Message from the Director
Employment is Our Priority
By Barbara Palmer
I am celebrating my first year as the director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) which provides community services to Floridians with developmental disabilities. To learn about the issues and challenges of our customers and stakeholders, I have been hosting Town Hall meetings around the state. At every gathering, APD customers or their family members have brought up the importance of being able to find and keep a job.
One of the top priorities of APD is to help people with developmental disabilities find employment and provide services to ensure that they are able to keep their job for the long term.
Governor Rick Scott recommended and the Florida Legislature supported providing $500,000 for on-the-job training and internships. These are very important dollars that may help lessen the state’s future costs for community services. Once someone with a disability is successfully employed, their ongoing need for state services is reduced. Like anyone, having a job lifts their spirits, gives them a positive outlook, and encouragement for the future. It is a wise investment.
October is the perfect time to focus on jobs because it is Disability Employment Awareness Month, when the entire nation focuses on employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The national theme for the month is Because We are Equal to the Task.
Individuals just want a chance to prove themselves to a willing employer. APD works in partnership with the state's Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program to provide any needed support the individual and the employer may need to ensure it is a successful job match.
APD customer Elizabeth Haines has been working as a hostess and doing food preparation at an Applebee’s Restaurant in Tallahassee for 11 years. Recently, she addressed Governor Scott and the Florida Cabinet about the importance of jobs when that body declared October as Disability Employment Awareness Month. Haines said, “Beyond making new friends, working has enabled me to live in a home of my own, pay my bills, and enjoy going shopping and to the movies. Employers need to recognize that people with disabilities are eager to work and can be a wonderful asset to their companies.”
APD and its partners will be recognizing seven businesses from all over the state on October 9 with an Exceptional Employer Award. These companies have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to employing individuals with disabilities. This free public event will be held at Tallahassee City Hall, 300 South Adams Street, at 8:30 a.m. We hope you will join us for the celebration.
Currently, APD has more than 3,000 of its customers who are successfully working. I want to see that number increase with more people finding permanent careers. We need companies that are willing to open up job opportunities to all people who are qualified and able to perform the work duties. I want to assure you that APD, VR, Blind Services, Department of Economic Opportunity, Veterans' Affairs, and other programs will be there to help your company make the best job match for your organization. To learn more, visit EqualToTheTask.org.
The Governor’s Corner
By Governor Rick Scott
Thanks to your hard work there are incredible opportunities for families to succeed in the Sunshine State. In a little over two years, we’ve worked to make government more effective and operate at a better value to taxpayers - and thanks to the hard work of Florida job creators - families are beginning to reap the rewards. Last session, we were able to provide pay raises for our hardworking teachers and make critical transportation investments in our communities.
Our pro growth policies are so effective that recently our State Revenue Estimating Conference announced that the general revenue now forecasted for 2014-2015 in Florida will be the highest ever. That’s why we’re working to cut $500 million in taxes and fees in the next budget, so families can keep more of their money. As we continue to find ways to improve state government and benefit Florida families, we want to hear from you about how a reduction in taxes and fees would benefit your family.
A Wonderful Asset
Director Barbara Palmer and Elizabeth Haines addressed the Florida Cabinet on September 24 to express their appreciation of the governor and Cabinet’s support in making a difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. A resolution declaring October as Disability Employment Awareness Month was read and approved.
Director Palmer thanked all the agency partners for their continued support and then introduced Elizabeth Haines. Haines has been employed with Applebee’s since November 2002. She started in food preparation and has been promoted to a hostess as an additional task. She loves greeting the customers and expressing her gratitude for choosing to dine at Applebee’s. Elizabeth has developed many friendships with her coworkers and has been honored as “Employee of the Month”. She lives independently with her best friend. Haines wants employers to know that people with disabilities are eager to work and can be a wonderful asset to their company. She ended by thanking Governor Scott for his critical efforts in promoting more employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The 2013 theme for the National Disability Employment Awareness Month is “Because We Are EQUAL to the Task”.
