Message from the Director
By Barbara Palmer
Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Barbara Palmer led a statewide employee webinar on January 28. Palmer highlighted the agency’s recent accomplishments. The following video shares a few of her comments to employees.
Governor’s Budget Would Fund APD Waiting List for First Time in Eight Years Disability Stakeholders Praise Governor’s Budget
TALLAHASSEE, FL
—Florida Governor Rick Scott is recommending additional funding to serve people on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) waiver waiting list. Governor Scott’s proposed 2013-2014 budget, Florida Families First, includes $1.1 billion for APD. A $36 million increase will allow individuals on the waiting list to enroll in the APD Home and Community-Based Services Medicaid waiver so they will receive services in their local communities. Those with the most critical needs will benefit from this new funding. Leaders of organizations that serve people with disabilities unanimously praised the governor’s budget proposal.
APD Director Barbara Palmer said, "I am so excited about Governor Scott’s decision to fund the waiver waiting list for the first time since 2005. I appreciate Governor Scott’s leadership and confidence in APD. We also thank the members of the Legislature for their ongoing support. Families, waiver support coordinators, providers, and our employees have worked very hard to bring our waiver spending under control. The agency is ready to begin helping those with the most critical needs on the waiting list in the coming year.”
Family Care Council Florida Chairperson Jean Sherman said, “I am delighted and encouraged to learn about Governor Scott’s proposed request to provide funding for waiver services for those individuals on the APD waiting list that are in the most critical need. The ability to receive needed services will be life-changing for these families and this new funding is a welcome first step in meeting the community needs of all Florida residents with developmental disabilities.”
Phil Pearson, waiting list parent and past chairperson of the Family Care Council Florida, said, “What a great day for Florida and what a great day for Florida’s disability community. Hats off to everyone involved! This waiting list funding will be a godsend to all of those folks waiting for services. They will now be able to rest assured that their children will be properly taken care of. Granted, this won't fund every situation, but it is a good start, addressing the most urgent cases. Thank you, Governor Scott, for this great day in Florida's history.”
Janice Phillips is a service coordinator for people with developmental disabilities, and she is also the chairperson of their association. Phillips said, “The Association of Support Coordination Agencies of Florida would like to thank Governor Scott for his continuing support of people with developmental disabilities. His recent decision to include funding in his budget to provide services for those on the waiting list demonstrates his commitment to Florida's most vulnerable citizens. We are excited about the possibility of helping individuals with support needed to work and live productively in their communities.”
Governor Scott’s budget proposal also includes about $2.5 million to assist people on the waiver waiting list who have indicated that they want to go to work. The funding will pay for job internships and supported employment job coaches for about 1,000 people with developmental disabilities.
“We are truly thrilled to hear this great news and offer our heartfelt thanks to Governor Scott. The Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities applauds Governor Scott's decision to step forward and meet the needs of Floridians with developmental disabilities. The addition of funding to enroll individuals on the developmental disabilities Medicaid waiver will greatly enhance the lives of these people and those who provide for their daily needs. Additionally, providing supported employment services for another 1,000 individuals means these individuals have the opportunity to achieve their employment goals for the first time in their lives,” said Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities Executive Director Suzanne Sewell.
The ARC of Florida Executive Director Deborah Linton said, “These additional funds will allow our chapters to protect the health and safety of more Floridians with intellectual disabilities and in many cases, fulfill their dreams of securing jobs and contributing to their community. It will benefit the individual and the economy.”
Florida Developmental Disabilities Council Executive Director Debra Dowds said, “I am thrilled that Governor Scott is working to provide funding for people on the waiting list. Individuals with developmental disabilities need ongoing supports to be fully integrated into their local communities. This money is critical to helping people with crucial needs. The funding specifically for supported employment and job internships will enable many individuals with developmental disabilities to earn wages in competitive integrated employment, moving them to greater self-sufficiency.”
Governor Scott is recommending in his budget proposal a one-time appropriation of $40 million ($17 million in state funding, $23 million federal match) to pay off the waiver deficit from prior fiscal years. With this funding, APD is projecting to be operating within its appropriation for the first time since being made its own agency.
