The Florida legislative session is moving at a rapid pace at the Capitol. The House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services will be issuing their proposed budgets very soon. Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is optimistic that they both will support the Governor’s and agency’s requests. We hope the final budget will include additional dollars to increase rates for direct support professionals and help individuals on the waiting list and the waiver.

First Lady Casey DeSantis applauds the opening of William J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area located in Cape San Blas for day use on January 28. The opening, following necessary renovations due to Hurricane Michael damage, demonstrates Florida’s commitment to individuals with disabilities.

The White House recently launched a new website that allows every household in the United States to order four free at-home COVID-19 test kits.

Additional temporary funding is available for providers through the Agency for Health Care Administration’s (AHCA’s) enhanced funding plan. The initial application period is now open for three components of AHCA’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) enhanced funding plan. Eligible providers will have 60 days to complete the application for funding and must apply by February 14, 2022.

The NBA team, the Orlando Magic, recently announced their first annual ASL & Deaf Awareness night, which will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. ET.

As one of the largest employers in town, locals depend on the Winn-Dixie supermarket for jobs, as well as groceries. Jessie Williams is one of the store's longest tenured employees, working there for 15 years.

Representatives from the 15 Family Care Councils gathered in Orlando for January’s Family Care Council Florida meeting. During the meeting, council members met the Agency for Persons with Disabilities’ (APD’s) new Chief of Staff, Gina Herron.

Faith Finders is a women’s bible group at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church. Every year these ladies partner with Project Empower to deliver a beautifully prepared Christmas luncheon in honor of all those who care for individuals with a disabilities.

The Sunland Center got a head start on celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with their parade held three days earlier, on Friday, January 14, 2022.

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, organizations, and the public will join the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council in raising awareness about critical issues impacting their lives.