Come to Honor Exceptional Employers
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities APD and other disability agencies will recognize businesses that are committed to employing individuals with disabilities on Wednesday, October 9. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
The awards event will be held at the Tallahassee City Commission Chambers, located at 300 South Adams Street. Information displays will be on the Second Floor Mezzanine beginning at 8:30 a.m. The employer recognition will begin at 9:30 a.m. Some of the organizations participating are Vocational Rehabilitation, Blind Services, Able Trust, Veterans' Affairs, and the Department of Economic Opportunity.
Additionally, at the Oct. 10 Cabinet meeting, Governor Rick Scott plans to recognize the Exceptional Employer Award winning companies by presenting them with the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the Capitol.
Governor Scott Participates in Town Hall Meetings
Governor Rick Scott joined Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Director Barbara Palmer at APD Town Hall meetings in Stuart and Miami in September to host an APD Town Hall meeting to discuss the state of the agency and highlight $36 million in funding from the 2013-2014 Florida Families First Budget. Director Palmer also held Town Hall meetings in Tallahassee, West Palm Beach, and Ft. Lauderdale in September.
Governor Rick Scott said, “We are working to make sure that every Florida family has the opportunity to get a job and a great education, and from our efforts- it’s working. Since Dec. 2010, Florida has created nearly 370,000 private-sector jobs and our unemployment rate is below the national average. Our commitment to helping people on the APD waiver waiting list, as well as assisting people who want to work, is another step in our plan to ensure that every Floridian has an opportunity to live the American Dream.”
The Florida Families First budget includes $1.1 billion for APD. $36 million of that funding will allow individuals on the waiting list to enroll in the APD Home and Community-Based Services Medicaid waiver and start receiving services in their local communities. Those with the most critical needs will benefit from this new funding.
APD Director Barbara Palmer said, “We are excited that Governor Scott co-hosted our Stuart and Miami APD Town Hall meetings. It is wonderful that the governor is hearing firsthand about successes and challenges of our agency. It has been too many years since a governor took such an in depth interest in APD and has shown such concern and care for the people we serve. We look forward to working with Governor Scott to conquer our challenges and continue to increase the number of successes in the future for individuals with developmental disabilities.”
The Florida Families First budget also includes 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 within its appropriation for the first time in many years.
The Florida Families First budget also includes about $500,000 to assist people on the waiver waiting list who have indicated that they want to go to work. The funding will pay for supported employment services to help 200 people with developmental disabilities obtain and maintain jobs and internships.
Ruth Wingate, and APD advocate and Family care Council member said, “I am proud that collaborative efforts of the Family Care Councils, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Florida’s Legislature, and the governor made the Medicaid waiver for people with developmental disabilities available to an increased number of Florida families in 2013.”
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Thousands Served
By Jennifer Valenzuela
Rafael Torres is employed at one of the busiest McDonald’s in Gainesville located just off of I-75 on Williston Road. He has been employed there more than five years. He is the dining room attendant and responsible for the grounds as well. His duties include keeping the lobby neat and clean. He cleans the restrooms and windows, and also picks up trash outside in the parking lot. Additionally, he is responsible for delivering food to the customers who have to pull over to wait for drive through orders. Torres enjoys his job because he gets to provide customer service to the customers in the dining room and the drive through.
Torres has a bubbly personality. He likes to socialize and makes it a point to mingle with customers before he clocks in each day. Torres said, “I show up early to work each day to greet our customers.”
Torres has a developmental disability and is a customer of Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). October is Disability Employment Awareness Month and APD is highlighting working Floridians with disabilities during the month.
Torres is a valued team member at work. Assistant Manager Shalonda Parker said, “Rafael has a great report with the customers. He always has a smile and works hard. Our customers love him, one even brought him a cake to celebrate his birthday here to McDonald’s.”
Torres receives assistance from his family to report his earnings which are above minimum wage. He currently works about 30 hours a week. He is receiving Supported Employment Coaching services and transportation funded by APD’s Home and Community-Based Services Medicaid waiver.
When not working, Torres loves to listen to music and enjoys strolling around town listening to his headphones. He likes to play on a computer or iPad for enjoyment. He also loves going to see a movie at the theater.
