Message from the Director
Living the Mission
By Jim DeBeaugrine, Director
On May 17 and 18, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities held its annual leadership meeting where agency managers come together to look for ways to improve services to customers. The theme for the two-day meeting was APD: Living the Mission, which seemed appropriate since the meeting was held at the Mission San Luis in Tallahassee.
The first day was filled with internal policies and procedures discussions. On May 18, the agency invited stakeholders from the community to join in the dialogue while agency employees listened. About 35 representatives from nonprofits, state agencies, and private businesses attended from around the state. Rob Harris with the Walgreen's distribution center in Orlando spoke about the company’s ongoing employment effort to hire people with all types of disabilities. He showed a moving videotape about the difference employment makes in the lives of people with disabilities. Amy Lesner told the group of the many services Special Olympics offers its athletes including dental, vision, hearing and foot screenings. The athletes have sports physicals annually with blood pressure, bone density, and other health check ups.
The agency wants to learn more about these types of wonderful programs that are being offered in the community so we can share that information with the individuals we serve. Given resource constraints and the need to truly integrate the people we serve into their communities, we all have to look for a variety of options to meet the needs of our customers. Partnering with other organizations to try to meet some of those needs is a good first step.
To wrap up the meeting, stakeholders joined APD employees in six work groups to brainstorm ideas on how the agency can serve people better in the future.
The groups were:
- Improving Customer Service
- Employment
- System Sustainability
- Community Development
- Accountability & Efficiency
- Business Processes and Provider Relations
The agency is compiling the ideas from the workgroups into a report so the agency can move forward with implementing many of the suggestions.
Also at the meeting, the agency reviewed its top four strategic objectives. They are:
- Improve Client Satisfaction
- Foster Sustainability
- Increase Accountability
- Serve People on the Waiting List
Over the next year, APD will be working to address these objectives in all that we do. The agency is here to serve Floridians with developmental disabilities, so we want to explore all possibilities to improve how we do business—now and into the future. With your help, we will accomplish our goal.
Clicking on most photos will open a larger version.
APD Budget Update
Governor Charlie Crist signed the General Appropriations Act, HB 5001, on Friday May 29 but vetoed the following proviso on line 242 of APD's budget : "Funds in Specific Appropriation 242 reflect a reduction of $6,465,891 from the General Revenue Fund and $10,346,098 from the Operations and Maintenance Trust Fund as a result of reducing provider rates by 2.5 percent, effective July 1, 2010."
The veto does not add the funding back into the agency’s budget. APD is reviewing the financial impact of this budget adjustment.
ADA Celebration
Mark your calendars for July 26. More than a dozen disability organizations are hosting a March for Opportunity in Tallahassee on Monday, July 26, in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Marchers will meet at Park and Monroe Streets at 10:30 a.m., and then walk to the Capitol. Beginning at 11 a.m. in the Capitol Courtyard, dignitaries and special guests will make remarks. The first 250 marchers will be provided a lunch by Outback Steakhouse. Please make plans to participate.
Also, Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet will be recognizing the 20th Anniversary of the ADA with a Cabinet resolution on June 8 at 9 a.m. during the Cabinet meeting in the Capitol.
VISTE Recognizes Exceptional Volunteers
Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) has honored three APD customers as outstanding volunteers. From among the 200 volunteers in attendance at the Lakeland organization's annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, three exceptional volunteers were awarded the Elfried Pennekamp Memorial Award for Extraordinary Service. Recipients on April 7 were Brittnie Harvey, Bobby Vann, and Susan Scarlett. All three volunteers have been dedicated to helping VISTE for nearly two years.
Harvey is responsible for much of the weekly data entry that it takes to record VISTE's program outcomes. Inputting this data has helped her gain the much-needed computer skills required for any office environment. These are the kinds of skills that can be transferred to future employment.
Vann – or "Chef Bobby" – puts his skills to work in the kitchen every Wednesday by preparing a nutritionally balanced meal for over 20 volunteers. Scarlett helps pack in the VISTE warehouse twice a week. VISTE's food assistance program would not be possible without her help. Each month, volunteers pack over 1,400 bags of canned goods for elderly clients.
