Message from the Director
Work in Progress…Building Businesses One Person at a Time
By Michael Hansen
Unemployment is a very hot topic in Florida and throughout the country as millions of people are out of work. The struggle to obtain employment is something that people with disabilities face daily. Florida has the fourth highest population of people with disabilities in the nation—about 5.7 million. Based on the latest census data, about half of those people are not working.
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, when organizations, including government agencies, across the nation focus on the contributions of people with disabilities to the workforce. On October 27 at Tallahassee City Hall, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and our disability partners will be recognizing nine businesses from around the state that have a long-standing commitment to employing people with disabilities. We hope that you will attend to learn more about how people with disabilities can help your company.
APD, in partnership with the Tallahassee Democrat, will be highlighting individuals with disabilities who are working in their communities throughout October. APD hopes that, by demonstrating all the contributions people with disabilities are making to the workforce, it will encourage additional businesses to consider including them in their employee pool. Our theme is "Work in Progress" because many people with disabilities are working, but there is more work that needs to be accomplished by this untapped resource.
Businesses report that individuals with disabilities provide a great return on their investment. In general, these employees rarely miss work, are extremely loyal to their employers, and are conscientious in performing their duties. After five years on the job at Wal-Mart in Bartow, Thomas Thames has missed only one day of work when he was very sick. He shows up for work about 30 minutes before he needs to clock in, and while on the clock, he moves quickly to return carts to the entrance for customers to use. Co-Manager Felicia Ledford said, "Thomas is always here. He is excited about his job. He will do anything you ask."
Jeanette Sciulara has worked in the loss prevention department at Kmart in Daytona Beach for four years. She helps the company reduce theft and keep merchandise loss at a minimum. Store Manager Charlie Byrd said, "Jeanette has made a strong difference for our store. She helps us keep our losses down. She has a real purpose here."
These two people demonstrate that companies which employ people with disabilities have created a win-win situation for both parties. Having long-term employees reduces turnover costs for businesses. For people with disabilities, having a job makes them feel like contributing members of their community.
All of us want to feel valued. A workplace that values each individual makes a tremendous difference. Let us come together for Floridians with disabilities so they can say, "Work in Progress."
Clicking on most photos will open a larger version.
Cabinet to Recognize Disability Employment Awareness Month
Attorney General Pam Bondi is sponsoring a resolution before the governor and Cabinet on October 4 declaring October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Florida.
Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities Mike Hansen will accept the resolution, along with the new Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Aleisa McKinlay, Director of Blind Services Joyce Hildreth, President and CEO of the Able Trust Dr. Sue Homant, and Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs Mike Prendergast.
An individual receiving services from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Danny Root, will address Governor Rick Scott and the Cabinet members. Root plans to share the benefits he has received from being employed at a Tallahassee Target store.
Florida to Recognize State's Exceptional Employers
On October 27, nine businesses will be recognized by the state of Florida as Exceptional Employers in Tallahassee. The Agency for Persons with Disabilities and its partner agencies are planning a celebration to honor businesses committed to hiring people with disabilities during Disability Employment Awareness Month.
The event will recognize the contributions of people with disabilities to the workforce. Employers who have a record of hiring and retaining employees with disabilities will be recognized.
The event will be held at the Tallahassee City Hall, Commission Chambers, 300 South Adams Street. Informational displays will be in the Second Floor Mezzanine along with donated refreshments beginning at 8:30. The employer recognition will begin at 9:30 a.m. Some of the organizations participating are Vocational Rehabilitation, Blind Services, Able Trust, Veterans' Affairs, City of Tallahassee, and the Department of Economic Opportunity.
To find out more information, RSVP, or request an accommodation for the event, call (850) 488-4257.
APD Holds Employment Conference
By Jeff Saulich
The employment of people with disabilities was the focus of a major conference in Orlando. The APD Employment Conference on Friday and Saturday, September 23 and 24, drew about 250 attendees including individuals, family members, providers, support coordinators, and employers. It was held adjacent to the Independence Expo, sponsored by the United Spinal Association, and served as an early kickoff for Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is observed in October.
The mission of the conference, organized by the agency's External Affairs Office, was to inform people with disabilities, their families, and potential employers about the benefits of hiring workers who have abilities in addition to their disabilities. In doing so, the event brought together many agencies and organizations with the hope of more collaboration in the future, as well as informed the public about services and options.
