Message from the Director
Making Progress
By Barbara Palmer
March is an exciting time for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet members will proclaim March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month at their meeting on March 7. Also, March 7 will be Developmental Disabilities Day at the Capitol. Exhibits will be on display in the second floor Capitol Rotunda, and a news conference is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. where disability advocates will share their support for Governor Scott’s Florida Families First budget proposal.
February was also an exciting month for our agency. Governor Rick Scott held a news conference in Miami to announce his 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 (see story below). The event was held at the Association for the Development of the Exceptional and it was a tremendous success. Chief Executive Officer Helena Del Monte helped organize the event and was a delightful key note speaker. Del Monte even took Governor Scott on a private tour of ADE. Governor Scott greatly enjoyed meeting and talking with APD customers, providers, stakeholders, and family members.
Governor Scott plans to visit an Orlando adult day training facility in early March to learn more about people on the waiting list and the services provided to individuals with developmental disabilities with Medicaid waiver dollars.
On February 18, more than 75 people gathered to brainstorm ideas on how to enroll those most in need of community services from the waiting list onto the waiver. APD is planning ahead so that if the Legislature supports Governor Rick Scott’s funding proposal for the waiting list, the agency will have an action plan that has new people receiving services in July.
The workshop participants broke up into to six workgroups to brainstorm ideas and suggestions. Afterwards all the groups reported back the ideas that they agreed would be the best to consider. There was consensus that the Questionnaire for Situational Information (QSI) is a good beginning point to determine those with the most critical needs.
The workgroups will be gathering again on March 4 in Tallahassee from 1 – 5 p.m., at the Capital Circle Office Center, 2450 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, Building 1, Room 1820.
Those who are unable to attend the meeting may send their thoughts and suggestions on the waiting list to Deputy Director of Programs Denise Arnold, 4030 Esplanade Way, Suite 380, Tallahassee, FL 32399.
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Governor Visits Miami
By Kirk Ryon
On Friday, February 8, a beautiful, sunny South Florida morning, Governor Rick Scott, along with Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Director Barbara Palmer and Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado met with a large group of supporters in order to announce the governor's proposed Florida Families First budget. The proposal includes an additional $36 million to serve individuals on the waiting list to receive services from APD and $2.5 million dollars for Employment Services. Governor Scott toured the Association for the Development of the Exceptional in Miami and met with customers who currently benefit from Adult Day Training programs. He observed first-hand clients being trained in work skills that will help them to achieve competitive employment as bakers or chefs. Governor Scott listened as customers and their families, who are currently on the waiting list, spoke of the positive impact that additional services will have on their lives and the lives of their families. Governor Scott then proclaimed his intentions to advocate for funds to serve people waiting for APD services, an announcement that was met with great enthusiasm and support by all present at this very positive event.
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Around the State
iBudget Moves into Miami
By Hillary Jackson
Introductory iBudget training for waiver support coordinators (WSC) was held January 8 through10 in Miami. Participants were curious to know what iBudget is and how it will impact their customers. The trainers, Art Barndt, Gabrielle Morales, and Meghan Murray, traveled from the APD State Office to provide information WSCs will need to perform their tasks in the new iBudget system. They trained more than 75 eager WSCs during the introductory training sessions. Support coordinators were given homework which allowed them to practice what they were taught in the classroom. This prepared them for the upcoming advanced training.
Advanced iBudget training was later held January 29 through January 31in Miami. The trainers were Art Barndt, Sophia Arteaga, and Meghan Murray from APD State Office. Support coordinators asked many questions about the iBudget system, about service families, and other general items. Some support coordinators praised the system for allowing them to now create reports. Other support coordinators were thrilled with the idea of no longer having to print and fax service authorizations to providers any longer.
Overall, the Southern Region iBudget training was a success. This session concluded all statewide training for support coordinators and APD staff throughout the regions. We thank all the trainers for a job well done and we look forward to our community outreach meetings in the very near future.
Our Club Has One Rule, Get a Job
By Jose Pinto
Southeast Region Employment Coordinator Jose Pinto and Employment Liaison Cora Brown started The Job Club in response to a need in the community for a place for people with disabilities to get specialized technical assistance for their job search.
The Job Club started on January 25, as a partnership between Wingate Oaks School, The Southeast Region APD office, and WorkForce One to support job seekers in the community who want to find a job. Job seekers meet one hour a week at Wingate Oaks and receive technical assistance in resume writing, mock interviewing, and finding fresh job leads. The first day of The Job Club 15 job seekers attended, including four from the APD waiting list. After the first meeting, two of the waiting list job seekers were offered further services through Wingate Oaks and all received further assistance by WorkForce One.
