Message from the Director
APD Wrapping Up Town Hall Meetings
By Barbara Palmer
I have been so pleased with the community participation at our Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and Family Care Council Town Hall meetings around the state. We will host our final five Town Hall meetings in September. The meetings are to engage families and stakeholders to help the agency improve its programs and services for Floridians with developmental disabilities.
We are excited that we have had so many self-advocates, families, providers, and stakeholders at our APD Town Hall meetings. The ideas and feedback are invaluable for the agency to work to improve its services to citizens with developmental disabilities. I certainly want to continue the strong momentum we are having and wrap up our APD Town Hall meetings with a strong finish.
If individuals are not able to attend a Town Hall meeting, they may submit questions through Twitter @FloridaAPD. Remember not to put personal health information on social media.
The APD Town Hall meetings will be held at the following locations:
- TALLAHASSEE
September 4, 2-4 p.m.
Children Medical Services (CMS) Building
2390 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
- STUART
September 17, 3-5 p.m.
Goodwill Industries
1101 NW 21st Street
Stuart, FL 34994
- FORT LAUDERDALE
September 18, 9-11 a.m.
Sunrise Grand Ballroom
10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd
Sunrise, FL 33351
- WEST PALM BEACH
September 18, 6-8 p.m.
Palm Beach Habilitation Center
4522 So. Congress Avenue
Lake Worth, FL 33461- MIAMI
September 19, 2-4 p.m.
Spilios Center at Sunrise
11975 SW 140th Terrace
Miami, FL 33136
I hope to see you there!
Governor Scott Co-hosts Two APD Town Hall Meetings
Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Director Barbara Palmer held four APD Town Hall meetings this month. They were held in Ft. Myers, Sarasota, Bartow, and Orlando. Governor Rick Scott joined Director Palmer in co-hosting two APD Town Hall meetings in Bartow and Orlando to discuss the state of the agency and highlight $36 million in funding from the 2013-2014 Florida Families First Budget.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I want every Floridian, including those with disabilities, to have the opportunity to pursue their dreams of finding a job and live their version of the American dream. With our $36 million investment, we will be making a big impact on many families throughout the state. For the first time in eight years, we are helping more than 750 people move off the APD waiting list where they will receive the services they need to participate in their community and develop skills to find employment. I am pleased that many people across Florida are being move off of the APD waiting list.”
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 Bartow APD Town Hall meeting. 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 caring 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 included 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.
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.
Shirley A Balogh, President and CEO of Alliance for Independence, Inc. said, “Governor Scott is to be commended for the additional $36 million dollars allocated for persons with developmental disabilities. These dollars will provide much needed services through providers as well as serve individuals who have been on the waiting list for years. Those individuals and their families can now find relief to the long awaited services they need. Governor Scott’s involvement with the community efforts to advance the support for individuals with disabilities is to be applauded.”
On August 23, Governor Rick Scott was joined by Director Palmer, to ceremonially sign the “Intellectual Disabilities” bill while co-hosting an APD Town Hall meeting in Orlando.
Governor Rick Scott said, “It is our responsibility to protect those most vulnerable in our state. The ‘Intellectual Disabilities’ bill will protect Floridians across the state from being labeled and ridiculed, offering them a chance to live a more peaceful life. In addition to this new law, I am proud that for the first time in eight years, with a $36 million investment, we will move more than 750 people off the APD waiting list so that they will receive the services they need to find a job.”
The Intellectual Disabilities Bill removes the phrase “mental retardation” from state statutes and replaces it with “intellectual disabilities.” “Mental retardation” was once considered a valid medical term, but over the years, it has developed into a slang term that promotes negative stereotypes of people with intellectual disabilities.
Senator Thad Altman said, “I applaud the Governor and thank him for signing the Intellectual Disabilities bill, officially removing the “r-word” from Florida statutes. For too long Floridians with disabilities have been subjected to hurtful labels and it is about time we step up to the plate as Florida leaders and make these kinds of positive changes for citizens across the state.”
Representative Janet Adkins said, “People with disabilities make up an important part of our social fabric here in Florida. These individuals add value to our families, our workplaces and our community in many ways. I am honored to have had the chance to lead the effort in the Florida House of Representatives to champion the passage of the intellectual disabilities legislation. This step forward brings Florida forward in how we include people with intellectual disabilities in our state. I remain committed to ensuring that Floridians with disabilities receive the support, recognition and care they need to thrive in the sunshine state. I applaud Gov. Rick Scott for his commitment to improving the lives of these Floridians and thank him for his support of this important legislation and the new $36 million in new resources for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.”
