Message from the Director
Governor's Budget Supports People with Disabilities
By Jim DeBeaugrine, Director
I was excited to participate in a news conference with Governor Charlie Crist on Friday, January 29, at the Capitol, hearing all his priorities for the 2010-2011 fiscal year which begins on July 1, 2010. The Agency for Persons with Disabilities received both verbal and financial support from Governor Crist. The Governor's proposal gives APD about $80 million more than the current budget year. In this expected financially tight year, I am very pleased that the governor has confidence in the work of APD employees and cares so much for the people we serve that our small agency is one of the few receiving a budget increase.
Governor Crist is proposing $1.16 billion for APD's budget for Fiscal Year 2010-11. The agency's budget was $1.08 billion in Fiscal Year 2009-10 and $1.06 billion in Fiscal Year 2008-09.
Some of the main APD budget recommendations are:
- $3 million to add dental services to Tier 4. Currently customers on Tier 4 cannot receive dental services through the waiver.
- $12.7 million to serve people on the waiver waiting list.
- An additional $100 million for the Medicaid waiver, in primarily nonrecurring money, to eliminate the projected deficit over the current and upcoming fiscal years due to delays in fully implementing the tier waiver system.
Governor Crist said at the news conference that the state of Florida has a duty to help its most vulnerable citizens and he was not recommending any budget cuts to disability programs.
The governor's budget recommendations will assist the Agency for Persons with Disabilities with continuing its good work on behalf of Floridians with disabilities by expanding critically needed dental services. Additionally, by eliminating the APD deficit that keeps rolling forward each year, it will help ensure the agency will be able to serve individuals in the future.
We appreciate the governor's support of APD and the people we serve. These budget recommendations will make a difference in the lives of thousands of people with developmental disabilities in our state. I look forward to working with Governor Crist and legislators to move these new recommendations into action.
Clicking on most photos will open a larger version.
iBudget Meets February 1 Deadline
By Hilary Brazzel
With the help of a dedicated group of stakeholders and input from the public, the agency's plan for individual budgeting has taken shape. APD submitted its iBudget plan to the legislature as required today, February 1. The Legislature will now review the plan.
The document is the result of hundreds of hours of work including researching other states, holding community meetings, and bringing stakeholders together to share their ideas.
The iBudget Florida Stakeholders' Group met for a third time on January 7 and 8. The group is composed of self-advocates, family members, waiver support coordinators, providers, and advocates. The stakeholders reviewed how the waiver system might be more simple, equitable, sustainable, and self-directed. They offered their input on the latest draft iBudget plan. APD employees and consultants have continually incorporated stakeholder comments into the plan for legislators. While the plan has been submitted, APD is still interested in any comments that can help us improve it.
Visit http://apdcares.org/ibudget to review the plan submitted to the legislature. If you wish to share your comments and suggestions about the plan, go to http://apdcares.org/ibudget/contact-us.htm or e-mail APDiBudget@apd.state.fl.us.
iBudget Forums Held Around the State
APD hosted five iBudget forums to gather feedback from the public about its proposal for implementing individualized budgets for people served through the Medicaid waiver. Meetings were held in Jacksonville, Orlando, Hollywood, Tampa, and Panama City.
In Tampa, APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine was the guest speaker at the Community Forum hosted by Pyramid Inc. at the Children's Board of Hillsborough County on Tuesday, January 19.
DeBeaugrine provided an in-depth review of the agency's iBudget proposal from its conception to its implementation. DeBeaugrine also discussed several benefits of the iBudget plan which include more self-direction, less "red tape," greater equity, and a more stable, sustainable system.
The iBudget plan will be implemented using a statistically validated formula or algorithm which will consider data and determine a budget amount for each consumer.
"The iBudget plan is a starting point," said DeBeaugrine. "Our goal is to create a system which is workable, practical, and something you can have confidence in."
DeBeaugrine encouraged participants to review the proposal online and forward their feedback and input to the agency for evaluation.
The iBudget concept, if approved by the legislature, will be phased in gradually over a two- or three-year period.
APD Tier Rule Progresses
After receiving input from stakeholders concerning its proposed rule to implement the Waiver tiers, APD is proceeding with the process of preparing to file the new tier rules for adoption.
