Message from the Director
Marching Toward Success
By Barbara Palmer
March was a very exciting month for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and I was thrilled to be a part of all the important activities. Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet members proclaimed March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month at their meeting on March 7. APD customer Kerri Outen addressed the Cabinet to share the importance of her job working in childcare for the past five years at the Child Growth and Development Center in Tallahassee. Disability stakeholders joined APD in accepting the resolution sponsored by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
In recognition for all they do to employ citizens with disabilities, Governor Scott presented Publix Supermarkets with his Business Ambassador Award at the Cabinet meeting. Associate Diversity Development Specialist Greta Dupuy, Store Manager Chip Seale, and Store Manager Mark Grant accepted the honor. Publix employees from the Tallahassee area were also recognized by Governor Scott. They were: Tom LoCastro, Christopher Heuser, Barbara Jefferson, and Jonathan White. Other APD customers in attendance were Georgia LoCastro and Marie Walker.
Governor Scott also declared March 7 as Developmental Disabilities Day at the Capitol. APD joined the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council and The Arc of Florida to sponsor the activities for the day. Exhibits were on display in the second floor Capitol Rotunda. A news conference was held with Governor Scott serving as the key note speaker. Governor Scott recognized the achievements of two APD customers in attendance at the news conference. Darryl Wright has been working at the Regal Movie Theater in Tallahassee for almost 18 years. Arthur Henry recently moved from an Intermediate Care Facility into his own home in the community and receives services from APD through the Medicaid waiver. Disability advocates spoke in support of Governor Scott’s Florida Families First budget proposal that provides $36 million to enroll individuals from the waiting list into the Home and Community-Based Services Medicaid waiver for the first time in many years. One of the speakers was Tallahassee area Family Care Council Chair Lou Ogburn who encouraged Legislators to approve the governor’s budget proposal to provide services to individuals on the waiting list.
During the news conference, Sarasota resident Korinne Kaliher received the fourth annual Idelio Valdes Leadership and Advocacy award. Governor Rick Scott presented the award to Kaliher, who was honored for her exemplary personal achievements and efforts to promote disability awareness throughout her community.
I always enjoy having the opportunity to promote APD and the great things being accomplished by the people we serve. Many people worked together to make the celebration of DD Day and DD Month a success. I hope we can continue this positive momentum with securing Legislative approval of Governor Scott’s budget proposal for APD and its customers.
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Governor Scott Visits Orlando Day Training Program
In recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Governor Rick Scott visited Central Florida Contract Industries, an Orlando Adult Day Training program, to share his proposed 2013-2014 Florida Families First budget, which provides $36 million in much needed funding to people on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) waiver waiting list.
Governor Scott was surrounded by advocates and stakeholders for people with disabilities as he spelled out how this additional funding will benefit individuals who have been waiting for community services. He also recognized several individuals with disabilities for achieving their goals at the day training program.
APD customer Robert Halliburton, who at 55 years old landed his first job, gave an inspiring speech about how much he enjoys his job. Donna Rauber, the Orlando Area Family Care Council Chairperson spoke about her sister, Amelia, who is on the APD Medicaid waiver waiting list. Phil Pearson, a waiting list parent and past chairman of the Family Care Council Florida, spoke about his son and what the additional funding to APD’s waiting list would mean to so many families.
In attendance were many families, some of which have loved ones enrolled in the waiver and on the waiting list. The news conference was also highlighted on all the local television news channels and in the Orlando Sentinel newspaper.
World Autism Awareness Day
April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day! The historic Capitol will be awash in blue light tomorrow evening to celebrate. If you are in the Tallahassee area, be sure to check out the Capitol and the ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
APD’s New Look
Have you visited the APD website recently? If you have, you have no doubt noticed the new look and layout. Using suggestions and feedback from two focus groups, the Communications Office has revamped the website. Not only does the website offer a fresh look, but also a more user-friendly layout. We have received many positive comments thus far, and we hope that we have satisfactorily met your browsing needs. To view the new look, please visit us online at www.apdcares.org.
iBudget Nearing Completion
On April 1, individuals with developmental disabilities in Broward and Palm Beach counties will begin using a new way to manage their services and the dollars used to pay for them. It is called iBudget Florida.
