Message from the Director
By Barbara Palmer
October has been an exciting month for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. APD put a huge focus on our customers and the businesses around the state that employ them in celebration of Disability Employment Awareness Month. More than two dozen stories were publicized in the media about individuals with disabilities who are employed and have become a vital part of their workplace.
On October 18, Governor Rick Scott joined APD, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Blind Services to recognize seven businesses for their long-term commitment to employing people with disabilities (see below story). I cannot tell you how excited I was to participate in honoring these businesses along with Governor Scott. One of my goals is to increase employment opportunities for the people we serve. This event highlighted how valuable and dedicated people with disabilities are to their employers.
I have also been on the road in October to learn more about our customers and the people who provide services to them. I have visited many group homes to witness the home life of the individuals who reside there. I have been to adult day training programs, various Goodwill locations, and supported employment job sites. I had a great visit to the Marion County Arc. The agency's executive director, Troy Strawder, has been very creative in generating revenue for this program by bringing in work that private businesses did not want to do. Strawder's passion for what he does is very apparent, just like all the other providers I have visited. Clearly, people that are involved in serving individuals with disabilities have a deep desire to help and make a difference in people's lives.
I want to thank all of you who are working so hard to change and improve the lives of those who need our assistance. Keep up the good work.
State Recognizes Disability-Friendly Companies
The state of Florida recognized seven businesses on October 18 for being exceptional employers of people with disabilities. The annual celebration was held at Tallahassee City Hall as part of recognizing October as Disability Employment Awareness Month.
APD, Blind Services, and Vocational Rehabilitation helped present the Exceptional Employer Awards that honor businesses for their commitment to hiring people with disabilities. The award-winning businesses were Baptist Health South Florida (Miami), Habitat for Humanity (Pasco County), Mangrove Mike's Café (Islamorada), Miller's Ale House (Daytona Beach), Pensacola Blue Wahoos, Sirata Beach Resort and Conference Center (St. Petersburg), and Universal Orlando Resort.
Florida Governor Rick Scott said, "Employment is one of my top priorities as most people know, and that includes people with disabilities. I am happy to see so many businesses that are inclusive of all individuals in their company's workforce. There is always an opportunity to be more inclusive. I hope additional companies will follow suit and be open to considering all people who can compete for a position."
APD Director Barbara Palmer said, "I am excited to be able to recognize these Florida companies who give people of all abilities a chance at employment. These business leaders confirm what we have known for years—that individuals with disabilities provide a great return on their investment. These employees are dedicated to their employers and wouldn't dream of missing work because their job means so much to them."
Other speakers at the event were Stacy Powell, who is an individual with a disability, Able Trust President and Chief Executive Officer Susanne Homant, and Tallahassee Mayor John Marks.
DMD Celebrated in Lake County
Working in the restaurant business can be both rewarding and exciting for individuals willing to put an emphasis on teamwork. That was the message delivered on October 18 by three staff members from Longhorn Steakhouse in Lady Lake as part of Disability Mentoring Day in APD's Central Region. Manager Jeremy Webb, server Amber Michelli, and cook Carlos Gonzales each talked about their jobs, responsibilities, and daily duties to an audience of 11 individuals receiving Supported Employment services from Great Expectations. All of the audience members were interested in knowing more about the restaurant business and in particular Longhorn Steakhouse.
Not only did participants learn about possible industry jobs, they had the opportunity to experience firsthand how the food is prepared. Prior to the talk, attendees sat down to a catered meal personally prepared by Gonzales and served by Michelli and Webb. Steak, chicken, and salad were graciously served to job seekers and Great Expectations staff members.
Participant Liz Hopkins intently listened as Webb spoke about why he enjoys working in the restaurant industry. During the presentation she told him, "I like the idea of everybody getting along and working as a team." Then she added with humor and self-confidence, "You should hire me because I am always on time." He immediately encouraged her to apply for a position!
The presentation took place at a Great Expectations group home in Fruitland Park. After completing their talks, the presenters answered questions about work hours, what it was like to work in the kitchen, and how they could apply for jobs. Longhorn, which is owned by Darden Restaurants, is highly supportive of Disability Mentoring day and offered to host this special event.
