Message from the Director
Legislative Session Wrap–Up
By Jim DeBeaugrine
The 2009 Legislative Session ended on May 8 after being extended an additional week in order to complete the 2009-2010 General Appropriations Act.
It was a successful session for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities considering the fiscal challenges that our state is continuing to face. Below are the highlights of legislation affecting APD:
- The budget passed in SB 2600 totaled $1.085 billion in funding for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. This includes an increase of $8.6 million in funding for Home and Community Services, and an increase of $800,000 in funding for Developmental Disabilities Public Facilities.
- The legislature mandated a plan to move to individualized budgets for waiver recipients. This will have a twofold benefit. Individualized budgets will provide more consumer and family direction over use of resources while promoting financial stability.
- An intermediate step toward greater consumer direction is authorized through a flexible benefit. This exciting concept allows for greater customer direction, too. This optional program allows a person to take a portion of their allocated funding and put it into a self-directed benefit.
- Proviso language in SB 2600 allows APD to add up to 2,500 individuals to the Consumer–Directed Care Plus (CDC+) Program. Any savings generated from these additions will be used to enroll individuals on the waitlist.
- APD's conforming bill to the budget, SB 1660, prescribes a priority order for the agency to use in addressing the waitlist for waiver services, beginning July 1, 2010. It also establishes the Prepaid Services for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities Study Group in order to evaluate a prepaid service plan for children with disabilities modeled after the Florida Prepaid College Plan.
- The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' conforming bill, SB 1778, created an autism license plate.
Currently we are completing an implementation plan for legislation signed by the governor that affects APD, as well as starting on legislation for next year.
Our Legislative Wrap–Up Report is posted on our Web site at http://apd.myflorida.com/legislative/2009-legislative/2009-legislative-wrap-up.pdf for everyone to review.
Clicking on most photos will open a larger version.
APD Leaders Gather
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| For the first time in about two years, the Executive Management Team and area administrators from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities got together face-to-face to plan for the agency's future. On May 20, the group gathered at the R. A. Gray Building in Tallahassee that houses the Museum of Florida History and Florida Archives. The day was spent discussing agency priorities and strategies for accomplishing them. During a meeting break, everyone went on a tour of the Florida Archives. Archivist Boyd Murphree displayed various historical documents, including a photo album from the Tallahassee Sunland Center. The tour then stopped in the Archeological Research laboratory where James Levy showed off items recovered from shipwrecks including a shaving bowl used on ships. Days 2 and 3 of the leadership meeting were held at the APD headquarters. Some of the topics discussed included public records, legal issues, an emergency notification system used by the Department of Health, and recently approved legislation. |
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APD Receives the Bronze Award
On May 13, General Services Officer Wes Underwood accepted a safety award on behalf of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Donna O'Neal, Deputy Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Financial Services, presented all of the awards to the winners.
APD won the 2008 Interagency Advisory Council on Loss Prevention Special Recognition Award for Loss Prevention. This is the equivalent to third place. The recognition is for creating a safe work environment for APD employees and customers. "While great strides remain ahead of us and we can always improve, this recognition, as the first one that APD has received, is very special," said Underwood.
The award is based on a survey submitted to the Office of the Governor and on the initiatives the agency has undertaken.
The team effort includes Center superintendents that allow employees the time to effectively address safety issues and have committees to facilitate safe workplaces, and safety coordinators and staff who are on the front line reviewing accidents and seeking corrective actions. Working together, we are making APD a safer place to work.
Delivering the Message
By Melanie Mowry EttersUsing a wheelchair has never been an issue to Adam Langham in his job as an Internal Lab Courier for Sacred Heart Hospital. After more than nine years on the job, Langham, who has cerebral palsy, continues to receive high marks from his supervisor, Lab Outreach Manager Troy Lewis.
"Adam is a tremendous asset to our lab. He is in a chair, but it doesn't slow him down. He is one of the most dedicated people we have in our lab. His timeliness and punctuality are great," says Lewis.
Langham's job involves transporting paperwork and specimens around the hospital's large campus and ensuring that things get to the right place. His boss says he performs those tasks very accurately. When needed, Langham escorts patients around the hospital's grounds to their next appointment.
In describing his job, Langham says, "I love it. I love the people I work with. It is just a great place to work."