These 3,800 customers will use the iBudget Florida Medicaid waiver to direct and receive Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). The HCBS waiver is funded by state and federal tax dollars to help people with developmental disabilities remain and participate in their local communities.
These customers join 19,457 other customers who are already enjoying the benefits of iBudget Florida in managing their waiver dollars. More than six months of preparation and training has occurred with customers, families, waiver support coordinators, and providers prior to the implementation.
iBudget Florida is a different way to deliver Medicaid waiver services. It has been approved by both the Florida Legislature and the federal government. iBudget provides greater ability to choose services that matter most to customers given their unique situations. It gives greater flexibility for customers to respond to their changing needs.
The final iBudget implementation will be in Dade and Monroe counties on July 1. In addition, Consumer-Directed Care Plus (CDC+) participants will start using iBudget Florida on July 1.
Many families in North Florida have been using iBudget for more than a year and are happy with how iBudget Florida has given them increased flexibility and improved their self-direction. APD has posted interviews with families on iBudgetFlorida.org. Visit http://apdcares.org/ibudget/videos.htm to view the testimonials.
iBudget Florida is designed to make the funding process fair and equitable for all Medicaid waiver customers. It has increased opportunities for customers to direct their own care. This system also provides for financial predictability within the waiver.
Some other customer benefits of iBudget Florida are:
- Ability to reallocate funds not spent on services in one month for future service needs within a fiscal year
- Access to dental services that were not available in the tier four waiver
- Greater control to change services or providers to fit the person’s needs
- Support coordinators able to use iBudget technology to reduce paperwork requirements and communicate efficiently with providers and APD, and
- Greater opportunity for APD to use new funds to serve people on the Medicaid waiver waiting list.
APD Regionalization is Official
On March 18, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities received notice that the transition from areas to regions was officially approved. The Director of the Office of Policy and Budget Jerry McDaniel sent a letter to APD Director Barbara Palmer saying the region structure was accepted.
The letter stated: the following APD organizational changes were recommended by the Department of Management Services and are now approved by the Executive Office of the Governor:
Add: Northwest Region
Northeast Region
Central Region
Suncoast Region
Southeast Region
Southern Region
Regional offices have been working closely with the Human Resources Office to ensure that all the appropriate paperwork has been signed and filed to comply with the new structure.
APD Wins Five Davis Awards
By Lindsey Boyington
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities submitted five nominations for the 2013 Prudential-Davis Productivity Awards, and has come away with five awards! The Davis Awards recognize state employees and agencies for cost saving initiatives implemented throughout the year. This year’s competition attracted over 450 nominations worth $514 million in cost savings, cost avoidances, and increased revenue for state government.
“I am thrilled to learn that Tacachale staff have once again been recognized as recipients of Davis Productivity Awards. It's a pleasure working with so many dedicated and innovative employees!” said Michael Mayfield, Tacachale Superintendent.
The following is the list of APD winners:
Plaques
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Improved Employee Attendance at Tacachale
- Dotty Faibisy , Keith Jinwright, Kathy Chalker, Janet Priest, Barbara Wallace
- Provided Cost-Effective Dental Care
- Dominika Marczak
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Reduces Cost to Maintain Facility Grounds
- Michael Crockrell, Dan Murphy, Michael Martin, Jr.
- Reduction of Lease Costs and Consolidation of Office Space
- Mac McCoy, Lynne Daw, Bryan Vaughan, Eddie Kay Harris, Bonnie Williams, Charles Ball, Darlene See, Reed Stephan, Stephen Boley, Kenneth Peacock, Bruce Gambill, Joni Laramore, Terry White, Katrena Fay Johnson, Eddie Tanner, Amanda Johnson, Carol Wright, Amy Mantecon, Roger Cosson, Clarence Holden, William Caplinger, Billy Grantham, Janet O’Pry, Michael Padgett, Adam Chambliss, Billy Shouppe, Daniel E. Wood, William Himes, Keefe Hatcher, Aaron Pittman, Randall Wynn, Chasity Wester, Clayton Mitchell, Joseph Folsom, James Brooks, John Chance, Donnie Gilley, Steven King, Jimmy Jones, Wendy Baxley, Stephen Smith, Russell Register, Vanessa Shelley
- Controlled Seizure Medication Costs Through Drug Stock Changes
- Norma Blake, Trish King, Michele Cullen
Packed with Impact
By Melanie Mowry Etters
Laurie Adams is a packaged deal. She is full of spunk, happiness, and employer dedication. Adams has worked at THASC Sales Company, Incorporated, for more than six years. Her primary responsibilities include packaging greeting cards and sealing them with plastic.
