Message from the Director
20 Years Have Made a Difference
By Jim DeBeaugrine
On July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed landmark legislation—the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA, as it is now well known, has made a tremendous mark on the landscape of America since that time. The ADA is an important civil rights act designed to ensure that people with disabilities enjoy the same freedoms as everyone else.
It is common now to see people with disabilities in the workforce, walking around neighborhoods, out shopping, and in our school system. This is exactly what the ADA was meant to accomplish—providing the opportunity for all people to fully participate in their communities. This landmark legislation has made a tremendous difference in the lives of millions of Floridians, guaranteeing their rights to seek work, housing, and access to public buildings and other facilities.
This rapid transformation of attitudes toward people with disabilities has been encouraging; however, there are still opportunities to do more. The Agency for Persons with Disabilities has around 49,000 customers living in their local communities. This is wonderful, but only 5,000 of these individuals hold competitive employment.
Certainly, outdated attitudes held by employers and, surprisingly, family members and even individuals with disabilities are partly responsible. Also to blame are complicated government programs which, paradoxically, are designed to encourage self-reliance but in reality often discourage it. Federal health care benefits are a prime example. Individuals with disabilities can ill afford to be too successful in the job market lest they exceed income limits and lose their health care coverage. Regardless, I am optimistic that competitive employment and self-reliance will be the norm for individuals with all types of disabilities in the not-too-distant future.
APD and several of our partners are planning a march to the Capitol on Monday, July 26, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this important legislation. We are calling it a March for Opportunity. Some of the organizations participating are Ability 1st, the Able Trust, Division Blind Services, Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Governor's Commission on Disabilities, Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, and the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association.
The march will begin at Park Avenue and Monroe Street at 10:30 in the morning, and proceed down Monroe Street to the Capitol Courtyard. At 11 a.m. in the Courtyard, speakers will talk about the difference the ADA has made in their lives. Governor Charlie Crist has also been asked to give remarks.
We invite the public to take a stroll with us to the Capitol on July 26 to show support for the ADA and all that it has accomplished. We hope you will join in the March for Opportunity.
Clicking on most photos will open a larger version.
Cabinet Recognizes ADA's 20th Anniversary
Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet adopted a resolution on June 8 that recognizes July 26 as the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) throughout the state.
"People with disabilities strive to lead fulfilling lives and make remarkable achievements and contributions to our nation," said Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink as she introduced the resolution. "However, in the past, Americans with disabilities have faced the possibility of discrimination in many areas, from education to transportation and public accommodation, and that's why this legislation continues to be of the utmost importance to our country."
Attorney General Bill McCollum remarked that he worked on the ADA legislation when he was a congressman 20 years ago. He said even the framers of the ADA could not envision the positive impact that it has brought.
The resolution was presented to APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine; Susanne Homant, president and CEO of the Able Trust; Bryan Vaughan, executive director of the Governor's Commission on Disabilities; Bill Palmer, director of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; and Debra Dowds, executive director of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council.
DeBeaugrine invited the Governor and Cabinet to join the disability community in the March for Opportunity on July 26 in Tallahassee to demonstrate support for the ADA and to celebrate this important anniversary. The march is free and open to the public. Call 1-866-APD-Cares for more information.
Two Employees Receive Davis Awards
APD employees Jo Ann Harper and Kimberly Hatcher came to Tallahassee on June 4 to accept their Prudential-Davis Productivity Awards. Both received plaques in the individual category for their money-saving ideas.
Harper, of the Mentally Retarded Defendant Program (MRDP) in Chattahoochee, earned the honor by streamlining the program's inventory and ordering processes, saving about $25,000.
Hatcher, of Sunland Center in Marianna, was honored for negotiating with private medical service providers to reduce the cost of medical services for noninsured individuals, saving more than $79,000.
See the April 2010 issue of the Champion for a complete summary of all of the agency's Davis award recipients for 2010.
Governor Signs Bills at Family Café
Governor Charlie Crist kicked off the 12th annual Family Café conference in Orlando by signing two bills benefiting persons with disabilities. Crist signed the bills ceremonially on June 18, surrounded by individuals with disabilities, their families, and advocates.