Ben Miller and the Fort Myers Miracle
You would think the Fort Myers Miracle might have actual angels on their baseball team after hearing Ben Miller’s family talk about them.
“Steve Gliner [the team’s president] was wonderful,” said Sharon Miller, Ben’s mother. “The suite was quite an experience for Ben, his family, and friends. We all felt really special.” As part of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities Game Changer program, Miller and his family got to experience the Fort Myers Miracle game against the Palm Beach Cardinals on August 28 in celebrity style.
“He was Mr. Ben Miller – VIP,” Sharon said.
The Miracle treated Miller to a hat, signed ball, and a view from a Hammond Stadium suite with family and friends at no charge. They also arranged for him to throw the honorary first pitch of the game with a backdrop of cheering fans.
Throwing that pitch and meeting the mascot were Miller’s favorite parts. And for his family, it was the most meaningful part. In addition to a cognitive disability, Miller also has progressive vision loss and profound hearing loss. In the days leading up to his moment in the spotlight, Miller had to practice diligently with his father to make sure he would be able to throw the ball. “He was very empowered by that,” said Mrs. Miller. “With vision loss, he had to practice throwing it straight. That made it a big deal – something that was important for him.”
The Game Changer experience provided by the Fort Myers Miracle gave Miller the joy and satisfaction that come from preparing to do something difficult – something important – and successfully accomplishing his goal. It also gave him increased respect and admiration from his friends. They got to watch Miller be the man of the moment and enjoy the VIP treatment with him at the game.
Mrs. Miller said this experience really mattered, not just because of what it did for the family that day, but what it will do for her son and the family for years to come.
“It becomes an inspiring moment for the future – to have this experience, where your parents and friends can talk about it with you. It can be brought back over time. You were important and you had fun. You had friends and you were part of the world around you. You’ve become included.”
Morgan-Byrd Family - Rish Park
By Lane Wright
Most people don’t associate the FSU Police Department (FSUPD) with sunny beaches and lasting family memories, but thanks to a generous donation from the university’s ‘boys in blue,’ the Morgan-Byrd family will.
As part of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Partners for Good program, the FSUPD sponsored the Morgan-Byrd’s and three other families to attend Rish Park, a state park specifically designated for persons with disabilities and their families. The FSUPD contribution covered the cost of a three-night stay at the park, as well as money for food and gas.
“It was fantastic,” said Jennifer Morgan-Byrd. “We had never been on a family vacation where it was just us. We’re usually staying with relatives.”
Mrs. Morgan-Byrd is the mother of three children with Autism aging from 5 to 10 years old. She said after her husband had to quit his job, the financial strain got pretty tight.
“Our oldest daughter is on a waiting list [for Medicaid waiver funding] but we aren’t receiving any services,” she said. “Things like therapy sessions and interventions didn’t leave a lot of money left over to go on a vacation. This was the first time for us to have our own little adventure.”
Rish Park, located near Port St. Joe on Cape San Blas, boasts nearly 100 acres of white sand, sea-oat-covered dunes, and shimmering water. Newly renovated boardwalks connect cabins to the beach, making them easily accessible for anyone in a wheelchair. And while the children tried a little fishing and had fun discovering turtle egg nests on the beach, they seemed to enjoy the Olympic-sized pool the most.
“The children were really excited,” said Morgan-Byrd. “They spent most of the time at the pool.”
The FSUPD sponsorship provided more than just money for families like the Morgan-Byrds to have a getaway vacation, it provided a chance to unwind in a way that’s hard to do when you’ve got three children with Autism.
“When you’re a caretaker and you’re taking a child to the beach, regardless of the disability, certain challenges can come up,” said Morgan-Byrd. She highlighted the fact that Rish Park makes dealing with some of those challenges a lot easier. “If my child decided he was going to strip off his pants or my daughter had a meltdown, you won’t be judged. Everyone will be okay with it. You don’t have to worry about inconveniencing others.”
Thanks to the FSUPD, the Morgan-Byrd family was able to spend a few breezy days on the beach in a way they’d never been able to do before.
“We could get up whenever we wanted. There were no obligations; we just went with the flow,” said Morgan-Byrd. “It was hard to leave.”
