Legislative Session Winding Down
By Barbara Palmer
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is faring very well as the legislative session wraps up May 2. I am thrilled that our funding priorities are included in the proposed 2014-2015 state budget, and thank Governor Rick Scott for supporting APD in his budget recommendations. Here are some of the highlights of the APD funding included in the proposed 2014-2015 state budget:
- $20 million to enroll critical needs waiting list individuals in the Medicaid waiver program
- $1.5 million is being re-appropriated for the Client Data Management System which will be the new APD computer system to track customer information and provide information to customers and providers
- $500,000 to continue the Employment and Internship program for about 200 waiting list individuals
- $2.6 million to make repairs to APD facilities
- $1 million for repairs at Billy Joe Rish Recreational Park, located on Cape San Blas
- $400,000 for actuarial services to analyze the rates for live-in services
- Re-appropriation of unexpended waiver services budget authority to address potential budget shortfalls during Fiscal Year 2014-15
- $1.3 million for an increase in adult day training provider rates
- $539,280 to increase the personal needs allowance for Developmental Disabilities Center customers
A major provision has been included in the budget to help military families. Military families who have a member receiving Medicaid home and community-based services in another state will now automatically be eligible to enroll in Florida’s Medicaid waiver if they are transferred to Florida as part of their military service. This will help military families tremendously when relocating to the Sunshine State so their loved ones will continue to receive needed services.
Additionally, APD is happy to report that grandparents will now be able to serve as members of the Family Care Councils (FCC) when the proposal has final approval. The bill allows the governor to appoint grandparents to the FCC, expanding those eligible to serve on the advisory boards. Our thanks goes to the FCC bill sponsors Senator Nancy Detert and Representative Jose Felix Diaz.
Also, thanks to all the various stakeholders who helped APD have a successful Legislative session. Working together, we are improving services for Floridians with developmental disabilities which is what we all strive to do every day.
The Governor’s Corner by Governor Rick Scott
Floridians across the state have been seeing the benefits of Florida’s opportunity economy. Our unemployment rate is down, our labor force is increasing, and we have created more than half a million new private sector jobs. These exciting opportunities would not have been possible without our public servants. Your hard work is helping to make even more investments to improve the lives and health of Florida families.
One of these investments is our $80 million commitment to cancer research included in the “It’s Your Money Tax Cut Budget,” which is an overall increase of $30 million from last year’s budget. This investment includes $60 million to help existing Florida Cancer Centers achieve National Cancer Institute designation and another $20 million for peer-reviewed research grants. Families all across Florida have been affected by cancer. We will remain committed to becoming a national leader in cancer research and providing all families with access to world class treatment.
Carrying a Torch
Lights, sirens, and action occurred in the Capitol courtyard as dozens of police motorcycles escorted a group of runners to the Capitol for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. The runners carried the Flame of Hope through Tallahassee on its way to Orlando for the Special Olympic State Games on May 16 and 17 that will be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Director Barbara Palmer joined a large crowd on the steps of the Old Capitol for a check presentation ceremony from Publix to Special Olympics. Attorney General Pam Bondi emceed the ceremony and asked APD Director Palmer to speak. Palmer encouraged athletes to keep trying in their competitions and to never, never give up, and then led them in a cheer chanting, “Never, never give up.”
A Taste of Miami
On April 3, Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Director Barbara Palmer shared information about APD as part of Miami-Dade County Days at the Capitol. More than a dozen other state agency leaders spoke about their organizations to constituents from Miami-Dade County who were visiting Tallahassee for the two-day celebration.
The Miami-Dade County Days is famous for creating one of the largest bowls of paella each year in Tallahassee and on April 2 it was done again in the Capitol courtyard. Hundreds of people lined up to get a taste of the delicious treat that contains seafood and rice.
Children’s Day
By Lindsey Boyington
Hundreds of children, parents, teachers, and advocates gathered at the Capitol on April 8 in support and celebration of Children’s Day. The main purpose of the day was to remind legislators that all Florida children should be healthy, ready to learn, and able to achieve their full potential. More than 50 exhibitors attended including the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), Department of Children and Families, Department of Agriculture, and many other state agencies and nonprofit organizations.
APD Communications provided many parents and advocates with information on who the agency serves, Billy Joe Rish Park, community resources, iBudget, and the waiting list. Attendees were thrilled to learn about Billy Joe Rish Park, and also to hear the agency received funding last year to move individuals with critical needs from the waiting list to the waiver.
