Message from the Director
Celebrating the People We Serve
By Jim DeBeaugrine, Director
The month of October has been phenomenal for bringing attention to the abilities of the people we serve. The Agency for Persons with Disabilities partnered with the Tallahassee Democrat newspaper to publish almost daily stories about APD customers in successful employment. Other newspapers and their Web sites have also been spreading the good news.
On October 1, APD and its partner agencies recognized eight businesses from throughout Florida that are committed to hiring individuals with disabilities (See story below).
APD employees in offices around the state matched young people with disabilities with professionals working in the career of their choice for Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) on October 21(See stories below). I had the privilege of being a mentor of a Tallahassee Community College student, Danielle Stephens, for DMD. Stephens is interested in a career in Social Work and helping people with disabilities go to work. She shadowed me throughout the day, attending various meetings including one where a team was preparing to introduce the agency's new iBudget concept to stakeholders. Stephens, who is blind, gave me a new perspective on the challenges someone with a visual disability faces. The two of us attended the DMD celebration in Leon County, organized by Ability 1st. That also was a great opportunity to talk with all the other mentors and mentees about their experiences. DMD may help someone decide if a chosen profession is the right one for them to pursue. When Danielle left APD, she still felt helping others was the vocation of her choice.
On October 22 and 23, APD hosted its first of three meetings with APD stakeholders on the iBudget development. In August and September, I went around the state to gather input on developing the iBudget system from customers. The creation of a plan to implement individualized budgeting (iBudget) was approved by the 2009 Legislature. APD will continue to work with customers and stakeholders to develop an equitable system to fund Medicaid waiver services and to increase self direction.
I was very excited to see that various viewpoints were brought to the table for this important effort and everyone was able to keep the focus on the customer for a meeting of the minds. I was proud that everyone came together willing to work in a positive way for the people we serve.
I hope the enthusiasm and focus on APD customers continues throughout the year and does not end on October 31. I appreciate everyone's efforts to make that happen.
Clicking on most photos will open a larger version.
State Honors Businesses
Before a large audience at Tallahassee City Hall, eight business were recognized by the state of Florida for being leaders in the employment of people with disabilities. The celebration was held to kick off Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Governor Charlie Crist said, "I am proud that state government is a leader in providing job shadowing and employment opportunities to persons with disabilities. Floridians with disabilities are an important part of our state's work force, and I encourage Florida's business leaders and employers to learn more about how to better utilize this pool of untapped talent."
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), Blind Services, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), and the Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI) honored the businesses from across the state for their commitment to hiring people with disabilities. October was Disability Employment Awareness Month, and the state highlighted the contributions of people with disabilities to the work force throughout the month.
The businesses from throughout the state received the Florida Exceptional Employer Award. The Florida Exceptional Employer Award recognizes both the commitment of these businesses to hiring and retaining people with disabilities and also their initiative in creating unique employment opportunities.
The businesses recognized are:
- Bethesda Memorial Hospital in Boynton Beach
- Call 4 Health of Boca Raton
- Fausto's Food Palace of Key West
- Hilton at Home Reservations of Tampa
- Jacksonville Aviation Authority
- Stretcher Limo of New Port Richey
- Walgreens Distribution Centers of Florida
- Walmart of Florida
APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine said, "We are pleased to recognize businesses that have made a long-term commitment to hiring individuals with disabilities. These workers are extremely reliable and committed to their jobs. It is not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do."
Representatives from the Florida Business Leadership Network (FBLN) spoke on the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities and the role their organization plays in supporting those hiring choices. The Able Trust announced a statewide media campaign promoting the hiring of people with disabilities called Look at my Abilities. The organization also announced the beginning of Disability Mentoring Day activities around the state.
Disabilitiy Mentoring Day in Florida
Miami Gallery Mentors Aspiring Artists
By Maria Roqueta, Program Specialist, Area 11
As part of Disability Mentoring Day, artist William Braemer opened the doors to his Art Fusion Galleries in the Miami Design District to several APD consumers and their families. This exciting opportunity began with a tour of the galleries. Braemer took us to every room and talked about the many international artists whose works are currently on display.
Our budding artists were beaming with excitement as Braemer detailed some of the different techniques, materials, and processes that are used to create the sculptures, paintings, photographs, and installations that we enjoyed.
