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Governor Signs Budget Supporting Floridians with Unique Abilities

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the state budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 which demonstrates his commitment to helping Floridians served by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD).

APD Director Barbara Palmer said, “I commend and applaud Governor DeSantis for approving $1.5 billion for individuals with disabilities and providing a solid foundation for APD to move forward in the coming year.  More than $30 million will serve people on the waiver waiting list and $67 million will be used to meet the changing needs of individuals already on the waiver. We are excited that $1 million will fund services for people who want to go to work and achieve their dreams. Additionally, respite providers will see a rate increase in the coming year totaling $1.8 million. Considering the financial forecast, APD is thrilled with the budget that was signed today.”

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities. The agency annually serves more than 55,000 Floridians with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, Phalen-McDermid syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1 866 APD CARES (1 866 273 2273).