Sacred Heart Hospital has 458 beds and 4,000 employees. Most of those employees know Langham. He is described by co-workers as someone who makes friends easily.
Langham is also a self-described sports fanatic. He says buying tickets to sporting events is where he likes to spend some of his paycheck and that varies depending on the sports season. Langham says lately he has been attending his old high school's football games and the Pensacola Pelicans baseball games. He says he keeps his sports allegiances professional in the workplace, with just a little good natured ribbing for his friends who do not support his college favorite—the University of Florida Gators.
State Summer Games
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The Agency for Persons with Disabilities was well represented at the Opening Ceremony of the 37th Annual Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games held on Friday, May 15, in Orlando. APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine was a keynote speaker during the ceremony. Hundreds of APD customers participated in the competitions. |  |
| The Opening Ceremony was held at Champion® Stadium at Disney's Wide World of Sports® Complex and featured a parade of athletes, a $1 million check presentation from premiere sponsor Publix Super Markets, a visit from Mickey Mouse, celebrities and dignitaries, fireworks, and the lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron. | ||
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Over 2,500 Special Olympics athletes, coaches, and family members from throughout Florida took part in the two-day event (May 15 & 16). 1,550 athletes of all ages and skill levels competed in track and field, soccer, cycling, tennis, bocce and volleyball. The games are the single largest Special Olympics event held in Florida, annually. To learn more about Special Olympics Florida, visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org |  |
Around the State
Sunland Center Athletes Participate in State Summer Games
By Karen Henrickson, Sunland Center Recreation Director
The 2009 Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games were held at Disney's Wide World of Sports in Orlando on May 15 and 16. Jackson County was well represented sending 31 athletes. Twenty-three of these athletes traveled from Sunland Center to participate in volleyball, cycling, track and field, and bocce.
The Sunland Supersonics Volleyball Team brought home the Gold medal in the Masters Division 3.
Among the other sports, Sunland cycling athletes brought home a Gold and Bronze medal. Sunland athletes competing in track and field earned one Gold, four Silver, and three Bronze medals. Sunland bocce players earned a Silver and Bronze medal.
The Special Olympics oath reads "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." Our athletes are very proud of their achievements and represent Sunland Center and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities very well.
Key West: A Place of Tranquility and Beauty
By Sharon Powell, Medical Case Manager and Maria Roqueta, Supported Living Specialist
Florida's southernmost APD program is found on the island city of Key West, America's southernmost city. The Monroe Association for Remarkable Citizens (MARC) operates two group homes, a supported living program, supported employment, and an adult day training (ADT) program on this island paradise. Residents in Key West associate very positive feelings with the MARC participants who provide important community services.
Included among these services is the ADT program that includes a horticulture section, garden arts and crafts, and a recently opened lunch deli. You will find the most exotic and beautiful flowering plants here, all of which are tended by the MARC participants. There is a wide variety of orchids: including phalaenopsis, vanda, and ground orchids. The deli supplies lunch and breakfast for the staff, participants, and customers. At the ADT the customers are surrounded by beautiful plants, falling water, and relaxing music—it is truly a place of tranquility and beauty. The participants are actively engaged in their community, they contribute to local art exhibitions, participate in spin class, and water sports activities. They all appear to be happy and self actualized in the true meaning of the phrase.
Several of the MARC participants are also budding artists; their paintings grace the walls of local galleries such as Guild Hall on Duval Street, SoDu Gallery also on Duval and an exhibit at the East Martello through the Art and Historical Society. All the art is sold to benefit the MARC program and artists. Artistic T-shirts and jewelry created by the participants are also for sale.
These "conchs" are truly integrated in the keys community and are great examples of living everyday lives!
Not Just a Provider to Me
By Manyvone Champavannarath, APD Customer
I did not realize how many people would come and go throughout my life until I moved out on my own. There were some who were glad we crossed paths and others who were not. There is one person in particular who has touched my life in a way that I will cherish forever.
When I turned 21, I contacted APD to get on the waiting list for the Medicaid waiver. I wanted to move out of my family's house and get my own apartment. After two years, I got on the Med-waiver. The first two providers I interviewed were dumbfounded by the severity of my disability. They didn't seem to know what to do with my situation. Needless to say I felt depressed.
