Message from the Director
Discussing New Ideas
By Jim DeBeaugrine
I recently returned from the first APD community forum on new initiatives held in Longwood, near Orlando, on August 25. It was an extremely positive experience to meet customers, families, and providers and share the many new and exciting opportunities for increased self-direction in our Medicaid waiver program.
Topics discussed included the expansion of the Consumer-Directed Care Plus program and the flexible benefit option which APD hopes to offer in the next year. The most exciting new initiative that is just beginning to be talked about is the iBudget Florida, or individualized budgeting concept. This type program is being used in other states and has won the support of customers and families who want more self-direction.
I want to personally invite customers, families, providers, and anyone interested in learning more about these new concepts to attend one of the upcoming meetings around the state (see schedule below). This is your opportunity to offer suggestions and thoughts related to any of these concepts. APD is required by the Legislature to submit a plan in February 2010 for implementing the iBudget Florida program. Let me hear from you.
Clicking on most photos will open a larger version.
On the Road with the Director
By Hilary Brazzell
APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine and Deputy Director of Operations Dave Robinson are continuing to hit the road in September to tell APD customers, waiver support coordinators, providers, and advocates about new initiatives themed "the road ahead for you and APD".
At the meetings, DeBeaugrine will talk about several agency initiatives, such as the plan for individual budgeting the agency is developing in accordance with a Legislative requirement ("iBudget Florida"), the expansion of the CDC+ program, the new flexible services benefit, and other issues. Consumers, family members, advocates, and providers will also be able to give input on these issues at the meetings.
The two men will continue their road show with meetings at the following locations. There will be two sessions at each location. While the 1 p.m. session has additional information for waiver support coordinators and providers, and the 3 p.m. session has additional information for consumers and families, anyone may attend either session.
- Gainesville (Areas 3, 4, and 13)
September 3, 2009
1 p.m.: WSC & Provider focus
3 p.m.: APD customer focus
Santa Fe Community College
3000 NW 83rd Street, Room R01
Gainesville, FL 32606
ADA Contact: Donna Sparks, (352) 395-5521 - Miami (Areas 9, 10, 11)
September 14
1 p.m.: WSC & Provider focus
3 p.m.: APD customer focus
Marian Center
15701 NW 37th Avenue
Auditorium/Multipurpose Building
Miami Gardens, FL 33054
ADA Contact: Area 11 Office, (305) 349-1478 - Ft. Myers (Area 8)
September 21
1 p.m.: WSC & Provider focus
3 p.m.: APD customer focus
Gulf Coast Center
5820 Buckingham Road
Gulf Coast Center Chapel
Ft. Myers, FL 33905
ADA Contact: Area 8 Office, (239) 338-1370 - Tampa (Suncoast, Area 14)
September 22
1 p.m.: WSC & Provider focus
3 p.m.: APD customer focus
University Area Community Development Corp.
14013 N. 22nd Street
Tampa, FL 33613
ADA Contact: Suncoast Region, (813) 233-4300 - Pensacola (Area 1)
September 29
2 p.m.: Provider Forum
4 p.m.: Customer Forum
Charity Chapel
5820 Montgomery Avenue
Pensacola, FL
If you're not able to attend the meeting suggested for your area, you may attend a meeting at one of the other locations. Contact your area office for more details. You may also visit our Web site at APDcares.org/ibudget
APD Claims Statewide Awards
The Communications Office for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities claimed three statewide awards during the Florida Public Relations Association's Golden Image Awards ceremony on August 11 in Boca Raton.
APD Communications Director Melanie Mowry Etters accepted the awards on behalf of APD. These are the first statewide communications awards the agency has won.
The judges reviewed two entries on behalf of the agency. The entry for APD's Champion newsletter received the highest honor for electronic communications which is a Golden Image Award, plus a Judges Award which means it was a high quality product done for little or no cost. These awards are shared with APD Webmaster Lloyd Harger.