At the end of the tour, he invited everyone to come back at any time and particularly when the next series of displays opens at the end of the year.
An extra surprise was in store for Anthony Acosta, an APD customer who creates art by using a head pointer. At the end of the visit, Braemer gave Acosta one of his paintings as a gift, dedicating it to Acosta and encouraging him to keep painting.
"An artist always paints," Braemer told his young protégé. Acosta was thrilled with this generous gift.
This was an afternoon of spectacular art, dreams coming true, and the beginning of new dreams.
Broward DMD
by Cora Brown, Area 10 Supported Employment Liaison
All of the consumers chose to participate in Disability Mentoring Day here at the local APD office in Broward County. The individuals worked with some of the employees, learning first hand valuable skills that will be transferable in the job market such as filing, shredding, making folders, data stamping mail, assisted staff in helping with the sign in sheets and handing out certificates, putting mail in the support coordinators mail boxes. Stocked the DCF food pantry and gave a total of how many canned goods were on hand and other perishable supplies that will be used during the holidays and throughout the year to assist families of DCF individuals.
Participants were treated to breakfast and lunch provided by Olive Garden and Red Lobster, and snacks throughout the day. They played games which consisted of memorization skills such as Name that Tune. The two grand prize winners John McNeely and Ceretha Phillips took home an array of gifts such as individual cameras with film, lunch bag, bowls, pads, pencils and makers, and writing pads. All of the other participants were given shopping bags that were donated by Able Trust, along with cups and pens. Publix also donated a $75 gift card and Publix reusable shopping bags.
In this particular picture the individuals were giving a thumbs up to Disability Mentoring Day. At the end of the day, the participants took home Certificates of Appreciation that were signed by Governor Charlie Crist.
Polk County's DMD Kick-Off 2009
By Jennifer Monje
This year, Polk County's Disability Mentoring Day Kick-Off was made possible through another successful collaborative effort between statewide partners and local committees. The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) in Area 14 and the Center for Independent Living (CIL) hosted Polk County's second Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) Kick-Off on October 21 at the University of South Florida's (USF) Polytechnic campus in Lakeland. Jennifer Monje from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and John Hurt from the Center for Independent living are the Local DMD Coordinators for Polk County. Approximately 106 mentees were matched with mentors this year for a one-on-one job shadowing opportunity with Publix, Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Bright House Networks, Big Lot's, SAM'S Club, the Lakeland SPCA, Orchid Springs Animal Hospital, the Polk County School Board, APD and VR.
During the Kick-Off, APD and CIL announced its involvement in the "What can you do Campaign for Disability Employment" and gettinghired.com. These are two new collaborative efforts to promote positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities. The Campaign for Disability Employment is a national initiative designed to increase the employment of people with disabilities. Many people may agree that every day, people with disabilities can and do add value to America's workplaces. However, in both good economic times and bad, people with disabilities have far fewer job opportunities than the general population and because of this, the Campaign for Disability Employment's goal is to promote the hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities and dispel negative stereotypes about disability and employment.
Gettinghired.com is a national employment and social networking portal designed to connect jobseekers with disabilities and employers committed to hiring them. Their mission is to create sustainable employment growth and opportunities for people with disabilities. In addition to these announcements, Publix provided a continental breakfast and Area 14's APD Provider Waiver Enrollment Specialist, Carla Bettis cooked a delicious Quiche for everyone to enjoy! There were gift bags, certificates of appreciation, promotional videos shown from the "What Can You Do Campaign", a promotional DMD message from Governor Charlie Crist, Sally Ash from the Able Trust was our keynote speaker, we had several special guest speakers that included: Dick Pelligrinni, President of the Polk County Business Leadership Network (BLN), Bill Palmer, Director for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Nancy Woolcock, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Support for the Polk County School Board, and Ashley Metts, Volunteer Coordinator for Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE).
Exposure to career job shadowing opportunities was our key goal this year which I believe we were able to accomplish for many of our mentees and mentors!
On behalf of APD and CIL, we would also like to give recognition to our Local DMD Planning Committee Team which consisted of staff from the PCSB, VR, Polk Works, FDLRS and Abilities of Florida. Thanks again for making Polk County's DMD 2009 Kick-Off a great success!