After interviewing a third provider, Suncoast New Options President Beverly Williams, it didn't take long for me to decide that Bev Williams was the one for me. While talking with her, I realized that she was unique! She seemed to be sincere, enthused, and had a positive attitude. I couldn't wait to start working with her to receive Supported Living , Companion, and Personal Care Assistance services. It took us five months to get me in my own place. The time consisted of looking for an apartment, a roommate, changing addresses, hiring staff, and most importantly, getting acquainted with my provider. After spending time with her, I realized that she was a caring, giving, and thoughtful person.
Bev Williams is always ready to listen to me when I have a problem and assures me that everything will be alright. I know I can count on her to be there. When I am sad, I call and tell her what went wrong. I call when something exciting happens. Just hearing her voice and knowing she cares makes everything better. I also call her before I make big decisions. I want her in all aspects of my life.
She knows how much I love babies. Last January when her granddaughter was born, she arranged for me to see the baby at the hospital. It was the most amazing thing I have ever done. Not only did I get to see the baby, but I also got to hold her. It was my first time to hold a newborn baby and it felt great! I get to see the baby from time to time. When we get together, she climbs all over me. The last time I saw her, my staff found baby food in my hair.
Recently, I got the privilege to be a part of Area 14's award ceremony as part of the Family Care Council. I got excited when Area Administrator Eric Olsen announced the last award. It was presented to Bev Williams. She won 1st place for the "APD Area 14 Support and Service Award." I wanted to squeal with delight and say, "She deserves an award just for putting up with me for the past 12 years!"
When people ask me why I am still with Suncoast, my reply is always the same, "Because I love Bev!" I thank God every day for sending Bev to me. For the past 12 years, Bev brought joy to my life. She goes above and beyond the call of duty time and time again. The world would be a better place if we had more people like Bev. I want to thank Bev for everything she has done for me. Bev is not just my provider. She is my friend!
Medical Case Manager Strives to Network Among the Community
By Shelia Mott and Linda Cleary
Recently, an invitation went out to approximately 30 nurses in Volusia and Flagler counties welcoming them to an Area 12 APD nurses meeting. This was the first meeting of its kind in Area 12, since historically there have been very few nurses locally associated with APD. The nurses were all involved with the people with developmental disabilities in one aspect or another: direct nursing service, consultation, medication administration trainers, medication administration validators, or members of collaborative agencies.
The agenda was informal allowing for lots of ‘networking' time. A few topics presented by Linda Cleary RNC, Area 12 Medical Case Manager, included Basic Overview of the Developmental Services Home and Community Based Waiver, recent modifications of the DS waiver including Tiers and the QSI Assessment process, the Medical Case Management Team in Area 12, Chapter 65G-7, medication validation procedure, the LENS community project, and opportunities for nurses. Information regarding the Developmental Disabilities Nursing Association (DDNA) and Mid-Florida DDNA was shared including the upcoming national DDNA convention in Orlando.
Linda Cleary also coordinates the efforts of the Medical Case Management Team (MCMT) who review several medically and behaviorally complex individuals noted to have a marked decline in health and/or function. The MCMT has been active since 2001. Five of the seven members are original to the team: George Ehringer M.D. (internal medicine), David Templeman Pharm D, Beth Chapman PTR/L, Tom Freeman BCBA, and Linda Cleary RNC. Bassem Amawi M.D. (psychiatry) and Dorothy Lefford OTR/L have been members for several years. Following reviews, the MCMT offers recommendations, technical assistance, and consultation to the respective waiver support coordinators.
Presentations have been made by MCMT members to providers and customers at meetings and local health symposiums. In celebrating their seventh year together, the team remains dedicated to the health and behavioral needs of the people we serve and looks forward to continued involvement and future presentations in Area 12.
In honor of National Nurse's Week, the Area 12 APD office recognized Linda Cleary, RNC, for her years of service and dedication to the nursing profession and serving people with developmental disabilities. She and the Medical Case Management Team have made a positive impact on the health, safety, and well-being of individuals residing in Daytona Beach area.
Area 13 Goes Under the LENS
By Brenda Stevens
There was excitement in the room! After the facilitator spoke, there was camaraderie, collaboration, tears, questions, answers, information gathering, laughter, more tears, joy, singing, and applause. It was the LENS workshop, held May 13 through 15 at APD's Area 13 office in Wildwood, and many considered it to be a life-changing experience.
