Message from the Director

Get Prepared!
By Jim DeBeaugrine, Director

We are now in Hurricane Season, and I'm not talking about college football. With every weather forecast showing new tropical storms moving westward toward Florida, it is definitely time to make sure we are all prepared for any disaster. I would encourage anyone who has not already done so to go to Floridadisaster.org and develop their family's disaster plan. Tropical Storm Fay was the first statewide disaster since I became agency director. As TS Fay moved across Florida in late August dumping up to two feet of rain in some areas, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities was in constant contact with the state's Emergency Operations Center. APD had several people posted at the EOC, including myself, while Fay was a threat to the people we serve.

Tropical Storm Fay impacted the annual conference of the ARC of Florida in Daytona Beach. About 35 APD customers stayed two extra days at the Daytona Beach Hilton Hotel, unable to get back to their homes in South Florida due to the storm. APD notified the state EOC. Several organizations offered assistance to the stranded people, including the United Way of Volusia County. The Department of Health sent a nursing consultant, Jim Goodman, who was a huge help to the ARC personnel. The Attorney General's Office sent investigators to the site to make sure all the people were not in any danger. Several restaurants donated food: Chick-fil-a, Quiznos Subs, and the Daytona Beach Hilton Hotel. Walgreens Pharmacy donated a five-day supply of medication to those people who didn't bring extra with them for the extended trip. I want to say thank you to each organization for the help.

I am so pleased that everyone pulled together to assist the individuals stranded by TS Fay. With the group effort, everyone made it home safely, which was the goal. This experience is also a learning opportunity for all of us on how we can improve what we do during times of disaster. One important issue to remind people about is the need to make sure the information in the APD computer system is the correct home address for the customer. Especially during an emergency, the agency needs to have the proper home address to know whether the person needs to be evacuated or not.

With the forecast showing several spinning masses on the radar; the agency, providers, the state EOC, and individuals with disabilities will all need to remain on alert. Let us continue to work together to ensure the safety of the people we serve.

Clicking on most photos will open a larger version.

DeBeaugrine Named APD Director

Jim DeBeaugrine, left, accepts his appointment as APD director from Gov. Charlie Crist at a news conference.

On August 12, Governor Charlie Crist held a news conference at the Capitol to officially announce his selection for the directorship of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Crist announced his choice of Jim DeBeagrine as the right person to lead the agency.

In addition to the news conference and a governor's news release, Governor Crist sent out a letter to APD stakeholders sharing DeBeaugrine's background with people with disabilities.

Governor Crist wrote, "Jim has extensive experience in serving the people of Florida as an analyst and staff director for the Florida House of Representatives. There, Jim gained considerable experience with Florida's programs that serve persons with disabilities. I am confident that Jim has significant expertise that will prove helpful in continuing to provide quality services to persons with disabilities and their families and caregivers.

"Jim will carry forward our work to improve opportunities for independent living for persons with disabilities. He is committed to listening to the needs of the agency's customers and taking action to respond to those needs. In Jim, Floridians with disabilities have a strong advocate for increased access to education, meaningful employment, and quality services."

Fay Starts Florida's Hurricane Season

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities joined other state agencies in sending personnel to the Florida Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during Tropical Storm Fay. Wes Underwood from General Services and Charles Ball from Operations serve as APD's Emergency Coordinating Officers. These two men were busy sharing information with the APD offices around the state so the employees could take appropriate action when needed. Employees in the area offices and at the Developmental Disability Centers dealt with issues from the rising waters and falling trees.

Director Jim DeBeaugrine spent many hours at the EOC ensuring the agency was ready to handle any situation. Communications Director Melanie Etters spent one day in the Public Information Office of the EOC responding to reporters' inquiries. Other APD employees manned the Emergency Information Phone Line covering a variety of shifts. With the expected busy hurricane season, APD and other state employees can anticipate spending time at the EOC through November.

Tally Employee Wins APSE Honor

By Ann Douglas, Area 2 Tallahassee Office

Not only is Katie Bowman an APD employee, she's an APD customer. What's more, the receptionist at Area 2's Phillips Road office in Tallahassee was recently honored as the Supported Employee of the Year by the Florida Association for Persons in Supported Employment.