Medical Case Managers Gather in Orlando
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Medical Case Managers (MCM) gathered in Orlando on August 26 - 29 for training sessions on Preadmission Screening/Resident Review (PASRR) for Skilled Nursing Facility admission. The PASRR training was led by Frank Tetrick III, a PTEC consultant. Sessions were also attended by individuals from sister agencies Agency for Health Care Administration, CARES, and the Department of Health. While the focus was on completing the Level II Screening, lively discussion was held about the entire PASSR process.
This was the first time that MCMs had gathered face-to-face for many years, and was a wonderful opportunity for all to come together since regionalization. Evening sessions were held, covering Medication Administration (65G-7), Death Reporting, Medication Error reporting, MCM Reviews, and standardization of the Medical Case Manager role.
Around the State
Northup Featured in Bella Magazine
A dream came true for Cameron Northup this month when she was featured in the October edition of the Pensacola’s BELLA Magazine. Her family, friends, and coworkers shared in a celebration this past week to honor her accomplishments within the community.
Northup spends her time working at LeVogue Salon located on West Gregory Street where she performs housekeeping, inventory, hand massages, and totals the receipts at the end of the day. She has also formed a life-long friendship with Martha Miller, whom she gives complimentary hand massages while volunteering at Wesley Haven Villa retirement community located on Wright Street. Additionally, Northup is a regular greeter at her local church and plans to work with Sephora's in Cordova Mall as a greeter during the Christmas season.
Northup enjoys being a local celebrity and a representative of Pensacola, as well. You can read the BELLA magazine article at this link.
Exciting Innovation in Economic Development for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Living in rural areas increases employment barriers due to a perceived lack of jobs, support staff, funding, transportation, and employment support for individuals with disabilities. Florida Rural Routes to Employments addressing these barriers and enabling individuals with developmental disabilities to become contributing, working citizens.
The unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is approximately 65 percent. This indicates that a large segment of the labor pool is being overlooked and left out of having the opportunity to contribute to the economic health of their communities.
To counter this trend, community stakeholders in the rural areas of Osceola, Lake, Suwannee, Hamilton, LaFayette, Madison, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties are receiving mentoring to develop and implement a strategic plan to help increase employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Provider and funding networks in these communities are being mentored in customized employment approaches and creating Community Action Teams to leverage social and economic capital to create employment opportunities.
Project Year-Two grants were awarded to Eagle Medical Management (EMM) and Vocational Rehabilitation, Live Oak.
Start-up training in Santa Rosa and Walton Counties was held on September 9-10 at the Temple Missionary Baptist Church, in Defuniak Springs. The start-up training for the Live Oak Consortium was held September 11-12 at the Suwannee-Hamilton Technical Center.
For more information and project outcomes visit the Facebook pages of Rural Routes to Employment, Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, or Griffin-Hammis Associates.
Gallery of Dreams
By Kirk Ryon
APD's Southern Region hosted the fifth annual Gallery of Dreams exhibition from July 1 through August 31 in the main lobby of the Rhodes Building in Miami. The exhibition featured many talented artists who are also APD customers in the Miami-Dade area. Several of the artists were present at the first Gallery of Dreams in 2009, and have returned to display their works each year since. For some of these artists, the opportunity to exhibit their art in a public gallery is a dream come true.
APD Southern Region Recognition
At a recent city commission meeting, Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez and the City Council presented the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) with a proclamation designating September 23 as “Agency for Persons with Disabilities Day” in Hialeah.
APD Southern Region Operations Manager Evelyn Alvarez was on hand to represent the agency. “It was a true honor representing our regional office in this recognition of partnership with our local government”, Alvarez said. “The mayor expressed his praise and sincere thanks for our hard work and the difference that we make in serving our community.”
Alvarez also noted her pride in the hard work, unwavering commitment, and the spirit to serve of her staff.
The proclamation will be displayed in the main entrance lobby area of the Southern Region office located at 401 NW 2nd Avenue, Suite South 811, Miami.