It is nothing short of incredible that in two meetings, five waiting list customers have new services and all are on their way to employment. Over the next several weeks, Vocational Rehabilitation and local employers will be guest speakers at The Job Club.
Sunland Participates in the Jackson County Martin Luther King Parade
On January 21, Sunland Superintendent and Jackson County nativ Merlin Roulhac had the privilege of serving as Grand Marshal of the Jackson County MLK parade. Roulhac, along with the Sunland Swingers square dance team, enjoyed greeting the crowd and sharing this special day with those in the Jackson County Community.
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Sunland Supersonics Bring Home the Gold!
By Russell Register
The Sunland Supersonics won their 21st Gold Medal (ninth consecutive) in Basketball, while competing in Gainesville at the end of February. Participating since the 1970s, this sports program has captured over 50 Gold Medals in team sports including volleyball, softball, basketball, and football.
The team had a 2-4 record at one point this season, but really pulled together and gained six straight wins finishing 8-4 for the season and claiming the top spot in their division. This year’s Supersonics team went up against some of the toughest competition in northern Florida and southern Alabama. While in Gainesville, the Supersonics beat Marion County 48-25, then defeated the Leon Noles in the championship game, 32-11. This year’s team is comprised of young men from Sunland Center and the Jackson County community.
The Jackson County Special Olympics, housed at Sunland Center, coordinated and supported five teams this year including: the Masters Unified Sunland Boom team; the Sunland Pathways Jets; the Sunland Turbos club team; and the Hope School Falcons, a community school age team who also won a Gold Medal.
Tacachale Gym Hosts Championship Basketball Games
Special Olympics Florida held the Northern Championship State Basketball Games February 22 and 23 in Gainesville, and Tacachale was one of the sites chosen to hold games. Tacachale hosted several games at its recently renovated gymnasium and was proud to share our wonderful community with the athletes and their supporters. The games were spirited and competitive, and everyone played with a lot of heart. Residents and staff members from Tacachale enjoyed coming out to the gym to watch the games and offer their support.
The ultimate goal of Special Olympics Florida is to help people throughout Florida with intellectual disabilities participate in various sports. The athletes who participated were prepared with both skills and high energy. Good coaches know that learning to play a sport is more than just mastering athletic skills; it takes teamwork, commitment, and sacrifice. It was evident that the teams were ready to take on any new challenge. The families that attended play a critical role in the continued success and growth of Special Olympics. These families are volunteers, coaches, fundraisers, speakers and, most importantly, a constant source of support and encouragement for their athletes.
The Arc of Florida provides critical dental services
By Jay Schleuning
Floridians with intellectual and developmental disabilities are smiling brighter this year after receiving much needed dental services. The Arc of Florida received a special appropriation during the 2012 Legislative Session. Funds are being used for a number of programs, including dental exams, cleanings, and treatments. Some clients have not been able to see a dentist in 10 years because they can’t afford the fees.
Dentists from 92 practices across Florida have signed on to participate in the program. The Arc of Florida has already funded services for 137 clients and will serve more than 400 individuals before the end of June. Recipients of the services include individuals on the Medicaid waiver and the Medicaid waiver waiting list managed by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
Studies show that oral hygiene among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are consistently poor compared with the general population. Poor oral health can impact general health and quality of life. Problems associated with dental problems include difficulty eating, speech impediments, pain, trouble sleeping, missed days of work, and low self-esteem.
Children of Military Families Offered Scholarships
The Arc of Florida is excited to award scholarships to active military families who have children with developmental disabilities. The military bases had identified approximately 2,400 families who would qualify, and 1,500 children were offered summer camp tuition scholarships. Military families are relocated to Florida and then discover that Florida has a long waiting list for services.
With the scholarships the children can attend local summer day camps, out of town overnight camps, or camps for children with special needs. The bases and number of scholarships awarded are:
- Eglin Air Force Base, 400
- MacDill Air Force Base, 400
- Patrick Air Force Base, 40
- Tyndall Air Force Base, 75
- Army Reserve, 25
- Army National Guard, 20
- Naval Air Station Pensacola, 200
- Naval Air Station Jacksonville, 340
Telegraph to Success
By Mark Williams
Eddie Brown has worked for the Bradford Telegraph for 15 years selling newspapers and assisting in the production of the papers. He also works at Western Steer where he is a dishwasher and bus boy. Recently, the newspaper had a contest to see who would purchase the 500,000th newspaper from Brown. The winner, Linda Hess, received a crisp $100 bill and her picture in the paper with Eddie Brown.