The APSE selection committee awarded the honor, not only because of Bowman's skill as a competent receptionist, but also because of what the job has done for her. Bowman, who has received services from APD since 2000, was hired by Area 2 with almost no office skills. Shy and reticent, at first she panicked when too many calls lit up her phone.

That was a year ago. What changed? Through her own determination, Bowman stepped out of her comfort zone to learn all she could about her job responsibilities. As she became familiar with her job and made friends at the office, her confidence and even her personality blossomed. She began to ask questions and make suggestions on how to do her job more efficiently. She'll be the first to tell you she loves her job.

Katie Bowman, center, is congratulated by her parents, Jerry and Sandra Bowman, for receiving the APSE Supported Employee of the Year award.

When they learned of her award, Bowman's co-workers just had to celebrate and even invited her mom and dad, Sandra and Jerry Bowman, to the reception.

On behalf of everyone in Area 2, we'd just like to say, "Congratulations, Katie! We're lucky you're a part of our family. And thanks for representing all of us each time your calm, friendly voice answers the Area 2 phone."

And Another Award Goes to .....

By Ann Douglas, Area 2 Tallahassee Office

The program manager for supported employment with St. Andrew Bay Center's (SABC) Placement Network, Maggie Marler, was named Professional of the Year by the Arc of Florida at its annual conference in August. The St. Andrew Bay Center is located in Lynn Haven, near Panama City.

This coveted award goes to the very best in the field of providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities. According to SABC Director Jan Pearce, "Maggie almost didn't get the job of Employment Specialist when she applied four years ago. She was fresh out of college with no professional experience and, at first, I felt she was much too attractive and fashionably dressed for this position. I thought, would this young woman be able to meet the 'down and dirty' demands of the job?"

Pearce took a chance, and what a fireball she hired. Marler displayed an unusual talent for connecting with the people she served. From the first day on the job, she listened to what the individuals really wanted to do. Possibly because Marler was so green, she believed anything was possible.

Before long, this self-starter decided to target certain employers where individuals said they wanted to work. And she didn't take no for an answer. Her success in getting folks employed and helping them keep their jobs was impressive. She has such a terrific rapport with employers (many who had never before hired an individual with a developmental disability), they call her first when a position opens.

In the four years since starting with Placement Network, Marler has been promoted to program manager, obtained her master's degree, has put on annual supported employment trainings for her staff, is a key component in fundraising events, and has helped every department at the center. She continues to serve a part-time caseload of individuals who refuse to transfer to another employment specialist.

Thank you, Maggie, for the countless hours you've dedicated to individuals wanting to work in the community; thank you for your vision that everyone can work with the right supports; and thank you for your persistence in educating the business community. Congratulations on an award well deserved! Area 2 also applauds St. Andrew Bay Center's Placement Network as one of the finest supported employment services in our area.

Florida's People: Its Talent and Strength

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month. On October 8 in Tallahassee, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Vocational Rehabilitation, the Able Trust, and the Agency for Workforce Innovation will recognize outstanding businesses from around the state that hire and retain people with disabilities as part of their workforce. Other disability organizations will staff informational booths at the event. The theme for the event is Florida's People: Its Talent and Strength.

Contact your local APD office's Employment Liaison if you would like to nominate an employer for this recognition. The deadline is September 15.

Around the State

APD Customer Paints Her Way to Success

By Shae Porter, Area 12

Donna Lynn Iavarone was born in Hollywood, Florida, in 1969. In the early 1980s she discovered her passion for painting while attending an art workshop at United Cerebral Palsy. Since then she has completed more than 100 oil paintings.

In 2005, Iavarone moved to New Smyrna Beach, where she participates in services offered by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Iavarone is an active member in her community and completed a large majority of her artwork at the Schott Community Church. In addition to painting, Iavarone enjoys bowling, attending church, drama, collecting Disney memorabilia, and is a huge fan of Donny and Marie Osmond.

