Message from the Director
Moving Forward into the New Year
By Mike Hansen
I think it is important for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to have a thoughtful plan on its priorities and how we are going to achieve them. So I am excited to be heading into 2012 with the groundwork laid in APD's new Strategic Plan. This plan will sharpen our focus as we meet the challenges of the New Year in providing services to Floridians with developmental disabilities.
On December 13, agency leaders from throughout the state met for the day to develop new goals and fine tune the agency's vision. Although the new Strategic Plan has not been finalized, I want to give you a sneak peek at what was discussed.
Our draft vision statement is focusing on ensuring the health and safety of our customers and supporting them in maximizing their independence through innovative, effective, efficient, and sustainable solutions.
As we craft these innovations, the plan calls for us to uphold the values of accountability, choice, collaboration, dignity, and quality. Collaboration will be vital to services in the future as we work to build partnerships to maximize the use of natural and community resources and minimize the dependency on government. Choice is always important to us—APD's Consumer-Directed Care Plus and iBudget Florida programs are good examples of giving our customers the power to make their own decisions. We plan to continue this trend.
Our strategic goals will include identifying additional sources of funding, developing technological efficiencies, and maximizing the opportunities for competitive employment for individuals who want to work.
The agency hopes to complete the Strategic Plan by the end of February. Then teams composed of stakeholders and APD employees will work to achieve the goals outlined in the plan.
Although this far-reaching document is still in draft form, I wanted to let you know about it ahead of time because, as we enter 2012, I think it's important that we keep our eyes on the prize. Despite the economic challenges of our times, I believe that Florida's developmental disabilities community has the vision, tools, and talent to forge a brighter future in the years ahead.
Working together, we will truly have a Happy New Year!
Clicking on most photos will open a larger version.
APD Holds iBudget Florida Meeting
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) held a public meeting on the iBudget Florida program on December 9 at its Central Office in Tallahassee. The primary topic was the way annual funding for services will be determined for each customer. Attendees were invited to provide input. Those not able to attend the three-hour session could listen in via conference call and submit comments through the iBudgetFlorida.org website.
iBudget Florida was approved by the 2010 Legislature as the new direction for delivering services to people through APD's Medicaid waiver. It is designed to make the funding process fair and equitable for all Medicaid waiver customers. The new system will provide more opportunities for customers to direct their own care. It will also allow the agency to have more budget control and financial predictability.
Visit http://apdcares.org/ibudget/meetings-and-schedules/ to view a presentation and other documents that were discussed at the meeting.
For the latest developments in the iBudget Florida program, visit iBudgetFlorida.org. The site's homepage has an Updates section where new developments are announced. When this edition of The Champion was published, the newest items were the addition of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and new service rules.
New Year, New Changes
Two changes went into effect on January 1 for APD customers and providers. The first change is having customers with federal cash benefits help pay for some of their services. This is called residential fee collection. The second change is creating standardized rates for people receiving Intense Behavioral (IB) Residential Habilitation.
Residential fee collection requires APD customers with federal benefits to help pay for their services that they receive in a group home, foster care facility, residential habilitation center, or comprehensive transitional education program. The individuals will still retain their monthly personal needs allowance before turning over their excess cash benefits to help pay for some of their services.
Historically, IB rates have been negotiated for each IB residence. Creating uniform rates allows the agency to reduce more than 100 different rates to six. The new reimbursement rates are driven by the level of need of individuals rather than negotiated rates.
The new IB rates are expected to reduce costs by about $1.5 million in the first year. Savings may be generated in following years as customers progress and need less expensive services.
The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waiver provides supports to about 30,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities so they may live and participate in their local communities. Currently, the HCBS Medicaid waiver pays all costs of care for those enrolled in the program, even for those with regular income.
New External Affairs Director
APD welcomes Hue Reynolds (pronounced "hu-WAY") as its new external affairs director. Reynolds will be responsible for spearheading the agency's outreach and community relations efforts throughout the state, and will work closely with area offices as well as the Family Care Councils to cultivate and sustain partnerships and resources within each community.
