Message from the Director
Legislative Session Update
By Mike Hansen
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities continues to receive positive support during the Legislative session. The Senate's budget proposal included a $78 million increase in the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver for APD, which essentially funds the program at $888 million. APDs total funding, including recurring and nonrecurring dollars, is just over $1 billion. As I told you last month, the House proposal approved in January provides a $67 million increase for the HCBS waiver and the agency's total funding is also just over $1 billion. The two houses will work together over the next few weeks to finalize the agency's budget.
I have been regularly reporting to Legislators on spending within the waiver. On February 21, I presented to the House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee on two issues, the waiver and an overview of the Intensive Behavioral Rate Restructure. Chairman Hudson asked what was the expected overspending this fiscal year in the waiver. I told the committee that my best estimate was $30 million in state funds. The estimate, when including federal funds, will likely be about $70 million by June 30. Although that number is not good news, it is about $100 million less than the prior year so our cost-containment efforts are making a difference.
Both the House and Senate are considering an update of Florida Statute 393. The various bills include several APD-focused provisions such as: authorizing the evaluation of waiver support coordinator performance to improve service to individuals; clarifying the methodology of iBudget Florida to determine an individual's iBudget allocation while maintaining flexibility and choice; authorizing the agency to conduct food and environmental safety inspections in APD-licensed homes and facilities; and other necessary technical changes.
I am excited that iBudget Florida, as it is being implemented across the state, will bring fairness and equity to the waiver funding process. I am hopeful that, if the agency does receive additional money for the waiver next year, we will be able to bring some people from the waiting list to the waiver in the not too distant future. If we continue to work together to make the waiver more sustainable and its costs more predictable, I know it can happen.
Clicking on most photos will open a larger version.
March is Developmental Disabilities Month
Florida Governor Rick Scott has proclaimed March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (link to proclamation on website) and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities is celebrating through the month. On March 20, Attorney General Pam Bondi is planning to introduce a resolution at the Florida Cabinet meeting also proclaiming March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
APD is hosting a DD Month celebration at the Capitol on Tuesday, March 20. The event is planned for the Capitol Courtyard. The program will include speakers, musical performances, and a performance by Tacachale's dance troupe Controlled Chaos. Free t-shirts will be given to participants. Informational booths from about 20 organizations that serve people with disabilities will be set up in the Capitol rotunda. Make plans to attend this fun event.
Capitol Event
On February 1, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council and Florida Arc joined together at the Capitol to highlight people with developmental disabilities. Many organizations hosted booths in the third floor rotunda and on the 22nd floor.
At 11 a.m. DD council and Florida Arc leaders spoke about the activities happening during the legislative session affecting people with developmental disabilities. Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Mike Hansen highlighted activities that are strengthening the agency's position. Hansen outlined the positive news about budget proposals for the Medicaid waiver this session. He spoke about iBudget Florida and how it will strengthen the agency's financial stability with the goal of moving people off the waiting list in the future.
Transportation Disadvantaged Day Celebrated
February 2 was the day to focus on the transportation issues that affect people with disabilities. Hundreds of people did just that during Transportation Disadvantaged Day, held in the Capital courtyard in Tallahassee. Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll was among the dignitaries to speak at the annual event. Joining her at the lectern was David Darm, the chair of the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged, which sponsored the 
celebration. Darm is also the executive director of the Governor's Commission on Jobs for Floridians with Disabilities.
A variety of state agencies and stakeholders sponsored exhibit booths. APD transportation liaison, Kent Carroll (no relation) was among the employees that represented APD. Two of the interested parties at the booth were Rep. Irving Slosberg and his dog, Soldier. (Be sure to see that photo!) The Pyramid Singers gave some very inspiring musical performances.
Jobs Commission to Hold Meeting
The Governor's Commission on Jobs for Floridians with Disabilities is holding a meeting on March 2, beginning at 10 a.m. The general public is welcome to attend the meeting, which will be held in Room 412 of the Knott Building in Tallahassee's Capitol complex. General business of the commission will be discussed.
A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting Executive Director David Darm at (850) 717-9433 or David.Darm@laspbs.state.fl.us.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the commission at least five days before the meeting by contacting David Darm at (850) 717-9433 or David.Darm@laspbs.state.fl.us. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the commission using the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (voice).