"The Family Café is an excellent forum for Floridians to learn more about the services available for persons with disabilities and their families," said Crist. "The bills I signed today continue my deep commitment to increasing opportunities for persons with disabilities to live independently and achieve their dreams."
The Family Café focuses on providing information and resources to people with disabilities. Crist gave the conference's keynote address, applauding the efforts of all advocates of persons with disabilities, including Family Café participants, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and members of the Governor's Commission on Disabilities. The governor also highlighted attendees' commitment and support for iBudget Florida, an individualized budget tool that will enable persons with disabilities to prioritize allocated money.
Crist signed House Bill 1073 into law. It specifies that persons with developmental disabilities have the right to be free of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The legislation requires staff of facilities licensed by APD to be trained in detecting and reporting client abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment. The bill includes provisions to protect children with disabilities, such as providing guidelines for the safe use of seclusion and restraint of students. It also requires school districts to collect information on incidents of restraint and seclusion and to provide such information to parents and the Florida Department of Education. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Marcelo Llorente (R-Miami) and Rep. Dorothy Hukill (R-Port Orange).
The governor also signed Senate Bill 1166, which increases opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities to choose where they want to live. The bill alleviates restrictions for people with disabilities to allow them to live next to each other in residential communities, exempting them from the 1,000-foot rule if no more than three centers are located within a radius of 1,000 feet. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Thad Atlman (R-Melbourne) and Rep. Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland). Altman joined Crist for the bill signing ceremony.
APD Has High Profile at Conference
By Jeff Saulich
There was no shortage of information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities at this year's Family Café. From Governor Crist's keynote address to the agency's booth in the exhibition hall, APD figured prominently in the annual conference, held June 18-20 in Orlando. Family Café is the state's biggest annual conference for the disability community.
APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine was among the dignitaries in attendance for the governor's address and the bill signing that followed. DeBeaugrine also participated in the 12th Annual Summit on Disabilities, held on the evening of June 18. The following day, the director gave a special presentation on the new iBudget Florida initiative to a packed house. Hilary Brazzell assisted with the one-hour session.
The agency gave many other presentations as part of the conference's scheduled events. Lori Kohler, RN, and Lori Gephart, RN, Central Office, gave an informative presentation called "Medication Awareness and Then Some." J.R. Harding, Ed.D., Central Office, conducted a session on "APD's Five-Year Employment Vision." Rhonda Sloan, a Central Office employee based in Tampa, gave a presentation on the "Consumer-Directed Care Plus (CDC+) Program." Area 7 Administrator Merari Perez assisted with questions during the Agency for Health Care Administration’s presentation on "Quality Improvement Initiatives: Provider Consultations." And Tom Rice, Central Office, discussed the agency's Zero Tolerance initiative in a session called "The Silent Epidemic: Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of Persons with Developmental Disabilities."
Throughout the conference, the APD booth was a constant point of contact for conference attendees. Employees from areas 3, 7, 14, and Headquarters staffed the booth for all three conference days, passing out large quantities of agency brochures and taking time to answer visitors' questions. They played a key role in the conference by representing the agency in a professional yet personal way, and helped make APD's presence at Family Café very meaningful for the participants.
It took many photographs to capture the action at Family Café; please visit the Family Café photo gallery to see them all!
Gulf Coast Center Closes its Doors
By Melanie Mowry EttersThe Agency for Persons with Disabilities now has only two developmental disabilities centers in the state. The agency officially closed the doors of Gulf Coast Center in Fort Myers on June 30 in compliance with the settlement of the Brown vs. Bush lawsuit. The center's phasing down plan was begun in June 2005, affecting both residents and employees.
The final two residents were relocated into the Tampa Bay community on June 2, concluding the transitioning of 312 individuals who used to call Gulf Coast Center their home. Former residents have moved into new homes as far away as Tennessee and as close as the immediate Fort Myers area.
