiring people with disabilities. October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, and the state is highlighting contributions of people with disabilities to the workforce. The event will be in the Tallahassee City Commission Chambers, 300 S. Adams Street, from 9 to 10 a.m.
Tallahassee Mayor John Marks will welcome attendees. Florida Governor Charlie Crist will be the keynote speaker during the event. Individuals with disabilities will also talk about the benefits they receive from being a part of the workforce. Representatives from the Big Bend Business Leadership Network will be there to reach out to other employers considering employment of individuals with disabilities. The Able Trust and the city of Tallahassee are sponsoring the event.
The State of Florida will be presenting six businesses with the Florida Exceptional Employer Award. The Florida Exceptional Employer Award is recognizing both the commitment of businesses in hiring and retaining people with disabilities and also creating unique employment opportunities.
The businesses to be recognized are both statewide and local employers. There are three statewide winners. The local employers are from Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, and Perry.
To RSVP to attend the event, call 1-866-APD-CARES.
"Champions for Children" Interagency Agreement Announced
Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Jim DeBeaugrine joined Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Surgeon General Ana Viamonte Ros, Department of Children and Families Secretary George Sheldon, and Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Frank Peterman on Monday, September 29, to sign an interagency agreement to help children. The five state agencies serving children and youth signed the agreement, pledging their commitment to reducing unnecessary delays in assistance and services.
The agreement is one of several recommendations to come from the Children and Youth Cabinet, created by Governor Charlie Crist in 2007 to promote collaboration and more efficient services among state agencies and organizations that deliver child welfare services.
"Florida's youngest, most vulnerable residents depend on these agencies for help and care, and it is imperative that they have someone championing their cause," said Lt. Governor Kottkamp, chair of the Children and Youth Cabinet. "This agreement illustrates that our agencies are working together to ensure Florida's youth get the resources they need."
The agreement identifies "champions" within each agency to ensure the coordination of services and improved communication among all agencies involved in a child's care. The champions—agency employees—will be empowered when urgent attention is needed to address challenges to providing services. The agreement also requires each of the participating agencies to align their policies and procedures for clients receiving services from multiple agencies. This level of coordination will ensure each child receives the maximum benefit of services.
In addition, the agreement establishes local review teams from among the state agencies' local offices. The teams will meet regularly to review local procedures, and to determine how best to serve clients in their communities. A team of state officials headquartered in Tallahassee, dubbed the Rapid Response Team, also will help champions reach solutions when necessary.
Coleman Appointed to Workgroup
Steve Coleman, Ph.D., has been appointed to the new Developmental Disabilities Compact Consumer Advisory Workgroup. Coleman, senior behavioral analyst in APD's Central Office, is among six additional members who were added to the workgroup as a result of an outpouring of interest following the announcement of the group's initial members.
The new appointments were made on September 9 by Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty. The Developmental Disabilities Compact was established by Senate Bill 2654, which was signed into law in May by Gov. Charlie Crist.
"After we announced the first consumer advisory workgroup members, I received numerous cards and messages from the broader developmental disability community expressing an interest in being part of the workgroup," said McCarty. "There was great interest beyond just the autism community, so I felt it was important to make the additional appointments. I have continued to be very pleased at the extensive interest that has been shown in being part of the consumer workgroup."
The new law, called the Window of Opportunity Act, charges the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) with convening a workgroup to develop and execute a compact relating to insurance coverage and access to services for persons with developmental disabilities. OIR was also charged with convening this consumer advisory workgroup to provide a forum for comment on the negotiated compact. Deputy Insurance Commissioner Mary Beth Senkewicz is the chairperson of this effort.
In addition to Coleman, the workgroup's newest members are Susan Corse-Adams, board member, Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville; Christine Ebeltoft-Bancalari, board member, Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida; Jeffrey Leach, president, Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville; J. David Moore, medical director, ValueOptions PrePaid Mental Health Plans; and Michael Smith, Ph.D., president of the Child, Adolescent and Family Division of the Florida Psychological Association.
For more information about the Developmental Disabilities Compact, please visit www.floir.com/ddcompact.aspx.
ADA Amendments Act Awaits Signature
A bill that will restore the intent and protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act has been passed by both houses of Congress and now awaits the president's signature. The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 was passed by the House in September, after its earlier passage by the Senate.
Section 4 of the act will amend the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) to redefine the term disability to include impairment of major life activities. Specifically, it establishes these rules regarding the definition of disability:
(1) such term shall be construed in favor of broad coverage of individuals under the Act; (2) an impairment that substantially limits one major life activity need not limit other major life activities in order to be a disability; (3) an impairment that is episodic or in remission is a disability if it would substantially limit a major life activity when active; and (4) the determination of whether an impairment substantially limits a major life activity shall be made without regard to the ameliorative effects of specified mitigating measures.
Section 5 will prohibit employment discrimination against a qualified individual on the basis of disability. Current law prohibits employment discrimination against a qualified individual with a disability because of the disability. The new act will prohibit the use of qualification standards, employment tests, and other selection criteria based on an individual's uncorrected vision unless those criteria are shown to be related to the position and are consistent with business necessity.