Iavarone informed her supported living coach, Kristina Wall, of her goal and dream to become self-employed by mass producing her artwork in the form of greeting cards and personalized pieces of artwork. Iavarone and Wall have been a team since 2006—working closely together to get her business off the ground. Wall is very proud of Iavarone and has worked diligently alongside her. They have traveled out of the area to attend training on small business and are also taking advantage of all the local resources to make Iavarone's dream of mass producing her greeting cards come true.

Donna Lynn Iavarone, an APD customer, holds one of her many oil paintings. She is following her dream of starting her own greeting card business.

With Wall's assistance, Iavarone contacted the University of South Florida to get more guidance on self employment. As of today, Iavarone is working with Vocational Rehabilitation and is writing her business plan and developing a Web page. In November, Iavarone plans to attend a local art show at Bert Fish Medical Center to further promote her business and display her paintings.

"I named my business Artistically Speaking because, as an artist, I have trouble speaking, but I speak through my artwork," Iavarone said. "I want to be a great example for people with disabilities to have their own businesses."

To purchase Iavarone's artwork, please contact her at (386) 409-7988 or send an e-mail to: dli7920@cfl.rr.com

Career Fair for Students with Disabilities

Florida will kick off Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) on October 2 in Orlando with a Career Fair for students with disabilities. The event will take place at the Rosen Centre Hotel. An important focus of the Career Fair will be assistive technology.

Florida Disability Mentoring Day will be held on October 15. Every Agency for Persons with Disabilities Area Office has a DMD Coordinator that you may contact if interested in participating. DMD gives students an opportunity to learn more about the workplace and to see the day-to-day responsibilities required of a person in the career of their choice.

The goal of Disability Mentoring Day and the Career Fair is to break down barriers to ensure Floridians with disabilities are included in the workforce. For additional information, visit: www.floridadmd.org

AAPD Accepts Award Applications

Every year, the American Association of People with Disabilities recognizes outstanding individuals who personify leadership, advocacy, and dedication to and for the disability community at large with its Paul G. Hearne Leadership Awards. The association is now accepting applications for the 2009 awards.

Three individuals who are emerging as leaders in the cross-disability civil rights movement will each receive $10,000 to help them continue their progress as leaders and further connect their work with the national grassroots of AAPD. The recipients of the 2009 Hearne Leadership Awards will also have an opportunity to meet and network with national disability leaders at the AAPD Leadership Gala in Washington, D.C., in March 2009.

AAPD defines an emerging leader as someone who has demonstrated leadership qualities in his or her personal and professional life, and who has dedicated their passion to the pursuit of inclusion, equality, and justice for all people with disabilities. The ideal candidate is an advocate, teacher, mentor, and leader within the disability community, and is recognized as such at a local, regional, or national level.

Residents of the U.S. with any type of disability and of any age are eligible to apply. The 44 previous awardees comprise a diverse group of people with many different disabilities ranging in age from 11 to 56.

The deadline for applying is September 30, 2008. More information on the awards, including application instructions, can be found at this Web page: www.aapd-dc.org/awards/awards09/hearne_app09.html

For more information on the American Association of People with Disabilities, visit its Web site: http://www.aapd.com

Appointments Made to DD Compact Workgroup

The Developmental Disabilities Compact Workgroup has two new members. On August 15, Gov. Charlie Crist appointed Elizabeth Emken and Mary Pat Moore to the board, increasing its membership to 12.

Emken, of Danville, CA, is the vice president of government relations of Autism Speaks. Moore, of Tallahassee, is the policy chief of the Health and Human Services Unit within the Executive Office of the Governor. The terms of both appointees began on August 15 and will end at the pleasure of the Governor.

The workgroup was created by Senate Bill 2654, which the Governor signed into law on May 20, creating the "Window of Opportunity Act" (Section 624.916, Florida Statutes). The act charged the Florida 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. The legislation also directs OIR to convene a consumer advisory workgroup to provide a forum for comment on the negotiated compact. The advisory workgroup currently has 10 members.