DMD in Area 7 Conquers Space
In Area 7 of APD's Central Region, 30 mentees went to the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on October 22 as part of Disability Mentoring Day. The students had a full day of activities. Each one was matched with a KSC staff member for the day and enjoyed learning about the many facets of the space program.
Fort Lauderdale's DMD Is a Day in the Park
By Jose Pinto
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale was the center of attention for Disability Mentoring Day 2012 in APD's Southeast Region. The park welcomed 25 potential job seekers, family members, providers, and APD staff members to tour the park and assist rangers in setting up a Halloween trail. Cora Brown of APD and the park's Mark Foley were the driving force behind the event.
Upon arrival, the job seekers were met by Foley for a tour of the park and the Halloween trail. After the tour, providers and job coaches served a lunch that was courtesy of Longhorn Steakhouse. Then, the job seekers broke up into groups and set up the Halloween trail. The groups were required to sort through many boxes of decorations and decide where to place them on the trail.
Throughout the project, Brown made sure the event ran fluidly and without interruption. It was an excellent opportunity for the job seekers to see the benefits of community-building projects and learn how working in the community is both necessary and rewarding.
Jacksonville DMD Event Held at UNF
On Tuesday, October 30, the Northeast Region held its annual Disability Mentoring Day event in Jacksonville. It took place on the University of North Florida's beautiful campus, in the student union, auditorium, and College of Education. There were several repeat workshops for students covering topics such as job search strategies, volunteering, and interviewing skills.
There was also a Mentor Fair, where APD's Ryan Murphy, Kerrie Wimberly, and Nancy Boutot participated. Other mentors included representatives of WorkSource, Vocational Rehabilitation, UNF, Regions Bank, Publix, CVS Pharmacy, Brooks Rehab, and CSX Railroad, just to name a few. More than 200 students with disabilities participated in this wonderful event.
Miami APD Customer Praises DMD Experience
Baptist Health South Florida (BHSF) was a host location for Disability Mentoring Day in Miami-Dade County. Staff members demonstrated the intricate billing and insurance processes for an eager participant, APD customer Israel Diaz of Miami.
"I never realized how much time and energy goes into this process," said Diaz.
Diaz had participated in DMD in the past. However, he was very impressed by the event this year, and he expressed his appreciation in a letter to BHSF Assistant Vice President Jose Rameriz.
"Being the one chosen to participate in this event is something that I am truly grateful for," Diaz wrote. "Your staff members helped to teach and guide me on the inner operations of Baptist Hospital, which has led directly to my new interest in gaining employment in this field. After reflecting on these processes, I realized that this part of the healthcare industry is one that I am excited and interested in working with."
Diaz thanked the BHSF staff for treating him with dignity and respect, and for providing him with a very positive DMD experience.
DMD in Tallahassee
Students and job seekers in the Tallahassee Area participated in Disability Mentoring Day throughout October. On Monday, October 22, two mentees did job shadowing at the Agency for Persons with Disabilities headquarters office. Annie Calhoun and Dontarius Barnes spent time with various employees to learn about the jobs that help APD serve individuals. The two went to the Capitol and met Deputy Chief of Staff Karen Zeiler. Zeiler gave them a tour of the Governor’s Office, and joined them for lunch.
A capital celebration of DMD was held on October 24 at Tallahassee Community College. Mentors and mentees were invited to lunch to share their experiences. The Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST) gave away five iPads to some lucky DMD mentees.
Hillsborough County Kicks Off DMD
Disability Mentoring Day is an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to receive hands-on experience in the workplace. On this special day, hundreds of mentees in the Tampa Bay area will participate in on-the-job activities with business partners such as Busch Gardens, Tampa General Hospital, the Tampa Police Department, and the Humane Society.
The Suncoast Region's DMD kickoff celebration was held on October 19 at the Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, where a proclamation declaring November 1 as Disability Mentoring Day in Hillsborough County was presented by Sandra Sroka, Hillsborough County ADA coordinator, on behalf of County Commissioner Al Higginbotham. Guest speaker was Sarah Goldman, a University of Central Florida student who serves as a mentor with The Able Trust for students with disabilities and is the ambassador featured in this year's DMD posters. Other speakers included Richard Olle, DMD alumnus, and Joseph D'Souza, assistant director of mentoring programs for The Able Trust.