Section 6 declares that nothing in the act:
(1) alters the standards for determining eligibility for benefits under state workers' compensation laws or under state and federal disability benefit programs; (2) alters the requirement to make reasonable modifications in policies or procedures, unless such modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the goods, services, facilities, or accommodations involved; or (3) provides the basis for a claim by an individual without a disability that the individual was subject to discrimination because of the individual's lack of disability.
The act will grant authority to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations to implement the definitions of the act. It also will make conforming amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Director DeBeaugrine Visits Tacachale
By Wayne Jespersen, Tacachale Print Shop
APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine visited the Tacachale Center in Gainesville in September and got the grand tour, including stops at the Starlight Industries and Recycle Center work sites.
At the Starlight site, resident Donald B. demonstrated to DeBeaugrine how he assembles a ClosetMaid bracket. The site assembles more than 100,000 brackets each week.
At the Recycle Center, DeBeaugrine observed the entire operation, including how incoming truckloads of recycled cardboard are unloaded by Tacachale resident workers. The cardboard is transferred into a compactor and baled for sale to a local recycling business.
Both of these operations earn revenue for the center, and nominal paychecks for the residents, helping them to be productive members of the Tacachale community.
Sunland Job Brings Fulfillment
By Melanie Mowry Etters, Communications Director
Working helps Hugh Fay stay in the groove. His employment routine keeps him focused, according the people he works with at the Sunland Center in Marianna. When Fay came to the center to live in 1987, he had some behavioral issues. It seems all he needed was a job to point him in the right direction. Now he works independently each day picking up recyclable materials from around the Sunland campus using his bicycle and cart.
Fay likes the benefits of hard work, saying, "I like the money and staying busy. I enjoy being outside and getting to ride my bike."
According to Fay's vocational instructor, Leaokia Barnes, working has made a positive difference in Fay's personality.
"He will now speak to people and interact with other residents," said Barnes. "He will go out to dinner with Sunland employees and attend parties on campus. Several years ago, that would not have happened."
- Hugh Fay
Fay likes to stick to his schedule every day, and will not even let bad weather deter him from his job. He picks up cardboard, aluminum cans, shredded and loose paper, then takes it to the Recycling Center on the Sunland campus. Sometimes he works inside the building processing some of the recyclable material. However, he receives the most joy from being outside riding around the campus showing his patriotism. "It is important work and makes me feel good. I like to put American flags on my bike and my cart because I think recycling is good for the country."
The Sunland Center in Marianna is operated by APD. The center has served people with developmental disabilities since 1963. There are currently 336 residents at the center.
Good Fortune in the Cards
If you're an artist, or you know of one, who is waiting for a chance to design greeting cards, here it is! The Able Trust is sponsoring a Holiday Card Contest that is open to all Florida artists. Artists with disabilities are encouraged to enter. The designer of the big winner will earn a $150 first prize. Second and third place prizes will be $75 and $50, respectively.
The contest started on October 1 and will be open until the deadline of 5 p.m. on Monday, November 3, when all eligible entries must be received by The Able Trust.
Original artwork should be submitted on paper no larger than letter size (8 ½ x 11) or on disk in a JPEG file between 750 KB and 1 MB in size. Submissions must also include an "About the Artist" statement of 50 words or less. Both the artwork and the statement should be labeled with the name, mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address of the artist.
There is a good bit of additional fine print: Original artwork will be returned only if is accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The Able Trust will not be responsible for lost or damaged pieces. Entries are limited to one artwork submission per artist. Artists must currently maintain a Florida address. Artwork submitted in formats other than those outlined above will not be considered. Images of the top three selected pieces will be retained for use by The Able Trust for up to two years from the date of selection. Winners will be notified of their selection no later than November 12, 2008. If you have questions, send an e-mail to info@abletrust.org or call toll-free 1-888-838-2253.
Now that you have all the details, start designing your award-winning holiday greeting card and send it to the address below. Best of luck to you!
106 E. College Avenue
Suite 820
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Around the State
APD Employee Wins Award
Senior Psychologist Dr. Haydee Toro in the Fort Lauderdale APD office received a statewide award on September 17. Toro received the Mary Theil Award presented by the Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities. The Mary Theil Award is presented to a public sector employee who has made an outstanding contribution to individuals with developmental disabilities. The Ann Storck Center in Broward County nominated Toro for the award.
DMD Kicks Off in Polk County
By Jennifer Monje, Area 14 Office, Lakeland
Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) is a national, broad-based effort that is supported by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) to promote work opportunities for students and job seekers who happen to have disabilities. Many students and job seekers will have the opportunity to be matched with employers for the day for an on-site job shadowing experience in an effort to promote career development through hands-on career exploration, internships, and employment opportunities. This year, I am pleased to say that the Polk County School Board and the Polk County Business Leadership Network have both agreed to participate in this year's DMD events in Polk County.