Suncoast Does DMD In-House
By Glorie Singleton, Suncoast Area
Each year, employees of APD's Suncoast Area office in Tampa look forward to Disability Mentoring Day and the opportunity to share their experience and expertise. This year, staff members mentored six mentees who visited our offices—three from Pinellas County on October 21 and three from Hillsborough County on October 22. Our DMD program consisted of an overview of APD, career exploration, resume tips, and job shadowing.
DMD is a wonderful opportunity for growth and enlightenment for mentors and mentees and we are proud to be a participant.
Volusia County Celebrates DMD
APD's Area 12 office supports career development for people with disabilities by actively participating in the local Disability Mentoring Day planning committee. The committee meets monthly throughout the year to plan for an exciting kickoff breakfast and organize and develop career shadowing opportunities with local businesses. Micky Beauregard of United Cerebral Palsy of East Central Florida is the chair and coordinator of the local planning committee.
On October 14, more than 100 people attended the meet-and-greet breakfast, sponsored by Daytona State College. The kickoff event gave mentors and mentees the chance to get to know each other before the job shadowing that was to take place one week later. The event was opened by Assistant Dean of Student Success Keith Kennedy, college President Dr. D. Kent Sharples, and a proclamation from Volusia County Chair Frank Bruno Jr.
Shae Porter of the Area 12 office closed the event by thanking local businesses for participating and challenging them to return next year and to share their experience with others.
On October 21, Area 12 Training Coordinator Vanessa Carter had the pleasure of participating in Disability Mentoring Day and working with an inspiring gentleman, Brandon Rush. It was Carter's first year as a mentee and she wanted to be sure that the day was enjoyable and educational and that Rush would walk away with lot of information that would be helpful as he pursues his career.
Rush is a student at Daytona State College, currently enrolled in classes on a track to obtain a degree in teaching. On top of that, he works full-time at Sam's Club in Daytona Beach. His goal is to become an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher.
When Rush was asked what lead him to the path that he is on and what age group he was thinking about teaching, he said, "Elementary-age students. I want to make a difference and help." He also said he would like to be a role model and to get rid of stereotypes that exist for persons with disabilities.
After spending the day with Rush, Carter said, "I can truly say he will make a wonderful teacher and a role model."
Rush spent some time with Area 12 Administrator Ed DeBardeleben and supervisors Leslie Richards and Dylan Gale, discussing the agency's purpose and operations, asking questions, and getting answers. He also met all the staff and found out about their job duties and responsibilities.
To conclude the day, Carter and Rush gave a short presentation that they had worked on together. Rush wanted to see Carter present and speak in front of a group and to put some of what they had talked about into action. APD staff members participated in this ice-breaker activity, called "Finish the Sentence." It was a great way to end a special mentoring day that was enjoyed by all.
Bay County DMD Goes Big Time
By Colleen Foley, APD Area 2
Disability Mentoring Day in Bay County was big success. More than 80 mentees were afforded the opportunity to be mentored at businesses and organizations of interest throughout Panama City and the Bay County area. Local radio and TV stations, restaurants, retailers, law enforcement agencies, and other employers stepped up to the plate to provide mentoring experiences.
The Bay County DMD was a recipient of one of the Able Trust DMD grants this year. Those funds were combined with food and drink donations from local restaurants and businesses to provide a wonderful DMD luncheon hosted at a local community center. The house was packed with mentees, mentors, and supportive family members.
The guest speaker was Charles Imondi, owner and operator of the Chef Imondi's restaurants in Panama City. Imondi was one of the recipients of the 2007 Employer of the Year award, presented by APD, Vocational Rehabilitation, and other state agencies. Following his remarks, each mentee was given their DMD certificate and was invited to make brief remarks about their mentoring experience.
Everyone had a positive experience and we are hopeful that this will inspire the mentees to actively pursue employment outcomes, as well as motivate prospective employers to offer more employment opportunities.
Jacksonville Disability Mentoring Day
By Nancy Hanisch-Boutot
On October 28, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and the Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC)-Jacksonville hosted a Professional Mentoring Experience for over 200 students and adults with disabilities.