The agency held a rule workshop on January 6, followed by a public hearing on January 8, to discuss the proposed new tier rules. Testimony was heard during both Tallahassee events and additional written comments were received. The testimony and written comments were taken into account in making changes to the proposed rules.
APD published a Notice of Change on January 22, which includes the complete text of the proposed rule. To review the document, visit: https://www.flrules.org/Gateway/View_notice.asp?id=8177796
The legislatively required tiers went into effect on October 15, 2008. The agency's prior rule was ruled invalid by the 1st District Court of Appeals in October, 2009. Currently, the agency has emergency tier rules in place.
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Employer Campaign Launched
Beginning February 1, a national campaign will begin to try to persuade employers to hire persons with disabilities for their job openings. The national campaign is called Think Beyond the Label (TBTL). The Web site is: http://www.thinkbeyondthelabel.com
APD is a participant in this national campaign, through funding by the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, and has its own Web page as part of the TBTL Web site. Employers may begin calling APD and its partner agencies in February hoping to hire a person with a disability for open positions within their companies. The Supported Employment Liaison (SEL) or Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG) Employment Coordinator in each area office will be able to field these calls. Calls to the Central Office may be handled by Lee Ann Herman. APD wants to make sure that employers are greeted with prompt and helpful service so that the people we serve can successfully compete for job openings.
In Florida, Think Beyond the Label advertisements will be placed in Florida Trend magazine and on Web sites for local business journals in the spring.
For the Love of a Child
By Ann DouglasBeing with toddlers all day could be a challenge for some, but for Kerri Outten, it's a joy. Outten, who has a disability, is a full-time staff member at the Child Growth and Development Center in Tallahassee where she teaches, plays with, and cuddles 2 and 3 year old children. "The kids are so much fun," said Outten. "I look forward to being with them every day."
-Roman Fontenot, Director
Outten, 23, knew she wanted to work with young children when she was in high school. During her senior year at Chiles High School, Outten dually enrolled in child care classes at Lively Technical Center.
After graduation and completion of the child care classes, she volunteered for a year at a day care center, hoping to be employed. She finally had the chance to interview with Roman Fontenot, director of the Child Growth and Development Center, early in 2007. He saw a young woman with unique skills and a passion to teach and care for children. Fontenot states he did not hire Outten to give a job to a person with a disability. Outten was hired on her own merits as an enthusiastic, motivated young woman with day care experience and an obvious love for youngsters.
"Kerri's been with us for about two-and-a-half years and does a wonderful job," said Fontenot. "She carries the same responsibilities as the other staff; she's treated no differently. She's more than capable of handling anything that comes her way, and her outgoing personality engages every child in her care."
Asked what she liked most about her job, Outten said, "Just about everything. I love to sing and dance with my children, read to them, and even work on potty training. Every day is new and fun."
And if caring for little ones all day does not use up enough energy, Outten heads for the city pool after work each day where she is a star swimmer of the Area Tallahassee Aquatics Club (ATAC). In October 2007, Outten was chosen to represent the USA at the Special Olympics World Summer Games. Intense practice took place at ATAC and in Tennessee before she headed for the international games in Shanghai, China. All her hard work paid off when she brought home silver and bronze medals from two events. Said Outten, "It was the most exciting time I've ever had."
Around the State
Area 1 Provider Meeting
APD's Area 1 office in Pensacola held a Provider Meeting on January 20 and 21. Providers from Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties received information on monitoring procedures from Delmarva. They also asked questions and got answers about the agency's iBudget Florida proposal for individualized budgets.
Training on the Earned Income Tax Credit for persons with disabilities was provided, along with information to share with our customers about free tax preparation sites in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties.
Providers also received information about Social Security work incentives and the importance of our customers documenting and reporting changes—especially address changes—to the Social Security Administration in a timely manner. Trainings in supported employment and Social Security work incentives through the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant are now available in Area 1 and can be customized to the needs of the community.
Area 1 Scores!
Actually, no points were attributed to APD in the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament in Pensacola. But three employees of the agency's Area 1 office assisted by scoring the team skills event—Ali Stanley, Anna Marie McArthur, and Malva Weaver. The January 15 event was held at the University of West Florida (UWF).
Participants were excited about the opportunity to play basketball and took pride in their successes. UWF volunteers and family members were in the audience cheering them on. The student volunteers had an opportunity to experience working with individuals with disabilities.