The careful and thoughtful movement of residents prevented anyone from suffering the ill effects of Transfer Trauma. Transfer Trauma is a serious, documented medical condition that can affect individuals with severe disabilities who experience an abrupt change in setting or daily routine.
APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine commended those involved in the successful closure, "It is a bittersweet occasion. I am very proud that the closure of the Gulf Coast Center was properly planned and executed without incident. I congratulate Center Administrator Michael Mayfield and his dedicated staff for a job well done. Their professionalism and emphasis on excellent residential care to the very end is commendable. I would urge employers to consider hiring former Gulf Coast employees because they have proven their dedication in serving the most vulnerable population in the state."
The 502-acre campus was turned over to Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) at noon on June 30. FGCU will be developing facilities in eastern Lee County. APD has been working with FGCU over the prior months to ensure a smooth transition. One APD employee was hired by FGCU to help manage the facilities.
Tacachale Center in Gainesville, Sunland Center in Marianna, and the Mentally Retarded Defendant Program in Chattahoochee received truckloads of furniture and equipment using 12 53-foot trailers that were rented for more efficient and less costly moving of property to the other centers. Five vehicle transport vehicles were hired to move golf carts and other vehicles, too. Additionally, over the past six months, Tacachale and Sunland employees have been transporting various equipment back to their centers.
Several GCC employees that were willing to relocate have been employed at Tacachale Center and other APD locations.
Prepping for Success
By Dana Cohen and Melanie Mowry EttersBeing a part of a team is important to Nikia Houston. Houston, who has a disability, has been a Popeye's team member for more than three years. "She knows what to do," says Store Manager Rosa Sarvoma.
Houston's job tasks include prepping side items, such as biscuits, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw. She is also responsible for keeping the restaurant clean.
"People that I work with treat me nice. I like working here," says Houston. Job Coach Heather Summerford says, "Nikia loves her job and the feeling of independence she gains knowing that she is providing for herself."
Houston's manager says she has a very strong work ethic and an outgoing personality. "Not only is Nikia good at following directions, but she is always greeting customers and gets a long well with everyone," says Sarvoma.
When Houston is not working, she likes to shoot for strikes for fun at the local bowling alley.
Around the State
Pensacola Office Holds Employment Training
By Katrina Washington
With support from the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, APD's Area 1 office in Pensacola organized four-days of training for agencies and the general public on employment issues. A workshop on Social Security Work Incentives was held June 9 and 10, followed by a Supported Employment session on June 15 and 16. Both workshops were held at the J. Earle Bowden Building in Pensacola's historic district. A total of 30 students participated.
We are excited to announce that all of the students passed the Social Security Work Incentive test. In addition to APD, participating agencies included the Division of Blind Services, ARC Santa Rosa, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services of Northwest Florida, United Cerebral Palsy, local churches, community leaders, and the school systems of Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties. Attendees came from Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay counties.
Miami Holds iBudget Meeting
By Hillary Jackson
APD's Area 11 office in Miami hosted an iBudget Florida Proof of Concept meeting on June 4. The session's "livemeeting" technology allowed participants to log into a Web site and listen via conference call from wherever they might be. Two "live" sites were set up to accommodate attendees in Dade and Monroe counties. The meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders, providers, consumers, and APD staff to learn about the initial development of the online iBudget application and talk about what APD's future IT systems might look like.
Attendees were receptive to the concept of individualized budgets for waiver services and asked numerous questions on how the program will impact customers' lives. APD Central Office presenters participated from Tallahassee, including Chief of Administrative Services Wes Underwood, Information Systems and Services Administrator Jean-Maree Phillips, Hilary Brazzell, and Alex Hall. They provided detailed answers on the process and welcomed the suggestions that were made.
Suncoast Area Holds Tier Reconsideration Meetings
By Glorie SingletonThe Agency for Persons with Disabilities continues to face many challenges and changes, one of which is the implementation of the waiver tier system. Many APD customers have expressed concern over their tier placement. As a result, area administrators are currently inviting APD customers who have submitted requests for tier reconsideration to face-to-face meetings. Customers have the opportunity to express their concerns and have their questions regarding the effects of the tiers answered.