Deputy Insurance Commissioner Mary Beth Senkewicz is chairing this effort on behalf of Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty. As OIR's work on the compact progresses, it will post relevant documents at this Web page: www.floir.com/ddcompact.aspx

Champion Staff
Melanie Mowry Etters - Editor
Jeff Saulich - Photo Editor
Chad Pickett - Web Development
Lloyd Harger - Web Development


In This Issue: DeBeaugrine Named APD Director Fay Starts Florida's Hurricane Season Tally Employee Wins APSE Honor And Another Award Goes to ..... Florida's People: Its Talent and Strength Message from the Director Get Prepared! By Jim DeBeaugrine, Director We are now in Hurricane Season, and I'm not talking about college football. With every weather forecast showing new tropical storms moving westward toward Florida, it is definitely time to make sure we are all prepared for any disaster. I would encourage anyone who has not already done so to go to Floridadisaster.org and develop their family's disaster plan. Tropical Storm Fay was the first statewide disaster since I became agency director. As TS Fay moved across Florida in late August dumping up to two feet of rain in some areas, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities was in constant contact with the state's Emergency Operations Center. APD had several people posted at the EOC, including myself, while Fay was a threat to the people we serve. Tropical Storm Fay impacted the annual conference of the ARC of Florida in Daytona Beach. About 35 APD customers stayed two extra days at the Daytona Beach Hilton Hotel, unable to get back to their homes in South Florida due to the storm. APD notified the state EOC. Several organizations offered assistance to the stranded people, including the United Way of Volusia County. The Department of Health sent a nursing consultant, Jim Goodman, who was a huge help to the ARC personnel. The Attorney General's Office sent investigators to the site to make sure all the people were not in any danger. Several restaurants donated food: Chick-fil-a, Quiznos Subs, and the Daytona Beach Hilton Hotel. Walgreens Pharmacy donated a five-day supply of medication to those people who didn't bring extra with them for the extended trip. I want to say thank you to each organization for the help. I am so pleased that everyone pulled together to assist the individuals stranded by TS Fay. With the group effort, everyone made it home safely, which was the goal. This experience is also a learning opportunity for all of us on how we can improve what we do during times of disaster. One important issue to remind people about is the need to make sure the information in the APD computer system is the correct home address for the customer. Especially during an emergency, the agency needs to have the proper home address to know whether the person needs to be evacuated or not. With the forecast showing several spinning masses on the radar; the agency, providers, the state EOC, and individuals with disabilities will all need to remain on alert. Let us continue to work together to ensure the safety of the people we serve. Clicking on most photos will open a larger version. DeBeaugrine Named APD Director On August 12, Governor Charlie Crist held a news conference at the Capitol to officially announce his selection for the directorship of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Crist announced his choice of Jim DeBeagrine as the right person to lead the agency. In addition to the news conference and a governor's news release, Governor Crist sent out a letter to APD stakeholders sharing DeBeaugrine's background with people with disabilities. Governor Crist wrote, "Jim has extensive experience in serving the people of Florida as an analyst and staff director for the Florida House of Representatives. There, Jim gained considerable experience with Florida's programs that serve persons with disabilities. I am confident that Jim has significant expertise that will prove helpful in continuing to provide quality services to persons with disabilities and their families and caregivers. "Jim will carry forward our work to improve opportunities for independent living for persons with disabilities. He is committed to listening to the needs of the agency's customers and taking action to respond to those needs. In Jim, Floridians with disabilities have a strong advocate for increased access to education, meaningful employment, and quality services." Fay Starts Florida's Hurricane Season The Agency for Persons with Disabilities joined other state agencies in sending personnel to the Florida Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during Tropical Storm Fay. Wes Underwood from General Services and Charles Ball from Operations serve as APD's Emergency Coordinating Officers. These two men were busy sharing information with the APD offices around the state so the employees could take appropriate action when needed. Employees in the area offices and at the Developmental Disability Centers dealt with issues from the rising waters and falling trees. Director Jim DeBeaugrine spent many hours at the EOC ensuring the agency was ready to handle any situation. Communications Director Melanie Etters spent one day in the Public Information Office of the EOC responding to reporters' inquiries. Other APD employees manned the Emergency Information Phone Line covering a variety of