The other winning entry was for the agency's public awareness campaign promoting the employment of people with disabilities, which culminated with Disability Employment Awareness Month last October. It earned an Award of Distinction which means it met the high standards of excellence the judges established.
The APD Communications Office includes Etters, Jeff Saulich, Kimberly Tharpe, Billie Brooks, and Georgia LoCastro.
Mark Your Calendar to Recognize Florida's Workforce
On October 1, in recognition of Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and its partner agencies are planning an energetic celebration in Tallahassee. Governor Charlie Crist, Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Cabinet members, and other community leaders have been invited to participate and recognize the contributions of people with disabilities to the workforce. Employers from across the state who are committed to hiring and retaining staff members with disabilities will be recognized.
The event will be in the Commission Chamber at Tallahassee City Hall. Information displays will be in the Second Floor Mezzanine along with donated refreshments from 8:30 until 9 a.m. The recognition program will begin at 9 a.m. Some of the organizations participating are Vocational Rehabilitation, Able Trust, the Commission on Disabilities, Blind Services, Volunteer Florida, City of Tallahassee, and Agency for Workforce Innovation.
To find out more information or RSVP for the event, call (850) 488-4257 or 1-866-APDCares. Please let us know if you require an accommodation.
The Dependency Summit
By Kimberly CopleyIn the tropical setting of the Loews Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando, thousands of Florida's leaders and public servants gathered with a common purpose; to explore and improve the youth dependency system.
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities was generously granted 14 scholarships from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to attend the DCF Dependency Summit. The agency was represented by all 14 APD area administrators, as well as Director DeBeaugrine, General Counsel John Newton, and Deputy Director of Operations Dave Robinson from Central Office. The area administrators were invited to two breakout sessions at the beginning and at the end of the Summit organized by Department of Children and Families circuits, and provided the opportunity to discuss current and ongoing issues in their regional locations.
APD, DCF, and Department of Juvenile Justice also coordinated an interagency meeting to discuss Florida's youth that are currently being served by all three agencies. The intersection of these youth present unique challenges and opportunities for the state, and all three agency heads renewed their commitment to enhanced collaboration and resource consolidation.
Myron Rolle, Florida State University football star, alumnus, and recently named a Rhodes Scholar, gave a keynote address alongside Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottkamp, and Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court Peggy Quince. The 2009 DCF Dependency Summit offered more than 40 workshops and breakout sessions, resulting in an environment full of learning, continuing education, networking, and fun. APD has committed to continuing to work with the summit's planning committee to ensure future attendance and involvement for the benefit of children served by multiple agencies.
Prepping for Disaster
APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine, Chief of Staff Tamara Demko, and Emergency Coordinator Wes Underwood took an active role in the Governor's Executive Tabletop Exercise on August 12 at the state's Emergency Operations Center. This was a coordinated effort between all state agencies to address a simulated response to a disaster.
This exercise allows everyone to practice and facilitate effective emergency response for all of Florida's citizens in the event of a disaster. This annual exercise increases collaboration among state agencies and ensures executive level involvement in disaster planning, response, and mitigation.
Around the State
Daytona Office Hosts Wait List Meeting
By Ed De Bardeleben, Area 12 Administrator
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities Area 12 Office held its first Quarterly Wait List Meeting at the Mori Hosseini Center of Daytona State College in Daytona Beach. More than 100 people attended the two-hour meeting on August 13. Such meetings will be held in each APD area on a quarterly basis to keep individuals and families informed about the agency's initiatives regarding the wait list.
Topics discussed at the Daytona Beach meeting included agency updates, information on available community resources. It also was an opportunity to link families with other families to provide support to one another, as well as a means for the agency to receive feedback from individuals and their families on how to better serve them.
Discussion arose on the lack of funding to transition individuals from the wait list to waiver-funded services and the criteria for crisis determination. Also discussed was the role of case managers that handle the wait list in linking people to available community resources.