Previously, Reynolds worked at the Department of Education as the interim communications and external affairs director, and served as the deputy director for the past five years. While at DOE, she led numerous outreach and communication campaigns, including First Lady Ann Scott's Summer Literacy Adventure, Troops to Teachers, College and Career Day and the STEM Virtual Career Fair.
Prior to joining state government, Reynolds worked extensively in Web development and design for various professional trade organizations including the Florida Bankers Association, Florida Institute of CPAs, and the Florida Medical Association. She was also the webmaster for the Division of Consumer Services of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Reynolds is an avid sports enthusiast and cheers on the Florida State Seminoles. She earned her bachelor's degree in communications/public relations from the University of West Florida. At Florida State University, she earned a master's degree in information studies with an emphasis in Web administration.
Around the State
Area 1 Holds Parents' Night Out
APD's Area 1 office in Pensacola partnered with the Area 1 Family Care Council and the Florida State Employees Federal Credit Union to sponsor an evening of fun, food, and refreshments for children and adults receiving services through the Medicaid waiver and those on the waiting list. The Parents' Night Out respite event was held on December 9, giving parents and caregivers a break for the evening.
Members of the Pace Student Council, Area 1 employees, and the Sign Language Club at Washington High School made sure that each individual participated in the activity of their choice. Three nurses from Omni Homecare volunteered to be on hand for possible medical needs. There was plenty of food for all to enjoy and even a visit by Santa.
Project SEARCH Team Helps Pensacola Nursing Home
Members of the University of West Florida (UWF) Project SEARCH team served on a community service project to help decorate the Baptist Manor Nursing Home for the holidays. They spent three days putting wreaths on the residents' doors, wrapping gifts that were donated, and talking to the residents during various activities. The team included seven APD customers—three waiver recipients and four students on the waiting list.
On December 16, the team returned to Baptist Manor to bring more gifts and participate in the nursing home's Christmas program. They assisted in transporting residents to the gathering, sang, read poems, and acted in a holiday skit. The interns also prepared and served snacks. When the program was over, the participants presented their gifts of nonslip socks and sugar-free Christmas candy to the residents.
The interns had a very successful workshop week. Caring for others in the community was a great way to culminate their learning experiences before leaving for the holiday break.
APD is one of the community partners of Project SEARCH sites in Area 1. Other partners include UWF, Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Lakeview Center. The partners and the participants wish to thank the Cantonment Pharmacy and Walgreens for donating sugar-free candy, and Baptist Hospital for donating the nonslip socks.
Employment Network of Central Florida Presents Awards
By Jennifer Monje and Maryjane WysockiThe Employment Network of Central Florida (ENCF) had its first annual Employee Awards Luncheon on October 11 in observance of Disability Employment Awareness Month. A total of 28 individuals with disabilities who have been employed for at least one year were presented with awards to recognize their success on the job.
APD Area 7 Administrator Merari Perez welcomed everyone and spoke on behalf of the agency. She shared Area 7's commitment and efforts to help individuals with developmental disabilities become employed. Then she presented certificates that outlined each individual's name, employer, and the number of years on the job.
Many family members and support providers spoke on behalf of award recipients. Marilyn Gordon of Goodwill Industries of Central Florida talked about the Real Economic Impact Tour (REIT), which focuses on teaching individuals with disabilities how to build savings and assets. Several adult day training programs, nonworking individuals, and volunteers with disabilities also attended to help celebrate successful employment!
Individuals with disabilities who are not working but want to work face barriers that are compounded by the difficulties of finding employment in today's tough economy. Many of the individuals who were honored in this ceremony have faced many challenges, but they developed solutions to overcome them. Transportation and the supports and services needed to achieve employment are just some of the many barriers individuals with significant disabilities face. The individuals that received these awards were faithful to their beliefs and committed to overcoming these barriers so they could become employed in the community. We salute them!