The Power of Disability Mentoring Day
A Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) orientation breakfast was held on August 27 at the Ability1st center in Tallahassee. Previous program participants shared their experiences with the prospective mentors and an Abilitylst intern shared a Power of Disability Mentoring Day video they created. The event was sponsored by the Tallahassee High School High Tech program, along with Ability1st, the Center for Independent Living of North Florida, and Publix Supermarkets.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and “Because We are EQUAL to the Task,” is this year’s theme. The purpose of NDEAM is to show the public that people with disabilities have the education, training, experience, and desire to be successful in the workplace. Participating in DMD activities helps individuals make new connections that may develop into employment opportunities.
Participants in this year’s orientation breakfast included Copyfax 2000, Awards4U, the Tallahassee Senior Center, the Tallahassee Police Department, WCOT, Equity and Workforce Development, Star Metro, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), the Florida Department of Health, and FAAST, Inc.
In June of this year, TasteBudz Catering, Jim Davis Accounting, APD, Sunlight Photography and Ability1st offered internship opportunities for students. DMD participation benefits both the students and their perspective employers, along with building new community partners.
National Disability Mentoring Day will be held on October 16. It began in 1999 as a White House initiative, and since then has grown to become a large-scale national and international effort to promote career development for students and job seekers with disabilities. The program encourages hands-on career exploration, on-site job shadowing, and ongoing mentoring. In 2012, DMD connected nearly 16,500 students and job seekers with disabilities with thousands of employers in more than 250 locations across all 50 states. Florida had 2,625 mentees in 60 counties participate in Disability Employment Awareness Month/DMD activities in 2012.
Link to DMD video: http://youtu.be/Tcru4DANzGg.
AHCA Releases LTC FAQs
Due to an influx of questions, Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has added a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section to their webpage about the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-term Care plan as it affects developmental disability waiver populations.
The FAQs cover a wide-range of topics, including requirements for enrolling in the Long-term Care plan, how it affects waitlist customers, and other potential issues. The FAQs will be updated regularly as new questions arise.
The FAQs can be found at www.ahca.myflorida.com/SMMC under the News and Events tab.
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Six to the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council
Governor Rick Scott recently announced four appointments and two reappointments to the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council.
Charlotte Curtis, 52, of Tallahassee, is the Bureau Chief with the Department of Health’s Children’s Medical Services. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning August 29, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor.
Dr. Lise Fox, 56, of Tampa, is the Director of the University for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at the University of South Florida. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning August 29, and ending at the pleasure of the Governor.
Margaret Reilly, 53, of Bradenton, is the Director of Occupational and Physical Therapy at All Children’s Hospital. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning August 29, and ending September 30, 2014.
Louis Towson, 65, of Marianna, is a retired custodial worker. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term ending September 30, 2015.
Kathleen McAllister, 61, of Sarasota, is a retired teacher for the visually impaired with Sarasota County Schools. She is reappointed for a term ending September 30, 2015.
Tricia Riccardi, 36, of Orlando, is the CEO of The Dream Society. She is reappointed for a term ending September 30, 2015.
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Three to Advisory Council for the Department of Health Website Information Clearinghouse on Developmental Disabilities
Governor Rick Scott recently announced the appointments of Kristine G. Benson, Janet E. Caramello, and Patricia C. Tice to the Advisory Council for the Department of Health Website Information Clearinghouse on Developmental Disabilities.
Benson, 37, of Clearwater, is a technical writer with the business consulting firm Booz, Allen, and Hamilton. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2014.
Caramello, 46, of St. Petersburg, is a philanthropy director with Children’s Home Society of Florida. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2015.
Tice, 43, of Winter Garden, is the president of CREWS LLC, a transportation planning consulting firm. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2016.
Team APD Takes to the Streets
Chief of Staff Michael Ayers spearheaded the creation of Team APD to participate in community events. The first debut of Team APD was the 7th Annual Walk, Run, Roll 2013 to benefit Ability 1st on September 7th at Myers Park in Tallahassee. There was a 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk.
About twenty APD employees got up early on a Saturday to participate in the fun event. There were plenty of laughs and a little perspiration for all involved. Team APD looks forward to supporting more community events in the future.
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