A computer demonstration was presented on how families can find information on the APD Web site. For those that do not have computers, handouts were provided. A survey was conducted among the attendees on what they would like to learn from future meetings such as training and Medicaid benefits.
The chair of the local Family Care Council, Christina Pinto, gave a presentation on the importance of individuals and their families getting involved. Pinto said their voices need to be heard on the issue of additional funding to help individuals get off the statewide wait list. She also explained how the Family Care Council is a mechanism for advocating for help from elected officials.
Questions from individuals about the need for help were responded to after the meeting. The families that attended appeared to appreciate the opportunity to have a meeting geared just for them and the effort that APD is making to help address their individual needs.
The Gallery of Dreams
By Kirk RyonOn July 6, Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Director Jim DeBeaugrine opened the "Gallery of Dreams" exhibition at the Rhodes Building located at 401 NW 2nd Avenue in Miami. Along with DeBeaugrine, APD Administrator Evelyn Alvarez and representatives from both the Dade County and City of Miami Mayor's offices attended to kick off a month-long exhibition of the best that APD has to offer our community. July 6 was officially proclaimed "APD Day" by the City of Miami and Dade County in celebration of the citizens of Miami-Dade County who are our customers.
In the weeks that followed, The Gallery of Dreams exhibited works from 25 fine artists from Dade County and the Keys, as well as holding a number of seminars highlighting a variety of important services. A number of performing artists took the stage including singer Emily Moise from the Marian Center, and Los Ninos de la Luz who danced and interpreted the words of the songs through sign language. There were dancers and a fashion show performed by the Community Habilitation Center, as well as a customer Bazaar and the auction of fine art in The Gallery of Dreams to benefit the Florida State Employees Charitable Campaign.
| Gallery of Dreams Exhibit | |
 Setting up the Gallery |
 Welcome to the Opening |
 The Opening |
 Directors Comments |
APD Has Talent Too!
As part of APD's Area 11's month long celebration in Miami, the Supported Living program hosted a consumer panel followed by a talent show that left the standing room only audience breathless and asking for more!
The first part of the presentation was a panel moderated by Supported Living specialist Maria Roqueta, which included five Supported Living customers who shared their success stories and engaged in a questions and answers forum. Giselle, Terrah, Jennifer, Duane, and Tiffany very eloquently described their experiences, triumphs, and hopes for continued success.
The second part of the presentation was a talent show which showcased the dancing talents of Tracy who choreographed an original piece to middle eastern music. Tracy then serenaded us with her rendition of the Cristina Aguilera's song "I turn to you" dedicated to her mom who proudly sat in the audience.
The fun continued with a tribute to the King of Pop with incredible dances in honor of Michael Jackson. First Joey took the stage and gave us his take on "Billie Jean" and "Wanna be Starting Something" complete with glove and hat.
Armando followed moving to the beat of "Rock with You"…rhinestones socks included. The consumers of Southeast Community gave us the inspirational "Heal the World". The show concluded with an encore dance by Armando who "Thrilled" us beyond belief. This proved, once again, what an array of talent the people we serve have!
Broward Group Goes to the Zoo
Living in a community or group home, residents typically spend their weekly mornings attending either adult day programs, vocational schools, or receiving companion services. In an effort to teach community participation skills, individuals and staff from Connecting Hands Group Home in Broward County recently spent a day at the Miami Metro Zoo. The outing was a very enjoyable and educational experience for everyone who participated.
Such field trips are frequent events at the group home, according to its owner/operator, Angela Loayza.
"We provide opportunities for outings to different county libraries, city swimming pools, city gymnasiums, parties, and various community attractions such as Lion Safari, Sea Aquarium, and the Metro Zoo," Loayza said.
These excursions help the home's residents, including APD customers, to have fulfilling and enjoyable lives.