Suncoast Area Administrator Carl Littlefield has conducted 44 meetings so far, with at least 33 more scheduled.
"We didn't know what to expect," said one APD customer's guardian. "We went to state our case and we think it went really well."
The meetings are one of the many ways in which APD is communicating to customers and their families to make sure they understand agency policies and procedures.
Employee and Family Walk for Kids
An APD employee and her family went out of their way on a Saturday to support a worthy cause. Jameela Abdul-Malik of the Area 10 office led "Team Malik" as they participated in the Walk for Kids. The 5K run/walk was held on June 5 in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
"The race and the walk were well attended by people of all ages and abilities," says Abdul-Malik. "Kids too young for the run/walk had great fun at the special activity center set up just for them."
The event's sponsors kept the participants well fortified with food and beverages, and even massages.
"It was heavenly to say the least!" according to Abdul-Malik.
The event's proceeds went to support Kids In Distress (KID), an organization that works to preserve families, treat abused and neglected children, and prevent child abuse. Last year, KID served more than 6,200 children and their families.
"My family and I love volunteering and participating in charity events," says Abdul-Malik. "This is truly a way to spend quality family time and inspire people young and old to believe in the good. Our family motto is taken from a Walt Disney quote—'Keep moving forward!'"
Art Gallery Opening at Schott Communities in Broward County
The Schott Communities were host to more than 100 guests for the grand opening of an art gallery, located at the Schott Center in Cooper City. The gallery features wonderful works of art created by people with disabilities. The June 3 grand opening was sponsored by the Prestige Club.
"These artists are truly talented," said Prestige Club President Polly Wilkie. "Some of the art is painstakingly created by artists who paint with a paintbrush in their mouth or between their toes."
Cooper City Mayor Debby Eisinger was on hand for the official ribbon cutting ceremony, along with other city officials, members of the Prestige Club, the general public, the Schott artists, and their families. The artists enjoyed the recognition of their talents and the opportunity to sell their artwork.
The Prestige Club is anonprofit organization that supports children with disadvantages and their families. Its members hold several yearly fundraisers and sponsor events which benefit those in need.
The Schott Communities offer a number of programs and services including art and crafting classes for adults with disabilities; socials for the blind, deaf and those with disabilities; counseling services; and a Saturday day program for adults. For more information, visit www.schottcommunities.org or call (954) 434-3306.
Home Designer Specializes in Special Needs
Home design is a key element in the life of a person with a disability. Residential Designer Elaine Terner was given a United Cerebral Palsy 2010 Community Award on June 8. Her design firm, Exceptional Designs, based in Pembroke Pines, provides customized environments for persons with developmental and physical disabilities.
Exceptional Designs transformed a small staff-only kitchen into a large community kitchen for a United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) group home in Davie. Residents in wheelchairs can now participate in food preparation. The residents said "Thank you" throughout the entire construction process. The news traveled quickly and a UCP home in Miami has just approved a contract to remodel its kitchen.
When the design of the home accommodates the needs and behaviors of a person with disabilities, that person performs at the highest possible level in life. He or she is much more receptive to the educational and therapeutic interventions needed for advancing development.
Terner founded Exceptional Designs to provide environmental modifications for people with developmental and physical disabilities. Terner saw the need for this service while raising a son with autism. His behavioral meltdowns and lack of toileting skills caused considerable and costly damage to her home. Terner enrolled in the residential design program at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. This training gave her the tools necessary to help others facing the same challenges in their homes. For more information, visit www.exceptionaldesigns.com or call (954) 232-1679.
True Love Triumphs
By Maria Roqueta
APD customers Adelis and Jeffrey Godfrey met many years ago at a program in Hialeah. Her English was not too fluent, and his Spanish was truly lacking. But that was not a problem for them, because they spoke the language of love!
The Godfreys were married on September 2001 and live independently in an apartment in Miami. They have received Supported Living services for many years and are each other's best support.
"We always get along well," said Jeffrey Godfrey.
