Message from the Directo
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The Road to Independence
By Jim DeBeaugrine
July is a time when we like to wear our red, white, and blue. We all feel just a little more patriotic during the month when we celebrate our country's independence.
I am not sure any of us, however, can fully appreciate the moral and intellectual fortitude displayed by our forefathers. The idea that ordinary people were capable of self-governance was indeed a very radical concept during the late 18th century. Of all the great accomplishments this nation has celebrated, none is more significant than our founding fathers, despite ridicule and threat of violence, resolutely standing by their belief in the people. Today, we and tens of millions of others from around the world are citizens rather than subjects thanks to this remarkable vision.
The message that people can and should make their own choices is just as powerful and inspiring today as it was in 1776. We still have opportunities to further the vision of our founding fathers. Most recently, we are seeing revolutionary advances in opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to lead truly independent lives. Here in Florida, I hope we can take a leadership role and be an example to the rest of the nation.
In the months ahead, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) will be moving forward with several initiatives to give more power to the people. APD will be embarking on three different efforts to provide additional decision-making opportunities for those we serve.
APD has received approval from the Florida Legislature to expand the Consumer-Directed Care Plus (CDC+) program by up to 2,500 people over the next year. The agency is currently collecting names of customers interested in participating in CDC+. Each enrolled person takes a small discount on their waiver cost plan for the added flexibility of CDC+. Currently 991 people are federally approved to be enrolled in CDC+. Any savings generated from increasing the number of people in CDC+ would go first to serve individuals on the waiting list.
Recent legislation allows APD to seek federal approval for a flexible benefit for services provided through the Home and Community Based Services waiver. This is an intermediate step toward greater consumer direction. This optional service will allow a person to take a portion of their allocated funding and put it into a self-directed benefit.
APD has also been tasked by the Legislature to develop a plan to establish individual budgets for individuals enrolled in our Medicaid waiver programs. Under this proposal, each consumer will get an individual budget based on a statistically valid methodology. The consumer (or designated decision maker) will then have significant flexibility to choose both the services and providers that best allow them to live a successful life in their community. We are calling this initiative iBudget Florida.
Additional information on all of these initiatives will be available soon. All reflect the confidence that we at APD have in the people we serve. Like our founding fathers, we understand that full participation by engaged citizens is the surest, but not always easiest, path to reaching our full potential. Please join us in moving forward as we seek to give more power to the people we serve.
Clicking on most photos will open a larger version.
APD Makes Impact at Family Café
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) was well represented at the Family Café 11th Annual Conference in Orlando, June 5 through 7. The agency manned an informational booth for the entire three days with employees from around the state. Several new agency brochures were handed out to interested people. The names of the waitlist coordinators in the area offices were also a popular request.
Governor Charlie Crist spoke at the conference on Friday morning to representatives of the Florida Youth Council. Crist shared a story about his grandfather who suffered from an illness that made him unable to walk later in life. Crist's grandfather was able to run a restaurant and put all his children through college. The governor's message to the young people was, no matter what challenges you may face, you can accomplish your goals.
Agency employees presented various topics throughout the conference. APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine talked about agency priorities and new initiatives during his session. On Friday evening, he also answered questions during the Summit on Disabilities, along with other state agency directors. Many of the questions focused on education-related issues.
Family Café Photo Gallery.
Governor Appoints 11 to Family Care Councils
By Stephanie RogersGovernor Charlie Crist recently announced several appointments to the Family Care Councils around the state. The Family Care Councils, created by the Florida Legislature, advise APD in the development and implementation of the delivery of family support services within the local areas, as well as assist in providing information, education, and outreach to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
The councils, located in each of APD's 14 areas, consist of 10 to 15 volunteer members appointed by the governor. Councils are comprised of APD consumers, parents, siblings, and guardians of individuals with developmental disabilities who qualify for services through APD. The councils work closely to represent individuals with developmental disabilities and their families as a united voice. Through the Family Care Council Florida (FCCF), chairpersons or representatives of the councils meet bi-monthly to educate and discuss common issues and concerns.