The conference convened as one large assembly three times during the first day. APD Chief of Staff Barbara Palmer welcomed the group during a morning session. At lunchtime, a keynote address by Sarah Vazquez told the inspiring, emotional story of growing up in poverty in Newark, New Jersey, and transcending her disabilities to become a successfully employed support coordinator, author, and advocate. An evening keynote by Shannon Offord explained how his nonprofit human resources consortium, called DirectEmployers, has formed partnerships to improve the recruitment of employees with disabilities.
Between those assemblies, dozens of breakout sessions were held. One of the most popular sessions was called "Ask the Employers." A panel of business representatives answered questions about their companies, hiring practices, and their successful employees with disabilities. Panelists included representatives from Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, Manpower, Best Buy, Lighthouse Works!, and Five Guys Burgers and Fries.
An update by APD External Affairs Supervisor J.R. Harding, Ed.D., on the agency's Five-Year Employment Plan got a lot of attention. Other sessions that drew standing-room-only crowds included VR and APD Collaboration by Area 3 VR Director Wayne Olson and APD Area 7 Administrator Merari Perez, and The Future of Services to Individuals with Developmental Disabilities by APD's Bob Brown-Barrios.
The half-day assembly on Saturday began with a talk by James Wiseman, general counsel of the United Spinal Association, on the history of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its positive impact on employment. It was followed by reports from each APD area office on how they were going to fulfill the agency's Five-Year Employment Plan in their communities.
Participants overwhelmingly expressed their approval of the conference. Almost all of the attendees who filled out evaluation forms rated the event as either "outstanding" or "above average." Clearly, this conference got the job done!
To see more images from the event, please visit the APD Employment Conference photo gallery.
Area 7 Promotes Employment
By Jennifer MonjeIn the spirit of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, APD's Area 7 office in Orlando continues to work in partnership with the local community to promote the employment of individuals with disabilities. This year, Area 7 is very excited to be a part of a new collaboration with YouthBuild of Central Florida. Through YouthBuild, young people ages 17 to 24 can learn job skills and serve their communities by building affordable housing. YouthBuild is a comprehensive employment training program that addresses core issues facing low-income communities with housing, education, employment, crime prevention, and leadership development
"Krystn was hired as a dining room attendant, where she rose to the challenge of providing excellent customer service and interacting with guests. Krystn is now interested in advancing her career by seeking opportunities to transition from dining room attendant to a cook in the kitchen."
- Desiree Robles, supported employment specialist
Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) will be held on October 19. DMD enables adult and student job seekers to visit businesses and government agencies that match their interests and have one-on-one time with volunteer mentors. DMD offers mentees the opportunity to evaluate personal goals, target career skills for improvement, explore possible career paths, and develop lasting mentor relationships.
Area 7's Medicaid Infrastructure Grant employment coordinator, Maryjane Wysocki, and I serve as local DMD coordinators. We will match student and adult job seekers with local employers for job-shadowing experiences. Often times, these events can lead to employment. For example, last year, Wysocki matched a young lady named Krystn Faller with a job-shadowing experience at Five Guys Burgers and Fries.
"Krystn not only had the opportunity to be exposed to a potential work setting, but she also had the opportunity to exhibit her skills to the host business, which landed her an interview for a open position at Five Guys," said her supported employment specialist, Desiree Robles. "Krystn was hired as a dining room attendant, where she rose to the challenge of providing excellent customer service and interacting with guests. Krystn is now interested in advancing her career by seeking opportunities to transition from dining room attendant to a cook in the kitchen."
In addition to her employment success, Faller has reduced her Medicaid waiver cost plan by eliminating Adult Day Training services, and also reduced her dependence on Social Security disability benefits by becoming more self-sufficient and independent.
We look forward to more employment success this year! For more information about DMD in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Brevard counties, please contact Wysocki at maryjane_wysocki@apd.state.fl.us or yours truly at jennifer_monje@apd.state.fl.us.
Visit http://DisabilityBrevard.org to download DMD mentee and mentor application forms for these counties.
APD-AmeriCorps Program Concludes
By Jacquelyn Ledbetter
The agency launched the APD-AmeriCorps initiative to focus on a critical need for direct service partnerships and provide resources for and with individuals on the waiting list for waiver services. APD-AmeriCorps members served as a bridge to the community by building and supporting people to participate as members of their communities and by increasing opportunities and access to services utilized by the general population.