Harvey is coached by Lin Taylor-Kosik of Coaches and Companions, Inc., as well as Desiree Blake of D.A.B. Support Services, Inc. Scarlett and Vann are both coached by Taylor-Kosik.
VISTE's mission is to enable the frail elderly to continue living independently in their own homes. The organization is a United Way Agency. For more information, visit www.viste.org or call (863) 284-0828.
Hurricane Preparedness
By Eileen O'Brien, APD Self-Advocate Coordinator
Effective self advocates know that advocacy extends to management of personal care and wellness. Self directing care is a skill which increases quality of life. The importance of planning is especially true when hurricane season approaches. Therefore, having the right information and tools for decision making can save lives.
As you read this, the 2010 hurricane season has begun. The Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University predicts there will be 15 named storms in the Atlantic this year. The department's researchers predict that eight of the storms will be hurricanes, and four of them will be major storms that make landfall in the U.S. or Caribbean. Even though the last few seasons have been relatively calm, experts warn against complacency and urge everyone to have a plan. Many people with disabilities are expert planners. Hurricane season should be no exception.
Put an emergency care kit together containing a first aid kit, bottles of water, medication, identification, small nonperishable food items, blankets, and pillows. Have these items ready for quick evacuation before an emergency strikes. Know your local evacuation routes and nearest shelter locations. If you have a disability requiring a special needs shelter, each county has a certain number of these shelters. Most of them require pre-registration. Register as soon as possible before the storm.
Please contact your county emergency management center for details on special needs shelters in your area. Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org/County_EM/county_list.htm# to get emergency contact information for your county. Shelters accept service animals but most do not accept pets. Also, paratransit providers often have emergency procedures for evacuation. Contact your local paratransit provider regarding its safety procedures during disasters.
If you choose not to evacuate to a shelter, make plans for attendant care and needed electrical devices such as electric wheelchairs or ventilators. Talk to family, friends, and other loved ones about your planning process. Two heads are almost always better than one! An emergency planning checklist is available on the American Red Cross Web site at www.redcross.org. Above all, plan early, know your disability, and stay safe.
APD Wins the Bronze!
By Eddie Kay Harris, General Services Specialist
APD has won the 2009 Bronze Level Award of Recognition from the Interagency Advisory Council on Loss Prevention. This award is given to agencies that have demonstrated exemplary efforts in implementing and maintaining safety and loss prevention programs. The recognition is for creating a safe work environment for APD employees and customers.
In order to receive this honor, the APD Safety Coordinators and Safety Committees around the state had to complete a self assessment survey covering the key elements of loss prevention and receive an above average rating on the survey.
This is an award that represents a team effort involving every employee of APD in creating a safe working environment for employees and customers. This is the second consecutive year that APD has won this award.
Fulfilling the American Dream
By Ann DouglasEric Fletcher likes living near Florida State University. The close proximity allows the 46-year-old man to walk to work at the University Center Club on the FSU campus. Fletcher's been on the job for the past nine years and says, "I love my job; I stay real busy." Fletcher has a disability and receives services from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD.)
The University Center Club is a premiere conference center in the Tallahassee area comprised of three floors of meeting rooms, dining facilities, a large ballroom, and offices. Fletcher's duties include vacuuming, dusting, mopping and carrying out the trash, and whatever other tasks he is called on to do.
His supervisor, George Hall, says, "Eric is very dependable. I can't remember a day he's called in sick. He's always at work ahead of time, he works hard, and I never have to check behind him. He gives 100 percent every day. I tell you, when he takes his vacation, I miss him. We all miss him; he's such a great guy." Because of his full-time employment with benefits, Fletcher was able to purchase his own townhouse and is diligent with his monthly mortgage payments. "It feels good to have my own place. I bought my own furniture too," says Fletcher.
Job Coach Joe Ann Johnson says, "Eric is treated like any other member of the cleaning crew and he likes that. He's built some good relationships with the other guys. It's amazing how his communication has improved. He used to be very shy, but over the years he's come out of his shell so much." Job coaching is a service paid for by APD to help teach new skills or improve work performance.