Betty Kay Clements, FCCF Chairperson, stated, "Advocating for and becoming a voice in the decision making process for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families is important and rewarding. Family Care Council Florida appreciates the governor's leadership with the appointment of these 11 members. We congratulate and welcome each of them as they join their respective Family Care Council."
Additional information about the Family Care Councils may be found on the FCCF Web site, www.fccflorida.org, by calling the FCCF Toll-free Line at 1-800-470-8101, or by contacting a local APD office.
The appointments are as follows:
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Area 1 Family Care Council
- Daniel Parker, of Santa Rosa County, has been appointed for a term beginning June 18, 2009 through June 17, 2012.
- Mary E. Thomas, of Escambia County, has been appointed for a term beginning June 16, 2009 through June 15, 2012.
- Michelle Gross, of Santa Rosa County, has been appointed for a term beginning June 16, 2009 through June 15, 2012.
- Louise L. Ogburn, of Leon County, has been appointed for a term beginning June 16, 2009 through June 15, 2012.
- Nancy Simmons, of Pinellas County, has been appointed for a term beginning June 19, 2009 through June 18, 2012.
- Theresa A. Butler, of Broward County, has been appointed for a term beginning June 19, 2009 through June 18, 2012.
- Jean M. Sherman, of Broward County, has been reappointed for a term beginning June 19, 2009 through June 18, 2012.
- Darren R. Gregory, of Dade County, has been appointed for a term beginning June 18, 2009 through June 17, 2012.
- Rosa M. Barbará, of Dade County, has been appointed for a term beginning June 18, 2009 through June 17, 2012.
- Paul Bell, of Dade County, has been appointed for a term beginning June 16, 2009 through June 15, 2012.
- Lourdes Llorens, of Dade County, has been appointed for a term beginning June 22, 2009 through June 21, 2012.
Area 2 Family Care Council
Suncoast Region Family Care Council
Area 10 Family Care Council
Area 11 Family Care Council
Tallahassee Woman is Long-Term Success
By Jeff SaulichMary Ann Bell has quite a track record of successful employment. She has worked in the cafeteria at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital for more than 18 years. Bell is diagnosed with a disability.
"Employment is an integral part of Mary Ann's Life," according to Ardieth Davis, a supported employment coach at the Leon Advocacy and Resource Center, which provides services to Bell that are funded by APD. "She's a very dedicated employee."
Bell works in the dining room, cleaning the tables, keeping the floor clean, and maintaining a neat, clean, and well-stocked condiment station. She has done it all to the best of her ability ever since Ken Martin, the hospital's food service director, hired her in 1991. Martin is employed by the contracting firm Sodexo.
"Her work ethic is better than most people's," Martin said. "She's very dependable. The job is really important to her. And you can tell because she works hard and she's happy."
"As her employer, the only accommodation we have to make is taking a little bit longer to teach her new tasks. Maybe things would go better if we did that with everybody!"
- Ken Martin, Food Service Director
Martin considers Bell's employment to be a very positive experience. He values her as an employee who is friendly with customers and doesn't have to be closely supervised.
"She's not that different from anyone else that works for me," said Martin. "She has her own unique flair about her. She's a part of our family. More people know who she is than know who the president of the hospital is!"
Her popularity with people goes both ways. When Bell was asked what she liked about her job, she replied, "The whole thing! The work and the people!"
Martin ranks Bell as being in the top 20 percent as far as job performance is concerned, and in the top two percent for dependability.
"As her employer, the only accommodation we have to make is taking a little bit longer to teach her new tasks," Martin observed. "Maybe things would go better if we did that with everybody!"
Martin advises other employers to not be afraid of the concept of hiring someone with a disability.
"The people that I've been involved with have a great work ethic," said Martin. "Their job is something that they really love, and you'll get a lot more out of it than you'd expect."