APD-AmeriCorps members successfully accomplished and exceeded all of the agency's target outcomes. They provided 12 percent of persons on the waiting list with services that resulted in volunteer opportunities, internship opportunities, on-the-job training opportunities, job placement, and respite care, with over 84 percent of participants reporting satisfaction. Members enlisted 535 volunteers who donated 3,343 hours to help the members work directly with persons on the waiting list and their families. Together they identified their interests in the areas of work, housing, community, education, health, recreation, and leisure, and connected them with resources and services in the community to meet their stated needs and desires.
Twenty-two of the 54 APD-AmeriCorps members recruited were individuals on the waiting list. They received training, experience, and coaching to enhance future employability. We are grateful for all our partners, especially the Family Care Councils, for their collaboration and contributions to successfully surpassing all outcome targets.
Not be overlooked are the dozens of APD-AmeriCorps members who were recognized and celebrated all over the state last month for their successful completion of their service. I was pleased to be a part of the celebration that was held on August 31 for the APD-AmeriCorps members that served the agency's Central Office in Tallahassee. We greatly appreciate the contributions of members Minerva Barndt, David Poepping, and Sandy Mercer. We congratulate them and the Area 7 members, pictured in the accompanying photos, and all the members statewide for their dedication and service.
iBudget Florida Trainings Held
By Art Barndt
On September 19, 20, and 21, the iBudget Florida training team from APD's Central Office visited areas 8, 14, and Suncoast. Josh Bedwell, Vicki Draughon, Rene Johnson, and I presented the new iBudget Florida individualized budgeting application to more than 200 waiver support coordinators and area office employees.
The new iBudget Florida application will streamline the process of creating cost plans and service plans. The application also provides waiver support coordinators with case management tools and many additional features that make the most effective use of today's technology.
The iBudget Florida implementation schedule is being revised and will be announced in the near future. Visit ibudgetflorida.org for more information on this exciting new program.
Around the State
Suncoast Area Hosts Fourth Annual Art Show
By Michelle ToliniThe building that houses APD's Suncoast Area Office has been transformed into a gallery of exquisite art. Its Fourth Annual Art and Fine Craft Exhibition is currently on display, featuring inspiring creations by local artists with developmental disabilities.
This year, more than 200 pieces of art and fine craft were contributed by extraordinarily talented artists. The exhibit contains everything from paintings to mosaic tiles, jewelry, poetry, note cards, and sculpture. Each piece was considered for awards and recognition by a team of APD art enthusiasts. David of the Easter Seals Society won the Best in Show award for his "Lighthouse" creation, leading more than a dozen award winners, all of whom are listed below. The awards were presented during a reception that celebrated each artist.
The annual event is a tribute to Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is observed every year in October. The artwork is available for viewing and purchase through October 31 at the Suncoast Area office at 1201 102nd Avenue North in St. Petersburg.
Best in Show – "Lighthouse" by David, Easter Seals
Best Watercolor – "4th of July" by Patty, Easter Seals
Best Acrylic – "Fruit Bowl" by Cindy, Easter Seals; Honorable Mention: "Riverbank" by Brian Kazimer, Pyramid; and "Peacock" by Gloria B., PARC
Best Abstract – "People" by Alfred Lanier, Community Haven; Honorable Mention: "The Good Ocean" by Steve S., Creative Clay
Best Group Piece – Friends and Families Support Center
Best Mixed Media – "Collage" by Moses, Friends and Families Support Center; Honorable Mention: "Mixed Berries" by Tina Gray, Sunrise Community
Best Fine Craft – "Jewelry" by Ron W., PARC; Honorable Mention: "Tulips in Springtime" by Rachel Flowers, Loveland Center
Best Portrait – "Stabbing" by George Santiago, Pyramid; Honorable Mention: "The Pledge" by Chris, Easter Seals
Best Pen and Ink – "Characters" by Guy Barnard
Best Presentation– "The Black Rose" by Shawn R., Easter Seals; Honorable Mention: "Tiny Squirrel" by Stephanie, Friends and Families Support Center
APD Welcomes Service Members
By Shirley Horton
APD's Area 1 office in Pensacola was among the community partners to welcome new servicemen and servicewomen to Eglin Air Force Base, near Fort Walton Beach. The U.S. Army's 7th Special Forces Group recently moved to Eglin and nearby Duke Field.