Teams from Escambia, Okaloosa, and Walton counties participated in the event. Stanley, Area 1's nurse, was thrilled that no one was injured and her skills could be used in another capacity. The agency employees "had a ball" volunteering their Saturday morning, sharing the excitement, and making a difference in the community.
Navigating the Working World
By James V. VidrineMore than 25 people attended a presentation on employment and work incentives on January 19. Sharon Berry, chairperson of the Area 8 Family Care Council, hosted the event in Cape Coral Hospital.
Joseph Belardinelli, the Disability Program Navigator of the Career and Service Centers of Southwest Florida, gave a dynamic presentation on the ins and outs of employment. He spoke from experience; his own disability is to due to a spinal injury he received years ago. His severe injury did not stop him from becoming successfully employed, nor did his disability stop him from living his life in a satisfying and productive manner.
Belardinelli shared his own personal struggles and successes in obtaining work as a person with a disability, as well as his experience helping others find employment as a former Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, and now as a disability navigator. He focused on the wide employment services that are available at the service center, including an overview of additional assistance that can be provided to persons with disabilities who want to be employed. He explained various work incentive programs that assist persons with disabilities who receive funding through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). He shared ways that people can earn good wages and yet not lose their benefits.
Belardinelli urged the audience to encourage people with disabilities to at least attempt to work. He warned that to avoid employment opportunities, and to accept only their disability and other funding, keeps people in perpetual poverty. He strongly believes that almost anyone can become employed, and that people are more capable than many realize. He also pointed out that employers, even in tough economic times, are becoming more willing to hire persons with disabilities. This is true for a wide variety of reasons, including the intrinsic value of work that people with disabilities can provide.
Throughout his talk, Belardinelli stressed that people with disabilities can work and earn a good living, be productive, and save money for their future. This can occur while they keep their medical insurance by using work incentives that support their employment.
Group Home Residents Take a Cruise
By Daniel Madistin, Director, Daniel Madistin, LLCAt the Daniel Madistin Group Home in West Palm Beach, our mission is to assist the community to see the value of a person instead of their disabilities through education, experience, and exposure. With that goal in mind, we frequently take our residents to college football games, the mall, bowling, and other fun destinations in the community. But on December 23, we raised the bar by taking a cruise on the Palm Beach Princess casino ship, which sails from Riviera Beach.
It happened through a partnership we developed with AM Loving Care. Our residents and staff had visited theirs for several different activities, and the residents enjoyed visiting with each other. Consequently, when the birthday of one of our residents was approaching and so were the holidays, we asked each other what would be a great adventure for our residents and the idea came to us to take a cruise. Not only did AM Loving Care join us, but also First Class Group Home and Walliston Foster Home.
During our evening cruise on the 421-foot ship, the residents enjoyed dinner, watched the slot machines, enjoyed live music and a show, played bingo, and connected with nature by watching the dolphins. At some point during the trip, we all sat together just to chat. It was a great learning experience for all the residents since none had ever been on a cruise before. Everyone had fun on this very memorable occasion. We are looking forward to having many more opportunities to share adventures and good times together.
Area 12 Trains Deputies
By Linda Basbagill and Diveka Anderson
APD's Area 12 Office launched its first "Developmental Disabilities Awareness for Law Enforcement" training for deputies of the Volusia County Sheriff's Department. The 8-hour session was held on November 11, 2009, at the Volusia County Sheriff's Office Tiger Bay Training Center in Daytona Beach.
The training course was designed to educate law enforcement officers and first responders about developmental disabilities and provide them with viable intervention methods when responding to calls. Key points of the training focused on communication, recognition of developmental disabilities, respect (for example, giving extra time for individuals to respond), and distinguishing between medical behavior (such as epileptic seizures) and criminal behavior.
Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson expressed his support and gratitude to the Area 12 staff for initiating and presenting the training. He stressed the need for comprehensive training to equip law enforcement personnel with working knowledge and understanding of how to interact with persons with developmental disabilities.