2009 Florida Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG) Task Force Meeting
On June 23, APD hosted the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG) Task Force Meeting in Tallahassee. Director Jim DeBeaugrine addressed the attendees, providing his view of employment for people with disabilities as being one of the most important aspects of any adult's life. DeBeaugrine also stated that the true measure of the agency's success will be the ability to obtain employment for more persons with disabilities, as well as the ability for those persons to remain employed.
The group discussed the objectives of the grant, along with an overview of national and state perspectives on MIG. Presentations were conducted by MIG Employment Coordinators Valerie Reed-Martin and Judy Dunning regarding their activities and ongoing pursuits. Debbie Baker, the Work Incentive Planning and Assistance administrator (WIPA) for South Florida, discussed the value of the Florida Benefits Information Referral Network (FBIRN) which has been created and supported with MIG funds.
The Medicaid Buy-In was discussed at length with plans for proposing new legislation in the 2010 legislative session. The key agencies of DVR, AHCA, DCF and APD agreed to complete a report for the legislature. The report will highlight the economic benefits offered, and provide an emphasis on full-time, competitive, permanent employment with true opportunities for asset development for all persons with disabilities in Florida.
Additionally, a special guest, Sara Salley of the National Consortium for Health Systems Development (NCSHD) who is the Florida MIG technical assistance provider, presented information regarding MIG accomplishments across the nation. Topics explored by the group included strategies for promoting passage of Medicaid Buy-In in 2010, enhancing outreach and training, capitalizing on the national employment marketing campaign, preparing for the MIG activities in 2010, and strengthening the MIG Task Force.
Employment Trainings Held
A Supported Employment Pre-Service training was held in Milton and was attended by approximately 20 students, including ESE teachers, service providers, and Santa Rosa County school employees. Tara Crawford, a supported employment specialist, Katrina Washington, a supported employment specialist, Jane Simmons, an ESE program specialist, LeeAnn Herman, Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG) Employment Coordinator, and Lisa Bloodworth, WIPA, all co-trained during the four-day session. This event was organized by Annette Zeeb, Employment Liaison for Area 1.
Another Supported Employment Pre-Service training was conducted in Gainesville and organized by Jennifer Valenzuela, Employment Liaison for Area 3. It was attended by 27 students. Nancy Hanisch, MIG Employment Coordinator based in Jacksonville and LeeAnn Herman, MIG Employment Coordinator in Central Office, co-trained during the four-day event. A supported employment coach with more than 20 years of experience stated that he had attended many trainings on Social Security Work Incentives in the past but did not understand it until now, after having had the two-day work incentives and benefits portion of the training. A star student of the class, Tandra Simmons, scored a perfect 100 on the difficult exam on work incentives.
Guide to Benefits for Young People Entering the Workforce
The Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) has released a booklet entitled Going to Work: A Guide to Social Security Benefits and Employment for Young People with Disabilities. The purpose of this booklet is to give young people with developmental disabilities, their families, and the professionals working with them some practical, hands-on information about work incentives. The booklet includes chapters on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), how the two programs are impacted by earned income, the Ticket to Work program, and other guidance for young people managing Social Security benefits.
Around the State
Beyond the Call of Duty
By Ann Douglas, Area 2
A big congratulations to Michael Folsom of Tallahassee who was recently awarded a Certificate of Excellence from his employer, In Tents Events, for service beyond the call of duty. In Tents Events, a party rental and event planning business, rents tables, chairs, tents, linens, lighting, theme props, and almost anything else you need to make your event unforgettable.
On the job for two years, Folsom works in the warehouse cleaning just about every item that comes in from one party and gets it ready for the next. The company's president, Donna Smithey said, "Michael is the best cleaner we have, bar none. He takes such pride in his work. Spring and fall are our busy seasons, and things can get crazy around here. Michael really rose to the challenge this spring; he didn't hesitate to come in on his days off when we were in a crunch."
In Tents Events received Tallahassee's People's Choice Award for Best Party Rental and Event Planning business in 2007 and 2008. It also received an award from the Able Trust in 2007 for its success in employing individuals who have disabilities.