The event was held at the Cuba Hunter Community Center in Jacksonville. About 25 businesses and community partners participated, including CSX, SunTrust, Publix, APD, First Coast Technical College, Merrill Lynch, Vocational Rehabilitation, Federal Reserve Bank, CVS and WorkSource.
Two weeks earlier, on October 13, Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton hosted a proclamation signing for Disability Mentoring Day. Nancy Hanisch-Boutot from APD, as well as individuals from ILRC, Publix, Vocational Rehabilitation, CSX, and others were honored to have their picture taken with Mayor Peyton.
Individual mentoring experiences are being scheduled for November for those who met an employer and are interested in pursuing a career in that chosen field.
DMD in Area 3
By Jennifer Valenzuela
The Gainesville area had another very successful Disability Mentoring Day (DMD). Alachua and Putnam counties had 34 Area 3 consumers and 15 businesses participate.
On October 21, Brown's Supports and Services helped 19 individuals with participation in DMD. Individuals had the chance to shadow in a group or one-on-one with local professionals in a variety of employment fields.
One business that participated was 93.1 Hope FM which is a Christian radio station. A tour of the entire facility was given. Discussion on how the radio station worked and hosts local community event also took place. Individuals had the opportunity to record their own demonstration tape. The individuals that participated really enjoyed the behind the scenes of the radio station!
Another experience was with a local mechanic shop in Putnam County. One individual worked for several hours with Wilkinson Automotive. This young man really enjoyed this one-on-one job shadowing experience. He was given a tour of the shop, explanation of all the equipment used to repair cars, and then given the opportunity to use the machines. He helped with hooking up a machine to diagnose a problem and helped fix it. He hopes to obtain a position in the community as a mechanics helper in the future.
Paying it Forward
By Melanie Mowry EttersDarren Gregory worked hard to prepare himself for when he got an opportunity to go to work. Gregory, who has cerebral palsy, graduated with both a bachelor's and master's degree in social work. He also volunteered at a veteran's hospital. With all his expertise, that job opportunity presented itself in May when he was hired by his alma mater, Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, as a career coach in the Office of Career Services.
Gregory's primary role is to assist FIU students with disabilities in getting prepared to enter the job market. He helps them with developing a resumé, finding job internships, and preparing for interviews. Many of the students he sees have either a physical or mental disability.
"I absolutely love my job. This is what I went to school to do. It is my opportunity to give back to the whole community and the disability community too," says Gregory. Adding, "I like the people I work with. They have been wonderful to me."
Gregory's supervisor, Associate Director Ivette Duarte, says, "Darren's work ethic is unparalleled. I wish I had three or four more Darrens. Nothing stands in his way. He is fabulous." FIU has provided Gregory with computer software that types up the words he speaks due to his limited hand dexterity. They have also made sure his office accommodates his wheelchair. Being a recent college graduate, Gregory brings a new perspective to the FIU career center. Duarte says, "Darren is our gage. He is phenomenal and able to connect with all students. He identifies needs with a keen student perspective and makes sure our office is on board."
Gathering input for iBudget
How can our waiver system be better? How can people have more control over their services? How can it be more sustainable? APD stakeholders from all over the state thought about these questions at meetings on October 22 and 23 to give input for the agency's "iBudget Florida" plan.
The Legislature asked APD to give its members a plan for an individual budgeting system by February 1, 2010. "iBudget Florida" is the name for the proposed individual budgeting system. APD is developing this plan and many things need to be decided. Once APD develops the plan, the agency will give it to the Legislature to review. APD would also need an OK from the federal government to start making the plan happen.
The Legislature wants APD to ask persons with disabilities, their families, service providers, and advocates about how an individual budgeting system should work. This stakeholder group is a way to find out what people think. APD also held seven public meetings to get people's ideas, and the agency will hold several more once the plan is developed to get feedback.
APD would like for individual budgeting, or iBudget Florida, to make several changes in our waiver system. It would give each person on the waiver a budget at the beginning of the service selection process, to make it easier for him or her to plan services. Each person's budget would be determined using a mathematical formula which considers his or her specific situation. APD would like for the prior service authorization process as we know it to be eliminated. APD would also like to structure services to give people more flexibility.