Tell Us What You Think
The Champion will soon celebrate its four-year anniversary as APD's statewide newsletter. We want to know how well we are doing in providing you information about APD. Please complete this brief online survey: Click here to take survey
Let Your Voice Be Heard
It's an election year—time not only to keep up with the candidates and issues, but also to be aware of matters that affect voters with disabilities. So here is an opportunity to learn about two new developments.
First, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council and Disability Rights Florida have produced an updated version of Voting in Florida – A Guide for Citizens with Disabilities. Visit http://www.fddc.org/publications and scroll down to "Voting in Florida" to download a copy of this guide, or to order it online.
Also, the Division of Elections, Florida Department of State, has updated the rules that regulate voter registration agencies. They require that such agencies designate a coordinator for voter registration activities, record and report on voter registration activity, and train staff in voter registration duties. The division will be offering a series of online training webinars on these new rules. Visit http://election.dos.state.fl.us for more information, or contact Alexander Mosca, National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) coordinator, at Alexander.Mosca@DOS.MyFlorida.com or (850) 245-6292.
Being Organized Gets Noticed
By Sharon Stephens
Daniel Jordan is proud to be on the staff at Westminster Oaks, an active retirement community in Tallahassee. What started as a volunteer position in the physical therapy department soon turned into a part-time job offer in dining services.
Jordan was noticed for his organizational skills while a volunteer and the word spread. "I've been an employee in dining services for two and a half years at Westminster. It's a great place," said the 25-year-old. "I do prep work in setting up tables and chairs, I work in the dish room loading the silverware, and I help with special events. They're really fun. I bus the tables, then break them down afterwards. I make sure the extra tables are stored a certain way so they don't get scratched."
Jordan was born with Down syndrome and receives services from APD.
"The pride Danny takes in his job makes him very much an asset to our team," remarked Sharon Rollins, dining room supervisor. "He's always on time, always positive, and is happy to do whatever is asked of him. His organizational skills are something else. For instance, before he leaves work every day, he cleans and organizes his work area so that, when he comes in the next day, he's ready to get right to work. Danny received an award not long ago for outstanding job performance. The residents love him&mdI think it's that great smile he gives everyone."
When his shift is over, Jordan heads to the physical and occupational therapy departments where he volunteers at least an hour a day. Asked why Westminster Oaks is so special, Jordan commented, "Having a real job means the world to me, and everyone is so nice at Westminster. They sometimes show me a better way to do something. I like that. I want to do the job right. Besides, I like helping people."
Health First's Project SEARCH Turns 5
The Project SEARCH program sponsored by Health First in Melbourne recently celebrated its fifth anniversary with a luncheon at Holmes Regional Medical Center. The program provides a variety of opportunities for high school students with disabilities to transition to the workplace. The Melbourne program boasts a 66 percent placement rate!
Details about this Project SEARCH program and its five-year anniversary were featured in an article published by CentralFloridaMedicine.com. Visit http://www.spacecoastmedicine.com/2012/02/health-firsts-project-search-celebrates-fifth-anniversary.html to view the article, and http://www.health-first.org/hospitals_services/projectsearch/index.cfm to find out more about this very successful Project SEARCH!
Around the State
Wishes Fulfilled
By Maria Springer
APD customer Aisha Asencio, who is on the Medicaid waiver waiting list, had her wishes come true! She was nominated by APD Area 11 Case Manager Tania Torres for the Miami Herald's Wish Book charity drive. Asencio attends Miami Beach Senior High School, where she loves the music class and is always in attendance.
Asencio wished for a laptop computer, so she could practice the exercises that she learns during her therapy sessions, and a "Sweet 16 Party" with her classmates. Asencio received more than she had hoped for, including a check for $500 dollars from a community neighbor, plasma television and a Target gift card for $500 from the Miami Herald Wish Book, and a laptop. Not to mention a festive Sweet 16 Party sponsored by the Miami-Dade County Public School System.
During the party, Asencio wore a beautiful red dress donated by Torres. The classroom was decorated with balloons and flowers from Party City and Abbott Florist. Papa John's donated pizzas, Panera Bread gave pastries, and a cake was donated by Costco. Asencio was so happy and overwhelmed with emotion that she cried and laughed at the same time. All of her classmates, teachers, therapists, friends, and family members were there to share in this very special day. Asencio's mother said she had never seen her daughter so happy and thanked all of those who helped to make her dreams come true.