The recent Certificate of Excellence is Folsom's second award for outstanding service. "Michael's a great guy and one of the most caring individuals on my staff," said Smithey. "We're lucky to have him." And according to Michael the feeling is mutual. "I love working here," he says. "Everyone's so nice and they keep me busy."
Keep up the great work, Michael!
Twelve Years and Counting
By Colleen FoleyWaiver providers may come and go. Agency offices may move from here to there. And staff members may retire off into the sunset. But nothing seems to stop Margaret Warnberg from completing her volunteer duties at the Area 2 Agency for Persons with Disabilities office in Panama City. A longtime Bay County resident who has received services from APD for many years, Warnberg will tell you she has enjoyed every minute of the 12 years she has been an APD volunteer.
On May 29, Warnberg was honored at an annual luncheon recognizing her volunteer work at APD. Staff members ensured that her favorite dishes were prepared, and presented her with a cake and a framed certificate of appreciation signed by all the Panama City staff—a small thank you for another year of dedicated service. Each Friday without fail, Warnberg arrives with her trademark warm smile and, along with her companion provider, helps out with our filing. Although she spends only a few hours with us, her work is a big help in keeping us organized. Warnberg leaves with everyone feeling positive about the mission of our agency and just happy to know this delightful woman.
Warnberg is also a regular volunteer at Catholic Social Services in Panama City, where she recently received recognition for her service at that organization.
Volunteerism is just one part of Warnberg's active life. She excels at several craft activities and has won many ribbons at the annual Bay County Fair, in addition to exhibiting and selling her crafts at a local gallery owned and operated by her family. In her spare time, Warnberg enjoys collecting miniature lighthouses, playing bingo, traveling with her parents, and helping her mother host teas and other gatherings for friends and family.
Area 2 is privileged to have Warnberg as a member of our APD family. Her giving spirit and longtime dedication to her volunteer duties are an inspiration to all the Panama City staff.
Area 15 Honored by Autism Speaks
By Peter Karlan, Area 15Administrator
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities office in Fort Pierce was recently recognized by Autism Speaks for its efforts in the first annual Treasure Coast Walk Now for Autism. Beatrice Dejoie and Alesia Weeks traveled to Stuart on June 15 to accept two awards on behalf of the Area 15 office—Top Providing Fundraising Team and Silver Level Support. Dejoie also was presented with a Bronze Level Support award for serving as captain and leader of the fundraising team.
This recognition was the result of Area 15 employees and families who participated in the walk on February 1. It was a perfect Florida day for the event, in which Area 15 staff and families gathered to show their support for individuals and families affected by autism. Through our efforts, Area 15 was very proud to raise $1,120 that will go toward research and education for autism.
The Autism Society of America reports that 1 out of 150 births result in a diagnosis of autism and there are 1 to 1.5 million individuals living with autism in America today. It is reported to be the fastest growing developmental disability in the country.
I want to extend special recognition to our fearless "Captain Beatrice" for keeping us organized and on target, and also recognize all the other Area 15 staff including Mary Edwards, Olga Kramskaya, Tracy Jahn, and Noreen Ruffolo, who all participated in this worthy cause. In addition, I want to thank all the Area 15 staff who donated items and funds for the fundraiser. I was honored to be part of this team, and am looking forward to participating again next year.
MRDP Psychologist Presents Two Papers
A member of the Psychology Department of APD's Mentally Retarded Defendant Program (MRDP) in Chattahoochee recently presented two theoretical papers at a national conference. Walter Prather, Ph.D., made the presentations during the 35th Annual International Conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis in Phoenix.
The first article, titled "Learning and Thinking: A Behavioral Treatise on Abuse and Antisocial Behavior in Young Criminal Offenders," examines social learning theory and the quality of parent-child relationships from the perspective of behavioral analysis, and provides a rationale for a comprehensive behavioral treatment approach for young offenders and their parents. It suggests that typical or mainstream juvenile detention programs compete with the acquisition of new functional skills, and provide an environment for learned dysfunctional habits that are then reinforced and maintained in back-end rather than front-end treatment programs.