At the October meetings, APD employees told the stakeholders about how individual budgeting systems work generally in other states. They also told the stakeholders about the ideas for APD's individual budgeting system. Stakeholders were asked for their suggestions for APD's plan. The stakeholders had many questions and ideas for APD to consider.
The next iBudget Florida Stakeholders' Group meeting will be December 3 and 4 at the APD headquarters office in Tallahassee.
Materials from the recent stakeholder meeting, details about the next meeting, and general information about the iBudget Florida plan in development will soon be on the APD website. That address is http://apd.myflorida.com/ibudget/. Through the website, you may your thoughts and ideas for the iBudget Florida plan and ask questions.
Members of the iBudget Florida Stakeholders' Group are:
| Maryellen McDonald | Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities |
| Andrea Moore | Advocate for foster children |
| Pam Kyllonen | Agency for Health Care Administration |
| Jim DeBeaugrine | Agency for Persons with Disabilities |
| Ryan Chandler | Agency Waiver Support Coordinator |
| Patty Houghland | Family Care Council Florida |
| Betty Kay Clements | Family Care Council Florida |
| Phil Pearson | Waitlist Parent |
| Mark Barry | The ARC of Florida |
| Sherry White, Ph.D. | Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities |
| Margaret Hooper | Florida Developmental Disabilities Council |
| Bryan Vaughan | Governor's Commission on Disabilities |
| Steve Mason | Hillsborough Achievement and Resource Centers |
| Cymande Jacobs | Independent Waiver Service Provider |
| Tiffany Solomon | Independent Waiver Support Coordinator |
| Jim Freyvogel | MacDonald Training Center |
| Arizona Jenkins III | Self-advocate |
| Bert Paige | Self-advocate |
| Idelio Valdes | Self-advocate |
Consumer Directed Care Plus Expansion
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is expanding the number of people in the Consumer Directed Care Plus (CDC+) program. This is a unique opportunity for an additional 2,500 individuals who are currently enrolled in the Developmental Disabilities Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (DD/HCBS) and also reside in their family or own home to direct their care and manage their funds.
A letter providing basic information regarding the CDC+ program was mailed in October to waiver recipients who reside in their family or own home. This letter requests that all those interested in being considered for enrollment should send back their request form postmarked by November 13.
You may view the letter and its attachments by visiting the CDC+ web site: http://apdcares.org/cdcplus/
Please share this information with anyone who might be interested.
Waiting List Rule Workshops
The Florida Legislature approved a new proposal to reorganize the APD Medicaid waiver waiting list. The new proposal goes into effect on July 1, 2010. The agency has been tasked with holding rule workshops on this initiative around the state. Feedback received will be shared with lawmakers during the spring session.
Visit the APD Web site to get more facts about the legislatively approved measure, and the outline for discussion that will be used during the rule workshop. The workshops will be held at the following locations:
- Tallahassee
November 16, 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Tallahassee Community College
Grand Banquet Hall
Workforce Innovation Building
444 Appleyard Drive
Tallahassee, Fl 32304
ADA Contact: Nilda Barreto, (850) 922-9188 - Miami
November 17, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Rhode Building
401 NW 2 Avenue
Suite N-1011
Miami, Fl 33128
ADA Contact: Area 11 Office, (305) 349-1478 - Orlando
November 18, 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Hurston Building
400 West Robinson Street
1st Floor Conference Room
Orlando, Florida 32801
ADA Contact: Area 7 Office, (407) 245-0440
If you are unable to attend a meeting, you may send comments to:
Denise Arnold
Agency for Persons with Disabilities
4030 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, Fl 32399-0950
Update on the QSI
For almost two years, individuals, family members, providers, and APD employees have been involved in completing an assessment on individuals that are enrolled on the home and community based services waivers, as well as individuals who are on the waitlist for home and community based services. The Questionnaire for Situational Information (QSI) gathers information about an individual's level of need for support in the functional, behavioral, and physical areas and gives helpful information to use as part of the support planning process. The QSI is one of several methods that APD uses to understand each individual's needs and goals.
The QSI is administered by trained and certified temporary employees hired by the agency. These assessors complete a review of client records and spend time with the individual and those in his or her circle of support to ensure that the information obtained for the QSI is accurate. Once completed, a copy of the results of the QSI is provided to the individual and/or family for their files.