Nature Links for Lifelong Learning
By Michael Cardello
On Saturday, February 4, Greg Bush, executive director of Nature Links for Lifelong Learning, hosted a workshop for partners and stakeholders interested in the development of this new program. Nature Links' activities will be held in the very scenic and beautiful environment of Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. It was formed to expand the possibilities in the natural world for young adults with disabilities.
Nature Links seeks to work with a variety of partners to provide job training, placement, and volunteering and residential opportunities to promote self-sufficiency. A major objective is to increase public awareness and community integration of individuals with disabilities. Other objectives include fostering healthy living habits and a sense of local stewardship for the South Florida community and environment.
Some of the participating partners in attendance were APD Area 11, University of Miami, Miami-Dade College, Miami Science Museum, Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management, Miami-Dade Public Schools, and the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust. Bush's presentation focused on the background and rich history of Virginia Key Beach and the competing interests of development and environmental conservation.
The program holds a great deal of promise for volunteer and employment-related opportunities. APD's Area 11 Office plans to be a major source of referrals for Nature Links for Lifelong Learning, so that our customers will enjoy its many benefits.
Transition Fair Held in Broward County
February 10, 2012, was the date that students at Coral Glade High School learned that there is life after high school. That's when the school's Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Department held its sixth annual Transition Fair in the Coral Glades High School Media Center. Kathryn Coleman of the Area 10 Office in Fort Lauderdale represented the agency at the APD display, providing students and their families with information on opportunities for future plans.
Representatives of Florida Atlantic University, Broward College, and Lynn University participated to discuss college options. Victory Living Habilitation Center and the Arc offered adult day training while Vocational Rehabilitation and Workforce One offered training and employment options. Other participants included the Center for Independent Living, Disability Rights Florida, Broward Transit, and the Center for Hearing and Communication. Students from other schools also attended the Valentine's-Day-themed event. It was a fun and information-packed day for all involved!
Jobs for People on the Waiting List!
The Arc of Palm Beach County has been awarded a grant that will help 30 people on the APD waiting list to find jobs. The ARC notified APD that it was awarded a contract by the Workforce Alliance for assisting people with developmental disabilities to enter unsubsidized employment. APD's Area 9 Office in West Palm Beach will help identify 30 individuals who have indicated that they want to go to work.
"When accepted into this program, participants will go through 'discovery' to determine interests, ability, and vocational goals," said Pam Heyer of the Arc of Palm Beach County. "A person-centered plan will be developed as well as a training plan. They will have the opportunity to attend classes in job skills, life skills, and job-specific training at our PAVE Program." PAVE stands for Progressive Adult Vocational Education.
A case manager will be part of the program to assist with referrals to agencies and help people meet needs that are barriers to employment. The case manager and an employment specialist will be added to the Arc's employment program.
The Arc Palm Beach County has expressed appreciation for the opportunity to partner with APD on this project. Participants will also be referred to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation with a commitment from the Arc to provide follow-along services.
Area 12 Is Green and Proud of it!
Employees at APD's Area 12 Office in Daytona Beach are working to make Florida greener on a daily basis. Recycling is an important part of daily operations. So, when supplies are needed, recycled products are purchased whenever they are available. Among the most popular recycling products in the office are toner cartridges. Great rapport has been established with local UPS delivery employees, and the process of returning used cartridges for recycling has become an exact science in an effort to "Go Green!"
Sunland Celebrates Mardi Gras
APD's Sunland Center in Marianna celebrated Mardi Gras in high fashion with a parade and block party, complete with traditional Mardi Gras regalia, music, and ice cream. Sunland's residents and staff lined the streets in hopes of catching some beads and having lots of fun. Following the parade, a large crowd gathered near the Center's Leisure Center to jazz it up and dance the afternoon away.
Those in attendance enjoyed the community spirit and lively festivities, wearing their colorful masks and sporting layers of vibrant beads. Superintendent Bryan Vaughan was very pleased with the large turnout and success of this activity. This was the first time the center has held a Mardi Gras event and it was a resounding success. Vaughan commended event organizers Russell Register, director of centralized support services, and Karen Henrickson, recreation director, and their employees for a job well done!