shifts. With the expected busy hurricane season, APD and other state employees can anticipate spending time at the EOC through November. Tally Employee Wins APSE Honor By Ann Douglas, Area 2 Tallahassee Office Not only is Katie Bowman an APD employee, she's an APD customer. What's more, the receptionist at Area 2's Phillips Road office in Tallahassee was recently honored as the Supported Employee of the Year by the Florida Association for Persons in Supported Employment. The APSE selection committee awarded the honor, not only because of Bowman's skill as a competent receptionist, but also because of what the job has done for her. Bowman, who has received services from APD since 2000, was hired by Area 2 with almost no office skills. Shy and reticent, at first she panicked when too many calls lit up her phone. That was a year ago. What changed? Through her own determination, Bowman stepped out of her comfort zone to learn all she could about her job responsibilities. As she became familiar with her job and made friends at the office, her confidence and even her personality blossomed. She began to ask questions and make suggestions on how to do her job more efficiently. She'll be the first to tell you she loves her job. When they learned of her award, Bowman's co-workers just had to celebrate and even invited her mom and dad, Sandra and Jerry Bowman, to the reception. On behalf of everyone in Area 2, we'd just like to say, "Congratulations, Katie! We're lucky you're a part of our family. And thanks for representing all of us each time your calm, friendly voice answers the Area 2 phone." And Another Award Goes to ..... By Ann Douglas, Area 2 Tallahassee Office The program manager for supported employment with St. Andrew Bay Center's (SABC) Placement Network, Maggie Marler, was named Professional of the Year by the Arc of Florida at its annual conference in August. The St. Andrew Bay Center is located in Lynn Haven, near Panama City. This coveted award goes to the very best in the field of providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities. According to SABC Director Jan Pearce, "Maggie almost didn't get the job of Employment Specialist when she applied four years ago. She was fresh out of college with no professional experience and, at first, I felt she was much too attractive and fashionably dressed for this position. I thought, would this young woman be able to meet the 'down and dirty' demands of the job?" Pearce took a chance, and what a fireball she hired. Marler displayed an unusual talent for connecting with the people she served. From the first day on the job, she listened to what the individuals really wanted to do. Possibly because Marler was so green, she believed anything was possible. Before long, this self-starter decided to target certain employers where individuals said they wanted to work. And she didn't take no for an answer. Her success in getting folks employed and helping them keep their jobs was impressive. She has such a terrific rapport with employers (many who had never before hired an individual with a developmental disability), they call her first when a position opens. In the four years since starting with Placement Network, Marler has been promoted to program manager, obtained her master's degree, has put on annual supported employment trainings for her staff, is a key component in fundraising events, and has helped every department at the center. She continues to serve a part-time caseload of individuals who refuse to transfer to another employment specialist. Thank you, Maggie, for the countless hours you've dedicated to individuals wanting to work in the community; thank you for your vision that everyone can work with the right supports; and thank you for your persistence in educating the business community. Congratulations on an award well deserved! Area 2 also applauds St. Andrew Bay Center's Placement Network as one of the finest supported employment services in our area. Florida's People: Its Talent and Strength October is Disability Employment Awareness Month. On October 8 in Tallahassee, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Vocational Rehabilitation, the Able Trust, and the Agency for Workforce Innovation will recognize outstanding businesses from around the state that hire and retain people with disabilities as part of their workforce. Other disability organizations will staff informational booths at the event. The theme for the event is Florida's People: Its Talent and Strength. Contact your local APD office's Employment Liaison if you would like to nominate an employer for this recognition. The deadline is September 15. Around the State APD Customer Paints Her Way to Success By Shae Porter, Area 12 Donna Lynn Iavarone was born in Hollywood, Florida, in 1969. In the early 1980s she discovered her passion for painting while attending an art workshop at United Cerebral Palsy. Since then she has completed more than 100 oil paintings. In 2005, Iavarone moved to New Smyrna Beach, where she participates in services offered by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Iavarone is an active member in her community and completed a large majority of her artwork at the Schott Community Church. In addition to painting, Iavarone enjoys bowling, attending church, drama, collecting Disney memorabilia, and is a huge fan of Donny and Marie Osmond. Iavarone informed her supported living