Awards were presented to the Columbia Restaurant Group, The Able Trust, Tampa General Hospital, and Mosaic for their generous sponsorships. Meanwhile, preparations are being made for the 12th Annual Hillsborough County Disability Mentoring Day on November 1.
"We are looking forward to an amazing day filled with wonderful experiences," said Glorie Singleton, co-chair of the DMD Planning Committee, of APD's Suncoast Region office. The other co-chair is Heidi Schnurr of the Hillsborough County School District's High-School High-Tech program.
The 2012 Hillsborough County DMD planning committee is composed of representatives from APD, Vocational Rehabilitation, Hillsborough Community College Student Disability Services, Hillsborough County Alliance for Citizens with Disabilities, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, Hillsborough County Public Schools, Hillsborough Education Foundation, Publix Super Markets, Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance, Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind, and the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities at UCF.
APD Ramps Up Social Media
Many of Florida's state agencies are now using social media as a way to communicate with the public. APD has recently expanded and ramped up our social media. In addition to Facebook and Twitter, APD is excited to announce the addition of two new sites, Pinterest and an APD Blog. For those that don't know, Pinterest is a website that allows users to "pin" items to "boards." The boards serve as a way to group similar pins together and typically have a common thread. For instance, a board called "Getting the Job" will focus on interesting items concerning employment. Other users can then "re-pin" your items and place them on their own boards. Visit http://pinterest.com/apdcares/ to view our boards on Pinterest.
Our blog, to date, has focused on employment and our success stories for Disability Employment Awareness Month in October. In the upcoming months, we will focus on who APD is, who we serve, iBudget Florida, the waiting list, and other important topics. Visit http://apdcares.wordpress.com/ to read and follow our blog.
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/floridaapd and check us out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/APDCares and you will be up-to-date. See you soon!
Good Will at Goodwill
By Melanie Mowry Etters
Connie Bass is fiercely independent now, and she has worked hard to get there. She is employed as an office assistant at the Goodwill store in Ocala on Highway 27. Bass has worked her way up from attending Adult Day Training at the store, where the state paid Goodwill for her to be there, and now Goodwill pays Bass for overseeing purchasing, answering the phone, and essential office work. She also runs the cash register one day a week.
Goodwill Store Manager Derek Arnold says, "What makes Connie special is her drive to learn more and do more. She wants to be a valuable asset to the store."
Bass has cerebral palsy and receives services from APD. Bass went through a divorce while living in Fort Myers in 2005. She decided she needed to make a clean start and relocated to Ocala. Since then, she has mastered the public transportation system to get around town and to work. She lives in her own apartment. APD provides some services to her in her home due to her limited mobility. "I appreciate the services I receive. Our services are a privilege. We are very lucky to have them."
Bass pays close attention to details. She does research on some donated high-end items to help determine an appropriate price for their resale. She ensures the office filing is correct and needed items are ordered. "Goodwill taught me I could stand up for myself, and that you can do what you want if you respect yourself and others," says Bass.
Arnold says, "Connie is compassionate for people with disabilities. She makes a great team member."
Around the State
New Employment Program Blossoms in Putnam County
In APD's Northeast Region, the Area 3 Office in Gainesville is taking part in the Microcredit Employment and Training Initiative. An informal group of job seekers is developing a cooperative to generate funding that will assist its members in pursuing business start-ups, job coach funding, and other vocational interests as approved by members. The program will last at least 12 weeks but not longer than 4 months; it includes a six-module curriculum with a maximum allowable participation of one time only.
The objective is to increase income, develop entrepreneurship, or obtain employment while decreasing participation in adult day training (ADT) activities. This would make an ADT environment as a temporary preparation for the workforce, rather than a permanent situation. Graduates will end the program with a portfolio, a resume listing their new skills, and access to small loans for business start-ups or grants for follow-up job coaching purposes. This would be after accessing Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Phase 1 services and other vocational funding as approved by the group.
The microcredit program is currently being implemented in three areas of the state. The curriculum was written by agency employment coordinators. Area 3 Employment Coordinator Jennifer Valenzuela is collaborating with her counterparts in other offices—Nancy Boutot in the region's Area 4 office in Jacksonville and Maryjane Wysocki in the Central Region's Area 7 office in Orlando.