Sunland Celebrates the Holidays
APD's Sunland Center in Marianna ushered in the Holidays with many activities for its residents and staff. The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony has held in early December, followed by a Christmas decoration contest on December 6. Certificates were awarded to homes and areas for first, second, and third place.
Residents and staff members especially enjoyed the annual Christmas parade—one of Sunland's largest. The parade kicked off with Superintendent Bryan Vaughan leading the way as Grand Marshal. Excitement filled the air with the sounds of sirens from fire trucks and police cars, followed by many entries and floats from various Sunland homes and departments. There were local marching bands playing Christmas music, lots of beauty queens and, of course, Santa Claus to greet the crowd. Not to be outdone, the Grinch made a special appearance and, as usual, did his best to steal the show! As the photo will attest, he even won over the superintendent!
Other Holiday activities included parties for the residents, sponsored by local churches and civic clubs. Sunland employees presented a special Christmas program for the enjoyment of the residents, who returned the favor by sponsoring a special Christmas nativity program. Wrapping up the holiday activities, staff delivered fruit baskets via horse and wagon to all of the homes, greeting residents with favorite Christmas carols.
One more special Holiday project deserves mention. The Sunland Operations staff wanted to give something back to the residents of the center. The lights that adorned our display of Santa's sleigh and reindeer were in need of replacement. So the Maintenance staff decided to purchase new lights on their own, donating them to Sunland for the enjoyment of the residents and community.
"We, in Operations, are very grateful to serve those individuals who call Sunland home and hope that this small gift will add to their enjoyment of the season," Operations Supervisor Jon Creamer wrote in a memo to Vaughan.
New ADA Standards Take Effect
On July 26, 2010, the 20th anniversary of the American's with Disabilities Act, President Obama signed new Accessibility Standards into law. These new standards become effective on March 15, 2012, and are intended to help persons with disabilities throughout the country achieve greater independence. The exciting news is that swimming pools, golf and miniature golf courses, bowling alleys, amusement parks, and many other facilities are required to be accessible.
These standards, like their predecessors, apply only to new construction and alterations. Any property that previously complied with the 1990 federal standards, or the 1996 Florida Accessibility Code, is still in compliance. Although these grandfathered properties are not required to adhere to the new standards, businesses should review the changes so that they can plan accordingly if renovations are needed in the future.
This is truly an exciting time for persons with disabilities. For the first time in most of our lives, individuals with disabilities can independently access swimming pools and many other recreational and leisure facilities. As spring comes around, be sure to do something fun! In fact, APD's Rish Park could be a great choice for those of you who want to enjoy the outdoors.
Visit the United States Access Board website at www.access-board.gov to learn more about the updated standards, and RishPark.org for information on Rish Park.
Input Wanted on Medical Equipment Standards
The U.S. Access Board has released its proposed accessibility standards for medical diagnostic equipment. The proposed standards address access for people with disabilities to examination tables and chairs, weight scales, mammography equipment, and other equipment used for diagnostic purposes. The standards are not final and are available for public comment.
The standards provide design criteria that will allow independent access to diagnostic equipment, including types that require transfer from wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Provisions address transfer surfaces, support rails, armrests, compatibility with lift devices, and other features to facilitate transfer. Equipment that does not require transfer from wheelchairs or that is used in a standing position is also addressed. The proposed rule includes a discussion of these requirements that highlights areas where additional information is sought. The board is seeking feedback on these proposals.
The board is developing these standards in consultation with other agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). Although health care providers are not required to comply with the standards, DOJ or other federal agencies may adopt the standards as requirements for health care providers under the Americans with Disabilities Act or other laws. Any such action will occur separately from the board's rulemaking.
The Access Board plans to organize a panel of stakeholders to develop consensus recommendations on how the standards should be finalized, based on the comments received. This advisory committee will include disability groups, equipment manufacturers, health care providers, standard-setting organizations, and other interested parties.
The deadline for submitting comments on the standards is June 8. Comments can be submitted or viewed at www.regulations.gov. The Access Board will hold public hearings on the standards in Washington, D.C., on March 14 and in Atlanta on May 8 that will provide additional venues for submitting comment. Visit www.access-board.gov to view the proposed standards or obtain more information.
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