APD Director Barbara Palmer said, “I am so happy that Governor Scott and legislators took this opportunity to ceremonially sign the “R” word bill as part of our agency’s Town Hall meeting. This legislation is important to the people we serve, and I am thrilled that our governor and legislators have taken this critical step by changing Florida’s law. Also, their involvement in the Town Hall meeting demonstrates their commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities. We appreciate Governor Scott co-hosting this Town Hall meeting and making our APD customers’ concerns a priority.”
Deborah Linton, executive director of The Arc of Florida said, “After three years of working to pass this legislation, self-advocates of The Arc of Florida were delighted to see legislators pass it unanimously and are thankful to Governor Scott for signing it. Removing the r-word from state statutes will not end bullying in Florida, but it shows individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that they are respected.”
Donna Rauber, Orlando Area Family Care Council Chair said, “The funding in the Governor’s budget is assisting individuals currently waiting for services. This budget increase allows individuals to obtain a better quality of living, learning and working in the community.”
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The Governor’s Corner by Governor Rick Scott
Ann and I recently got a great reminder of the importance of Florida's hard working public servants to the future of our state. A few weeks ago my daughter Allison gave birth to her second son - and my second grandson. In September, my younger daughter Jordan is expecting her first child.
Children have a way of reminding us all how important it is to have good schools, safe neighborhoods, good roads, a clean environment and limitless opportunities. Like families across the state, I want my grandchildren to have the tools they need so they can pursue their version of the American Dream. It is thanks, in large part, to the work of our public servants that the quality of life for families across the Sunshine State is improving each and every day.
This July we learned that more than 34,000 jobs were created in a single month, which represents tens of thousands of individuals who are able to support their families and pursue their dreams. When I took office, my goal was to create 700,000 jobs in seven years, and in two and a half years, we're more than halfway to that goal. Every job we create benefits every aspect of our communities - and creates greater opportunities for future generations. It's under the success of Florida's hardworking public servants that our families will be even more poised to succeed in a state that's ripe with opportunity.
Governor’s Commission on Jobs for Floridians with Disabilities
The Governor’s Commission on Jobs for Floridians with Disabilities has released its 2013 Report. This year, the commission worked with state agencies, non-profit organizations, and employers around the state to identify and develop public policy strategies that will improve employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. The 2013 Commission Report provides five recommendations:
- The Commission recommends the state create a single-point of contact for employers to help them find candidates with disabilities and learn about the resources available to support these individuals in the workplace. Such reform will make it easier for employers to recruit, hire and retain persons with disabilities in the workforce, and assist job-seekers in connecting with employers in their communities.
- The Commission recommends the creation of a state coalition to adopt a long-term communications plan that will promote a consistent message of awareness among employers and inform them of the available resources to assist their hiring needs.
- In conjunction with the recent education reforms to improve career readiness for students before they graduate high school, the Commission recommends the state’s Special Diploma requirements also be revised to increase work experience opportunities for students with disabilities.
- The Commission identifies strategies to improve collaboration among schools and agencies to better assist students with disabilities in transitioning from education to employment.
- In accordance with Governor Scott’s previous Budget Recommendation to increase Supported Employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities, the Commission recommends the state also increase these services to individuals with mental health disorders to help them maintain their employment after being placed in a job.
The full report is available at this link. If you have any questions, you may contact David Darm, the Executive Director of the Governor’s Commission on Jobs for Floridians with Disabilities, at David.Darm@laspbs.state.fl.us or (850) 717-9433.
APD Wins PR Award
Members of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities Communications office won a Golden Image Award of Distinction from the Florida Public Relations Association in August. APD won the statewide award for its Disability Employment campaign. The award was presented during the FPRA Annual Conference in St. Petersburg. The APD winning team is composed of Communications Director Melanie Mowry Etters, APR, CPRC, Graphic Designer Kimberly Tharpe, Correspondence Manager Lindsey Boyington, and Web Master John Milton.
Exceptional Employers to be Honored
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, in Tallahassee. 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, City of Tallahassee, and the Department of Economic Opportunity.
Around the State
“One Million Ones for Autism”
Tameeka Williams created The Halle Martin Foundation, Inc. in honor of her daughter Halle. Halle, who is currently on the APD waiting list for services, was four years old when she was diagnosed with Autism in 2008. It was then that Tameeka realized raising a child on the Autism Spectrum is a 24/7 job. Focusing on the abilities helps her make it through the daily challenges.
The Halle Martin Foundations is a charitable organization with goal of helping to raise more awareness of Autism and Autistic Spectrum Disorders, along with providing support to children and families in their efforts to have a better quality of life. Her goal is to reach out to other families with as much support as she can provide to make a difference in their lives.
Through “Operation Parent Rescue”, the Halle Martin Foundation provides one-on-one emotional support for parents, in addition to practical and financial assistance for parents and teachers. “Operation Healthy Kids” offers monthly food and nutrition workshops for parents on healthy eating and living for their children and themselves, along with providing extracurricular and physical activities for children during the school year.
The Halle Martin Foundation provides services in Leon, Wakulla, and Gadsden counties with hopes of expanding to other counties and continuing to develop new community partnerships. For more information, visit the website at www.hallemartinfoundation.org.
Sunland Volunteers
On Saturday, August 10, the Cottondale Masonic Lodge # 206 hosted a hot dog cook-out at Sunland Center for the men who reside at Lincoln House. The Cottondale Masonic Lodge has been sponsoring Lincoln House for the past 20 years. They enjoy hosting cook-outs for the men at Lincoln twice a year. Sunland appreciates the support of this group and others who step up to serve as volunteers for our residents. Civic groups, church groups or individuals wishing to serve as a volunteer at Sunland Center should call Karen Henrickson, Volunteer Coordinator at 850-482-9373.
Baptist Health South Florida Celebrates Internships and Employment
By Michael CardelloOn August 8, the Office of Diversity of Baptist Health South Florida celebrated the end of six internships funded by the Miami EmployAbility Network (formerly the Miami Business Leadership Network). The internships were 12 weeks in duration, beginning May 6 and ending July 26. Five of the six interns were APD customers that were selected from participation in Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) 2012 and completing a successful interview.
Three of the five APD interns were selected by BHSF for employment; two at Corporate Headquarters and one at Doctors Hospital. Beyond that, one APD consumer who participated in DMD 2012 was selected for employment at South Miami Hospital directly after his DMD participation. Last year, BHSF also hosted four paid APD interns, hiring one of them directly upon completion of internship. So in the past year, nine APD customers have benefited from paid internships with five being hired.
APD Southern Region and BHSF continue to strengthen their partnership and refine this very special mentoring and internship program. Congratulations to all interns for their successful participation and for demonstrating the power of their skills and abilities.
Great Strides - Great Purpose
Northwest Florida celebrated the 23rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 25 with an awards and volunteer recognition luncheon organized by the Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida, Inc. Disability Resource Center. Senator Greg Evers served as the Master of Ceremonies. Larry and Lisa Newsom, the keynote speakers, shared how their lives changed when Lisa suffered a spinal cord injury in a diving accident in late 2011.
The importance of the ADA and adjusting to life with disabilities brought the audience’s attention to the daily challenges faced. Lisa showed a transfer board and how the ADA has made it possible for her to access facilities. With the support of her family and employer, Lisa is back to work along with becoming a volunteer Independent Living Specialist and Peer Mentor.
Susan Byram, the Executive Director of Autism Pensacola, Inc., was presented the Joe Oldmixon Service Award for Outstanding Service to People with Disabilities. Representative Clay Ingram presented Rachel Payne, a Special Education Teacher at Escambia Westgate and volunteer Special Olympics Sports Chair, the Spirit of the CIL Award 2013. Penny Williams, a Supported Employment Specialist with United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Florida was one of the individuals recognized as an ADA Ambassador for People with Disabilities.
The ADA was established to promote equal opportunities for persons living with disabilities into all aspects of daily life, such as employment, public accommodations, transportation, state and local governments, and telecommunications.
Sunland/Jackson County Special Olympics Participate in State Leadership Conference
Jackson County Special Olympics was well represented at the Leadership Conference for Special Olympics in Orlando July 19-20. Three representatives from Sunland, along with a teacher and student from Hope School attended the conference. This conference prepares and educates county coordinators and sports managers, and provides information on fundraisers for the upcoming year. During the conference, a lot of information was presented and enthusiasm filled the air as conference attendees learned of exciting preparations to begin a new year with Special Olympics Florida.
Jackson County was presented with an award for having the “Most Increased Number of YAP Athletes.” YAP is the Young Athlete Program which offers sports play and interactive activities for young children beginning at the age of two. Sunland Center Volunteer Services Manager Karen Henrickson, who is also the Special Olympics County Coordinator, attended training for YAP at a Coaches Conference. She brought back information for the YAP Program which has been in operation for two years at Hope School in Jackson County.
Henrickson said, “We had approximately 33 young athletes in the YAP this past year. These young athletes are introduced to the world of sports and it helps them improve physically, cognitively, and socially. It also prepares them to participate in Special Olympics at the age of eight.”
Florida Human Trafficking War Room
Leaders in the Suncoast Region were issued an invitation to attend the Florida Human Trafficking War Room meeting on the human trafficking of individuals with developmental disabilities hosted by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and the Executive Office of the Governor’s Human Trafficking Advocate. Human trafficking is a type of modern day slavery which affects children and adults. During the meeting, ways to ensure the safety of individuals served by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) were discussed.
APD is dedicated to addressing this problem and ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities. Training on was held at the Agency for Persons with Disabilities office in Tampa on August 13.
Determined to Beat the Odds
Meeting Brandon Garrett is like looking through a keyhole into an art gallery where you can only see a small part of a great work of art. Brandon, 24, is the oldest of four siblings. He is quiet and hard-working. He works at The Seineyard restaurant in the Lake Ella area of Tallahassee about 20 hours a week as a dishwasher.
Garrett’s supervisor, Colby Lawhon, appreciates him and his hard work. Lawhon said, “I wouldn’t trade Brandon for anything. It is great to work with him.”
Garrett has a disability and receives services from APD. Garrett found his job completely on his own. His mother, Maria Jones, said, “Brandon would regularly get up in the morning, then go to local businesses and ask if they had a job for him. Because of this determination to work, he found his job at The Seineyard two years ago.” Garrett now has assistance from a job coach provided by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Garrett has many reasons that he enjoys working. Garrett said, “I like getting a paycheck, saving it, and helping my mom with the bills when needed.”
Garrett has become a role model for his younger brothers, and he’s been known to give advice to them about getting a job. He tells his 18-year-old brother how to make a better impression in an interview by improving his appearance and following up with the managers after applying.
Garrett has really beaten the odds. When he was six, a doctor told his mother that he would never finish school, and never function independently. Garrett and his mother would not allow that judgment to dictate his life and it certainly hasn’t.
Although Garrett enjoys his job, washing dishes isn’t his ultimate career goal. He enjoys cooking at home, and may take some culinary classes to become a chef. He enjoys making his favorite food, which is homemade pizza. Garrett says in the future he plans to live independently, but that he’s not ready just yet. His mom is certainly supportive of this goal noting that anything is possible when it comes to her children. It’s obvious that Garrett does not let his disability deter him, and that he will continue to succeed in the future.
Night of a Thousand Stars
On November 1, from 7-10:30 p.m., the Night of a Thousand Stars Homecoming Dance will be held in Brandon. It will be an evening of fun, elegance, and entertainment, with a sit down dinner followed by dancing and music. It will be a night sure to dazzle those with special needs and their family members and caregivers. This free event is for those 16 and older and the dress is formal attire.
The dance will be held at the Brandon Christ Community Church located at 1310 John Moore Road in Brandon. Reservations are available now and are based on a first come, first served basis. For more information or to get a reservation contact Marcia Minutello at 813-662-7555 or email Fiphotog@aol.com.
People With and Without Disabilities Play Miracle Sports Together
Tallahassee athletes with and without disabilities will be playing baseball together this fall at the Miracle Field at Messer Park. The athletes will be concentrating on each other’s abilities rather than their disabilities. Miracle Sports baseball will be played every Thursday evening starting on September 5 at 6 p.m. for youth and 7 p.m. for adults. Games will take place at the Miracle Field, located at 2899 Jackson Bluff Road, Messer Park Sports Complex, Field #3. The rubberized surface of Miracle Field makes it a safe place for everyone to play sports. There are no ‘try-outs’, so everyone who wants to gets to play.
The Miracle Sports of Tallahassee is a program of the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association, a non-profit agency that provides children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to play sports. “The value in Miracle Sports is everyone playing together and learning from one another,” shares Ryan Sprague, On-Site Miracle Sports Coordinator, author, former Florida State University football player, and parent. Adaptive equipment makes baseball possible for children and adults of all abilities – some require the use of a tee, others with vision impairments may need the use of a specialized ball that emits noise. Miracle Sports has no winners or losers, but an encouraging family-like atmosphere. “Miracle Sports is a fun way to be more active which leads to better health and wellness,” says David Jones, FDOA President.
Big Bend Kiwanis clubs and Friends of Miracle Sports provides scholarships and invaluable support. FSU students and community volunteers partner up with the athletes with disabilities and new friendships are formed. Registrations are being accepted for 2013-2014 Miracle Sports season. The community is invited to come out to volunteer, participate, or just cheer on the athletes.
For more information regarding Miracle Sports, please contact the FDOA at (850) 201-2944 ext. 3, info@fdoa.org or visit the website at www.fdoa.org.
Champion Staff
Melanie Mowry Etters - Chief Editor
Kimberly Tharpe - Photo Editor
Lindsey Boyington - Writer
Susan Hansen - Writer
John Milton - Webmaster