Additionally, the budget proposal contains about $2 million for facility maintenance which will include improvements to William J. Rish Park on Cape San Blas in Gulf County. Rish Park is a state park that was built and designed for people with disabilities. The facilities on the bay side of the park were damaged many years ago by a hurricane and have been unusable by people with disabilities.
Governor Scott is recommending $1.4 million for a new APD data system that will provide service-specific information from providers regarding service delivery dates and progress, as well as better verification that services were delivered at the times and locations that were authorized by the agency. Additionally, this data system will include an electronic client central record that will provide the agency with information that can be used to more efficiently and effectively serve individuals with developmental disabilities by providing electronic information that will track provider services and progress for the client.
To view the complete list of Governor Scott’s budget recommendations, visit www.floridafamiliesfirst.com.
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Plan to attend DD Day in Tallahassee
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, and The Arc of Florida will celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day 2013 in Tallahassee at the Capitol. The event will be held on March 7 from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The public is cordially invited to attend.
Also, local disability advocates are encouraged to plan Developmental Disabilities Days in their communities throughout the month of March.
Agencies Partner to Raise Awareness about Human Trafficking
Florida’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) held a joint news conference on January 17 to raise awareness about human trafficking and educate the public about the state’s efforts to end the practice in Florida.
Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery that affects more than 27 million people worldwide, including an estimated two million children who are trafficked for child labor and sexual exploitation. In the United States, the Polaris Project estimates approximately 100,000 kids are trapped in the commercial sex trade.
For the second consecutive year, Gov. Rick Scott signed a proclamation designating January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Florida.
"The Department of Children and Families has investigated more than 1,000 cases of alleged human trafficking involving children in this state," said Secretary David Wilkins. "We are so proud to join in this effort to fight this terrible crime and rescue these young victims who are being sexually abused, exploited and traumatized. We can only hope that together, we can make a difference in their lives and stop other children from being victimized this way."
DJJ Secretary Wansley Walters announced that DJJ is expanding its Victim Identification Pilot Project to Orange County. This unparalleled pilot trains staff at DJJ’s Juvenile Assessment Centers (JACs) to use a research-based, trauma-informed assessment tool to identify victims as soon as they enter the facility. The pilot began in Broward County last August, extended to Miami-Dade County in October, and will launch in Orange County at the end of this month. Once victims are identified, DJJ staff reports them to the Florida Abuse Hotline and an alert is entered into DJJ’s data system to track the child and ensure they receive appropriate services.
The pilot project complements two laws passed during the 2012 Legislative Session that seek to assist human trafficking victims. With the start of 2013, sexually exploited children received new hope as the state’s Safe Harbor Act became effective. The Safe Harbor Act helps ensure the safety of child victims who have been trafficked for sex by allowing them to get help from child welfare professionals instead of being placed in juvenile delinquency. This enables DCF, DJJ, law enforcement and local partners across the state to treat and help the victims of this abuse recover from the traumatic experiences they have faced so they can be successfully shepherded into adulthood.
A separate law, House Bill 7049, went into effect last July and gives prosecutors the ability to better fight this terrible crime by imposing tougher penalties. Together, the laws have made Florida a national leader in fighting human trafficking and rescuing victims. Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world today, and matches arms smuggling as the second largest international criminal industry.
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities is also incorporating numerous human trafficking indicators into its Zero Tolerance training program to help the professionals serving people with developmental disabilities identify and appropriately respond to the victims they may encounter. This is part of APD's efforts to educate staff members and service providers throughout the state about human trafficking and its grave effect on U.S. citizens, foreign nationals, and the extremely vulnerable clients served by the agency.
"APD is committed to heightening awareness of all the potential threats that its clients face on a day-to-day basis," said APD Director Barbara Palmer. "We understand that the issues surrounding human trafficking evolve continually, so the agency will be vigilant in its efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of Floridians with developmental disabilities."
The Zero Tolerance curriculum guides APD's providers in identifying cases of abuse and neglect, including sexual exploitation. In addition to requiring this training for APD employees and service providers, the agency has partnered with the Department of Children and Families’ Adult Protective Services Program that tracks and investigates reports of abuse and neglect. APD staff members throughout the state review these reports in an effort to strengthen abuse prevention strategies. The integration of human trafficking indicators will add this crucial factor to the report review process.
