APD Director Barbara Palmer provides the latest updates on provider funding and hopes to see everyone soon at The Family Café.

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) are excited to announce the recent approval of $502.7 million in Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) funding to be distributed to providers.

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) received two awards at the Florida Public Relations Association’s Capital Chapter Image Awards ceremony on April 19 in Tallahassee. APD Communications Director Melanie Mowry Etters, APR, CPRC, CPM, accepted on behalf of the agency.

APD Director Barbara Palmer participated in the groundbreaking event for Independence Landing, an affordable, supportive, and safe housing community for individuals with developmental disabilities. The anticipated opening is January 2023.

On April 12, Attorney General Ashley Moody hosted local and state law enforcement in Tallahassee for the 2022 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Florida.

Christina Angelis attained a high school degree and had a strong previous employment history while living in New York. When her family moved to Palm Harbor several years ago, Angelis wanted to continue working.

Hundreds gathered at the Old Capitol on April 4, to kick off the state’s Pinwheels for Prevention campaign, coordinated by Prevent Child Abuse Florida, the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, and the Florida Department of Children and Families.

On April 5, the Orlando Magic partnered with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) to host the inaugural Orlando Magic ASL/Disability Inclusion Night. Individuals with unique abilities attended a jam-packed evening that included watching the Magic take on, and defeat, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Central Region Community Supports team represented the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) at The Autism Society of Greater Orlando’s 17th Annual Autism Family Fun Day on April 16.

The APD Central Region team presented training to the Department of Elder Affairs Office of the Public Guardian at its statewide meeting on April 22.

Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee was the host location of this year’s Best Buddies Friendship Walk on April 10. The event included a friendship walk, free food, games, live DJ, photo booth, and more.

The SportsAbility Alliance hosted sampler recreational events on April 9 at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. The event included an adaptive trail adventure, boating excursion, adaptive biking, and other activities.

Hundreds of children from all walks of life gathered on April 16 to enjoy fun, games, treats, and a petting zoo at the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee.

On April 28, Director Barbara Palmer attended the quarterly Children and Youth Cabinet Meeting in Tallahassee. Palmer presented the legislatively approved state budget items impacting the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and the vital funding for vulnerable Floridians.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity hosted their annual Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day event on April 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the 22nd Floor of the Florida Capitol. State agencies and partners were in attendance, highlighting the diverse career opportunities available throughout Florida.

Florida State University is seeking children with a disability between birth and 17 years of age for its Developmental Disabilities Research Registry and Repository. This registry will connect interested families with ongoing research within our school that could benefit children with disabilities, and it will offer opportunities for parents to gain more information about their child’s communication and literacy.