“I like to work and make my own money. I like working with people and paying my own way,” said Adams.
Adams has a developmental disability and receives services funded by Florida’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
Coincidently, the company that Adams works for is dedicated to helping people with disabilities. THASC Sales Company, Inc., in Margate, is a private profit-making company that employs people with disabilities and senior citizens. It has been in business for over 35 years. THASC purchases artwork from artists with disabilities and reproduces it onto greeting cards. On the back of each greeting card is a picture of the artist with a short biography. Many of these artists paint with a brush held in their mouth. Some use specially designed helmets with brushes attached to paint, and others may use arm braces.
Adams works independently at her own station packaging the artistic greeting cards. In addition to handling cards, Adams also assembles pens for shipment. “Laurie works hard and strives to do the best job she can do. It is a true pleasure to have her as a member of our team,” said THASC Vice President Ty Cannon. “Laurie is very cheerful, upbeat, and nice. She always wishes everyone a good morning,”
Adams clearly enjoys her work environment. “My co-workers are my friends. We all work together and help each other out,” said Adams. Her long term professional goal is to remain working at THASC. Her personal goal for the future is the same as most everyone. “I want to be happy,” said Adams.
Outside of her job, she enjoys sports and church activities. She likes watching football and baseball games with her sister and brother-in-law. Adams is also trying out for the Special Olympics bowling team, and was very excited when she recently scored 122 in a game. Another hobby helps to bring out the artist in Adams. She likes to color in the drawings on preprinted posters to decorate her room.
Around the State
Maximizing Employer Relationships
Eladio Amores, Corporate Consultant with the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), provided training to supported employment providers and VR counselors on the importance of expanding relationships with potential employers on March 27 in Pensacola. He shared the three key strategies that work with employers to show them how someone can make them money, how someone can save them money, and how someone can make them look good.
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit was covered along with potential grant opportunities for service providers. The increased monitoring of federal contractors in hiring people with disabilities should result in additional employment opportunities with organizations funded through federal contacts. It is not only what you know but who you know that opens the door for an employer to consider someone. Amores says, “The best social program is a job.”
Imagine the Possibilities
The Eighth Annual Student Transition Conference was held on February 14 at the University of West Florida in Pensacola. A goal of the conference was to promote collaboration among local agencies, the school system, higher education, and the business community as students transition from Kindergarten through High School.
Dr. Jordan Knab, who serves on the Governor’s Commission on Jobs for Floridians with Disabilities, opened the conference by sharing information on the many grants available to schools for students with disabilities. He strongly stressed the key to success is paid internships during high school.
Dr. JR Harding with APD External Affairs was the keynote speaker. He shared APD’s mission, vision, goals, and initiatives along with challenging the audience to empower their students by creating more possibilities. He shared his personal life challenges so they could visualize what is possible despite the challenges and obstacles. The employer and agency panels answered questions from an audience of 140 attendees. Complementary massage therapy and paraffin wax treatments, along with many door prizes kept everyone’s attention.
From Sand to Snow!
by Shirley RebarberIt all starts in October, before Halloween. The weather is starting to get cool here in South Florida and the Special Olympics Sand to Alpine Ski training begins at John U. Lloyd Beach State Park in Dania Beach. The Olympic athletes came together for their first training October 14, with Head Coach Linda Mills.
The beginning group goes to the beach after putting on ski boots and proceeds to exercise with skis on their feet. The exercises consist of marching, toe in toe out, positioning skis correctly, and falling with the skis on and getting up without assistance. This is very important because in the skiing competition a person will be disqualified if they do not get up within eight seconds of falling. Both beginning and advanced skiers learn to ski and to weave in and out of the flags. They learn to ski down a sandy slope and then have to ascend the hill sideways with their skis on.
While the beginning group is on the sand, the advanced group is in the parking lot rollerblading or using scooters to navigate through an obstacle course of orange cones. The course is designed to help the skiers learn about slalom skiing. The sand training ran from October 14 through January 27, and consisted of 15 total training sessions.