If you are aware of any child or adult in an unsafe situation, please call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873.
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Members to Family Care Councils
Governor Rick Scott recently announced the following appointments:
Area One Family Care Council
Katie S. Chapman, 65, of Milton, is a medical foster parent. She succeeds Nancy P. Sampson and is appointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending December 21, 2015.
Dina M. Justice, 44, of Pensacola, is the owner of Justice Marketing Group. She succeeds Linda J. Bloom and is appointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending June 15, 2014.
Area Three Family Care Council
Gail Basker, 62, of Gainesville, is a bookkeeper at FBN Inc. She is appointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending January 30, 2016.
Marie A. Giancaterino, 64, of Gainesville, is an advocate for disabled persons. She succeeds Shirmara D. Keen and is appointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending April 30, 2014.
Rebecca L. Harty-Allen, 42, of Gainesville, is a parent resource specialist at Family Network on Disabilities. She is appointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending January 30, 2016.
Roger Schofield, 28, of Gainesville, is a volunteer member of Friendship Disability Ministry. He succeeds Jason Romano and is appointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending April 30, 2014.
Area Four Family Care Council
Matthew J. Buska, 31, of Jacksonville, previously worked as an area representative at Wells Fargo. He is appointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending March 29, 2015.
Melinda Morrison, 55, of Jacksonville, is a registered nurse with the State of Florida. She succeeds William P. Martignetti and is appointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending August 20, 2013.
Karen J. Prewitt, 50, of Jacksonville, is a family outreach coordinator at Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville. She succeeds Patrick D. Brackett and is appointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending June 29, 2015.
Moira A. Rossi, 25, of Jacksonville, is a recent graduate from the University of North Florida. She is appointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending March 29, 2015.
Scott C. Sberna, 49, of Jacksonville, is a guidance counselor at Bishop Kenny High School. He succeeds Judy F. Graham and is appointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending August 6, 2015.
Mary A. Smith, 54, of Middleburg, is the managing director at Northeast Florida Achievement Network Inc. She succeeds Balraj K. Mehta and is appointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending August 6, 2013.
Maria S. Quinones, 50, of Jacksonville, is the executive director at Spina Bifida of Jacksonville Inc. She is reappointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending August 6, 2013.
Area Seven Family Care Council
RoseMarie Aldred, 53, of Winter Garden, works in accounting at Kelly Electric LLC. She succeeds Karen G. Thompson and is appointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending August 13, 2015.
Daniel R. Bayley, 39, of Palm Bay, is a previous member of the New York State Self Advocacy Association. He is appointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending June 29, 2014.
Sara C. Brothers, 43, of Altamonte Springs, is a board member for the Central Florida Self-Determination Council. She succeeds Linda S. Herring and is appointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending August 13, 2015.
Christopher F. Drummond, 47, of Longwood, is involved in the adult day training program. He is reappointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending July 25, 2013.
Teresa H. Doolittle, 56, of Celebration, is a physician’s assistant. She succeeds Patti R. Jarrell and is appointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending April 29, 2013.
Karen M. Silvernail, 66, of Orlando, is a retired speech pathologist. She succeeds Charlene Greene and is appointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending August 13, 2015.
Area Twelve Family Care Council
Marion B. Browning, 42, of Deland, is a coach for the Special Olympics. She is appointed for a term beginning January 30, 2013, and ending January 30, 2016.
Miami Woman Has Proven Track Record
By Hillary Jackson and Jeff Saulich
It is Catrice McNeal's friendly voice that greets callers and visitors at the Miami office of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). She has been the office's receptionist for more than seven years.
McNeal also receives services from the agency, as she has a developmental disability.
McNeal was born in St. Augustine and has two brothers and two sisters. Her family always encouraged her to succeed. Her first job was with Old Navy, stocking merchandise and helping customers with their needs.