We are grateful to the community partners that helped to make this event possible, including Bishop Grady Villas, Publix, Big Lots, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, Panera Bread, Gardens of Life, Light of Life, Lighthouse of Central Florida, Moskowitz Inc., Orange County Public Schools Transition Services, Primrose Center, Quest Inc., Trusting Hands LLC, and of course, APD!
The ENCF is a collaboration of professionals committed to utilizing resources to improve the quality of life and increasing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It is a consortium of individuals with disabilities, businesses, agencies, employment specialists, waiver support coordinators, case managers, independent living coaches, and companions. For more information on the ENCF, contact Jennifer Monje at Jennifer_Monje@apd.state.fl.us or Maryjane Wysocki at Maryjane_Wysocki@apd.state.fl.us.
Area 11 Conducts "Resume Writing 101"
By Michael CardelloOn December 13, APD Area 11 Supported Employment Liaison Montrese Albury facilitated the first of what is likely to be a series of resume-writing workshops for APD customers. On this occasion, the four participants were waiting list individuals who gladly worked on projects that should eventually serve them well in seeking employment opportunities.
The APD employees that served as mentors were interested to learn about the employment experience of the participants. Irwin Ruiz has experience working as a bagger at Publix and volunteering at his high school through his Project Victory curriculum. Jessica Brewington, who is currently being considered for a paid internship at Baptist Health South Florida, has an avid interest in sports and participates in Special Olympics. She has experience as a clerk in a Miami-Dade County library and as a volunteer at Miami Cultural Arts Center. Shalleatha Williams has worked as an Avon representative, in a travel agency, and for a hair salon. Alvin Crosby has experience in assisting residents at the Landmark Learning Center developmental facility as well as volunteering in painting, automotive repair, and lawn care.
The APD waiting list case managers who accompanied and assisted the participants were Demetria Spencer, Ollie Wilson, Clara Smith, and Tania Torres.
This exercise was a learning experience for both APD customers and staff members. For the participants who came into the session with some form of resume, this experience could be considered an "Extreme Resume Makeover!" Stationery for resumes and thumb drives containing resume templates and job search websites were provided through funding from Disability Mentoring Day.
The intention is to hopefully convert volunteer and work experience into competitive employment of the participants' choice. All in all, participants came away with not only a sense of accomplishment, but also with products that will be helpful in their job search efforts.
DMD in the Keys
By Michael Cardello and Tina PorterEleven businesses and organizations in the Florida Keys participated as mentors for 12 APD customers as part of Disability Mentoring Day (DMD). Participating organizations for the October 25 event included the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Island Community Church, White Sands Inn, Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Association, Hubba Hubba Fishing Charters, Pasta Pantaleo, Humane Society of the Upper Keys, Brooke and Company, Islamorada Fire and Rescue, Froggy's Fitness, and Mariners Hospital.
Mentoring activities began at 9 a.m. and concluded at noon, when all the mentees, volunteers, and most of the mentors celebrated their success at a luncheon at Mangrove Mike's Café in Islamorada. The restaurant was specially decorated with helium balloons and conch shells filled with candy. Mentors and mentees shared their experiences, and certificates of appreciation were presented to mentors. Everyone involved was filled with a tremendous spirit of camaraderie and accomplishment.
On November 2, an article about Disability Mentoring Day appeared in the Keys Free Press, highlighting mentors and mentees at Mariners Hospital, Froggy's Fitness, and Islamorada Fire and Rescue. Also, in the December issue of Florida Currents, published by the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative, a photo showed CEO Scott Newberry standing alongside mentee Billy Henderson as well as the mentors at the reception desk where Henderson was stationed.
"I greatly enjoyed working with Billy," said mentor Maria Jones. "He was very enthusiastic and grateful to have hands-on experience and to meet our employees and customers."
Once again, the community spirit in Monroe County came through loud and clear, and its DMD 2011 was a resounding success!