On February 2, 26 skiers and their chaperones arrived in Blowing Rock, North Carolina- excited and prepared to compete at the four day Alpine Skiing Competition. Many of the Special Olympians live in APD group homes in Broward County. The chaperones included owners and staff members from their group homes. Over the four days the Special Olympic skiers participated in ski lessons, practice time, time trails, and competition. Special Olympics alpine skiers from Broward County competed in the S.E. Regional Special Olympics Winter Games; the only Special Olympics Skiing team in the state of Florida. Many medals were earned, and everyone was overjoyed with the experience. The trip ended on February 6 with some very happy champions!
As if all that was not exciting enough, this year for the first time two very talented Special Olympians, Kerri Lynn Leonardo and Norval Hall, were selected to participate in the International Special Olympics Skiing World Games in Pyeong Chang, South Korea. Leonardo and Hall, both from Broward County, arrived home victorious (Lynn with a Gold Medal) on February 8, to a welcoming group of Special Olympians and their families.
Sunland Hosts Special Olympics
By Clint Cox
On March 6, Sunland Center hosted the 2013 Special Olympics County Games. Even though the weather was very cool and windy, over 230 athletes from Sunland and throughout Jackson County took part in the event. Athletes competed in track and field events, cycling, bocce, and volleyball.
The Sunland Recreational Horse Show took place at Howell Field on March 15. This year’s show was expanded to include participants (and horses) from Sunland, Bay County, and the Montgomery, Alabama Therapeutic Recreation Center. Approximately 30 participants were judged in a variety of equestrian events, with first place winners in the 14 different events receiving a trophy. All other participants received ribbons. Although the official start of spring was still five days away, the weather was a picture perfect spring day.
Howell Field was also the site of the Special Olympics Area 2 Games held on March 22. Approximately 350 athletes from Area 2 competed in the day’s events. While rain threatened to put a damper on the day, all the events were held as scheduled and the athletes, as always, put on outstanding performances.
Interagency Workshop
On March 26, representatives from the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Children and Families, the Agency for Health Care Administration, the Department of Health, Guardian ad Litem, and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities came together to talk about strategies for children being served by more than one of the above-mentioned agencies. The agencies discussed children served by multiple agencies and how best to meet all their needs. The group will continue to discussions to develop a plan for helping these children. APD Director Barbara Palmer and DJJ Secretary Wansley Walters will give a presentation on April 9 at the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet meeting.
Hopping Down the Bunny Trail
By Lindsey Boyington
On March 23, Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott hosted their third annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Governor’s Mansion. They invited children in foster care, children with disabilities, and military families. The children collected 1,500 brightly colored Easter Eggs scattered on the lawn of the Governor’s Mansion.
"We are so thankful to Governor Scott and Secretary Wilkins for inviting our families to this wonderful event. I am sure the Easter Egg Hunt will be a memorable experience for the families that the Agency for Persons with Disabilities serves," said APD Director, Barbara Palmer.
Director Palmer was invited to speak at the event, introduced the man of the hour, the Easter Bunny, and in the true Easter spirit donned a pair of her very own pink bunny ears.
Besides the Easter Egg Hunt, Governor Scott also took time to personally speak with the children and families in attendance. The children enjoyed several activities including music, magic tricks, sack races, hula hoop contests, face painting, and pictures with the Easter Bunny.
SportsAbility Tallahassee - April 11-13
Please help support the SportsAbility program and have a wonderful evening at the same time! The SportsAbility Banquet on April 12 will host Derrick Tennant as the comedian. Carlos and Carlos, an acoustic guitar ensemble, will provide music that will transport you to exotic destinations. There will be dinner, live and silent actions with Disney tickets, hotel stays, art, golf outings, nature hikes and more!
More info and tickets at http://www.fdoa.org/programs/sportsability/tallahassee
In addition to the banquet, several sports and recreation events will be held including:
- April 11, 6-8 p.m. – Baseball at Miracle League Field at Messer Park
- April 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Indoor Recreation & EXPO at Tallahassee Community College Lifetime Sports Complex
- April 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Outdoor Recreation at Ochlocknee River State Park
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