APD staff participated in the Education Buffet, held August 19 in Valparaiso, near Eglin. It was sponsored by the base's Exceptional Family Member and School Liaison programs to introduce some 4,000 Army personnel and family members to the local services that are available to their children.
The event was educational and fun for everyone! More than 40 community organizations provided information and activities for families. APD Area 1 employees Joanne David, Patricia Williams, and Shirley Horton represented the agency, providing resource materials and activities for children and families.
Plenty of Drive
By Melanie Mowry EttersLike most young people, Chassity Richardson wants to buy a car. However, Richardson's vehicle won't be straight off the lot. She will need to have the controls modified for someone who cannot use their legs. The 28-year-old was born with spina bifida, which requires her to use a wheelchair for mobility. Richardson has worked in the Wildwood area office of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) for three years. She has been saving her money for her car while living at home. She relies on public transportation to get her from her home in Bushnell to the Wildwood office.
Richardson says, "In the future, I plan on getting a driver's license and a vehicle so I can drive myself to work."
Richardson not only works for APD, she also receives services from the agency. Her job duties include answering the main telephone line for the office and data entry. Before being cross-trained to assist with the management of incident reports, Richardson assisted the area trainer with organizing, coordinating, and scheduling training for providers.
Area Administrator Clarence Lewis says, "Chassity is not afraid to speak up for herself. Recently, she asked for new work duties to vary her experience."
In addition to her previous work in the training unit, Richardson has spoken to other people with disabilities about employment supported by the agency at training sessions. APD's Cindy Drew says Richardson's remarks were very effective with the audience and she did a great job.
Lewis says, "Chassity is a valued member of our APD team. Despite the many challenges she faces with her disability, her attitude is always positive; her demeanor is one of patience and acceptance no matter what the task may be."
Richardson says, "I am able to make my own money. I have been able to learn different tasks and skills. At work, I have met some great people and made friendships."
APD Holds Licensing Rule Workshop
By Jeff Saulich
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities held a public workshop on September 19 to gather input on proposed revisions to Rule 65G-2 of the Florida Administrative Code. During the Tallahassee meeting, input was provided by representatives of several stakeholder organizations, including Disability Rights Florida, the Arc of Florida, and the Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (FARF).
Potential revisions to the rule include less-frequent inspections for facilities that are deemed to be well-performing. APD's on-site monitoring of well-performing homes would be done on a quarterly basis rather than monthly. Other revisions include simplifying the criteria for different kinds of licensed facilities, and setting criteria for the severity of licensing violations.
APD staff appreciated the input that was provided by stakeholders, and will consider it carefully in drafting the final version of the proposed revisions. A public hearing will be announced at a later time in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking before the revised rule goes into effect.
FTRI Celebrates 20th Year
Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The nonprofit organization was created in 1991 to administer the Telecommunications Access System Act (TASA) by making basic telecommunications accessible and affordable for people who are hard of hearing, deaf, speech impaired, and deaf/blind. FTRI provides specialized telecommunications equipment at no cost to qualified Florida residents. The program is funded through a monthly 11-cent surcharge on all telephone landlines.
The equipment available through the program includes telephones that amplify incoming sound, devices that alert you when the phone rings, captioned telephones, Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD/TTY), braille TTY, telephones that amplify outgoing speech, and other specialized equipment.
To receive a telephone or specialized equipment, applicants must be a permanent Florida resident, age 3 or older, and certified as hard of hearing, deaf, deaf/blind or speech impaired. To request FTRI applications, contact the Outreach Department at orsecretary@ftri.org or 1-800-222-3448. Or visit www.ftri.org to download an application.
In honor of Disability Employment Awareness Month, FTRI is inviting businesses and employers to participate in the Business Partners Program (BPP). The BPP is a wonderful resource for businesses to learn about the relay service and prevent hang-ups of business calls. Relay users who are hard of hearing or have speech difficulties face this frustration daily. The BPP also includes an online directory of all partners so that customers can find a relay-friendly business in their area. Businesses benefit from this free advertisement and boost in their business.
To become a relay-friendly business partner, visit www.ftri.org and register under the Business Partners tab. After completing the registration process, you will receive a username and password to access valuable information on the various types of relay calls and how to train employees to make and receive relay calls.
Champion Staff
Melanie Mowry Etters - Editor
Jeff Saulich - Writer and Photo Editor
Lloyd Harger - Web Development