Since coming to work at APD's Southern Region office in May 2005, she has learned a variety of customer service skills; chief among them is helping others. McNeal is responsible for answering the office's main telephone line, sending and receiving faxes for staff members, and assisting visitors with their concerns. She does this with a pleasant attitude while keeping up with the fast-paced office environment.
"She always directs people to where they need to go," says Carmen Toledo, the assistant to the regional manager and McNeal's supervisor. "Catrice is a good employee—always willing to help and very friendly. She has a good attendance record, and she is very conscientious about asking for time off well in advance. We are proud to have her on the APD team."
Supported living coaching is one of the services that McNeal receives through APD. She has enjoyed living on her own for more than 10 years.
Recently, McNeal accomplished two major goals she had set for herself. The first was to study for and obtain her driver license. After achieving that goal, she wanted to buy a car. McNeal saved her money until she achieved this goal as well.
"I am so proud of myself for just accomplishing my driver's license and also getting a car and I did it all on my own," McNeal says.
Now, McNeal is learning to pay all of her bills independently. She enjoys baking, cooking, and watching movies. When asked what she enjoys most about living on her own, she exclaimed, "Freedom!"
McNeal loves her job, and appreciates the opportunity that was provided to her more than seven years ago.
"All I want is to say 'Thank you' to the APD staff that believed in me when no one else believed in me," says McNeal.
Around the State
Sunland Celebrates 50 Golden Years
By Beth Basford
Sunland Center officially observed their Golden 50th Anniversary on January 25. Superintendent Merlin Roulhac warmly welcomed Agency Director Barbara Palmer, Mac McCoy, Michael Ayers, Tom Rankin, Reed Stephan, Dale Sullivan, Jeff Saulich, John Milton, Charles Ball, and Julie Waldman, along with State Rep. Marti Coley, Sunland employees, retirees, resident families, and other community supporters to the celebration of “50 Years of Excellence and Service."
Superintendent Roulhac, Director Palmer, Assistant Superintendent Darlene See, Rep. Coley, and two retired Superintendents, Arthur Basford and Brit Dennis, shared their sentiments about Sunland. The common theme among the speakers was of the family atmosphere that has existed at Sunland over the course of 50 years. Two Sunland residents, Floyd Nelson and Johnnie Mae Williams, also addressed those gathered for the celebration, sharing what Sunland has meant to them. A special treat for the crowd occurred when Ms. Palmer and Ms. Williams, a Sunland cheerleader, joined together in a rousing cheer for Sunland! As a special tribute to Sunland’s residents, Jason Watford performed “What a Wonderful World” as a PowerPoint slide show depicted many photographs from days gone by. Former Sunland employee, Flora Davis, sister of Superintendent Roulhac sang a moving rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings” bringing the audience to their feet for a standing ovation. Following the ceremony, a reception was held in the Sunland Leisure Center giving attendees an opportunity for fellowship and to reminisce with one another.
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Special Olympics Florida Health Screening Opportunities
The Special Olympics Florida provides free health screenings to athletes. Screenings include non-intrusive dental screenings and hygiene education, a physical therapy component, foot and ankle screenings, checks for proper shoes and socks, and athletes may be fitted for new eyeglasses or sports goggles. If you are a Special Olympic athlete and would like to participate in a screening in your area, please see below for upcoming events in March.
- March 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., FunFitness
- Lincoln High School
3838 Trojan Trail
Tallahassee, FL 32311
- Lincoln High School
- March 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Special Smiles
- Dade North Traz Powell Stadium
11380 NW 27th Avenue
Miami, FL 33167
- Dade North Traz Powell Stadium
- March 9, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Special Smiles/Fit Feet
- Lakewood High School
1400 54th Avenue S
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
- Lakewood High School
- March 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Special Smiles/FunFitness
- Freedom High School
2500 Taft-Vineland Road
Orlando, FL 32837
- Freedom High School
- March 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Special Smiles
- Hamilton County High School
5683 US Highway 129
Jasper, FL 32502
- Hamilton County High School
- March 23, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Special Smiles/Opening Eyes
- Corry Station
640 Roberts Avenue
Pensacola, FL 32511
- Corry Station
- March 23, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Special Smiles
- University of South Florida
4202 East Fowler Avenue
Tampa, FL 33620
- University of South Florida
The Sunny Southern Region Welcomes Director's Visit
By Evelyn Alvarez
Just before the beginning of the New Year, APD Director Barbara Palmer visited the Southern Region and Miami-Dade County. She spent several days touring specialized residential settings, meeting with officials at the Dan Marino College, and attending the Children and Youth Cabinet meeting at the University of Miami.