However, once thing was missing: the traditional wedding dress. Because their marriage ceremony was a "no frills" event, they did not have wedding pictures. That changed a few months ago, when the Godfreys dressed in the most traditional and beautiful wedding attire and posed for pictures as they celebrated their many years of wedded bliss. Adelis Godfrey's dream to wear a white wedding gown became a reality!
So as you read this story and look at the photos, join Area 11 employees as we share their joy. Raise your glass or coffee cup to cheer this great couple: Here is to love!
Our Family Vacation to Morgan's Wonderland
By Ivonne GonzalezI read an article about Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio. It's the world's first ultra-accessible family fun park. I knew immediately that I would love to take my family to this amazing place. However, this would take a great deal of planning because I have two children with special needs who cannot stand being in a wheelchair for more than two hours due to muscle pains they endure daily.
From past experience I knew that flying was not an option. Driving would require 22 hours on the road, and our minivan would not be practical because we would have to move around to feed and change our children. Staying in a hotel would present other problems. After a lot of thinking, my husband and I decided to rent an RV and asked our son who is in college to join us to help with the children.
So off we went on a three-day trip from Miami to San Antonio. When we arrived at Morgan's Wonderland, we pulled our RV into a covered carport while live music was being played! We were greeted by a volunteer in a wheelchair who opened the door for us. We had registered ahead of time, so they knew we were coming. They gave each of us a bracelet which registered our names so, if one of us would get lost from the group, we only had to put the bracelet up to one of the scanners located throughout the park and we would know where the other party was.
We took a ride around the park in a Jeep. It had a ramp in the back so it was wheelchair accessible, just like the rest of the park. My son was elated because this was the first time he had ridden in a Jeep since he was two, when he had a toy Jeep he rode with his brother. We also took a train ride that gave us a tour around the entire 25 acres of land. This, too, had a ramp and both children were able to ride it with us as a family. My children were overjoyed to ride on a carousel, which they had not done since each wasabout one year old.
The park has an amazing section called Sensory Village, where the children were able to create their own cars by touching a huge computer screen to choose their color and style of car. The smile on my daughter's face depicted her joy and amazement. The shaded, padded playground provided safety and freedom for the children. The huge musical chimes brought more smiles. The gym where our sons played basketball was great. The water area was their favorite area—pressing buttons created different effects like a tornado.
This was truly a family event that my older son was able to enjoy with his siblings. Our four hours there was one of the best times we ever enjoyed as a family. The park is not your typical amusement park but it is filled with so much tranquility, which was intensified when we saw other families with special needs enjoying themselves. What a wonderful place! I'm so happy that we got to visit Morgan's Wonderland. You can visit www.morganswonderland.com to get more information.
Governor Names Points of Light with Disabilities
During June, Governor Charlie Crist recognized several Floridians with disabilities as Points of Light in recognition of Disability Awareness Month.
Anthony Shriver of Miami – For more than 20 years, Shriver has been dedicated to serving persons with disabilities. In 1989, he founded Best Buddies International, an organization that allows volunteers to serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by establishing one-to-one friendships and integrated employment and leadership development opportunities. These services include offering participants friendship through the Peer Buddy Program, job opportunities through Best Buddies Jobs, and e-mail pen pals via e-buddies. He also developed opportunities for students in colleges, high schools, and middle schools, as well as members of business and civic organizations, to ensure that programs are available to individuals of all ages. His organization now spans six continents and serves 700,000 participants every year. Visit www.bestbuddies.org for more information.
Bob and Joan Nast of Coconut Creek – For more than 20 years, the Nasts have been helping children with disabilities and illnesses. They sold everything they owned to found God's Little Acres on their five-acre ranch in Coconut Creek. Children and families can enjoy miniature horses, hay rides, clown shows, a petting zoo, games, and entertainment, free of charge. The couple also donates food, clothing, and shelter to families in need. The Nasts have helped more than 9,000 children.