The class began with an overview of APD and covered the five developmental disabilities served by the agency. Officers were given a brief description of the history of developmental disabilities and viewed a short film by Geraldo Rivera revealing conditions of Willowbrook State Hospital on Staten Island, New York, in the early 1970s.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the training was when officers demonstrated what they learned through role-playing scenarios. The exercise challenged them to reduce or prevent the impact of crises and avoid unfortunate situations. Participants received community resource materials and quick reference pocket guides for so they can best serve and protect individuals with developmental disabilities.
Upon successful completion of the course, the deputies were presented with a certificate and a "Commitment to Excellence" pin, donated by the Volusia/Flagler County Pharmacy Association. Performance evaluation forms were distributed to identify the strengths and weaknesses in the training. The responses reflected in the evaluations were overwhelmingly positive and expressed appreciation for the training opportunity. The average score compiled from the evaluation forms was 4.2 out of 5.
The training course was developed by Area 12 Human Services Program Specialist Linda Basbagill. Her prior experience with conducting Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for law enforcement was instrumental in connecting with the officers and motivating them to learn, ask questions, and stimulate discussions. Area 12 employees Vanessa Carter, David Cassidy, Sandra Mills, and Diveka Anderson also assisted with the training; they presented various sections, developed scenarios, and participated in role play. The team worked diligently to ensure the successful rollout of the new training.
The Volusia County Sheriff's Office has already requested another training session, planned for this month. In addition, trainings are being arranged with the Flagler County Sheriff's Office and the police departments of Daytona Beach, Port Orange, and other cities. To help continue this project, Area 12 staff are seeking grants to fund the purchase of training supplies and lapel pins.
Legislative Forum in Volusia County
By Ed De BardelebenOn January 27, Area 12's Family Care Council hosted a Legislative Forum at the Daytona Beach International Airport. About 50 people attended. Rep. Dorothy Hukill, Rep. Charles Van Zant's legislative aide Mary Jo Marjenhoff, Rep. Dwayne Taylor's legislative aide Shannee' Green, and Sen. Tony Hill's legislative aide Tracy Butler attended the event.
Hukill spoke about a bill that she is sponsoring to end the use of seclusion and restraints against children with disabilities in the public schools. Hukill and the legislative aides heard families speak about the need for services from those who are on the statewide waiting list, as well as from those who are receiving waiver services who felt that their services were limited.
Families spoke with passion regarding their concerns and expressed the need for more funding. Hukill stated that she was not aware of the number of older individuals in need of supports and services because she has primarily focused on children's issues. She indicated that she will start looking at these issues more closely.
I educated the delegation on the demographic makeup of Area 12, including the number of individuals served, providers rendering services, group homes, etc. Afterward, I met with Hukill and the legislative aides. Area 12 employees also met with families to address questions and concerns raised during the meeting.
MACtown Collects Donations for Haiti
By Jeff SaulichMACtown, Inc., a Miami provider of services to children and adults with disabilities, has begun collecting items for the people of Haiti affected by the earthquake of January 12. At least four truckloads of items have been collected and shipped so far. The shipment included tons of water, nonperishable food, medical supplies, adaptive equipment, clothing, baby formula, diapers, wipes, and the like.
The Sunrise Community and United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of South Florida have joined this effort, with the goal of targeting their relief efforts toward groups and organizations in Haiti that provide care to people with disabilities. While all segments of society are suffering unimaginable hardships during the recovery process, these community-based organizations know firsthand the hardships faced while trying to care for this most vulnerable population, having been affected by tragedies such as Hurricane Andrew in South Florida. This disaster also hits close to home for another reason—about 35 percent of MACtown's employees are Haitian.
The first shipment departed Miami on January 25. The donations came primarily from the Miami-Dade community, and Trans-Haiti Cargo Shipping of Miami provided one of its ships at no charge. However, because this effort will be ongoing, MACtown is hoping to find corporate sponsors to pay for future shipments.
"I want people to understand how large this ship is," says Violet Gonzalez, MACtown's director of community affairs and corporate advancement. "It has four levels, and the bottom level can hold 15,000 hundred-pound bags of rice! The top level carried a 12-ton generator for a hospital and all kinds of vehicles."
Meanwhile, MACtown Director Clint Bower and representatives from Sunrise and UCP flew to Haiti on January 23 to deliver critical medical supplies. These outreach efforts are leading the partnering agencies to establish long-term relationships to support the agencies in Haiti that serve people with disabilities.