Palmer took time from her busy schedule to witness the initiation of an internship funded by APD from Disability Mentoring Day and the Able Trust. This internship allowed APD customer Duane Chin Loy to accept a paid position at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum in South Miami-Dade.
Palmer also visited a supported living consumer and her children in her home, a mentor program host home, and the Shake a Leg Program in Coconut Grove. Shake a Leg trains customers with developmental disabilities to sail in a variety of small watercraft and participate in other boating and water sports activities using nonwaiver funding sources. Palmer enjoyed a tour of the facilities along with the APD staff members that volunteer in the program.
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Job Fair Raises Awareness in Broward County
APD customers were given the chance to learn about job opportunities from local employers from various industries at a job fair on January 7. In Focus Employment Inc. Executive Director, Carleen DuVerney, collaborated with APD Southeast Region supportive employment and supportive living coordinator, Cora Brown, to host the fair in Tamarac.
“Creating awareness for supportive employment is important for the individuals we serve. I am frequently in the community searching, developing, and carving jobs for our clients. I always want to ensure the job is the right fit for each person. We greatly appreciate each employer that participated and helped make this event possible", said Cora Brown.
Employers for this event included:
- Feeding South Florida, Hallandale
- Costco, Pembroke Pines
- Denny’s Restaurant, Tamarac
- Regal Cinema, Cypress Creek
- Int’l Buildings, Deerfield Beach
- Winn-Dixie Corporate, Pompano Beach
- Advocate Home Care Service, Tamarac
- Paradies Shops, Ft. Lauderdale Airport
Several vendors including 211-Broward, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Workforce One provided information and materials to event participants about services they provide to individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as the community as a whole.
APD is pleased with the outcome and feedback received about this job fair. Plans are in the works for another event later this year.
Southeast Region Makes Employment Connections
APD's Southeast Region office in West Palm Beach participated in an employment event sponsored by the Palm Beach County Business Leadership Network. The Making Connections Now conference on January 10 was attended by more than 60 people, including supported employment professionals and representatives of 32 businesses.
Contract Manager Subhash Vyas represented APD on a panel discussion titled "Employer Expectations and Support Services." The presentation was well received, according to the "Excellent" ratings that were indicated on most of the attendee evaluations.
"I thought the composition of the panel was a good mix and the presenter comments flowed and supported one another," wrote Ellen Feir, conference co-chair, in a letter to Vyas. "Thank you again for making Making Connections Now a success and for all you do to promote employment of people with disabilities."
Southeast Region at the DMF WalkAbout Autism Event
By Martha L. Martinez
The Dan Marino Foundation invited APD to participate in the Dan Marino Foundation WalkAbout Autism on January 26 at Sun Life Stadium, again this year. This event focuses on supporting education, uniting the community, and generating awareness for those touched by autism.
The money raised by this event stays in South Florida and benefits the local autism community. This year’s event benefited the Dan Marino Foundation, University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities, the Autism Society of Broward, and the Autism Society of Florida–Miami. In addition to the actual walk, the event included a huge play zone, live entertainment, and many interactive activities for all ages. The Miami Dolphins and other sports celebrities were there for autograph sessions.
Pam Romack, Martha Martinez, and Jose Pinto of APD Southeast Region hosted a booth in the family resource area and shared information about APD including the Medicaid Waiver, Employment, and iBudget with hundreds of families.
Waiting List Customer Finds Expression Through Dance
Martha Graham once said, "Dance is the hidden language of the soul." Guillermo Acosta is clearly speaking that language hidden deep inside, doing what comes so easily and passionately for him.