The Capitol was adorned with tens of thousands of paper cut-out hands, in an annual ceremony called the Hanging of the Hands. The hands were decorated by children throughout the state. Volunteers hung the hands in the Capitol on April 8 and left them for the entire week to remind legislators that we must support Florida’s children, one of our most important populations.
Historic Capitol Blue for Autism Awareness
Tallahassee joined the international Light It Up Blue autism awareness campaign April 2. The Historic Capitol was donned in blue to shine the light on autism. It is estimated that 1 in 68 kids will be diagnosed with the disability and many believe the increase in diagnosis is because of greater awareness.
SportsAbility Expo
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) participated in the SportsAbility Expo at Tallahassee Community College on April 11. The Florida Disabled Outdoors Association (FDOA), a group founded by David Jones, annually presents SportsAbility. Hundreds of individuals with disabilities learned about how recreational activities improve everyone’s quality of life.
APD hosted an informational booth that was manned by Communications Director Melanie Mowry Etters and Lindsey Boyington. They encouraged people to visit APD’s accessible beachfront park, Billy Joe Rish Park in the Panhandle and to look for community resources in the enhanced Resource Directory.
Four individuals who live at Sunland Center in Marianna traveled to Tallahassee to take part in the activities at the Expo. The group toured the various vendor tables, listened to some good music, and enjoyed the various activities set up in the gym.
Fanning Springs Disability Expo
The Arc of Levy County, Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association (FDOA), and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are partnering to host the Fanning Springs Disability Expo in the Dixie, Levy, Gilchrist tri-county area. The event is May 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fanning Springs State Park. Other event partners include the three county commissions, local businesses, several nonprofit partners, local providers, and other state agencies.
The Expo’s goal is to provide a fun-filled day for individuals with disabilities and their family members. FDOA has organized a SportsAbility Sampler, which includes many inclusive recreational activities such as bocce ball and sit volleyball. Attendees can also enjoy participating in prize raffles, watching dance performances by Tacachale, and sitting down to a sack lunch from the concession stand.
In addition to the recreational experiences, attendees will have the opportunity to listen to presentations, and learn about the various services that APD and other agencies can provide. Special Olympics will also be providing the Special Smiles health screening for APD waiting list customers. For questions or more information, please contact Resource.Directory@apdcares.org.
Sweet 16 Family Café
The 16th Annual Family Café will be held June 6-8 at the Hilton Orlando. Individuals and their families from across the state are encouraged to attend workshops and gather information from exhibitors.
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) will be presenting eight informational sessions on topics from the accessible Billy Joe Rish Park to Zero Tolerance of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation. APD Director Barbara Palmer will also give an update on the agency.
To register to attend Family Café, visit http://www.familycafe.net/.
There is no registration fee for individuals with disabilities and their family members or caregivers. Professionals are required to pay a $100 registration fee.
A block of rooms at the Hilton Orlando has been set aside at the special event rate of $109 a night. You can make your reservation by calling the hotel at (407) 313-4300 and requesting a room in The Family Cafe block.
Pinwheels in the Park
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities participated in the Ounce of Prevention’s Pinwheels in the Park child abuse prevention event on April 5 in Tallahassee. It was a fun-filled event kicked off by the Department of Family and Children’s Assistant Secretary Pete Digre followed by demonstrations and performances from Champions, Bikers Against Child Abuse, Scholastic, American Karate Studios, and the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend’s Stick Patrol Drum Line. Special guest First Lady Ann Scott was joined by Clifford the Big Red Dog while reading a book to the children. In addition, about 20 partners participated offering parents and caregivers information on positive parenting, healthy child growth and development, and available community services.
The festivities concluded with the planting of a public pinwheel garden in the park. The APD State Office and Northwest Region also planted a pinwheel garden on April 14 after brief remarks by the Director and Chief Child Advocate in the Governor’s office Zack Gibson and APD Director Barbara Palmer. The pinwheel garden raises awareness of child abuse and emphasizes zero tolerance for abuse of Florida’s vulnerable citizens.
The blue and silver pinwheel campaign symbol is a reminder that we all have a role to play in ensuring every child has an equal opportunity for a happy childhood and a bright future.
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APD Claims PR Awards
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) won two awards during the Capital Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association’s Image Awards on April 17 in Tallahassee. The theme for the awards ceremony was The Superheroes of PR so participants were encouraged to dress the part.
APD Director Barbara Palmer and Communications Director Melanie Mowry Etters, APR, CPRC, accepted the awards on behalf of APD.