During November and December, waiver support coordinators will receive training on the QSI and once completed, they will be able to access the system online to view the information for individuals on their caseloads. The support coordinators will be encouraged to use the information that will be available as a tool for getting to know individuals new to their caseloads and for support planning. More detailed information about QSI is available on the APD Web site - APDcares.org.
Around the State
Disability Fair Held in Fort Myers
A host of providers and organizations in the disability community came together to show their stuff at the Fort Myers Disability Fair. APD's Area 8 office was among the participants at the October 21 event, hosted by the Career and Service Center of Southwest Florida and spearheaded by Tim Goodman, the Goodwill program director of the Florida High School/High-Tech program in Fort Myers.
This special event was held during Disability Employment Awareness Month to provide a wide range of diverse area providers with the opportunity to network and discuss the coordination of their efforts to support and promote the employment of persons with disabilities. Feedback from the public who visited the booths was very positive.
It is interesting to note that this event will spawn other ones in the near future. Due to requests for more information about work incentives, James Vidrine of the Area 8 office will partner with Joe Belardinelli of the Career and Service Center and Marti Graf of the Center for Independent Living to give presentations for the Life Skills Center of Lee County, the transitional programs of the Florida High School/High-Tech program, and the Family Care Council.
Another fringe benefit of the fair is an agreement with the Goodwill high-school transition program and the Life Skills Center to seek out persons in their programs that have had employment success to see if they are willing to share their success stories with the public.
Other participants at the Disability Fair included the Lee County Recreation Program, American Red Cross, Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), Division of Blind Services, Fort Myers Eye Center, Parents of Bipolar Children of Lee County, and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Area 3 Holds Wait List Meeting
APD's Area 3 office in Gainesville recently kicked off a series of meetings for individuals on the agency's wait list, in partnership with the Area 3 Family Care Council (FCC). More than 50 people attended the August 29 inaugural meeting, themed "What You Should Know." Area 3 will hold these meetings on a quarterly basis to provide updates on agency initiatives to self-advocates and families.
Area 3 Administrator Jim Smith welcomed the participants and gave a presentation on the agency's initiatives and issues, noting that APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine has made the wait list one of this year's agency priorities.
Frank Carroll, chairperson of FCC Area 3, made a presentation on the purpose and mission of the Family Care Council and its functions. Carroll strongly encouraged families to get involved with the local FCC as a mechanism to present their concerns and ideas on how the agency can help improve the delivery of services to individuals with disabilities and better serve them. Several families requested applications to become members.
Highlights of the meeting included Terri Velazquez from United Way of North Central Florida, who presented an overview of "United Way 211"—a valuable resource hotline for referrals to community resources for families. In addition, Shelly Voelker, former chairperson of FCC Area 3, gave an awesome presentation on "Noah's Endeavor Adapted and Inclusive Recreation," an organization that provides an array of inclusive recreational activities for individuals with disabilities that she and her husband established for their son.
Sylvia Bamburg, Area 3 supervisor of APD state support coordination, explained the role of the unit with the wait list initiatives, the eligibility process, and the criteria used to move an individual from the wait list to the Medicaid waiver. She emphasized the importance of keeping contact information current and updated with the unit.
The meeting ended with a question-and-answer session. Families said that they enjoyed the meeting and look forward to attending the next one. Attendees picked up handouts about resources and upcoming activities as they mingled after the meeting.
More Anchors Away!
By Kirk Ryon, Area 11
Employees of APD's Area 11 office in Miami attended a boat launch for Anchors Away on October 22. Anchors Away is a unique program developed by Dr. Jayne Greenberg, physical education coordinator for Miami-Dade Public Schools. The program offers water sports activities such as sailing, kayaking, and canoeing to youths with disabilities. At the boat launch, five new sailboats were added to the fleet, making a total of 35 boats currently in the Anchors Away fleet!
Greenberg promotes an active lifestyle among students throughout her community. In 2008, she helped more than 1,000 students with disabilities earn their Presidential Active Lifestyle Awards and was named a "Point of Light" by Governor Charlie Crist. In partnership with the Anchors Away Committee of the Aventura Marketing Council, Greenberg has formed the Marine Academy, which gives students the opportunity to learn science, math, physical education, and life skills while giving them a career path in the marine industry.