Area 7 Collaborates with Project Impact
By Jennifer MonjeSeveral APD area offices were asked this year to participate in the 2011 Project Impact program sponsored by Volunteer Florida and the Able Trust. Area 7 MIG Employment Coordinator Maryjane Wysocki and I were invited to participate by engaging Osceola and Orange county students and job seekers in volunteerism and mentoring opportunities. We saw this as a great opportunity to support our agency's five-year employment initiative for individuals receiving services and for those on the waiting list.
Project Impact is a collaborative initiative in Florida in which national service programs can engage individuals with disabilities. Project Impact is an annual spring project that was previously open only to High School/High Tech sites and students. However, it is now open to other disability service providers, such as APD, that are located near a participating AmeriCorps site. The benefits of volunteering include valuable training, resume enhancement, opportunities to learn new skills and improve existing ones, and the chance to explore career paths.
In Osceola County, we have been matched with the Osceola Council on Aging. In Orange County, we were introduced to Melissa Padgett from Florida's State Parks. Through a structured planning phase and partnership over the next few months, Area 7 will be working with these two AmeriCorps sites and referring individuals with disabilities to participate in new volunteerism service projects in their communities!
APD Communications Director Is FPRA State President
The Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) recently installed its 2011-2012 officers at the association's 73rd Annual Conference. Leading the FPRA as the state president this year is APD Communications Director Melanie Mowry Etters, APR, CPRC.
Mowry Etters received her B.S. degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Florida and her masters in communications from Florida State University. Prior to stepping into the FPRA's highest leadership position, Mowry Etters served in multiple leadership roles for the organization, including VP of the annual conference, VP of communications, VP of finance, and VP of accreditation and certification.
A former president of the University of Florida Alumni Association, Mowry Etters will manage FPRA's 15 professional and 12 student chapters located throughout the state. Since late August, Mowry Etters has been actively sharing her message of "Discover the Treasures of FPRA" with the association's nearly 1,000 members. The FPRA's treasures include regular professional development opportunities, statewide networking for idea sharing and problem solving, credentialing, and professional resource offerings and recognition.
Jack of All Trades
By Melanie Mowry EttersJohn Tuite seems to be a jack of all trades. He has worked at a grocery store, super store, sheet metal shop, as a pizza delivery guy, and even as a telemarketer. Tuite was born with spina bifida and uses braces to walk. About three years ago, a sore on his right leg due to his braces became infected and required surgery.
After recovering from surgery, Tuite became a client served by the Alliance for Independence (AFI) in Lakeland and has worked in their Business Resources and Contracts Department for more than a year. AFI is an adult day training program where people with disabilities work and earn income based upon how productive they are at their tasks. AFI has about a dozen production projects happening each day in its building. Tuite receives services from APD.
Tuite is part of a three-man team that works on building power cables that look like mini-jumper cables. The cables are attached by car mechanics to a vehicle's battery for power to flush various fluid systems. Tuite is responsible for soldering the wires to the clips.
"I had previous experience from a sheet metal shop and that's how I knew how to solder. It is a little different, but the same concept. It's not too challenging," he says.
AFI Business Development Director Nancy Vaughan says, "John is very capable. We are lucky to have him here to help with this contract."
Rockford-ETTCO-Procunier is the automotive service company that orders the power cables from AFI. Owner Larry Bull says, "We had quality and delivery issues with another company, so we decided to ask AFI to produce the cables. It has worked out well. It solved our problem and we have gotten good quality products."
Clients that work in the Business Resources Department at AFI also put together employee training packets for Publix Supermarkets, sew bibs for children at a day care center, and assemble items into kits for a marketing company.
Bull says he is looking for other products that AFI can help produce for his company. "It makes good sense from a business perspective," he says. "Also, we feel good about providing opportunities for people with disabilities."
Champion Staff
Melanie Mowry Etters - Editor
Jeff Saulich - Writer and Photo Editor
Lloyd Harger - Web Development