The Arc of Bradford County provides Brown with Follow Along services to maintain his employment assisting with communication barriers that present on the job. Brown’s supervisors report that he is a very hard worker, dependable, going beyond his shift to sell more papers and to earn extra hours, and is always available to cover shifts when coworkers call in sick or need to be off work. Brown is always eager to work as it offers him a feeling of being needed, appreciated and included. He enjoys the interaction with coworkers and the people he comes in contact with while on the job and in the community. Brown has become well known and his involvement in his community, whether it is at work at ball games, serving as an usher in his church, community functions or living has brought him to a prestigious recognition.
On February 2, Brown was presented with the Eugene L. Matthews Citizen of the Year Award, by the North Florida Regional Chamber of Commerce. When Brown was presented the award he received a standing ovation by board members, large and small business owners and county officials. His effort and goal to seek independence is evident in such recognition as a figure in his community. He is an example of success for all community-based services defining true integration and acceptance.
Service with a Smile
By Melanie Mowry Etters
PENSACOLA, FL—There is no shortage of enthusiasm from Don Pennington of Pensacola when he talks about his job at the Grocery Outlet on Brent Lane. “I like to be busy all the time. I like to move around. In the Bible, it says help your neighbors and they will help you. That’s why I like to come to work. I want to help my neighbor and my neighbor is Grocery Outlet,” says Pennington.
The new grocery store opened in the spring, and Pennington was thrilled to be selected as an employee. His job responsibilities include helping people load their groceries in their cars, retrieving carts from the parking lot, and greeting customers as they enter the store. Pennington says he has picked up some of his customer service tips by visiting other stores that have greeters and listening to what they say to customers. “If you greet people, they will come back again because it makes them feel good,” said Pennington.
The store manager, Kenny Broyles, says, “On a scale from 1 to 10, Don is a 10 when it comes to customer service. He is real good at customer service. I asked him to speak to people and he has taken it to the next level. My corporate office—when they come down and see him in action—they love him to death. He is good for business.”
Pennington is self-sufficient and lives in his own home. He makes sure to pay all his bills on time, and maintain his automobile. Pennington drives himself to work each day, and has never been late to work or called in sick. He takes pride in his job. “My parents always told me to do as much as you can. I don’t goof off. I am demonstrating that handicapped people can work like others without disabilities,” said Pennington. “My priorities are my job, my family, my friends, then money which is nice to have but money doesn’t always help sometimes.”
Manager Broyles said, “Don has done an outstanding job. He is a good employee and a good person. Our store customers like the service he offers and provides.”
When not working, Pennington socializes with friends. His girlfriend of three years is someone he has known most of his life. For entertainment, they like to go bowling and see movies.
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Five to Florida Developmental Disabilities Council
Governor Rick Scott recently announced three appointments and two reappointments to the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council.
Shevaun L. Harris, 32, of Tallahassee, is the Chief of Medicaid for the Agency for Health Care Administration. She succeeds Elizabeth Y. Kidder and is appointed for a term beginning February 12, 2013, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor.
Thomas “TJ” Moon, 26, of Ocala, is the owner of Moonscapes Inc. He succeeds Michael A. Smith for a term beginning February 12, 2013, and ending September 30, 2015.
Jean M. Sherman, 68, of Pembroke Pines, is the associate director of the Miami Area Geriatric Education Center. She succeeds Susan F. Gold and is appointed for a term beginning February 12, 2013, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor.
Ronni Bianco, 46, of Golden Beach, is an administrator at Paul D. Bianco P.A. She is reappointed for a term beginning February 12, 2013, and ending September 30, 2015.
Sylvia James-Miller, 55, of Ocala, is an adult day training manager at Best Behavior LLC. She is reappointed for a term beginning February 12, 2013, and ending September 30, 2015.
Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2013
Ms. Wheelchair Florida wants you! The pageant is looking for contestants to enter this month. Are you a woman 21-60 years old who uses a wheelchair for 100 percent of your daily mobility, has been a Florida resident for at least six months and wants the opportunity to travel, make public appearances, and conduct media interviews? To apply, visit www.mswheelchairfl.org or contact Shari Wilson statecoordinator@mswheelchairfl.org. Applications are due by March 18.
The Ms. Wheelchair Florida Pageant will be held this year on April 5 and 6 at the Hilton-Carillon Park in St. Petersburg. Organized in 1972, this is much more than your average beauty pageant. It provides an opportunity for women of achievement who utilize wheelchairs to successfully educate and advocate for all individuals with disabilities.
Contestants are provided with dynamic workshops taught by experts on public speaking, advocacy, and health and wellness. They are assessed on their knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, their public speaking skills, and the impact of their personal platform. The winner will represent the state of Florida in the Ms. Wheelchair America National Pageant on July 15 through 21 in Houston, Texas.
Champion Staff
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