coach, Kristina Wall, of her goal and dream to become self-employed by mass producing her artwork in the form of greeting cards and personalized pieces of artwork. Iavarone and Wall have been a team since 2006—working closely together to get her business off the ground. Wall is very proud of Iavarone and has worked diligently alongside her. They have traveled out of the area to attend training on small business and are also taking advantage of all the local resources to make Iavarone's dream of mass producing her greeting cards come true. With Wall's assistance, Iavarone contacted the University of South Florida to get more guidance on self employment. As of today, Iavarone is working with Vocational Rehabilitation and is writing her business plan and developing a Web page. In November, Iavarone plans to attend a local art show at Bert Fish Medical Center to further promote her business and display her paintings. "I named my business Artistically Speaking because, as an artist, I have trouble speaking, but I speak through my artwork," Iavarone said. "I want to be a great example for people with disabilities to have their own businesses." To purchase Iavarone's artwork, please contact her at (386) 409-7988 or send an e-mail to: dli7920@cfl.rr.com Career Fair for Students with Disabilities Florida will kick off Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) on October 2 in Orlando with a Career Fair for students with disabilities. The event will take place at the Rosen Centre Hotel. An important focus of the Career Fair will be assistive technology. Florida Disability Mentoring Day will be held on October 15. Every Agency for Persons with Disabilities Area Office has a DMD Coordinator that you may contact if interested in participating. DMD gives students an opportunity to learn more about the workplace and to see the day-to-day responsibilities required of a person in the career of their choice. The goal of Disability Mentoring Day and the Career Fair is to break down barriers to ensure Floridians with disabilities are included in the workforce. For additional information, visit: www.floridadmd.org AAPD Accepts Award Applications Every year, the American Association of People with Disabilities recognizes outstanding individuals who personify leadership, advocacy, and dedication to and for the disability community at large with its Paul G. Hearne Leadership Awards. The association is now accepting applications for the 2009 awards. Three individuals who are emerging as leaders in the cross-disability civil rights movement will each receive $10,000 to help them continue their progress as leaders and further connect their work with the national grassroots of AAPD. The recipients of the 2009 Hearne Leadership Awards will also have an opportunity to meet and network with national disability leaders at the AAPD Leadership Gala in Washington, D.C., in March 2009. AAPD defines an emerging leader as someone who has demonstrated leadership qualities in his or her personal and professional life, and who has dedicated their passion to the pursuit of inclusion, equality, and justice for all people with disabilities. The ideal candidate is an advocate, teacher, mentor, and leader within the disability community, and is recognized as such at a local, regional, or national level. Residents of the U.S. with any type of disability and of any age are eligible to apply. The 44 previous awardees comprise a diverse group of people with many different disabilities ranging in age from 11 to 56. The deadline for applying is September 30, 2008. More information on the awards, including application instructions, can be found at this Web page: www.aapd-dc.org/awards/awards09/hearne_app09.html For more information on the American Association of People with Disabilities, visit its Web site: http://www.aapd.com Appointments Made to DD Compact Workgroup The Developmental Disabilities Compact Workgroup has two new members. On August 15, Gov. Charlie Crist appointed Elizabeth Emken and Mary Pat Moore to the board, increasing its membership to 12. Emken, of Danville, CA, is the vice president of government relations of Autism Speaks. Moore, of Tallahassee, is the policy chief of the Health and Human Services Unit within the Executive Office of the Governor. The terms of both appointees began on August 15 and will end at the pleasure of the Governor. The workgroup was created by Senate Bill 2654, which the Governor signed into law on May 20, creating the "Window of Opportunity Act" (Section 624.916, Florida Statutes). The act charged the Florida 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. The legislation also directs OIR to convene a consumer advisory workgroup to provide a forum for comment on the negotiated compact. The advisory workgroup currently has 10 members. Deputy Insurance Commissioner Mary Beth Senkewicz is chairing this effort on behalf of Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty. As OIR's work on the compact progresses, it will post relevant documents at this Web page: www.floir.com/ddcompact.aspx Champion Staff Melanie Mowry Etters - Editor Jeff Saulich - Photo Editor Chad Pickett - Web Development Lloyd Harger - Web Development Email Address: Subscribe Unsubscribe The Agency Supports Persons with Developmental Disabilities in Living, Learning and Working in their Community.
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