William "Bill" Peeler of Lake City – Peeler has been an advocate for persons with disabilities for nearly 17 years. After serving in the U.S. Air Force for 24 years and retiring as an officer, Peeler worked as a supervisor for the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. As a member of the Governor's Commission on Disabilities, he is an ardent voice for addressing the issues and barriers faced by veterans and other Floridians with disabilities. Recently, Peeler continued his commitment to helping others by home-schooling students with a wide range of disabilities in the Lake City area. He is also an ordained minister and is affiliated with White Springs United Methodist Church.
The Dividends of Disability
By Eileen O'Brien, APD Self-Advocate CoordinatorA dividend is a benefit, profit, or gain derived from another source. When most people think of the potential benefits derived from a disability, images of convenient parking spaces or short amusement park delays often make the top of the list. However, the advantages of a challenging condition can be far more profound and longer lasting than increased public access. These advantages arise over time in the lives of persons with challenging conditions. Consider the following dividends of disability:
Increased Problem Solving Skills – People with challenges often learn to develop new ways of finding solutions to old difficulties. Disability allows for creative answers in the face of everyday barriers. Many solutions to access issues are invented by people with disabilities. Most are inexpensive and relatively easy to use. For this reason, the accommodation requirements of the ADA can be easily satisfied in many cases.
Increased Ability to Handle Stress – While some disabilities are short-term, others are long-term starting with birth or injury. Regardless of duration or origin, challenges provide an avenue for personal growth. Many people who face difficult situations which are not easily altered tap into new resources of strength and determination from within. I have heard many able-bodied people say that they cannot imagine living with a disability. Truthfully, challenge has a way of creating persistence.
Increased Knowledge of Resources – As the English poet John Donne wrote, "No man is an island." We all need to reach out for help at some point. Although it often takes time, people who adapt well to challenging conditions tend to become experts on community resources and often begin reaching out to others to provide assistance.
Appreciation for Small Joys and Accomplishments – The ability to take a shower, fix a meal, open a door, get a degree, land a competitive job, and live independently are things people with disabilities strive to attain. For this reason, ordinary things usually are not taken for granted. The joy that comes from hard fought victories is not a cotton-candy Pollyanna confection but rather a deep, abiding well of satisfaction. Moreover, the joy of completing small tasks never seems to wane. I still find joy in being able to pick up groceries, do the dishes, or walk my dog. I know I am not alone.
Unique Perspectives – Each person and each condition combine to form a singular narrative which cannot be repeated by anyone else. It is by sharing our unique experiences with each other and the world that we continue to grow.
Web Site Focuses on Employment and Transition
The University of South Florida, in collaboration with the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, has developed a Web site to provide information on employment and transition to students with disabilities and their families. The site, called FYI Transition, provides information on transition planning, career and post-secondary education planning, job development and support, career exploration, funding, and work incentives. It also hosts discussion boards for students, families, and professionals, as well as social networking for families.
Visit www.fyitransition.org to explore all these resources. You can even offer your comments and suggestions via the "Feedback" link on the site's home page.
Disney Unveils Device for Visitors with Disabilities
Walt Disney World is offering something new for its guests with visual and hearing disabilities. It is an audio device, designed by Disney, that provides detailed audio descriptions of outdoor areas at the theme park in Lake Buena Vista, near Orlando.
"Disney parks have long been at the forefront of providing accessibility for guests with disabilities," said Greg Hale, chief safety officer and vice president of worldwide safety and accessibility for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "We are pleased to build on this legacy with new technology that enables us to do something that has never been done before—provide rich audio description in moving rides and outdoor environments."
The 7.2-ounce device fits in the palm of one's hand and uses wireless technology to pinpoint its location. It can provide guests with detailed audio descriptions of key visual elements for more than 50 attractions, amplified audio for most theater-type attractions for guests with mild to moderate hearing loss, handheld captioning that enables guests to read captions while enjoying specific rides, and closed captioning in pre-show areas where television displays narrate the upcoming experience.
The Handheld Assistive Device is offered at no cost with a refundable deposit at Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks. For more information about the parks' services for guests with disabilities, visit disneyworld.disney.go.com or call (407) 824-4321 (voice) or (407) 827-5141 (TDD).
Melanie Mowry Etters - Editor
Jeff Saulich - Photo Editor
Lloyd Harger - Web Development