Acosta was born with cerebral palsy and is on APD's waiting list for waiver services. At age 21, he already has an impressive record of participation and leadership, including service and involvement with the Florida Youth Leadership Forum, the Community Coalition, and Disability Mentoring Day. He currently attends Project Search at Zoo Miami, where he prepares food for the animals and cleans the cages.
But that's not enough for this remarkable young man. On his days off, he takes dance instruction at Karen Peterson and Dancers in Miami, which is billed as Florida's only full-time nonprofit dance organization with fully inclusive choreography and performance opportunities. Its dance troupe of six, including Acosta, has participated in many public performances including Peace Day at Pinecrest Gardens in Pinecrest, the Children's Trust Champions for Children event at Jungle Island in Miami, and the Down Syndrome Walk in Coral Gables. Acosta continues to practice in preparation for performances at national and international levels—more opportunities to express the hidden language of his soul.
Northwest Region Star Metro Informational Workshop/Presentation
By Octavius Jackson
On January 8, APD customers, providers, and social services staff of the Northwest Region in Tallahassee participated in a workshop and presentation on services offered by Star Metro.
The presenters were Rashaunda Grant, Assistant to the Mobility Coordinator for Star Metro, and Jeff Horton with Commuter Services of North Florida. Grant delivered an overview of the Star Metro bus system, as well as various bus pass programs for customers who have employment, educational, or medical transit barriers. Grant educated customers on such topics as applying for special programs for the low income, bus route training (one-on-one or in group session), Paratransit services, the Dial-a-Ride program, emergency rescue trips, as well as options for voicing concerns and requests for changes. Horton with Commuter Services offered information on car-pool/van pool options, as well as registering for emergency transportation vouchers with Commuter services. Attendees included APD consumers Rebecca Roberts, Lawrence Creighton, Velda Miller, and Donterrius Barnes. Also attending were Jennifer Johnson (Supported Living provider) and General Revenue Support Coordinators Sibyl Rich, and Marlon Storey.
The individuals in attendance were provided with a period for a question and answer session with the presenters to gain knowledge about how the transportation system can effectively help them with endeavors such as employment. Grant is housed at the Senior Center on North Monroe Street and has extended a hand to assist APD customers and providers with issues and concerns related to the Star Metro system, which will benefit self advocates and service providers who are unaware of how to voice concerns such as long ride violations. The presentation ended on a positive note with one attendee arranging to ride the bus with Grant to a job fair hosted by Workforce Plus.
The workshop was coordinated by Sharon Stephens, Social Services Supervisor. Each month, the Northwest Region will host an event to assist in life improvement of waiting list and waiver customers, in addition to targeting barriers that could hinder their ability to successfully obtain employment.
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FDDC Videos
The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) has new resources for employers, families, self-advocates, and supported employment providers to utilize in the form of three free DVDs as shown below:
Let’s Get Everyone to Work: Resource Toolkit for Students and Families
This 5-minute video explores strategies and approaches that lead to successful employment and greater independence for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Let’s Get Everyone to Work: Marketing Toolkit for Employers
This five-minute video highlights the benefits of hiring people with developmental disabilities and the support that is available to help your business and your employees succeed. There are 45 minutes of additional video also included focusing on specific employers who have demonstrated that employing people with disabilities has been part of their success story.
Let’s Get Everyone to Work: Teaching Toolkit for Pre-Service Professionals
This 5-minute video explores the role of educators, rehabilitation specialists, social workers and other professionals in supporting successful employment and greater independence for individuals with developmental disabilities.
To view all the videos for “Let’s Get Everyone to Work”, go to: www.fddc.org/publications, scroll down to the “Employment” section, then copy the links to add the videos to your website or share with others!
Movie on Deaf Fighting Champion
The Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) and Florida State University’s Student Disability Resource Center will be showing a free movie called The Hammer, a true story about a Deaf Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter, Matt Hamill on Saturday January 23. Please feel free to attend and share this event with students, clients, consumers, patients, and other interested parties. Seating is on first come, first served basis with enough room for 380 attendees. We hope to see you there!
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the FTRI Outreach Department at outreach@ftri.org; 888-292-1950, ext. 232.
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