LENS stands for learning, exploring and experiencing, networking, and strategizing. The workshop series is facilitated by the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) and is touring Florida to visit APD's area offices.
Participants first focused on Sumter County, which has the least opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities of Area 13's five counties. Only one provider from Sumter County attended the workshop. After the initial presentations, a young lady with tears in her eyes named Gwen Lewis-Mobley spoke to the group about her attempts to bring more social capital and supports to Sumter County, and how hard it was to do it alone. Everyone felt great empathy for her deep caring and need for support, and it motivated the group to work hard to find solutions.
Under the direction of CQL's Jill Westring, participants went out into the community to learn about the priorities of the citizens and the available resources. Research was also done on the Internet, by phone, and through a question-and-answer session with local experts. Representatives from various organizations provided displays, brochures, information, souvenirs, and activities. They were quickly surrounded by participants to answer questions on Sumter County. The goal was to produce an electronic resource to be called "Community Connections: Resources for Sumter County," which would be especially helpful to state support coordinators and Family Care Council members.
The focus areas chosen for the LENS were employment, housing, health care, social capital (including recreation, leisure, and safety), and transportation. Since transportation is very limited in Sumter County and is of high importance, it was chosen to be included in all the focus groups.
At the end of the first day, it was a shocking discovery for everyone to realize how limited the resources are in Sumter County compared to their own counties. They understood why Lewis-Mobley needed help.
At the beginning of Day 2, many participants said they didn't sleep well because ideas and information kept coming into their thoughts. The initial groups were split into cross-groups with representatives from the main focus areas in each group. More discovery time was allotted for community work to find out the priorities of the people in the community. An enthusiastic group went to Wildwood City Hall to speak to City Manager Robert Smith on how supportive he and the City of Wildwood could be. Smith understood their vision and a collaborative partnership was born that day.
On the final day, some fabulous presentations were given. Paula Whetro shared the results of the meeting with Smith. Whetro offered to start a nonprofit group to seek grants and work with the City of Wildwood to get more activities and supports in Sumter County for its residents. Office space for the organization was offered at the community center. There was shock and silence, then great applause.
When Lewis-Mobley Gwen spoke to thank everyone for caring, there was not a dry eye in the room. She said she did not realize that there were so many who cared about Wildwood and Sumter County.
Rosemary Godwin delighted the group by coming up with a theme song—"The More We Get Together the Happier We'll Be." She sang the first chorus beautifully herself but had everyone else join in for another few rounds with much laughter and applause afterwards.
This group also reported that it had booked the Wildwood Community Center for Saturday, Sept. 19, for its first event—a community fair called Umbrella for Opportunity. Smith had arranged the community center free of charge!
Eagle Medical offered to host the next LENS workshop so the training can continue in Marion County. A follow-up meeting for the first training will be held on June 4 from 12:30 until 2 p.m. at the APD building in Wildwood. All who were in attendance and anyone who would like to come is welcome.
Our thanks go to Westring, our facilitator and constant cheerleader. We also appreciate behind-the-scenes helpers Chassity Richardson, AQL, and FCC members, state support coordinators, and trainer Karen Eramo.
Speaking of appreciation, we thank Area 13 Administrator David Johnston for his vision of what this project could do, his presence and interest each day, and his encouragement to keep the momentum going for this awesome group who really showed how Area 13 cares.
Affordable Housing Help
Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is pleased to announce a FREE online affordable rental housing locator for Florida. FloridaHousingSearch.org is the primary site for people who are trying to identify available affordable housing options and for landlords who want to register their affordable properties. This site is an important resource as the state continues to face the challenges of the foreclosure crisis and the effects of hurricane seasons that can leave thousands of people searching for available and affordable housing.
Properties listed on FloridaHousingSearch.org are affordable for people who earn up to 120 percent of an area's median income (AMI) and are located throughout the state. The site uses software created by Socialserve, a national non-profit provider of housing locator services. Anyone can search online 24 hours a day or contact Socialserve's toll-free, bilingual call center at 1-877-428-8844 for searching support, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time.
Melanie Mowry Etters - Editor
Jeff Saulich - Photo Editor
Lloyd Harger - Web Development