The Arc of Putnam County has agreed to take part in the initial program. Each Monday, Boutot and Valenzuela meet at the ADT to provide oversight and assistance with weekly activities, usually starting a new part of the curriculum. Overcoming some of the obstacles experienced at the Arc of Putnam County will help with future training when the program is implemented in other ADTs across the state.
One of the goals in the statewide initiative is to increase the number of individuals employed. Addressing the waiting list for waiver services is also a priority. The group's nine participants include seven waiver customers, one waiting list individual, and one private-pay ADT participant.
The individuals participating in the microcredit program have chosen "Helping People Out" as their theme and are selling custom-made picture frames. The big picture is the future expansion of this promising program all across Florida!
Transition Fair Held in Northeast Region
On October 2, about 50 students, family members, exceptional student education (ESE) staff members, and exhibitors participated in the Bradford County Partners in Transition Fair during Disability Employment Awareness Week. Attendees received a wealth of information that will assist them in moving from school to the world of work. APD Northeast Region Employment Liaison Jennifer Valenzuela was the keynote speaker. Her talk, entitled "A Good Day is Payday," outlined useful information about Student Earned Income and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
The event took place at Bradford High School in Starke. Among the exhibitors with helpful resources were APD Northeast Region staff members Sylvia Bamburg and Heather Huzzen. Other exhibitors included Vocational Rehabilitation, Project 10, UF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), SEDNET, Bradford County Incubator / Florida Works, Family Network on Disabilities, Special Olympics, Children's Medical Services, Florida Department of Health, and Bradford-Union Area Career Technical Center.
Fort Lauderdale Office Reaches Out
The special event venue The Signature Grand in Davie was the place to be on Saturday, September 28, for children with special needs and their families. The Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital sponsored a Children with Special Needs Resource Fair that was full of music, fun, food, and information. Kathy Coleman and Jose Pinto, of the Southeast Region's Area 10 office in Fort Lauderdale, distributed brochures and answered questions as they represented APD at the event.
There were more than 75 service providers participating in the fair to share information on services that may be of benefit to families. An arts and crafts room was available for anyone who wanted to appreciate the attractive creations. Participants were greeted at the event by dogs trained in animal-assisted therapy. Food was served throughout the event, which was also attended by a number of pirates that wandered around entertaining the little ones.
Southeast Region Celebrates Abilities!
By Martha Martinez
On October 6, the 33rd Annual DisAbilities Expo was held on the beautiful campus of Nova Southeastern University in Davie. The expo provided a celebration of abilities, offering information on disability resources, free seminars, and demonstrations by nearly 100 vendors, agencies, and organizations.
To be inspired and motivated, the expo visitors attended an official wheelchair basketball tournament, a fashion show, the "See the World Through Our Eyes" art showcase, and wonderful theater and musical performances at the main stage. And just for the kids, the event hosted the Kids Zone, which included crafts and face painting, and the Chill Zone when a little quiet time was needed. Hundreds of individuals, family members, and friends enjoyed good weather and good company at this great celebration of the human spirit!
YES! of America United F.A.I.R. Held
By Nilsa Diaz
The 5th Annual YES! of America United F.A.I.R. (Family Abilities Information Rally) was held on October 6 at the All Peoples Life Center in Tampa. The disability awareness event was open to the public and provided an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to meet with various agency representatives and receive information regarding community resources. APD staff members from the Suncoast Region were proud to have participated in this wonderful event and valued the opportunity to interact and share information with the community.
APD Leaders Explore Faith-Based Resources
Last week, APD Director Barbara Palmer and Director of Strategic Outreach Lane Wright attended the National Faith Symposium 2012 in Orlando, representing APD there for the first time. Palmer and Wright participated with the specific goals of raising awareness of employment and waiting list issues for persons with developmental disabilities and recruiting volunteers and organizations to help the agency with those issues.
The faith-based community is virtually an untapped resource that can help APD serve more people on the waiting list for waiver services. Good-hearted volunteers can help APD stretch its dollars and serve more people by providing assistance with rides and respite care.
Palmer and Wright met with dozens of people with connections and ideas that will help APD accomplish these goals. They also discovered other resources that will potentially save the agency time and money in getting a more robust volunteer program up and running. Overall, the event was a great success!
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