The agency received an Award of Distinction for its Town Hall and Editorial Board Tour public relations campaign, and another Award of Distinction for its public relations campaign for promoting the $36 million to serve APD’s waiting list customers.
The recognition is for the APD Communications Office and many others who helped the two campaigns achieve success.
2014 Prudential Productivity Awards
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) proudly claimed five Productivity Awards this year, four team awards and one individual award. The Prudential Productivity Awards program recognizes and rewards hard-working state employees who create and implement innovative cost-saving and efficiency improvements. The 26th annual awards honor 432 individuals and teams of state employees for creating and implementing innovative solutions and productivity improvements worth $558 million in cost savings, cost avoidances, and increased revenue for state government.
All winners will be honored in June at one of five awards ceremonies throughout the state. APD winners are as follows:
Team Certificate, Installed Cost Saving Chemical Distribution System at Tacachale
Team Certificate, Saved Agency $500,000 on Public Relations Campaign
Individual Certificate, Reduction in Laboratory Costs
Team Certificate, Sunland Laboratory Efficiencies/Savings
Team Plaque, Reduced Storm Water Intrusion at Tacachale
Able Trust Accepting Nominations for the Ability Awards
Today, more and more businesses are recognizing that people with disabilities are valuable employees and customers in their community. The Able Trust Ability Awards annually recognizes individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions toward the employment of Floridians with disabilities. Nominations will be accepted for five awards, with additional awards made by The Able Trust. For more information on how to nominate someone you know for their outstanding contribution to employment opportunities for individuals, click the following link:
http://www.abletrust.org/documents/Ability-Awards-2014-Nomination-Packet.pdf
The Able Trust is currently accepting nominations until May 16. If you have any questions, please contact Antoinette Barber at info@abletrust.org or (850) 224-4493.
Around the State
Autism Awareness Kick-Off Event
By James Vidrine
On April 5, the Autism Connection of Southwest Florida, Inc., coordinated an event at the Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers to build support and awareness for individuals with the autism spectrum disorder.
Exhibitors from 27 agencies, service providers, schools, and other organizations provided information about autism and services they provide. This event had generous sponsorship from local businesses, such as the Golisano Children’s Hospital and LeeSar.
Over 500 people attended the event including, individuals with autism, their families and friends, and caregivers. Employees from transition services, behavioral therapies, rehabilitative opportunities, tailored education, and supportive employment services provided an opportunity for attendees to see how the community comes together to support families and individuals impacted by autism.
Entertainment was provided by the local band Kapo Kings, and also an improvisation group from Autism Connection. They provided a wonderfully theatrical performance, with the help of The Florida Repertory Theatre and former Act Up students, which is comprised of youths with autism. During the provided entertainment, parents and other family members had the opportunity to have an uninterrupted discussion with service provider at their tables.
Employment was a main topic of this event and featured several micro-businesses such as Sarah’s Teacakes & Whimsy, M.E.T.A.L.H.E.A.D. shirts and gear, and Cheryl’s Creative Designs. Employees from Vocational Rehabilitation and the APD Fort Myers field office discussed supported employment opportunities in the local area. APD employees Dalila Borrego, Marcia Kea, and James Vidrine manned the table and spoke with many parents and caregivers about APD services.
Autism Awareness Month
Recently in Miami, at the Centro Cultural de España (Spain’s Cultural Center), Miguel Gallardo, a published cartoonist, came to town to demonstrate a workshop he developed to a group of students and their teachers. The students were delighted to watch the animated version of the Spanish documentary “Maria y Yo”, which tells the story of his daughter’s young life with autism. Maria has a remarkable gift - she can remember the face and name of every person she meets. It was around this gift that Gallardo developed his workshop for others with autism.
After the students saw the film and heard a little more about the workshop, they were given a chance to put the workshop to the test. They worked on drawing faces of people in their lives and identifying them by name. They were intrigued by the idea that they could draw out the faces of people they know as they remember them. They were very pleased to see their renderings on the wall of an art gallery.
Centro Cultural de España is the APD Southern Region’s newest community partner, and APD customers are sure to benefit from future collaborations.
Miami Dade College Career Fair
On April 9, the Employment Enhancement Project (EEP) team attended a career fair for people with disabilities. It was hosted by the APD Southern Region’s community partner, Miami Dade College North Campus. The fair included a number employers from the private sector and federal and state government.