"I want to thank everyone for their donations," Gonzales says. "I'm amazed at how the community, the whole world, has come together."
-Violet Gonzalez, MACtown officer
If you want to help this effort, MACtown is collecting items on a continuing basis. Especially needed are nonperishable food items, over-the-counter medications, antibiotic creams, antibiotics, first aid supplies, rice, dried red beans, cornmeal, rubbing alcohol, and supplies for infants and children. All donations can be brought to MACtown at 151 NE 62nd Street, Miami, 33138. Monetary donations are also accepted, with checks made payable to "MACtown, Inc." In the memo section of the check, write "Haitian Earthquake Relief Fund."
If you represent a corporation that is interested in sponsoring a shipment, or if you want more information about this effort, contact Gonzalez at (305) 495-2686.
"We all have to work together," Gonzalez says, "Because this could happen to anybody."
Governor Names Buoniconti as Point of Light
Governor Charlie Crist recognized Marc Buoniconti of Miami with his Governor's Point of Light award on January 27.
"Over the past two years, Marc has been a great public servant and has been a true advocate for persons with disabilities," said Governor Crist. "His tremendous work is making an impact across the state and I am truly grateful for his passion and dedication to this cause."
For two years, Buoniconti has served on the Governor's Commission on Disabilities, a panel appointed by the governor charged with advancing public policy for Floridians with disabilities. Buoniconti has also been instrumental in advancing research and treatment facilities for persons with spinal cord injuries as an ambassador for the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. He also is the president of the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. His activism has earned him a Volunteer of the Year award from the American Lung Association of Florida and the University of Miami's Henry K. Stanford Award.
The Point of Light program recognizes Florida residents who demonstrate exemplary service to the community. A panel of judges comprised of leaders in the areas of volunteerism and service evaluate all nominations and make recommendations to the governor. The Volunteer Florida Foundation manages the program.
What a Trip!
By Kelleigh CorbinEveryone likes to travel. For 38 years, a company in Philadelphia has been helping people with disabilities do just that. The Guided Tour, Inc., provides people with disabilities ages 17 and up the opportunity to travel independently while being supervised by staff members, many who have been with the company for 15 years or longer. All escort staff are professionals in human services.
Destinations can be a few states away, or a few continents. Hawaii, Nashville, London and many more popular travel spots are included in the company's offerings. Trips are offered year-round and can last anywhere from two days to a week. Currently, prices range from $649 into the thousands. Included in the cost of the trip is airfare from Philadelphia Airport. But if you happen to live in another state, you pay the difference between the airfare from your closest airport and the Philadelphia airfare. Also, your hotel accommodations are covered, as well as transportation at the destination, activities that require admission, such as Broadway shows or theme parks, and two meals a day.
A staff member will meet the individual at the destination airport. One staff member is assigned to every three participants. But if one-on-one staffing is needed, it can be arranged. For more information, search the Web site at www.guidedtour.com or call toll-free 1-800-783-5841
Gather, Go, and Get Your License or ID
A new law went into effect on January 1 that changes how to get your driver license. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is enforcing new rules on obtaining and renewing your Florida driver license. The law now requires various forms of identification, including proof of date of birth, residential address, and Social Security number. The same rules apply to state ID cards for nondrivers, also available from DHSMV. Here is what you will need:
- One source of primary identification – A birth certificate issued by a government agency, a valid United States Passport, or a certificate of citizenship (form N-560 or N-651) can be used.
- Proof of your Social Security number – You can use either your Social Security card, or an original document containing your Social Security number, such as a paycheck or W-2 form.
- Two proofs of your residential address – These documents can be originals or printed from the Internet, and can include a Voter Registration card issued by a Florida county, a Florida vehicle registration, and utility bills not older than two months.
The changes also include higher fees. A Class E driver license, which most motorists have, costs $48 for new cards and renewals. An ID card for nondrivers costs $25, new or renewed.
If you do not have a driver license or ID card obtained under the new rules, after a certain date (depending on your birthday) you will not be able to enter a federal building or be able to board a commercial flight. DHSMV has created a Web site to help you navigate the new rules and help you find its local offices. Visit www.gathergoget.com to find out more.
Melanie Mowry Etters - Editor
Jeff Saulich - Photo Editor
Lloyd Harger - Web Development