Self-esteem and financial independence are just two of the benefits Fletcher has received by being given a chance at full-time employment. Home ownership is an important achievement to Fletcher adding, "I keep my house clean because it's mine."
Around the State
Area 11 Employees Run the 5K
By Evelyn Alvarez, Area 11 Administrator
Employees of APD's Area 11 office participated in the 2010 Mercedes Benz 5K Corporate Run through the streets of Downtown Miami. APD was among 500 companies and organizations that participated, sending more than 20,000 runners to the April 29 event, billed as the "world's largest office party." Its purpose is to promote health and fitness in the workplace.
APD took part in the event not only to have fun and enjoy the healthy team-building activities, but also to connect with the many organizations that came together for the event. I am very pleased to announce that our community outreach yielded numerous opportunities of potential public-private partnerships. We made contact with more than 10 businesses and agencies. Now the true work begins as we follow up with each one, taking the initiative to develop more resources and opportunities for Area 11 consumers.
Visit http://cbs4.com/local/Mercedes.Benz.Corporate.2.1663481.html to see a video of WFOR-TV's coverage of the event. If you look closely, you will see some of us in the background as we concluded our pre-race warm-ups. The Miami Herald also published some great pictures of the race. But, by far, the best photos are courtesy of our own staff photographer, Kirk Ryon, and they accompany this article.
I would like to give special thanks to our Team Captain, Ivonne Gonzalez, and our Area Office Wellness Program Champions: Sharon Powell, RN, Beverly Alexander, Stacey Kirwan, Hillary Jackson, Ollie Wilson, Norma Pedraza, Maria Springer, Hilda Fluriach, Roland Vializ, Carmen Toledo, Martine SaintAime, Nicky Gall, Jacqueline Reyes, Clara Smith, Ileana Rodriguez, Migdalia DIaz-Prado, Montrese Albury, Carolyn Eleby, Kirk Ryon, Michael Cardello, Carolyn B. Hunter, Demetria Spencer, Maxine Johnson, Henry Molina, two specials guests, and yours truly.
Without a doubt we were exhausted by the end of the evening, but we had a very productive and valuable time together. We are already looking forward to next year's event.
Fort Pierce Office Celebrates Independence
By Peter Karlan, Area 15 Administrator
On May 24, APD's Area 15 office in Fort Pierce collaborated with a number of supported living coaches to celebrate the success and accomplishments of individuals receiving services through the supported living program. About 150 individuals, family members, and providers attended the event at the Fort Pierce Elks Club.
The purpose of the event was for individuals living in supported living to meet and network with each other and build social capital. More importantly, it provided individuals and families with invaluable information on how the program works so they could become well educated about the supported living option. This was accomplished by a four-person panel discussion comprised of individuals receiving services through the supported living program.
Todd Decker, an APD Consumer and past chair of the Area 15 Family Care Council, moderated the panel discussion. Decker provided detailed insight into how supported living services have changed his life for the better. He delivered an inspiring message of independence, hope, and accomplishment throughout his journey in the program.
The other panel members were Trisha Torre, Zachary Sims, and Allen Wilson. Torre shared with the audience how she lost about 100 pounds, purchased her home through Habitat for Humanity, and has been working for Publix for more than six years. Sims testified how his life has been changed by his new faith in God, and how he has accessed natural supports and gained social capital through his church family. Wilson talked about how his life has been transformed through the supports he receives and shared his plans to marry his long time girlfriend.
The event was a huge success, due in large part to the commitment of Area 15 Supported Living Liaison Sandra Cain and all the provider agencies that contributed their time and resources. We were all thrilled to see firsthand the results of how this program has made such a significant positive impact. Based on the feedback APD received, individuals and their families left the event with a good understanding of the benefits of supported living and the independence that the program offers for each person served.
Economic Power to the People!
By Katrina Washington
APD's Area 1 office in Pensacola partnered with the University of West Florida to present the 2010 Economic Empowerment Conference. More than 200 people attended the May 20 event to learn about a variety of financial issues and topics.