In preparation for the fair, the EEP team sent invitations to APD’s waiting list customers who had indicated an interest in employment during their Questionnaire for Situational Information (QSI). Once there, APD customers registered, gave a brief interview, and were given a listing of job coaches in their area. All attendees were encouraged to select a job coach before they left the fair, so the Southern Region could help schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
The EEP team had a very successful day and met with many APD customers. At the end of the fair, all APD customers had selected a job coach and were eager to start working.
Healthy Eating, Cheap and Easy
By Lynne Daw
The Northwest Region Family Care Council (FCC) along with the Early Steps program co-sponsored a nutritional workshop on April 5 at Children’s Medical Services in Tallahassee. The workshop titled, “Healthy Eating, Cheap and Easy” targeted individuals in supported living arrangements as well as, providers and waiver support coordinators who assist them.
Staff members from the Leon Advocacy and Resource Center, who helped coordinate the event, greeted the attendees and kicked off the workshop. First to present was nationally renowned nutritionist Sandra Woodruff, who presented a Supermarket Survival Guide. Woodruff provided insight on how to shop for nutritionally dense foods and included her Eat Smart checklist. She also gave useful information on how to read and interpret food labels as well as, how to compare brands to make the most nutritious choices. She graciously received questions from workshop participants covering all aspects of nutrition and food choices.
Jim Bellamy of the Frenchtown Heritage Marketplace gave a very enjoyable presentation on how individuals can double their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) dollars to purchase fresh produce at Heritage Marketplace. This is an incredible opportunity for individuals to leverage their EBT dollars and incorporate more fresh produce in their diets.
Joe Burtoft of Gold’s Gym provided information on the importance of combining exercise with good eating habits to promote health. Along with providing free three-day passes to attendees, he also informed everyone that Gold’s Gym has a program that allows caregivers accompanying individuals with disabilities to work out for free.
The highlight of the event was a cooking demonstration by local Chef Shacafrica Simmons, who prepared a delicious and nutritious version of vegetable fried rice using brown rice and locally grown kale, carrots, onions, and green peas.
The Family Care Council received very positive feedback about the information presented to attendees. In addition to the educational information received that day, Early Steps offered free Crocs shoes to participants who were interested.
Job Fair for People with Disabilities
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is having its fourth annual Disability Employment Expo on Friday, May 2, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando. The theme is One Step Towards Work as the activities will help participants become more successful in their job search.
The Expo will include presentations with important information for job seekers with disabilities. Employers will host sessions dealing with job opportunities, critiquing resumes, and providing mock job interviews.
Some of the employers scheduled to participate in this year’s job fair are Lockheed Martin, Hilton Worldwide, Orlando VA Medical Center, Krystal Company, and Walgreens Distribution Center.
This event is open to individuals with all types of disabilities, including veterans with disabilities. For more information or to register, contact Maryjane Wysocki at 321-474-0015 or maryjane.wysocki@apdcares.org.
APD’s Employment Enhancement Plan
By Annette Zeeb
Five of APD’s waiting list customers who also participate in the Employment Enhancement Plan (EEP), and three job coaches met with Jacqueline Harris, CEO of the Jacqueline Harris Preparatory Academy, on April 24 in Pensacola. Five internships were created and customized at the academy. The interns will have an opportunity to work in the school library, the classroom, and the cafeteria.
Creating Employment: Rural Routes to Employment
By Beth Keeton and Nancy Brooks-Lane
The Florida Rural Routes to Employment project, a collaboration between the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) and the Center for Social Capital, with support and commitment from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), continues to demonstrate what is possible when combining the methodologies of customized employment with the mission of Employment First. Lake, Osceola, Santa Rosa, Walton, Suwanee, Hamilton, Lafayette, and Madison counties make up the current project focus with the potential to add 13 to 22 additional counties under review.
The capacity-building approach used in the Rural Routes project relies heavily on training, technical assistance, fieldwork and side-by–side mentoring for cementing the foundation, and customized employment methodology. The most critical components include: job development, job analysis and identification of vocational themes, entrepreneurial opportunities, work incentives through the Social Security Administration, job retention, and career growth.
Practical skills are developed around leveraging social and economic capital through community action teams and resource mapping that increase employment options for individuals with developmental disabilities. Participants from Community Rehabilitation Providers must pass a test after completing the 40 hour curriculum to earn the nationally recognized certificate for community employment from the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE), which recognizes the Center for Social Capital and Griffin-Hammis Associates, as one of a limited number of ACRE approved training resources. To date, 22 individuals have completed training and fieldwork and passed the test, earning the ACRE Community Employment certificate.