According to the Florida Department of Education, Senate Bill 856, titled Disability History and Awareness, became effective on July 1, 2008. It requires that district school boards provide disability history and awareness instruction in all K-12 public schools during the first two weeks in October each year. District school boards will designate these two weeks as "Disability History and Awareness Weeks." During this time, students will be provided intensive instruction to expand their knowledge, understanding, and awareness of individuals with disabilities, the history of disability, and the disability rights movement. The instruction will be integrated into the existing school curriculum and may be presented to students by qualified school personnel or knowledgeable guest speakers, with a focus on including individuals with disabilities.
Through a collaborative effort between statewide partners and local committees, Polk County will have its first Polk County Disability Mentoring Day Kickoff at the Polk Community College Technology Building in Lakeland on October 15 from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m. The Publix headquarters in Lakeland was generous enough to provide a breakfast for this fantastic event as well.
Over 85 Mentee Applications have been submitted to Polk County's local DMD Coordinators. This year's coordinators are John Hurt from the Center for Independent Living and yours truly. 
We are now in the process of matching some of the many applications that we have received. Several of them have been submitted by transition students within the Polk County School District and by adults with disabilities from several agencies. There will be keynote speakers, food, gifts for the mentees, and certificates of recognition for our business partners presented during the morning kickoff event.
Some of the major local business partners that will be participating this year are Bright House Networks, Publix, SunTrust Bank, Lakeland Regional Medical Center, and the Polk County School Board. We are anticipating more community support before the day of the event. This is going to be a terrific opportunity for students, adult job seekers, and our community. We hope that Polk County's DMD Kickoff will be a successful event that will target career skills for improvement, explore possible career paths, and develop lasting mentoring relationships.
Please remember to contact your local DMD Coordinators if you are interested in participating as either a mentee or mentor on October 15.
Governor Extends Commission on Disabilities
On September 11, Governor Charlie Crist signed Executive Order 08-193, extending the tenure of the Governor's Commission on Disabilities. The commission was originally established by the Governor last year, for the purpose of providing a forum for advocates within the state's disability community and making recommendations on how state law and policy can be enacted to better meet the needs of Floridians with disabilities. The commission's term was to have expired on July 26 of this year.
In his executive order, Governor Crist noted that the commission's 2008 Report contained 49 recommendations for action, and that its extension is due, in part, to the need to pursue administrative and legislative review of the recommendations while continuing its work to create new ones. The order does not specify an expiration date.
The commission's 21 members include representatives from state agencies that provide services to Floridians with disabilities, including APD, as well as members representing a broad range of disability constituent groups.
People Doing Exceptional Things
"People doing exceptional things" is the motto of Alliance Support Corporation in Apopka, Florida. Individuals with developmental disabilities who attend this nonprofit adult day program are doing a great job in making their motto a reality. In August, they received a thank you letter from the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida for their monthly food drives. To date these food drives have netted 948 pounds of food to benefit people in need.
The food drives began in 2007, when individuals who attend the program believed that this was a great way to help and also involve a club that they belong to—The West Oaks Mall Walkers Club. The president of the club was excited to have the opportunity to sponsor a monthly food drive. Individuals in the program helped designed a flyer which they post at the mall before each food drive.
These food drives not only benefit the community but also have changed the role of the Mall Walkers Club from passive membership to leadership. This helps to shape how these individuals are viewed by their community.
Participants at Alliance Support Corp. have taken on several other community service projects, such as delivering meals on wheels for Seniors First of Orange County. Each week, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, they deliver meals to senior citizens in Apopka. The program estimates that, in 2007, they distributed 1,800 meals to people who are in need of food and company.
Individuals also have logged close to 500 volunteer hours at the Health Central Park Nursing Facility in Winter Garden. Every Monday a group of volunteers goes to Health Central Park and feeds the rabbits and birds.
As if that's not enough, they also volunteer at the Edgewood Children's Ranch every other Tuesday, and participate in a free coffee to motorists program on Wednesdays. The staff and individuals who participate in Alliance Support Corp. are out in the community making a difference, living up to their motto of "People doing exceptional things."
Exceptional Children Conference
The Council for Exceptional Children will host its Annual Conference October 23 through 25 at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota. The keynote addresses will be from University of Kansas Professor Donald Deshler; University of Miami Professor Beth Harry; and Bambi Lockman, chief of the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services in the Florida Department of Education.
The conference will also include sessions on child and school related topics such as school climate and discipline, family-school partnerships, diversity, teacher recruitment, technology, and curriculum.
For more information, please visit the Council for Exceptional Children online at http://ffcec.org/StateConference2008.htm
Emergency Contact System Gains Momentum
Two years ago, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) implemented a new emergency contact information system (ECI) that allows Florida motorists to voluntarily provide emergency contact information online using their Florida driver licenses or identification cards. The information can then be accessed by law enforcement officers to notify designated contacts if a motorist is seriously injured or killed in a traffic crash.
To date, 1.3 million people have entered their information into the system. But there are over 15 million drivers in Florida, so the ECI program has a long way to go to reach its participation goals. Think about how important it is for you to have your information in the system. Then visit this link to make it happen: https://www6.hsmv.state.fl.us/dlcheck/findcustomer
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