The other original paper, entitled "Childhood Trauma and Attachment Issues: Toward Rational Cognitive Emotive Behavioral Therapy for Abused Children," examines childhood trauma and attachment issues from the perspective of behavior analysis, and provides a theoretical basis for a rational cognitive emotive behavioral treatment approach for previously abused children and their foster or adoptive parents. It concludes that "familial and therapeutic environments," in which perception and previous learning guide parent child interaction, are more important than diagnostic orientation, and suggests implications for specific cognitive and behavioral interventions.
Prather's presentations were well received, and both original articles have been slated for publication this fall in the International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy. Prather continues his interest in expanding the scope of behavioral analysis and the emerging role of contextual and systemic factors in guiding behavior. If you are interested in learning more about this research, contact Prather at (850) 663-7146.
MRDP Holds Family Day 2009
Residents at APD's Mentally Retarded Defendant Program (MRDP) enjoyed a beautiful day with their friends and families on May 2. A total of 163 visitors attended Family Day 2009 at the MRDP campus in Chattahoochee.
Attendees enjoyed games, food, and a very entertaining talent show performed by the residents. A great time was had by all! The event also was a great opportunity for staff to interact with the support system behind the individuals that MRDP serves.
Keeping Quality High for the QSI
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) has begun its annual recertification process for trainers and assessors in the area offices who administer the Questionnaire for Situational Information (QSI).
At a training session in Orlando on June 23 through 26, Training and Research Manager J.B. Black and Senior Human Services Program Analyst Kathy Jo Gillan were joined by consultant Marty Beech to train a group of select representatives from some of the area offices. Now that they are recertified as master trainers, they are in the process of training area staff who train the assessors that administer the QSI in all of the agency's area offices.
This training method will save the agency considerable travel expenses while ensuring that the QSI will continue to be administered as accurately as possible.
APD to Hold Tier Workshops
The Agency for Person with Disabilities is conducting three workshops around the state to clarify and simplify the existing language in the Medicaid waiver tier rules. Anyone interested should consider attending one of the workshops. The meetings are as follows:
- July 9, 1 - 4 p.m., Agency for Persons with Disabilities, 4030 Esplanade Way, Suite 380, Room 301, Tallahassee, Florida
- July 16, 1 - 4 p.m., Agency for Persons with Disabilities, 401 NW 2nd Avenue, Room 1011, Miami, Florida
- July 24, 1 - 4 p.m., Agency for Persons with Disabilities, 1313 N. Tampa Street, Suite 515, Tampa, Florida
If you are not able to attend a workshop, you may send in written comments to: Mike Dunn, APD Legislative Affairs, APD, 4030 Esplanade Way, Suite 380, Tallahassee, FL 32399.
Health Survey
The Florida Office on Disability and Health currently is conducting two Web-based surveys to collect more information about the health of Floridians with disabilities. If you are age 18 or older and have a disability, please visit http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/90895/mzfpa to complete the survey.
If you are age 18 or older and would like to complete the survey on behalf of someone else with a disability (for example, a child under 18 or someone who cannot respond for himself because of a communication or other disability), please visit http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/134860/sc32e. You may also access the surveys from the Web site, http://fodh.phhp.ufl.edu. These surveys will be active through the end of the year.
2009 Dependency Summit
The Department of Children and Families will host the 2009 Dependency Summit August 26-28, in Orlando. Florida's annual statewide Dependency Summit is an exciting opportunity for child welfare professionals throughout the state to share best practices and continue the advancement of child welfare. At the summit, child protective investigators, educators, community-based care administration and case management staff as well as, judges, general magistrates, children's legal services attorneys, law enforcement, medical and mental health providers and child advocates join together to benefit from increased coordination, communication, and creativity amongst their fields.
To learn more, visit DCF's Web site and look for the Summit link under the Special Initiatives section. You may also click on the following link to access the 2009 Dependency Summit Web site directly: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/admin/dependency/
Please contact Annette Kariko at: (850) 922-6656 for additional information, or for registration questions, contact Amy Karimipour at (850) 523-4200.
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