Developer and restauranteur Collier Merrill was the keynote speaker. Other featured speakers included prizefighter Roy Jones Jr. of Square Ring Promotions; Buzz Ritchie, president and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Bank; attorney Gene Mitchell; and John Mirra of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Representatives of the Florida Department of Financial Services also participated.
The event featured 42 exhibitors from local businesses, community organizations, supported employment providers, and the local community.
Student Transition Conference Held
APD's Area 1 office in Pensacola participated in the 5th Annual Student Transitions Conference on April 15 at the University of West Florida. More than 400 students from four counties participated in the conference.
Autism Fair Held in Pensacola
APD's Area 1 office in Pensacola participated in the Autism Pensacola Resource Fair at Sacred Heart Hospital. About 150 people attended the April 20 event to learn more about autism spectrum disorders.
Okeechobee Goes for the Gold
Okeechobee County is gearing up for the Special Olympics. On May 1, deputies from the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office joined officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Okeechobee County Fire/Rescue Department for their Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Bill Bailey, an Arc customer, carried the torch, while the law enforcement officers carried a check for $6,000. Okeechobee County Sheriff Paul May presented the check to Okeechobee County Special Olympics Coordinator Mimi Arnold and Special Olympics Regional Director George King. The money was raised by selling T-shirts and caps for the torch run.
The Okeechobee County Special Olympics will include bowling, track and field, and possibly a special equestrian event. The dates for the competition have not yet been finalized. This will be the first full-fledged Special Olympics program in Okeechobee County in many years.
Suncoast Office Participates in Agency Fair
By Glorie SingletonEmployees of APD's Suncoast Area office participated in the Annual County-Wide Agency Fair, held on April 27, in Sarasota. Participants were invited to attend the fair to learn about various agencies, groups, and individuals in the community who offer assistance to individuals in need.
Among the many agencies represented were APD, the Social Security Administration, Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, and Children's Medical Services. They shared valuable information to more than 100 attendees. The fair is a yearly event sponsored by the School Board of Sarasota County, Oak Park School, Pupil Support Services, and the University of South Florida Project 10 Transition Education Network.
Suncoast Area Enjoys Success with Lunch Bunch
The Lunch Bunch is a new series of training classes offered by the Medical Case Management Unit of APD's Suncoast Area office. The class is designed to provide valuable information and guidance to providers in a one-hour time frame. The Lunch Bunch classes meet at noon on the second Thursday of each month at the Suncoast office in St. Petersburg and the fourth Thursday of the month at the Suncoast Area office in Tampa.
The classes cover various topics of interest chosen by APD and frequently in response to provider requests. The topic of last month's classes was medication administration records. The sessions were attended by a total of 37 providers. Feedback received on comment cards included statements such as "Straight to the point," and "Class was good, short, and spicy!" Next month's topic is medication errors. Providers in the Suncoast Area are encouraged to sign up and bring their lunch!
Disabilities Surveys
The University of South Florida is conducting a study of job seekers with disabilities and the One-Stop Service Centers in Florida. Funded by a grant from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, information gathered from this study will be used to develop a comprehensive report that will include recommendations and strategies that correspond with the findings.
In Florida, there are 87 One-Stop Centers located in 24 areas under the umbrella of Regional Workforce Boards. The primary function of the One-Stop Centers is to assist individuals to find employment and advance their careers.
As part of this study, we are seeking information from individuals with disabilities and people who may play a role in the job search (e.g.: a parent, family member, or service provider). You do not need to be a current or former customer of any One-Stop Center in order to participate. Participation is voluntary and any information that you provide will be kept confidential. Further, you may choose to skip any question that you prefer not to answer. Surveys should be completed by July 1.<
- English survey
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/OSSCIenglish - Spanish survey
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/OSSCIespanol
Additionally, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. has created two surveys, one for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and another for service providers, to help obtain input for the Council’s 2011-2016 State Plan. Go to the link below to complete the survey by July 1.
- Survey for Individuals with a Developmental Disability and their Families
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/88CSGCF - Survey for Providers
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8HPMJQP
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