Beach Combing in Style
A recent article in the Jackson County Floridan newspaper highlighted a new donation to the Billy Joe Rish State Park located on Cape San Blas. The park is operated by Sunland Developmental Center to serve as a recreational opportunity for individuals with disabilities. Sunland received the donation of a motorized scooter called a Beach Scoot Accommodator II, which will allow people who use a wheelchair the chance to tour the beach using the machine. The machine was developed by a man with post-polio syndrome named John Swett and his brother Tom, who live in Marianna near Sunland.
Rish Park has been closed for renovations for the past year. The park upgrades are expected to be finished in late September. When the park reopens, people wanting reservations may call (850) 482-9386.
West Palm Beach Man Has a Clean Record
By Jeff SaulichAlbert Brewster amazes his boss and inspires his co-workers with his exceptional performance on the job. Equally impressive are his talents in art, music, mathematics, and memory. The young West Palm Beach man is considered to have autistic savant syndrome—a condition that co-exists with developmental disabilities such as autism.
"Albert's amazing," said Maria Conde, a career resource specialist at Work Opportunities Unlimited in West Palm Beach, which provides him with supported employment services funded by APD. "He has this incredible memory. You never have to tell him anything twice. He's artistic—he paints and plays the guitar. He's very intense and very focused."
"Albert is a real asset to my operation. I can always count on him to do his job, and do it well."
- Lenny Solano, General Manager, Wendy's-West Palm Beach
Brewster's unwavering concentration serves him well at a Wendy's restaurant in West Palm Beach, where he has worked for two years. As a dining room attendant, he keeps the restaurant sparkling clean. He also stocks the shelves and refrigerator and helps to unload the supply trucks.
"The benefit of having Albert as an employee cannot be understated," said Lenny Solano, the restaurant's general manager. "The customers are always approaching me about how clean the restaurant is. They say that they will drive out of their way to come here because they're more comfortable. At one time this restaurant was in last place in terms of productivity in the district. Now it's third in the district in overall performance. Albert contributes to our success in a significant way."
According to Solano, a team of Wendy's supervisors and managers recently performed an on-site evaluation of the restaurant and were thoroughly impressed with how clean and organized it is.
"The district manager thought that I hired a professional cleaning crew," recalled Solano. "I said, 'No, I have Albert!'"
Solano said that employers might need to spend a little extra time to accommodate the special needs of employees with disabilities, but the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.
"Albert is a real asset to my operation," Solano said. "I can always count on him to do his job, and do it well."
Solano has increased Brewster's hours and gave him additional responsibilities, with the goal of moving him into food preparation.
"To other employers, I say, 'Take a chance,'" Solano advised. "Every employer has workforce issues. That's a given. Think of it this way. Albert is always here before me. He's meticulous. He's honest. He's diligent. He shows up ready to work. He's got a great work ethic and attitude, and he increases morale. What more could you want?"
ODEP Report Describes Employer Concerns
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has released a report describing employer concerns about hiring workers with disabilities from a survey of 3,797 businesses across 12 industry sectors and various company sizes. Respondents reported on their beliefs about and strategies for recruiting, hiring, retaining and advancing employees with disabilities. Concerns detailed in the report include issues with supervision, accommodations, and worker's compensation. The report is accompanied by a brochure which addresses these concerns. Additionally, the brochure and technical report include tools and resources for employers.
The report is available at http://www.dol.gov/odep/documents/survey_report_jan_09.doc. The brochure is available at http://www.dol.gov/odep/documents/EmployerPerspectives.pdf.
Say Thank You to Direct Support Professionals
The week of September 14 is a great time to thank those that help people with disabilities with their daily living. The week has been officially designated National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week across the country.
These are the individuals that help with preparing meals, medications, bathing; dressing; mobility; getting to school, work, religious and recreational activities; and, general daily affairs.
Some of the titles used are: direct support workers, direct care workers, personal assistants, personal attendants, in-home support workers, and paraprofessionals who are the primary providers of publicly funded long term support and services for millions of individuals.
Melanie Mowry Etters - Editor
Jeff Saulich - Photo Editor
Lloyd Harger - Web Development