Technical assistance and side-by-side mentoring continues with project participants and 17 current job seekers using the methods learned during training. Previous job seekers supported through Rural Routes to Employment are currently employed at local businesses like Green Light Fire Bags, Hibbett Sports, Southerland Nissan, and Perfect Petroleum, to name a few. So far, one individual has launched his own business. A replication manual is being completed to guide individuals from other rural counties who are interested in learning more about system change through the use of best practices.
More information is available at the Florida Rural Routes Facebook page, through its websites griffinhammis.com and centerforsocialcapital.org, and through our publications including the following books available at amazon.com: “The Job Developer’s Handbook and Making Self Employment Work for People with Disabilities” by Paul Wheman, Marcia Smith, and Carol Schall.
Sunland Center Honors their "Helping Hands" Volunteers
Sunland Center recently hosted their annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic honoring volunteers for the services and hours they have given to Sunland during the past year. The annual appreciation picnic is a wonderful opportunity for Sunland to express gratitude to their volunteers.
Approximately 86 volunteers came out to enjoy the beautiful day at Sunland’s Environmental Park and receive thanks for the great service they give to the residents of Sunland. Guests were welcomed and acknowledged by Superintendent, Merlin Roulhac and Assistant Superintendent, Darlene See. Ms. Karen Henrickson, Volunteer Services Coordinator, presented the Volunteer Group of the Year award to the Marianna Woman’s Club. Each year, the Marianna Woman’s Club works tirelessly to provide 350 to 400 sandwiches for the Jackson County Special Olympic games, which is held at Kindel Lanes. They also provide monetary gifts to Sunland at Christmas to assist with parties for the residents. This past year, Sunland was honored to partner with the Woman’s Club to provide a food drive for the Chipola Ministries. The team effort was a huge success and allowed Sunland a great opportunity to help the community provide support for people in need.
The 2014 Sunland Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Maria Johnson. Ms. Johnson, a well-respected Sunland employee and distinguished local artist, has donated her time to provide the artwork for Fall Festival shirts for many years. She designed the artwork for new signs which are placed throughout the community advertising the annual Fall Festival at Sunland. She also made two beautiful cornucopias to decorate the entrances into the Environmental Park for the Fall Festival. This past year, Maria was instrumental in the design of Sunland’s beautiful Sunland Christmas parade float, which also served as the Grand Marshal float for Superintendent Merlin Roulhac. She devoted countless hours decorating the float, and also assisted in the design of the Martin Luther King Day parade float for Superintendent Roulhac, Assistant Superintendent See and the Sunland Swingers square dance team. Maria was celebrated as the Volunteer of the Year for the donation of her time and talent, all which was completed during her “free time.”
Attendees enjoyed a delicious grilled chicken lunch and were presented tokens of appreciation for all the work they do for Sunland’s residents. To everyone’s delight, entertainment was provided by Sunland’s resident vocal/dance team “The Old School Street Boys.” The theme this year was “Sunland Loves Our Helping Hands.” Reflecting sentiments of appreciation, Ms. Henrickson stated, “We definitely love our helping hands, the Volunteers, and the time they share with our residents making a difference in their lives.”
Any individual or group wishing to become a Sunland volunteer is encouraged to contact Ms. Karen Henrickson at (850) 482-9373.
Sunny's Corner Boutique
Sunland Center and the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at Sunland on April 24 for the grand re-opening of Sunny’s Corner Boutique and Gift Shop, a specialty gift shop located within the center’s Suntown Mall. Residents and staff now have another shopping venue in the newly re-opened store. An excellent shopping experience starts with great customer service, along with an abundant selection of merchandise. The new store carries an exciting array of clothing, purses, costume jewelry, wallets and other unique gift items. The management of Sunny’s Corner Boutique and Gift Shop is proud of the store’s new design, inviting atmosphere, great product quality, and remains committed to continuing great customer service for the Sunland residents and staff.
Think Big! Dream Big!
By Annette Zeeb
Northwest Region Employment Liaison Katrina Washington inspired Escambia County students with disabilities to get excited about employment through her three presentations on April 11 at the University of West Florida in Pensacola. She encouraged them to be willing to try something new and strive to make their dreams a reality. Washington shared information on the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) student work incentive, internships that could lead to employment, the APD Enhanced Employment Project (EEP), and interview skills, including a demonstration of a firm handshake.
Individuals interested in employment were directed to the APD information table to see if they were on the APD waiting list. Washington also arranged for employers to provide mock interviews for students to practice their interviewing skills and share their resumes for feedback. One individual was offered a real interview and starts his new job in May.