West Palm Office Has Student Intern
APD's Area 9 office has partnered with the School District of Palm Beach County to provide job training in conjunction with the district's Exceptional Student Education Transition Services Department. The program is designed to assist students between the ages of 18 and 22 to develop the skills necessary to find and maintain paid employment.
Sarah Braithwaite is the student intern currently working in the West Palm Beach office. Braithwaite was initially assisted by a job trainer provided by the school district but is now working independently. She is involved with projects such as copying, data entry, random moment sampling, filing, shredding, and has been responsible for registration at several large training sessions.
Braithwaite works four mornings per week and will be assigned to the APD office until her internship reaches 200 hours. She is a welcomed addition to the Area 9 office!
Art Show Held in St. Pete
Artists, agencies and friends joined APD Suncoast area staff in honoring local artists during the Second Annual APD Suncoast Art Show Reception and Awards Ceremony. The successful event was held October 23 at the area's St. Petersburg office. Guests received a personal tour of showcased art and opportunities to meet the artists.
The art show consists of 72 beautiful and inspiring pieces of art, which currently decorate the area office. Represented in the art show are Creative Clay, Friends and Families Support Center, Harborside Studios at UPARC, Hillsborough ARC, Loveland Center, MacDonald's Training Center, Manasota ARC, and Pyramid Studios. Pieces include paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, mixed media, and three-dimensional art—even a growing exhibit!
The APD employees serving on the awards selection committee had a very hard time deciding this year's winners due to the large number of exceptional pieces. The winners were chosen after much deliberation. APD Suncoast Area Administrator
APD Administrator Carl Littlefield had the honor of announcing this year's winners.
- Best Abstract: "Dog" by Danielle (Pyramid Studios)
- Best Water Color/Tempera: "Swordfish" by Lee (Pyramid Studios)
- Best Ceramic Piece: "Frog" by Christina (Harborside Studios)
- Best Acrylic/Oil: "Red Barn" by Dolores (Creative Clay)
- Best Mixed Media: "End of A Search," a joint creation by Friends and Families artists
- Best Presentation: "Autumn Leaves" by Alvin (Pyramid)
- Social Commentary: "Come Grow with Us," a joint creation by Friends and Families artists
- People's Choice Award: "Cream Slice Flowers" by Dolores (Creative Clay)
- Best in Show: "Autumn Leaves" by Alvin (Pyramid)
- Administrator's Choice: "Life on Clearwater Beach" by Holly (Harborside Studios)
The Suncoast area staff thanks all of the participating artists and agencies. This wonderful event could not have taken place without their continued dedication and support. The art show is one of many events hosted by APD during its celebration of Disability Employment Awareness month throughout October.
Information Fair Paves the Way
On October 3, the second annual Disability Employment Awareness Month kick-off event—the Paving the Way to Work, Live, and Succeed Information Fair—was held in Bradenton. The information fair, open to the public, provided an opportunity for individuals interested in employment to receive valuable information, tools, and guidance.
Presentations included school-to-work transition options, assistive technology, Social Security Administration work incentives, and many more. The event, hosted by APD's Suncoast Area office, the Family Care Council, and Abilities of Florida, represented a community partnership in celebrating Disability Employment Awareness Month.
APD Receives Land Proposals
The Agency for Person with Disabilities (APD) began accepting ideas, proposals, and feedback regarding 38 acres on Hodges Boulevard in Jacksonville on October 30 during a public meeting in Jacksonville. The property, located at 3611 Hodges Boulevard, was donated to APD with the caveat that any use of the land should provide a benefit to those with developmental disabilities.
The meeting was held at the Pablo Creek Branch of the Jacksonville Public Library located at 13295 Beach Boulevard. APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine began the meeting and discussed possible ideas for the property. General Services Director Wes Underwood gave a presentation on the property during the meeting.
ARC Jacksonville wants the state to give it the property to develop a community for about 75 people with developmental disabilities. About 50 people attended the meeting to voice support for the planned community. APD will continue to accept comments and proposals over the next 60 days regarding the property and how to use this asset for the greatest benefit of people with disabilities in Florida.
You may send written comments about the use of the property to:
