Reaching Rural Areas
By Barbara Palmer
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities is full of hard-working individuals who have a passion for serving people with developmental disabilities. One example is the APD Disability Expo held at Fanning Springs on May 10. The agency partnered with the Arc of Levy County, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association (FDOA) to ensure this event’s success.
FDOA provided many opportunities for inclusive recreation like sit volleyball and the parachute game. There were opportunities for arts and crafts and there was even a live band. It was my pleasure to join in the fun and see all the smiling faces of the people we serve. I was also excited to see Controlled Chaos from APD’s Tacachale Center perform several dance numbers and get the crowd really fired up. We really did have a great crowd of about 400 people.
I want to thank APD’s Community Supports team for collaborating with the Levy County Transit to arrange transportation for people with disabilities, and also for arranging door prizes for attendees. We gave away four computers donated by Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST), numerous gift cards, and some free hotel stays!
This Disability Expo in Fanning Springs is just the beginning. It is my goal to reach out to Florida’s rural and underserved communities and provide an opportunity for family fun, recreation, and educational experiences. APD is already in the process of planning more expos in the coming year, and I can’t wait to attend.
Hurricane Preparedness
Does your family have an emergency plan? Hurricane season for the Atlantic Coast runs from June 1 to November 30. The first important thing to do is create your family emergency plan. You will want to consider evacuation routes, local emergency management contacts, and a disaster supply kit. Know where you and your family are planning to go before disaster strikes. Your destination may be a hotel, another city, or a shelter. Pet needs should be considered too as not all shelters or hotels accept animals. It is recommended that your disaster supply kit contain the following items:
- Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
- Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
- non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
- foods for infants or the elderly
- snack foods
- non-electric can opener
- cooking tools / fuel
- paper plates / plastic utensils
- Blankets / Pillows, etc.
- Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
- First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
- Special Items - for babies and the elderly
- Toiletries - hygiene items
- Moisture wipes
- Flashlight / Batteries
- Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
- Cash - Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.
- Keys
- Toys, Books and Games
- Important documents - in a waterproof container
- insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
- document all valuables with videotape if possible
- Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
- Vehicle fuel tanks filled
- Pet care items
- proper identification / immunization records
- ample supply of food and water
- a carrier or cage
- medications
- muzzle and leash
Once a hurricane or potential disaster has been identified, stay up-to-date on current conditions. Florida 511 and Florida Highway Patrol provide information on traffic conditions, and NOAA Weather Radio provides information on weather conditions 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You and your family may also want to take advantage of the 2014 Sales Tax Holiday for hurricane supplies. This holiday runs from May 31 to June 8, and includes a specific list of items. For more information on hurricane preparedness please visit http://www.floridadisaster.org/.
Employment First Meeting
More than a dozen state and nonprofit agencies have signed a cooperative agreement to ensure the state of Florida supports Executive Order 13-84 which promotes improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Shelia Gritz-Swift with the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council is the chair. The group met May 22 at the Betty Easley Conference Center in Tallahassee. Steve Dunaway, Nancy Boutot, LeeAnn Herman, Celeste Sanders, and Melanie Mowry Etters attended from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
Around the State
The Horsemen of APD
By Dave Clark
Seven equestrians from Sunland Center and Tacachale competed in the statewide finals of the Equestrian Special Olympics held May 2-3 at the Grand Oaks Resort & Museum in Weirsdale. The group consisted of riders Henry Fipps from Tacachale and Sunland riders Danny Riles, Glenn Battle, Andy Johnson, James Gaye, Floyd Nelson, and John Hines.
Collectively, they went home with 10 medals and four ribbons with each and every rider contributing at least one medal to the tally. Battle’s performance was particularly noteworthy and earned two bronze medals. According to his support staff, Battle had only been on a horse four times prior to the competition and only had a week and a half to prepare.
Let’s All Play
Aron Hall from the National Inclusion Project provided the “The Power of Belonging Creating Summer Inclusion Opportunities in Our Community” training in Pensacola on May 9. The training encourages organizations offering summer camps to provide an environment where all children can participate and not to be fearful of children with disabilities. The number one reason for not doing inclusion is that people don’t think they can. Inclusion is valuing people over a plan and valuing success over the system. Everyone can participate and everyone can belong. Inclusion is creating an environment where individuals can participate and can belong.
The training offered strategies for creating inclusive opportunities by designing powerful play where children can connect and develop relationships. Autism Pensacola, two YMCA camps, University of West Florida explore camps, and the Pensacola community camps participated in the training and will be including children with disabilities in their camps. Autism Pensacola is a second-year partner with the National Inclusion Project to implement ”Let’s All Play” by reimbursing 50 percent of a week’s tuition up to $90 at a local camp.
To apply, go to www.autismpensacola.org/news.html and download the Project Summer Support Application.
Orlando Disability Employment Expo a Big Success
The Disability Employment Expo was held on May 2 at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando. Approximately 525 job seekers attended the event, and the outcome has been very positive. As a result of the Expo, The Krystal Company has committed to hire one person. SeaWorld has scheduled three interviews, and two individuals have arranged to job shadow at Florida Hospital Medical Group.
Thirty two individuals participated in mock interviews, offering them great practice for the real thing. Several well-known companies attended including Lockheed Martin, Big Lots, and Hilton. APD Central Region received great feedback, and next year’s event will prove to be even better. Vendors, employers, and job seekers all agree they will attend again and recommend the Expo to others.
Sunland Presents Good Deed Awards
Sunland Center recently recognized two of its residents with Good Deed Awards.
Charles Seeser was presented a certificate for his efforts in assisting a staff member with her wheelchair. He was commended for exhibiting the character quality of alertness which is having the right response for the situation.
Christopher Crist was presented with a certificate for his efforts in comforting the residents of Hayes House when a fellow housemate recently passed away. He was commended for exhibiting the character quality of compassion which is investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others.
Tacachale’s “Controlled Chaos”
Tacachale’s own “Controlled Chaos” is a musical dance troupe of talented performers that includes a mixture of residents and staff members who performed at the APD – Fanning Springs Event on Saturday, May 10. Over the past few years, Controlled Chaos has cultivated quite a following, performing in front of large public audiences, including “The Time of Your Life” at Gainesville’s historic Hippodrome theatre, Tacachale’s production of “Grease – The Musical,” and an outdoor music concert in the park at Tacachale. They’ve even been featured at the Capitol for Disabilities Day! Their Fanning Springs performance included various Motown and pop songs that had the spectators on their feet, dancing and singing along. The group members put a lot of time and effort into perfecting their performance, the results of which were shared by enthusiastic participation from the audience. Their hard work and talent paid off, resulting in a show that was heartfelt, energetic, and truly inspiring.
Performers included James D., Freddie J., Ron J., Scott R., Michael R., Henry F., Yunior T., David K., Danny H., Gordon R., Jessika Rutledge, Anthony Wanton, Jr., Joe Carter, Darlene Jackson, Glen Banks and Julie Waldman.
Tacachale Nurses' Week Celebration
On May 8, the nurses at Tacachale accepted a proclamation from Alachua County Commissioner Charles Chestnut IV at their annual Nurses’ Week Luncheon. Center Administrator Michael Mayfield and Assistant Superintendent Raymond Newman were present to celebrate the occasion and thank the nurses for a job well done all year round.
Tacachale also celebrated Nurses’ Week this year with their annual Chapel Service on Tuesday May 6, which featured music, inspirational talks by present and past nurses, and the traditional “Blessing of the Hands” Ceremony by the Center’s Chaplain, Linda Ballard. This event was organized by Senior Registered Nurse Supervisor, Cynthia Barr.
National Nurses’ Week was first celebrated in the United States October 11 – 16, 1954, to honor the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s mission to Crimea. In 1982, President Reagan signed a proposal officially designating May 6 as “National Recognition Day for Nurses.” Currently, National Nurses’ Week is celebrated from May 6 – 12 each year.
Johnson Keeps YMCA Customers Happy
By Tracey Tolbert
Kevin Johnson IV continues to serve as a valuable member of the Jim and Heather Gills YMCA staff after more than four years of employment.
Johnson, who has a developmental disability and receives services from Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities, provides custodial services for the organization and is responsible for the cleanliness of the building.
Johnson likes working at the YMCA and enjoys the independence and responsibility that employment provides him. While Johnson enjoys performing maintenance tasks and working with the cleaning products, he likes best the interaction with the Y’s members. He said, “My favorite part of the job is making the members happy.” Johnson’s talent for customer interaction is evident in the favorable comments members have written about him on comment cards and the positive feedback from his supervisor.
Maintenance Director Hal Murch said, “Kevin is easy to get along with and very dedicated. He is good with customers and other staff too.”
Murch also emphasizes how reliable a worker Johnson is, pointing out that he is always early for his shift and has no problems working overtime when asked.
When he is not working, Johnson enjoys watching movies and spending time with his friends.
African Caribbean Dance Theater
17th Annual Florida African Dance Festival June 12-14, 2014
By Fajr Ibraheem
Celebrating 21 Years, the African Caribbean Dance Theatre, Inc. presents the 17th Annual Florida African Dance Festival (FADF) June 12 – 14, in Tallahassee, Florida, at the Tallahassee Community College (TCC). FADF is a three-day conference that features internationally renowned artists in dance and drum workshops, and an exciting performance concert.
As a member and participant since 1998, I have been struck by the dancing bug. It doesn’t matter what level or ability you have, African dance is a fun and amazing activity to participate in…and a great way to burn calories. It doesn’t matter if you bring two left feet or a left and right foot, you will be too busy smiling to care about technique.
TCC’s sports complex provides a space where people come from all over Florida, Georgia, and surrounding areas to participate in this yearly event. I am really excited because this year a population that is close to home is being invited and included. A wheelchair African dance class is being taught and we really hope that the community will take advantage of this opportunity because we are always looking for opportunities for community inclusion. Last year, some of our Pyramid family joined us and I hope that we will have more of our community with disabilities attend. Hope to see
you there!
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