What a Lift
By Melanie Mowry Etters
There isn’t much that Donald Duscher cannot handle, especially at his job at the Lowe’s Home Improvement Store in Ocala. Duscher drives his Ford pickup truck to Lowe’s each day and has been working there more than seven years. His job title is a Loader and he assists customers with taking their purchases to their vehicles. Those purchases may be large pieces of lumber or dozens of plants. He operates a forklift to get needed items, which is an important and needed job skill.
Duscher tries hard to provide excellent service, with many customers being repeat visitors. Duscher said, “I like to be outside, unless it is raining. I get to see people, including my friends, at work. I like the customers. They are good to me at Lowe’s.”
Duscher is driven to succeed. He got his driver’s license in high school. He found and landed his current job all on his own.
Duscher’s boss, Matt McKelvy, says, “Don is very dependable. He does his job to a tee. He doesn’t call in sick. If he is scheduled, he will be here. Don is customer service oriented. He has a lot of contact with customers, but I don’t get any complaints about him.”
Duscher has an important role at Lowe’s as the last point of contact with the customer. He must ensure that it is a positive experience so they will be repeat customers. McKelvy says “Don is able to build relationships and that is a good skill to have especially for our store.”
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Thirteen to Family Care Councils
Governor Rick Scott announced April 28 four appointments and nine reappointments to Family Care Councils across the state.
Area One, Family Care Council
Deborah Moore, 41, of Pensacola, is an engineer specialist with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning April 28, 2014, and ending June 15, 2014.
John Collins 34, of Pensacola, is an advocate for persons with disabilities. He is reappointed for a term beginning April 28, 2014, and ending September 14, 2015.
Dina Justice, 46, of Pensacola, is the owner of Justice Marketing Group. She is reappointed for a term beginning June 16, 2014, and ending June 15, 2017.
Daniel “Danny” Parker, 56, of Pace, is a pipeline operations tech with the Florida Gas Transmission Company. He is reappointed for a term beginning April 28, 2014, and ending June 17, 2015.
Area Two, Family Care Council
Elizabeth Burr, 52, of Tallahassee, is a paraprofessional with Leon County Schools. She is reappointed for a term beginning April 28, 2014, and ending September 23, 2016.
Area Six, Family Care Council
Ann Graybeal, 66, of Sarasota, is an advocate for persons with disabilities. She is reappointed for a term beginning April 28, 2014, and ending July 7, 2016.
Area Seven, Family Care Council
Daniel Bayley, 41, of Palm Bay, is an advocate for persons with disabilities. He is reappointed for a term beginning June 30, 2014, and ending June 29, 2017.
Area Nine, Family Care Council
Cindy Donelson, 56, of Lake Worth, is a senior communications specialist with Florida Power and Light. She fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning April 28, 2014, and ending April 27, 2017.
Karen Oberg, 75, of Lake Worth, is an advocate for persons with disabilities. She succeeds Veronica Pappas and is appointed for a term beginning April 28, 2014, and ending September 14, 2015.
Area Fourteen, Family Care Council
Brenda Taggart, 42, of Lakeland, is an advocate for persons with disabilities. She succeeds Sherre Crouse and is appointed for a term beginning April 28, 2014, and ending August 28, 2014.
Area Fifteen, Family Care Council
Heather Bohlander-Misner, 37, of Port St. Lucie, is an advocate for persons with disabilities. She is reappointed for a term beginning April 28, 2014, and ending October 4, 2016.
Andrew Magnolia, 53, of Port St. Lucie, is an advocate for persons with disabilities. He is reappointed for a term beginning April 28, 2014, and ending October 4, 2016.
Chantai Snellgrove, 48, of Vero, is the editorial director for Parenting Special Needs Magazine. She is reappointed for a term beginning April 28, 2014, and ending October 4, 2016.
APD Website Updates
The Communications Office web team will assist you with any intranet or internet website changes. To request updates to an APD website, please send an email to apd.web.team@apdcares.org. Please include the following information with your request:
- The URL of the page(s) to be updated
- Information that needs updated
- Name(s) of attachment(s) when applicable
When submitting your request, please ensure you go through your website content owner. The website contact list is available at: http://intranet.apd.myflorida.com/communications/docs/Intranet_Content_Contacts_030614.pdf
If you have any questions, please contact apd.web.team@apdcares.org.
Champion Staff
Melanie Mowry Etters - Editor
Lindsey Boyington - Writer
Christine Call - Writer
Kimberly Tharpe - Masthead Design
John Milton - Webmaster